REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
LEGENDS OF THE DANCE FLOOR
22nd October 2024
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Strictly Legends Reunite for New Dance Floor Spectacular
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
LEGENDS OF THE DANCE FLOOR
22nd October 2024
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
Strictly Legends Reunite for New Dance Floor Spectacular
The word ‘legend’ can have many different meanings. For one, it implies someone who has achieved greatness in their field. It can also acknowledge someone who has been around for a long time. Well, in the case of the new dance spectacular, Legends Of The Dance Floor, both meanings are true. Here we have a grand total of FIVE male dancers, of whom four appeared on BBC 1’s Strictly Come Dancing, in its early years or indeed, in the case of Brendan Cole, the very first series which, of course, he actually won with his celebrity partner Natasha Kaplinsky in 2004.
Given that Strictly is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on our screens this year, the cast are also 20 years older too. In dance terms, that is a long time, and age is a really key factor. Each of these legends are now in their forties, and in Ian’s case, fifties. Arriving at the Cliffs Pavilion on Tuesday evening, the big question was, would they still cut it or would it be a case of, "Here come the ‘Old’ Boys!”
Well, the sheer buzz in the packed auditorium was palpable. It may have been a while since some of the lads have been on the programme itself, but every dancer who joins Strictly quickly gains a devoted following, especially the men, (sorry ladies) and this group have all been incredibly popular, and toured the country to packed out the houses in their own right.
As each of this cast came on stage, it literally seemed like time had stood still. They all looked tremendous and the opening routine alone was enough to completely dispel any notions of anyone being ‘past it.’
At this point, it would probably be a good idea in this review to mention who was actually dancing. Along with the already mentioned Brendan Cole, we have James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite. For the first number, danced to Michael Buble’s Moondance, each of them are joined by 5 gorgeous ladies, who partner impeccably through the evening.
From the first moment, it is clear to see that every one of our ‘Legends’ have lost not one ounce of their ability. The elegance and sheer dash displayed is simply breathtaking, and a joy to watch. However, this show is not just about the dancing.
One of the chief pleasures of the evening is the chat between numbers. The boys have all been friendly rivals for a long time. They know each other very well, and have a great rapport between them. They are so funny together and often depart from the script to land a good gag. I particularly enjoyed Ian Waite’s very dry wit. He is a master of the double entendre, and penetrating glare. He would be terrific in a panto.
If you went to this show hoping to hear some juicy Strictly gossip, you would not have been disappointed. Secrets are dished out in abundance, and all the boys are disarmingly frank about their feelings towards the programme now that their time on the show has come to an end; Vincent often playing the ‘I don’t understand’ card very well. His comic timing is brilliant, and he is very happy to send himself up especially when Ian is literally towering over him which is hilariously funny.
It is also clear to see how the style of ballroom and latin has changed over the years. Brendan, Ian, James, Vincent and Pasha are all keen to show us their technique and love of pure dance based on ‘proper’ traditional teaching; and they are all ravishing to watch as they dance up a storm with their ladies.
The show itself is split into different sections. We are taken on a whirlwind tour of A World Of Dance. Of course, Spain and the Paso Doble, followed by Argentina and the Tango, feature here. Vincent is a renown specialist in the Argentine Tango, and it is thrilling to watch him with his partner for the evening, with their legs literally flying round each other. He later gets another opportunity to show his skills in a Fosse section, danced to the Cellblock Tango from the musical Chicago.
Battle Of The Icons features a tribute to dance legends (that word again) Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Brendan and Ian effortlessly capture the essence of these two great dancers. Each dancer gets plenty of opportunity to shine, but for me, the highlight of the night was James Jordan’s Jive number, danced at a breathtaking speed. This would defy a man half his age, and the fact that he collapsed in a heap at the end of it was completely understandable. As if this wasn’t enough, each of our dancers contributes their own choreography to the show, whilst the big group numbers are choreographed by the highly experienced Scott Caldwell.
The most moving section of the show comes with a very touching tribute to those who have left us during the last 20 years. Len Goodman, Caroline Flack and most recently, Robin Windsor (who was supposed to have been the sixth person in the line-up) are all remembered in a beautifully staged rendition of Mr Bojangles with Fosse-esque empty chairs, and hazy black and white lighting.
