Darren Aronofksy’s ballet thriller Black Swan may be forgotten by next March, St. Patrick’s Day to be precise, for that is the day that Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance feature-length film will be unleashed upon us. I mean, released at a theater near you. And to bring you the full, unadulterated as-if-you-were-there experience of the world-famous Irish jig show, it will be in 3D.

I can barely contain my, um… I mean, curb my enthusiasm.

Multicamera specialist Marcus Vilner is directing and working in direct collaboration with Flatley, who promises an unforgettable experience and a different one from his live shows as the movie will have a new set, design, lighting, costumes, you name it. This will be the Avatar of dance. It will also capture the show’s “ability to cross boundaries of age, gender and cultural diversity,” says the press release posted on his website. And the current 3D craze was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Imagine all those jiggling feet kicking away...hit the jump for more.

The lord of Irish folklore dance and his world-famous troupe are an institution, having toured in 60 countries since the show’s inception in 1996, which has earned billions of dollars. In fact, Lord of the Dance is currently touring Europe and earning zillions of euros. Gee, I must have missed the Paris show…

I’m actually surprised there hasn’t been a Michael Flatley-related movie before, although his name has been dropped in a couple of shows and movies for comedic effect - he even received a mock credit on the movie 2001: A Space Travesty. In 1997, David Mallet made the documentary Lord of the Dance, but the new 3D film promises more silver screen drama: (from the press release)

Lord of the Dance tells a timeless story based on Irish folklore of good versus evil, and through the media of dance and music it is understood and appreciated by every culture; there is no language barrier.

"I have poured my soul into its creation and I believe this movie has captured the raw energy and spirit of the show. It is filled with passion, drama and excitement and will entertain lovers of movies, dance and music in a way they've never experienced," says Flatley.

Lord of the Dance in 3D opens worldwide on March 17, 2011.

I don’t know what to make of Michael Flatley. Sure, he’s a phenomenal showman (and keen businessman), but his bedazzling smile must hide… something, right? In 1997, he was awarded the Dubious Man of the Year award by Esquire, but also made People’s Most Beautiful list.

The guy holds the Guinness World Record for his ability to dance thirtysomething taps per second. Surely that makes him slightly dubious. Especially in 3D.