(Pic by Val Adamson)
A sophisticated, spectacular, glamorous and very
entertaining event. (Review by Keith Millar)
Durban’s popular annual dance extravaganza, Shall We Dance is back and lighting up
the stage at the Playhouse Opera Theatre.
Presented by the South African Dance Teachers
Association, KwaZulu-Natal, with the support from The Playhouse Company, this
spectacular event showcases top amateur performers from Durban’s leading dance
studios along with a sprinkling of top international professional dancers for
added spice.
This is the 24th season of what must be one
of the longest-running annual shows in South Africa. It has become an
institution for Durban dancers and audiences alike, who look forward to Shall We Dance every year with eager
anticipation.
Since its inception this fabulous showcase of dance
been produced and directed by the highly experienced duo of dance veterans,
Caryl Cusens and Neville Letard. They have achieved and maintained an
extraordinary standard with their productions and have provided top class
entertainment for generations of dance lovers.
Although it is billed as a “Ballroom and Latin
American Extravaganza” the show offers a wide variety of styles including tap,
belly-dance, Irish, modern and even a bit of ballet.
There are close to 100 performers in the production, the
youngest of whom is a mere seven years old. While the choreography is kept
relatively simple, all participants dance with wonderful enthusiasm and
considerable skill and verve. They display obvious excitement and enjoyment at
being able to share their passion and talent with the audience.
Professional dancers participating are the world-ranked
Latin dance duo, Darren Hammond and Milla Lykke Nielsen, show-dancers Ryan
Hammond with Shall We Dance newcomer
Angelique Allison, along with International guest couple, Nicolai Bouet from
Denmark and Anna Shagalina from the Ukraine.
They all produced routines of breath-taking and
awe-inspiring beauty.
The MC for the show is the popular East Coast Radio DJ
Damon Beard.
Shall We Dance is a
kaleidoscope of colour, light and sound. There are enough sumptuous drapes,
beautiful costumes, glitter, fairy lights, sequins, sparkle, exciting music and
beautiful dancers to keep everyone happy. It is a sophisticated, spectacular,
glamorous and very entertaining event.
Shall We Dance runs in
the Playhouse Opera until September 17. Tickets can be booked at Computicket: www.computicket.co.za
or 0861 915 8000. – Keith Millar
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