Awards & Honors
In chronological order:
1989
Setting his first world record for tap dancing speed at an astonishing 28 taps per second, Michael was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records on May 9.
1988
Michael became the youngest person in history to be awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from President Ronald Reagan and the National Endowment for the Arts, recognizing him as one of America's greatest living artists.
1987
Michael was the recipient of the prestigious Master of Dance Award for his exceptional contribution to the art of dance.
1983
Michael began touring as a featured performer with The Chieftains, a world famous traditional Irish band.
1981
Michael released his first flute album which included three original compositions as well as traditional Irish melodies.
1975
At the age of 17, Michael became the first American in history to win the World Championships for Irish Dance, thus crowning a competitive Irish dancing career in which he won 168 consecutive first place dance championships in competitions worldwide.
He won the first of his All-Ireland Flute Championships. More would follow on the road to becoming a celebrated flautist.