With more than a cursory nod towards the TV show that has inspired this new dance show, Keep Dancing celebrates the world of Ballroom and Latin American dancing and stars Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis alongside a talented troupe of dancers, with special guest star Olympic gymnast and “Strictly” winner Louis Smith.
The opening medley includes You Should Be Dancing, Shake Your Groove Thing and Sax , all very high energy performances. Robin, Anya and the company work well together, obviously have boundless energy and give all that they can to create an amazing opening to the show.
There are just four sections specially reserved for the night’s special guest, Louis Smith. The 2012 Strictly Come Dancing winner is very popular with the audience, but his performances are little more than two minutes long. Due to BBC copyright there was no sign of his winning routine. Instead he performs very “safe” dances, including the Charleston and Jive, which leave many in the audience wanting more.
The backing dancers have many costume changes during the evening, with a series of eye-catching outfits. During the costume changes, three talented singers take centre stage. Lisa-Marie Holmes, Harriette Mullen and Adam Warmington have great voices and as well performing as a trio, they also have solo numbers including superb versions of Stormy Weather, Bailamos and She Bangs.
Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis both helped with the choreography of the show and they have done all they can to make sure that they play to their skills and, as a result, every dance is pin-point perfection with great extensions, faultless lines and amazingly intricate footwork. Special mention also has to go to Joshua Moore, Rose Wild and Mason Boyce who, of all the backing dancers, shine the most.
It’s very easy to see that there is a great relationship between the entire cast but, sadly, nothing is done to build that relationship with the audience. A pre-recorded announcer informs us when Louis Smith takes to the stage, but none of the dancers actually speaks. The barrier between stage and audience is firmly in place and, as a result, when they try to get the audience to join in with the two final dances, the Disco and Gloria Estefan medleys, very few people in the audience actually take to their feet.
I have to admit that I am not a “Strictly” fan as there always seems to be too much talking and not enough dancing in such a long show, but Keep Dancing goes to the other extreme. There is something for dance lovers of all ages with the entire cast performing with enthusiasm and joy, but as the fireworks and glitter cannons herald the end of the show, I sit there still waiting for the “wow” that never arrives.
*** Three Stars
