June 18, 2008
Two hours of foxtrot fun and samba sparkle light up the New Theatre as soap opera stars Sam Kane (Emmerdale) and Sophie Lawrence (Eastenders) introduce set pieces performed by a young dance team. Erin Boag and Anton du Beke provide the choreography for the evening and their creativity is strongest in the ensemble pieces such as the jolly ‘Singing in the Rain’ and brooding ‘Jealousy’ routines. The latter is an earthy Tango introduced by Lawrence who shares with the audience some of the history behind the Tango; a mating dance of Hispanic origin where the men outnumber the ladies. Many of the highlights of the night come from the interaction the hosts have with the audience, quite literally as a lady from Abingdon is invited to join Kane on stage for a Tango lesson. With the words ‘walk, walk, rock, rock, rock, close, promenade’ the lady is a Tango champion in minutes and I endeavour to try this at home. The audience is asked to vote for their favourite dance couple via applause. Tonight Andrew and Florence (who sports a shimmering lime green fringed dress) win the Latin section in a shortened version of TV show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The ‘Simply Ballroom’ show has recently toured USA with Debbie Reynolds as host where the universal appeal of ballroom dancing soothes one's troubles away and ensures its popularity. Sam Kane effortlessly singing ‘Stepping Out’ in the ‘Broadway meets ballroom’ medley easily transports the audience to the days of Fred and Ginger. After a 15 minute interval a stirring Paso Doble is performed by the company. Then a samba carnival is lead by Crystal who performs fluid moves to modern music that is reminiscent of Ibiza. Whilst the music is pre-recorded, the live singing vocals of hosts Kane and Lawrence are impressive. The romantic rumba to ‘Time After Time’ is sung as a fine duet and moves the audience to gentle silence. Kane and Lawrence make an energised Danny and Sandy for a ‘Grease’ tribute medley that ends with the dancers sitting on the edge of the stage doing a high-speed hand jive.
The jive is one of the most technically impressive styles performed by the group, notably by Sarah from Oxford who is athletic and fluid in her movement. The dancers are regional Ballroom and Latin champions ranging in age from 16 to late twenties. The infectious enthusiasm the performers have for their craft helps the evening go with a swing, along with the professionalism and good humour of the hosts. The evening ends with the last dance, traditionally a Waltz and a moving reminder that in the 1940’s these highly charged steps could in reality be a final dance. This is in keeping with the high standards of the evening where much integrity, feeling and emotion has been placed into each dance step.
The ‘Simply Ballroom’ show has recently toured USA with Debbie Reynolds as host where the universal appeal of ballroom dancing soothes one's troubles away and ensures its popularity. Sam Kane effortlessly singing ‘Stepping Out’ in the ‘Broadway meets ballroom’ medley easily transports the audience to the days of Fred and Ginger. After a 15 minute interval a stirring Paso Doble is performed by the company. Then a samba carnival is lead by Crystal who performs fluid moves to modern music that is reminiscent of Ibiza. Whilst the music is pre-recorded, the live singing vocals of hosts Kane and Lawrence are impressive. The romantic rumba to ‘Time After Time’ is sung as a fine duet and moves the audience to gentle silence. Kane and Lawrence make an energised Danny and Sandy for a ‘Grease’ tribute medley that ends with the dancers sitting on the edge of the stage doing a high-speed hand jive.
The jive is one of the most technically impressive styles performed by the group, notably by Sarah from Oxford who is athletic and fluid in her movement. The dancers are regional Ballroom and Latin champions ranging in age from 16 to late twenties. The infectious enthusiasm the performers have for their craft helps the evening go with a swing, along with the professionalism and good humour of the hosts. The evening ends with the last dance, traditionally a Waltz and a moving reminder that in the 1940’s these highly charged steps could in reality be a final dance. This is in keeping with the high standards of the evening where much integrity, feeling and emotion has been placed into each dance step.