After an 18-year world tour, Riverdance will hold its farewell tour in China, starting from December 2012 to February 2013. The troupe will perform in Beijing Exhibition Center Theater for four days from Dec 30.

A new version of Riverdance - Heart Beat of Home - will be staged in China in 2013 with more Chinese elements.

Riverdance is a theatrical show consisting of traditional Irish step dancing, noted for rapid leg movements while body and arms are kept largely stationary. The show was first performed in Beijing and Shanghai in 2003, which became an instant hit and toured around the country since then.

According to John McColgan, director of Riverdance, he was impressed by the warm feedback of the Chinese audiences and decided to premiere the new show, Heart Beat of Home, in China. The new show continues Riverdance's Irish spirit and has new dancing genres.