"It has always been my dream and ambition to introduce Irish dancing to the world."

The year finished on a high note with a phenomenal run of shows by Troupe One at Disneyland Paris.

The accolades and excitement for Michael and Lord of the Dance continued throughout 2003. In March, Michael received the prestigious Irish American of the Year Award from Irish America Magazine for his outstanding commitment and dedication to Irish dance and Irish culture worldwide and two months later he returned to the stage for the first of two very special performances.

In May, Michael and his dancers performed for 50 world leaders at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin at the 300th Anniversary Celebration of St Petersburg, Russia. A few weeks later, in August, Michael and his troupe delighted guests at the annual Red Cross Charity Ball with a one-hour special performance of Lord of the Dance where His Serene Highness Prince Albert presented Michael with a Grimaldi Dynasty Award Medal for his contribution to the world of dance.

While on Safari in Africa in September, Michael received a very special request for a meeting from the legendary Nelson Mandela where t he former president honored him as the biggest selling artist in South African history and presented him with an original numbered copy of his book, Long Walk to Freedom. Later that month, Lord of the Dance returned to London for a spectacular run of shows at the Apollo Hammersmith Theatre. After a stunning opening night performance by Troupe One, Sir Cliff Richard presented Michael with a silver salver to commemorate the achievement of $500,000,000 in Lord of the Dance ticket sales worldwide.

In October, at the Celtic Ball held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York , Michael received an award from the Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the USA (ICCUSA) for his outstanding contribution to the Arts and Entertainment and Lord of the Dance celebrated its fifth sensational year in Las Vegas . On the evening of October 11, at an after - show celebration, Tony Award Winner Ben Vereen presented Michael with awards from the offices of both Mayor Goodman and Governor Kenny Guinn. Saturday, October 11, was proclaimed "Michael Flatley Lord of the Dance Day" in the city of Las Vegas and Clark County by Mayor Oscar Goodman, and declared "Michael Flatley Day" in the state of Nevada by Gov. Kenny Guinn.

The year 2004 proved to be another banner year for Michael and Lord of the Dance . In January, Michael was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the University College Dublin Law Society and in February another Lord of the Dance troupe made its stunning debut in Italy and continued on to South Africa and then throughout the United Kingdom.

Michael has not only achieved his ambition of taking Irish dancing to another dimension. He continues to prove that hearts and minds united through the universal language of music and dance cross all traditional boundaries. His accomplishments were recognized by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) and May 15, 2004 he was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Each year, the NECO gives Ellis Island awards to ethnic Americans from all backgrounds who have made valuable professional and patriotic contributions. This award pays tribute to those who have preserved the distinct values and heritage of their ancestors and built bridges between people from all cultural backgrounds.

On July 9, 2005 in Budapest , Hungary Michael unveiled Celtic Tiger , his most controversial and innovative production yet. Celtic Tiger , an epic masterpiece that fuses the spirit and history of Ireland with music and dance is the fulfillment of a life-long ambition, showcasing Irish dance as a dynamic, powerful art form. Celtic Tiger premiered in the US on September 27, 2005 at Madison Square Garden where Michael and his troupe gave the audience a stunning performance that received five standing ovations and many great reviews.

Michael's unprecedented career as a creator, dancer, choreographer, and producer is proof positive of his "follow your dreams" philosophy. One of his most fulfilling achievements is paving the way for young Irish dancers to have the opportunity to make a living doing "what they love to do". His ardent resolve has opened the door for future generations and provided a viable foundation upon which they can build and showcase their talents.

Michael is committed to his art and to bringing his audiences, Òthe world's greatest dance showÓ. Through his company, Unicorn Entertainment Inc., Michael is planning many exciting new projects including movies and television.

Michael himself would say,

"Fasten your seatbelts."