TWO decades on from its formation, Irish step dance spectacular Rhythm of the Dance is still playing to packed houses across the world.

The dancers have performed for more than 7m fans in 50 locations as diverse as Spain and Siberia.

Rhythm of the Dance’s 20th anniversary tour comes to the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon on Wednesday, June 26.

The current lead dancer are Amy Marie Prior and Dane McKiernan, at the centre of our picture above, both of whom have been dancing since infancy.

Amy’s favourite thing about the show?

“The people you meet on the different tours from different countries and becoming a family with everyone in the show because of the amount of time you spend together.

“And taking the final bow at the end of the show is what makes me appreciate my job and how lucky I am.

“Touring is such a different way to explore and see the world. I’m so grateful at 21 to have been to so many countries and given the opportunity to explore different parts of the world.

“I also love seeing all the different theatres and the reaction from the audience at the end of every show, and I love meeting everyone after the show as well.”

Amy trained at the Hennigan O’Loughlin School of Irish Dancing in London and went on to win a string of accolades including six world dance medals.

Turning professional at 18, she toured Russia and Europe in 2015 and joined Rhythm of the Dance the following year.

Her favourite Rhythm of the Dance numbers include a comedy-tinged one in which a musician tries to win her over among the male dancers.

Fellow lead dancer Dane, who is also the show’s choreographer, has been dancing since the age of six.

He began touring the world with Rhythm of the Dance in 2007, but in 2009 joined Riverdance. In 2012 he was a member of modern Irish dance group Prodijig, which won Sky’s Got to Dance competition and toured with a show called Footstorm.

In 2014 Dane returned to Rhythm of the Dance in the dual roles of lead dancer and choreographer.

“I really enjoy having a creative outlet with the choreography and watching the show come alive every night onstage,” he said.

“I love to travel and we get to see new places almost every day. It’s only after a couple of years you start to become familiar with some places you would possibly never have thought to visit.”

His favourite number is the opener, Newgrange at Dawn, which starts with acapella rhythms and builds to a full company routine with the band.

Dane said: “It definitely wakes up the leg muscles and lets them know they have another two hours to go!

“I love to watch the audience reaction throughout the show, especially after the opening scene, because for the first time you get to see if they are going to be a vocal or reserved crowd.

“Depending on the country or region, some audiences are especially vocal whereas others are quite reserved until the end of the show.

“The world tour we just completed had standing ovations after every single show, and that’s just the best feeling after performing for two hours.

“When the audience are enjoying the show, it definitely lifts the cast onstage to perform at the highest level - it’s all about creating that energy every night.”

Tickets for the tour’s Wyvern date, which starts at 7.30pm, are priced at £22.50 with various concessions available including group discounts.

Full details are available from the box office, which can be contacted on 01793 524481 and via swindontheatres.co.uk