'Physics can explain it all'

Audiences admiring the leaps and steps of the Irish dancer Breandan de Gaillai little realise that the star of Riverdance explains away his fleetfootedness using physics. Breandan, 27, a physics graduate, and a gift to a physics establishment in search of inspiring young role models for potential students, reaches for equations to illustrate the scientific principles involved in his spins and jumps. "Irish dancers have a way of appearing to hover when they jump which makes people think they are defying gravity," he says. "In fact, physics can explain the secrets involved."

Breandan, whose love of physics at his mainly Gaelic-speaking school inspired him to relearn definitions and equations to study in English from 16, advocates keeping the subject as relevant as possible for students: "The best way to encourage children is to show them all the wonderful applications."

After university, Breandan planned a career in medical physics, but winning the lead dancing role in Riverdance - which opens a UK tour in Edinburgh this month - has put that on hold. "Who knows, I may go back to studying," he says. "It's a strong pull"n