Travel, Turn and Leap
Friday 9 September, Theatre Royal Nelson
Reviewed by Eileen Beattie
So lovely to watch all these young dancers able to ‘strut’ their stuff in a variety of dance genres. Four schools contributed, which results in a wonderfully diverse evening of dance. The show was two hours of happiness for the performers, who ‘travelled’ around the stage ‘turning and leaping ‘ hence the title.
The students exuberance did not disappoint, and they were clapped and cheered at every turn by an enthusiastic audience. The costumes were lovely and well in tune with the music they were moving to.
Lighting though minimal, was absolutely ‘spot on’. I commend all the backstage help, as judging by the amount of items, there must have been some wonderful quick changes of costumes, all managed efficiently, and no one missed their cue to come on stage.
The many younger students in the show are always crowd pleasers, in particular some cute ‘buzzy bees' there is a freshness about them as they perform. There was something for everyone, from classical ballet complete with pointe shoes and tutus aplenty (Coppélia solos) to contemporary (a beautiful moving piece set to Lady Gaga and a delightful piece set to ‘Here Comes the Sun’), tap (One Night in Bangkok) and even some musical theatre (Hard Knock Life).
There was so much to enjoy, and this reviewer cannot possibly mention in detail every act. I loved all the music choices, and with clever editing, you were always left with a wish for more, which is a good thing as each item thus flowed into the next.
Congratulations to the teachers, students, parents and helpers on a very good night out.
