(Pic
by Val Adamson)
A fast moving and non-stop celebration of
the enchanting art of dance. (Review by Keith Millar
Shall We Dance? Well that invitation was
accepted by hundreds of Durbanites who filled the Playhouse Opera Theatre to
capacity as they turned out for the opening night of this annual dance
extravaganza presented by the South African Dance Teachers association.
It is a glittering affair with plenty of
tinsel, glitter sequins, colourful lights and a marvellous soundtrack as
Durban’s leading dance academies showcase the cream of their talent in a fast
moving and non-stop celebration of the enchanting art of dance.
To make the occasion even more festive, Shall We Dance celebrates its 25th
anniversary this year. This makes it one of the longest-running and most
popular shows in the country. It has been produced and directed since its
inception by veteran Durban dance personalities Caryl Cusens and Neville
Letard. A fantastic achievement.
There are over 100 dancers, from the age of
eight and upwards, taking part in this fabulous extravaganza. Included are
several guest professional artists who add an extra dimension to the
proceedings.
Along with the expected Ballroom and Latin
American there is a wide variety of dance styles on display, including Tap,
Celtic, Belly-Dancing, Modern, Flamenco, Line-Dance, Disco and even a bit of
Ballet.
Talking of ballet, a highlight of the
evening is when two of the professional male dancers perform a comedy ballet
routine covered only by white bath towels. Their buff bodies gave several of
the ladies in the audience, both young and old, the vapours!.
Guest stars, South African Ballroom Dancing
champions, Penwell Nhlapo and Lindelwa Mankangeni, are a striking couple. They
showed exquisite skill and grace during their beautiful routines.
Back again this year is the popular Ryan
Hammond along with a new partner, Angelique Allison. There is certainly a
chemistry between these two on the dance floor as they dazzled with several
Latin American routines. They are, in fact, the current South African Latin
Professional Champions. Hammond also shows charm and communication skills as he
leads the audience in a few dance moves as the finale of the show.
The highlight of the show for me was the
Exhibition dancing of Gerhard Van Rooyen and Micheline Marmol. Their Exhibition
dances are absolutely breathtaking. They display enormous synergy along with
great strength, dexterity and flair as they display their death defying lifts
and spins and acrobatic skills. Their performance alone is worth a visit to
this show.
The amateur performers in this production
do not let themselves down. Every one of them gives their all, and they can be
justifiably proud of their contribution to a very special, feel-good, occasion.
Shall
We Dance has become a Durban institution - and long
may that last. It is a glittering highlight on Durban’s entertainment calendar.
The show runs at the Playhouse until September 17. Tickets can be booked at Computicket:
www.computicket.co.za or 0861 915 8000. – Keith Millar
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