Michael Flatley to make Broadway debut and then retire

NEW YORK (AP) — Former "Riverdance" star Michael Flatley, who helped spark a worldwide Celtic dance craze, will make his long-awaited Broadway stage debut this winter — and then finally hang up his tap shoes. The dancer and choreographer told The Associated Press that he will bring his current show "Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games" to the Lyric Theatre and, having crossed the last item off his bucket list, retire as a performer.

"Last year, I decided my legs and my back had taken such a beating over the years. I said, 'You know, it's time.' I have a beautiful wife and a lovely, beautiful 8-year-old son and I said 'I've got to spend more time with them.'"

The 57-year-old put together a list of professional dreams he wanted to accomplish before retiring, which included returning to Wembley Arena in London, playing the London Palladium and performing on Broadway.

"That's the last dream," he said. "My wife and my team asked, 'Is there anything else we haven't done in this career?' I said, 'I've never done Broadway and I want to dance in the greatest place in the world.'"