‘Shake Your Groove Thing…’ Keep Dancing – The Ballroom Dance Sensation, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 16.05.2017

Following the Orchard Theatre new brochure press launch – and boy are we in for some good shows! I was invited to see the opening night of ‘Keep Dancing – The Ballroom Dance Sensation’,  an all singing, all dancing entertainment show, starring some known faces from BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing!

Being a huge fan of Strictly, my love of dance has grown through each series. I was looking forward to seeing how this show was presented following my previous viewing of The Last Tango which starred dancing duo Vincent Simone, and Flavia Cacace. They presented the show through a story in-between the steps tonight, it was presented more with different styles of dancing (Tango, Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, Salsa, American Smooth, Charleston, Jive, Samba, Foxtrot, Paso Doble, Lindy Hop, Rumba, Fosse) accompanied by two singers. It focuses a lot more on the dancing, but each number told a story itself. For its true what some say ‘Dancing is a language that is felt instead of heard. But it says much more than language ever could,‘ and this show demonstrates throughout.

The Two Singers Harriet Mullen, and Adam Warmington guided the dances with the musical numbers, both had great vocals during their solo’s and well suited each other in their duets especially ‘Endless Love’. Along with singing you could see they were enjoying what they were doing, along with working the audience to get us clapping in our seats.

The Dancers led by Strictly star Robin Windsor and his partner Victoria Burke were tonight, Shane Seal, Josua Moore, Charlie Barker, Darrien Wright, Richard Johnson, Penny Smart, Chole Garward, Steph Warwick, Crystal Main, Gabriela Atencio, Natasha Richardson. Each number was glamourous as the next, with stunning costumes full of sequins and glitter. They all make it look so easy, and I’m so envious of all of them. Particular favourites were the American Smooth, and the Fosse number which paid tribute to the musical Chicago. A mention also goes to the unique clapping dance number, different, but very entertaining. Robin did unfortunately did mess up in parts – proving that not all dancers get it right all the time, but it was all in good humour and the audience were behind him throughout! I know I couldn’t do it.

Robin Windsor partnership with Victoria Burke was noticed throughout, and each solo they performed was moving to watch, especially their contemporary pieces. His steps are never out of place, and his strength in each number shines through. He is such a lovely guy also in person and takes the time to talk to everyone. He was a delight to watch.

Tonights special guests I was very excited to see, following both on Instagram and seeing small snippets of some of their dances. I couldn’t wait to see them live! Dancing duo Neil Jones and Katya Jones performed in last years Strictly competition for the first time, Katya herself was partnered with Ed Balls – not many can forget that Gangham Style number! Their partnership is so strong, and each of their numbers tell a story throughout. I particularly loved their Matador, Pasa Doble, which was so powerful. The story I took from it was a married couple, the wife scared for the fate of her husband, a Matator and what will come of him if he was to go into the ring. Through each of the moves you see the struggle each one is facing, displaying their emotions, and frustration throughout. Although the wife tries her best he still leaves to face the Bull. Now this was what I took from this, but I’m sure others have interpreted differently. This is the power of dance, we all get something different from it that other may not. Along with this dance however they did 3 other pieces, each unique and personal, even comical (the Tipsy Drive), they truly were a delight to watch and so happy I got to see the dances live! They are also really nice in person, again taking the time to talk to others and take photos.

Keep Dancing is true to it’s word, that when you walk out the theatre there defiantly a spring in your step! For the strictly, dancing lovers its a fantastic show to see, appreciating the art in full swing with no disappointment. But also a great night out, as I could see many of the audience were having. It has also led me to want to see future dance shows, and what they bring to the theatre.

Keep Dancing is playing at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 20th May, for further ticket information go here