IT IS the global phenomenon that burst forth from the epitome of tat.

With more than a decade of success beneath its feet, Riverdance continues to entrance audiences across the globe - and it comes to Bournemouth this week.

Riverdance started in Dublin in 1995 as a brilliantly conceived spin-off from a seven-minute intermission piece in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest.

It is, basically, an interweaving of Irish dance with music and myths which has since expanded to incorporate flamenco, traditional Africa and Russian dancing into the mix.

Julian Erskine stated working with Riverdance in 1994 and is now the show's senior executive producer.

However, when he came on board in the show's early days, it took a lot to convince him that he was on to a winner.

"I have to admit I was a bit sceptical at first as most people would have been in those days," he confesses.

"Irish dancing was the sort of thing that even the people who did it kept quiet about. It was seen as being a bit fuddy-duddy, to be honest.

"So when I actually saw what Riverdance was doing, it was quite a revelation. People who had openly scoffed about it were eating their words and queuing up to buy tickets. It was the most extraordinary thing."

But, Julian believes, there were very definite reasons why it became such a huge success.

"The 1990s was the decade when Ireland grew up and stood on its own two feet as a nation.

"It had been independent since the 20s but it takes a couple of generations for things to get going. Then in the 1990s it seemed that Ireland was cool. U2 were doing great things, as were The Cranberries, our team went to Italia 90 and I think we rediscovered our self-respect."

Powerful and passionate, it has won itself armies of fans on both sides of the Atlantic and at any one time there may be three Riverdance troupes performing to packed venues across the world.

The dancers come from all over the world, but all have a grounding in traditional Irish dance.

Julian explained: "Whether they come from New Zealand or Glasgow they will all dance the same because that is the way they will have been taught.

"They are incredibly fit and the show is a tremendous work-out for them. After each show they come out and plunge their legs and feet into tubs of ice for 10 minutes or so.

"You can hear the screams down the corridor!"

Riverdance is at the BIC from today until Sunday, May 20 at 8pm daily, with extra 2.30 matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

For times and tickets call 0870 111 3000.