SHALL WE DANCE: REVIEW

 

(Above: The grand opening number with Spanish dancers, highlighted in front fused with other styles behind, celebrates three decades of dazzling dance. Pic by Val Adamson)

Gorgeous backdrops, sets and lighting contribute hugely to this fantastic production. It is a must see! (Review by Mary Ann Salvage)

 “WOW!” What an explosion of wonderful dance, jam-packed into this 30th Anniversary performance of Shall we Dance!

From feather boas to pointe shoes, international Dance Professionals to homegrown local (South African) dancers, everyone contributed to a most amazing high energy show. Congratulations to directors Neville Letard and Caryl Cusens and their team of choreographers, dancers, behind the scenes and technical staff, for an outstanding and entertaining evening.

Shall we Dance was started by Neville and Caryl in 1991 with only 30 dancers. To keep this tradition alive for three decades is quite a remarkable achievement. Long may they continue!

The Programme commenced with the Overture aptly titled, Shall we Dance, followed by the entire cast on stage for the Opening number. Well-known singer, actress and stage performer, Marion Loudon was the compère.

With a total of 32 high energy numbers, there are many highlights, too many to mention. A few include a pint-sized couple, Asiphile and Slindile, who absolutely stole the show with their two dance numbers, the Penny Whistle Jive and the Havanna Cha Cha Cha. What a great future they have ahead of them.

Other highlights include the Bob Fosse number, Bye Bye Blackbird choreographed by Pam Gandy which added an interesting dimension to the varied styles of dance on offer. The first half ended with a dynamic Bollywood number choreographed by Pavishen Paideya. It was a joy to see him dancing again. The Young Dancers’ Project run by Minette de Klerk also presented a well-choreographed and clever fusion of Tap and Spanish dancing.

(Left: Nicolai Bouet (Denmark) & Anna Shagalina (Ukraine) return having previously starred in 2015 and 2016. Pic by Val Adamson)

 International Guest Artistes, Nicolai Bouet (Denmark) and Anna Shagalina (Ukraine) who are 7 times Danish Champions, dazzled the audience with four exciting numbers.

 Egor Kondratenko (Russia) and Mie Funch (Denmark) also stunned the audience with five beautiful numbers which ended with a magnificent Paso Doble.

 Without giving too much away, it is advisable to come and experience the show for yourself.

 Gorgeous backdrops, sets and lighting contribute hugely to this fantastic production. It is a must see!

Do not miss Shall we Dance on at The Playhouse Opera Theatre only until Sunday. There are two performances on Saturday September 14 at 13h00 and 17h00. The two performances on Sunday September 15 are at 11h00 and 15h00. The low-priced performance at 11h00 is only R120 throughout the house. Booking is at Webtickets. Prices range from R120 to R180. www.webtickets.co.za - Mary Ann Salvage