It is impossible to state how highly enjoyable this show was. I loved every minute. The sheer stamina and range of these dancers is simply phenomenal, and age has not dimmed their brilliance one little bit. It is a truly magical evening which had everyone on their feet dancing at the end. An explosion of joy I wouldn’t have missed.
These Legends Of The Dance Floor will be touring again in 2025. If you didn’t catch them this time, make sure you book fast when dates are announced. See you there!
Review by Andrew Walters
Given that Strictly is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on our screens this year, the cast are also 20 years older too. In dance terms, that is a long time, and age is a really key factor. Each of these legends are now in their forties, and in Ian’s case, fifties. Arriving at the Cliffs Pavilion on Tuesday evening, the big question was, would they still cut it or would it be a case of, "Here come the ‘Old’ Boys!”
Well, the sheer buzz in the packed auditorium was palpable. It may have been a while since some of the lads have been on the programme itself, but every dancer who joins Strictly quickly gains a devoted following, especially the men, (sorry ladies) and this group have all been incredibly popular, and toured the country to packed out the houses in their own right.
As each of this cast came on stage, it literally seemed like time had stood still. They all looked tremendous and the opening routine alone was enough to completely dispel any notions of anyone being ‘past it.’
At this point, it would probably be a good idea in this review to mention who was actually dancing. Along with the already mentioned Brendan Cole, we have James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite. For the first number, danced to Michael Buble’s Moondance, each of them are joined by 5 gorgeous ladies, who partner impeccably through the evening.
From the first moment, it is clear to see that every one of our ‘Legends’ have lost not one ounce of their ability. The elegance and sheer dash displayed is simply breathtaking, and a joy to watch. However, this show is not just about the dancing.
One of the chief pleasures of the evening is the chat between numbers. The boys have all been friendly rivals for a long time. They know each other very well, and have a great rapport between them. They are so funny together and often depart from the script to land a good gag. I particularly enjoyed Ian Waite’s very dry wit. He is a master of the double entendre, and penetrating glare. He would be terrific in a panto.
If you went to this show hoping to hear some juicy Strictly gossip, you would not have been disappointed. Secrets are dished out in abundance, and all the boys are disarmingly frank about their feelings towards the programme now that their time on the show has come to an end; Vincent often playing the ‘I don’t understand’ card very well. His comic timing is brilliant, and he is very happy to send himself up especially when Ian is literally towering over him which is hilariously funny.
It is also clear to see how the style of ballroom and latin has changed over the years. Brendan, Ian, James, Vincent and Pasha are all keen to show us their technique and love of pure dance based on ‘proper’ traditional teaching; and they are all ravishing to watch as they dance up a storm with their ladies.
The show itself is split into different sections. We are taken on a whirlwind tour of A World Of Dance. Of course, Spain and the Paso Doble, followed by Argentina and the Tango, feature here. Vincent is a renown specialist in the Argentine Tango, and it is thrilling to watch him with his partner for the evening, with their legs literally flying round each other. He later gets another opportunity to show his skills in a Fosse section, danced to the Cellblock Tango from the musical Chicago.
Battle Of The Icons features a tribute to dance legends (that word again) Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Brendan and Ian effortlessly capture the essence of these two great dancers. Each dancer gets plenty of opportunity to shine, but for me, the highlight of the night was James Jordan’s Jive number, danced at a breathtaking speed. This would defy a man half his age, and the fact that he collapsed in a heap at the end of it was completely understandable. As if this wasn’t enough, each of our dancers contributes their own choreography to the show, whilst the big group numbers are choreographed by the highly experienced Scott Caldwell.
The most moving section of the show comes with a very touching tribute to those who have left us during the last 20 years. Len Goodman, Caroline Flack and most recently, Robin Windsor (who was supposed to have been the sixth person in the line-up) are all remembered in a beautifully staged rendition of Mr Bojangles with Fosse-esque empty chairs, and hazy black and white lighting.
It is impossible to state how highly enjoyable this show was. I loved every minute. The sheer stamina and range of these dancers is simply phenomenal, and age has not dimmed their brilliance one little bit. It is a truly magical evening which had everyone on their feet dancing at the end. An explosion of joy I wouldn’t have missed.
These Legends Of The Dance Floor will be touring again in 2025. If you didn’t catch them this time, make sure you book fast when dates are announced. See you there!
Review by Andrew Walters
