Review

This year’s show took place over three hot and steamy nights at the Rock Academy of Dance. Just like last year, the queues stretched as far as the eye could see, as everybody was desperate to get a good seat and expectations were high. They were not disappointed.

There was no sign of opening night nerves on Tuesday as the well-rehearsed dancers took to the stage. For me the highlights were the Nutcracker medley featuring everything from under five’s to men-in-tights, a version of Thriller that was much more frightening than the original, a hugely enjoyable hoedown inspired by Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and the high-energy finale.

The show was a rollercoaster from start to finish with the audience being amazed at the precision and beauty of the movement and then, minutes later, simply being astonished that that many people could be dancing round the stage so quickly without them all ending up in a heap.

It was great to see that the junior and senior winners of Student of the Year were so obviously in the Academy and in the show because they loved to dance. Both audience and students were glad to see the return of Sarah Chapman who had recovered enough from her illness to present the prizes.

The Thursday evening performance was as strong as the other two despite an unscheduled fire alarm test and a couple of wardrobe malfunctions – it was a seamless professional production from start to finish. A quick poll of audience members indicated that everyone had a wonderful time:

“Brill! The dancers showed such energy, passion and happiness.” – Jo Booth

“Show was fab, fab, fab! Sooo talented!” – Lindsey Green

“It was awesome, I enjoyed the twirls” – Nathan Brunt

“When can I dance on that stage?” – Mimi Green (age 3)