Irish –American JeanButler is a household name in Irish-American homes due to her lead role as the original star of Riverdance. She is one of the most respected and talented Irish dancers in the world. However this year she has joined the commercial world of Jewelry design. She has just released a stunning range of Jewelry, largely aimed at the Irish- American market. Regarded as one of the greatest ambassadors ofIreland, Jean has designed a range of jewelry that captures her charm, grace and finesse, while subtly reminding the wearer of their Irish heritage.
Jean Butler was born inNew Yorkin 1971 to an Irish Mother who originated from Co. Mayo. She first went to Irish Dance lessons at the age of six but quit shortly afterwards as she didn’t like it. But at nine, she decided to try again with a different teacher and from then on Irish Dancing became her life. She went on to compete in regional, national and international championships and won numerous national and regional titles. She performed in a number of shows inAmericaincluding a concert at Carnegie Hall with Irish band The Chieftains. She went on to tour the world with them.
But her big break came in 1994 when she was asked to perform in a 7 minute intermission piece at the Eurovision Song Contest which was being held in Dublinthat year. The piece was titled Riverdance and the standing ovation and worldwide interest led it to become one of the most popular interval acts in the history of the contest and the creation of a full show of Irish dance with Jean Butler and Michael Flatley as its’ two lead dancers. The first performance of the full length show opened in The Point in Dublinon 9th February 1995 and by the end of 1996 they had performed 400 shows to an audience of 1.3 million people.
Riverdance made Jean Butler a worldwide star, but she continued to make a name for herself even after leaving the highly acclaimed show. She was joint collaborator of a new show, Dancing on Dangerous Ground, which was based on the ancient Irish legend of Diarmaid and Gráinne. The show first opened inLondonin 1999 to critical acclaim. That same year she was awarded for her Outstanding Contribution to Irish Dance.
She married Irish designer Cuan Hanley in 2001. From 2003-2005 she was Artist in Residence at theUniversityofLimericks Irish World Music Centreand in 2005 she completed a Masters Degree in Contemporary Dance Performance from theUniversityofLimerick.
So who better to create a modern Irish range of Jewelry, than Jean. The Jean Butler Collection consists of a number of stylish jewelry suites which capture the character ofIrelandin contemporary designs. The collection consists of rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings. All pieces are made in Sterling Silver and complemented by gold toning and come presented in special cream and green packaging. The full range can be seen here:
http://www.fallers.com/jean-butler-jewellery-CAT467P0.html
Jean Butler Jewelry Collection
