Reviews

Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals (Tour- Liverpool)

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22 June 2010

The heat is rising at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, where professional stars of Strictly Come Dancing are presenting a power-packed show to enthusiastic audiences.

These toned lean-mean dancing machines, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, James and Ola Jordan, Matthew Cutler and Kristina Rhihanoff, Brian Fortuna and Aliona Vilania and Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe sashay with sizzling precision to a number of set pieces. They are all multi-award winning dance champions with a world-class pedigree, and got the audience clapping along to the more jazzy routines such as the Lindy hop and ballroom jive.

Music, from sensual rumbas to sweet waltzes, comes from the superb Strictly Band – adding to the whole ambience of the show.

The set is a simple glitzy backdrop of black sprinkled with sparkling white lights, picked up in the bling on the girls’ – often skimpy – costumes. And there is much colour in this show from the costumes to the variety of the dances which are executed with sure footed genius.

There is also great interaction with the audience as the dancers take turns to chat to the fans in between dances. And the judges, though not there in person, are displayed on a large screen giving their views on the different dances, commenting on funny moments from the shows such as John Sergeant’s famous paso doble – which is shown to great amusement, as well as Julian Clary’s efforts also adding to the fun.

The judges, Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli also give background to the dances, such as the Argentinean tango danced on stage to thunderous acclaim by Vincent and Flavia, and the Viennese Waltz danced by all the troupe, the girls in the most beautiful gowns.

You not need to know the difference between a reverse and a rock step to enjoy this show. Just go along and enjoy the superb spectacle by dancers who are true entertainers at the top of their game.

-Jeanette Smith