Michael Flatley is an Irish-American dancer who revolutionized the Irish traditional dance by adding more rhythms and syncopation.

This hit me like a truck when I first watched this performance from Lord of the dance. I could clearly hear rudiments, rolls, syncopation, call and response, and tons of rhythmic knowledge.

Just imagine what it takes for the dancers to perform with that precision at that level. Outstanding!

I transcribed a piece of that performance (from min. 1:41) and played along with the video. If you play the transcription alone, you’ll hear a rudimental snare drum solo. I find it very fascinating.

Check out the video, download the transcription, and play along!