London: ROCK THE BALLET to 28 June

ROCK THE BALLET
By Rasta Thomas and Adrienne Canterna

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT to 28 June 2014
Tues – Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat & Sun 2.30pm
Runs 1hr 30 mins One interval

TICKETS: 0844 871 0091
www.sadlerswells.com

Review: William Russell 12 June

Fun, frolics and physiques
If there is a better dance show in town it would be surprising indeed. This series of dances combining the skills of classical ballet with that of contemporary dance choreographed by Adrienne Canterna is set to music by the likes of Coldplay, Beyonce, George Michael, Aerosmith and U2.

The company consists of six male dances and one woman, Ms Canterna on the night I saw it. The cast does change, and given the athleticism on display it is now wonder.

Rasta Thomas’s company does market itself as starring the Bad Boys of Dance and at the very end the boys take of their shirts to the delight of the audience, which implies this is a sort of up market Chippendales show. It is nothing of the kind.

This is dance for the love of it, a feel good show for everyone to enjoy performed on a bare stage with a backdrop of thrilling visuals.

Those who think ballet and dance is all about tutus and pointe shoes, think again. Actually the great age of Hollywood musicals disproved that long ago, but Hollywood musicals, Gene, Fred and the others, belong to the past. This is a show for the Billy Elliot generation. James Boyd’s numbers with Canterna are thrilling, and Tim Olson and Blake Zelesnikar are quite simply amazing. But they are all dazzling. It is an evening to lift the spirits, musical dance theatre at its best.

Dancers
Adrienne Canterna, James Boyd, Robbie Nicholson, Tim Olson, Lee Gumbs, Blake Zelesnikar, Joshua Alexander

Artistic director & choreographer: Adrienne Canterna
Ballet Master: Phillip Carman
Video Designer & Director: Joshua Hardy
Lighting Designer: Dieter Bucco
Costume Designer: Sally Canterna
Audio Editor: Niels Anders

2014-06-15 11:50:34