Graziano di Prima in Believe: My Life on Stage, Oxford Playhouse, 27th March 2024 – Susie Crow reviews

Spin-offs from the perennially popular Strictly Come Dancing now form a significant part of Oxford’s theatre dance programming. Over the years public awareness and interest has grown in the professional dancers who partner the celebrities, becoming ever more skilful in their ability to coax out hidden talents and present them to best advantage in sympathetic, entertaining and often inventive choreography within the confines of allocated ballroom dance genres. So it is perhaps inevitable that as well as touring shows combining professionals and celebrities in live performances, some of the professionals now devise and generate their own evenings, taking them on the road to show off their particular talents in a completely professional context. It has been fascinating to compare different approaches to adapting a TV phenomenon to live performance.

 

BURN THE FLOOR with Kevin Clifton and Graziano Di Prima, New Theatre Oxford, 24th May 2019

A must for lovers of ballroom and theatrical dance, iconic show BURN THE FLOOR comes to Oxford’s New Theatre for one night only.  In the past two decades BURN THE FLOOR has revolutionised Ballroom style. Combining jaw-dropping choreography by director Jason Gilkison and ground breaking moves, the show brings its now famous, infectious and rebellious energy to the stage every single night.  Go to see it for jaw-dropping choreography and ground-breaking moves starring Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton, and the new Italian heartthrob, Graziano Di Prima.  Johannes Radebe – currently a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, previously  on Dancing with the Stars South Africa, rejoins the Burn the Floor company.

“Burn The Floor is the show that ignited a spark in me and changed me forever as a performer. Through Broadway, West End and touring all over the world this show has ripped apart the rule book and shaped me as the dancer I am today.” – Kevin Clifton

From seriously romantic Waltz, to a futuristic Foxtrot, the passion of the Tango and Paso Doble cut right through. You will revel in the emotional power of the Cha Cha, the Samba and Jive, and be left breathless by the smoking, irresistible Rumba.

With Kevin headlining this electrifying production, along with lights, costumes and eclectic live music, it will have you leaping out of the seat to join in.  Don’t miss your chance to experience the pure dance joy of Burn the Floor.

Performance:  Friday 24th May 7.30pm

Venue:  New Theatre, George Street, Oxford OX1

Tickets:  From £23.90 (transaction fee £3.65); book online here or from the Box Office

Find out more about the show here

 

Anton and Erin, Dance Those Magical Musicals, New Theatre Oxford, 1st February 2019

Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag‘s new, show-stopping dance production, Dance Those Magical Musicals, is embarking on a major tour of the UK and Ireland for 2019 and will be performing at Oxford’s New Theatre on Friday 1st February.

The nation’s favourite ballroom couple present a world where Ballroom meets Musical Theatre with stunning costumes & breath-taking choreography, set to iconic theatrical music from shows including ‘Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘42nd Street’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Top Hat’, ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Jersey Boys’.

Joining Anton and Erin live on stage will be the London Concert Orchestra with conductor Richard Balcombe, a sensational West End dance ensemble and the brilliant star vocalist, Lance Ellington.

The show will also feature the very popular ‘Q and A’ section providing some fun interaction with the audience.

Performance:  Friday 1st February 7.30pm

Venue:  New Theatre, George St, Oxford OX1 2AG

Tickets:  Book online here

Find out more about the show and the performers here

 

Alastair Macaulay lecture on Fred Astaire for DANSOX, St Hilda’s College, 1 March 2018 – Maggie Watson reports

Last Thursday, on a snowy night, St Hilda’s College Oxford warmly welcomed the local dance community to learn more about Fred Astaire, arguably the greatest dancer of the twentieth century. New York Times critic Alastair Macaulay gave an entertaining, witty and enlightening talk, as he showed us a series of filmed dance excerpts, while placing Astaire’s work in its cultural and choreographic context.

 

Brendan Cole in License to Thrill, new Theatre Oxford, Friday 14th February 2014

Following on from his debut theatre tour Live and Unjudged, Brendan Cole is once again set to  dazzle audiences across the UK with his current show, Licence to Thrill. Join him and his cast of 20 musicians and dancers as they take you on a journey of music and dance in this spectacular night of theatre entertainment. Brendan, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, will host you throughout and along with his company will treat you to an evening of Ballroom magic and Latin excitement in this, his live dance extravaganza not to be missed. With music from across the ages, there will be something for everyone in this sophisticated production set to wow audiences in 2014.