Gardiner Brothers Win Runner-Up TikTok of the Year
The Gardiner Brothers — two of the most recognizable Irish Dance performers in the world — continue to dominate both social media and the stage. Their recent milestone highlights just how far their influence now reaches.
Their latest achievement — their performance to “Anxiety”, which won the #2 spot for Video of the Year at the UK & Ireland TikTok Awards — showcases their growing influence far beyond the Irish Dance community.
“We are so grateful for all of your continued support,” the brothers shared on Instagram following the announcement.
For the past several years, the Gardiner Brothers have captivated worldwide audiences with their electrifying choreography, crisp rhythms, and inventive musical interpretations. From Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to “What Is This Feeling?” from Wicked, they continue to redefine what Irish Dance can look like in the digital age.
In their 2020 feature with Irish Dancing Magazine, they shared how reading about champion dancers in the magazine as young boys inspired their own dreams — a full-circle moment now that they have become global icons themselves.
In the early stages of their rising fame, the brothers were featured in Irish Dancing Magazine’s 2020 photoshoot. Photo by Lee Simpson Dance Photography.
Catch more of their videos on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gardinerbrothers
Their on-stage careers are also thriving. This year marked the debut of their first touring production, Unleashed, created in collaboration with the award-winning folk trio Talisk. The show, featured in Irish Dancing Magazine’s April 2025 edition, blends traditional Irish Dance and music with a bold contemporary style, touring to enthusiastic crowds across the U.S. The cast also features standout performers Amy Mae Dolan — Riverdance Principal and two-time IDM cover star — and Maggie Darlington, a longtime Riverdance lead and former IDM cover star.
Irish Dancing Magazine has proudly featured all of these dancers long before their professional breakthroughs — and continues to spotlight the rising talent shaping the future of Irish Dance. Stay tuned for the latest news, stories, and the next generation of stars you’ll be able to say you saw first in IDM.
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By Isabella Gruber, IDM Editorial Intern
Isabella (Bella) Gruber is a Public Relations student at Marquette University and an editorial intern with Irish Dancing Magazine. She is passionate about writing, culture, and building community through storytelling.