5... 6... 7... 8... Dance Show
Studio 2000
The Riverhead Theatre Louth
21 - 23 July 2022pm Evenings 7:00 pm Sat Matinee 1:00 pm
Is it really a year since my last review of a full show by the Studio2000 team? The year has flown but I was excited to be asked to return to the Riverhead Theatre in Louth to watch the annual fundraising concert for this ambitious and talented dance school. It is always a pleasure being invited to one of their shows because I know I will enjoy the rich variety of styles and routines.
5... 6... 7... 8... is no exception. This show is every bit as diverse and as colourful as those I have seen before. There is something about the energy of youth that lifts shows such as this. To see the youngest pupils of the school enjoying themselves as they skip through routines to numbers such as Sunshine Cake is an absolute joy. They watch their helpers like hawks, desperately keen to please them, but never quite sure where they are meant to be as each of the Babes ushers the other across stage. This embryonic work develops a love of performing on stage for many that becomes a lifelong passion. As Principal Nicky Wright points out in her programme notes, "even if they don't want a career in this business... they will take lots of positive skills to assist them in anything they go on to do" and what better reason is there than developing character?
A show like this carries so many highlights. I have favourite routines, performances and even costumes. There is so much to commend this show. The pupils demonstrate their vocal abilities too in these shows. Beginning with a rendition of Tomorrow from Annie before moving into a routine to Little Girls. The Mulan routines bring colour and acrobatics into play and the dancers clearly love Encanto and remind us that We Don't Talk About Bruno.
The Senior Street Dance team practically explode onto the stage in bright orange cargo pants and black tops. Their fierce routine demands attention and the tight choreography and timing impresses as each move snaps into place. Their precision and skill is really impressive and adds another dimension to the dances on offer thus far.
So many routines stand out as I have said. The key routines this year are also the most successful for the group with Only Fools and Horses, Damn Yankees and Dancing Fool and they demonstrate a level of excellence I have come to expect from Studio 2000. But I also love the high energy enthusiasm of School of Rock and the simplicity and happiness conveyed in Little Bitty Pretty One.
Act One ends on a real high with a routine to Everybody's Talking About Jamie. It is so clear that every dancer involved is getting buzz performing that routine as a featured dancer or as ensemble. The team work and unity is fabulous and the featured dancers lead the routine with confidence and assurance that is well-deserved. The breath-taking routine is exhilarating to watch and exciting in its execution. A fabulous end to the first Act.
Yet again, Act Two impresses as much as Act One. The aforementioned Only Fools and Horses routine is a real winner, featuring all your favourite characters from the show. Special mention must go to Freddie Warwick for his fantastic performance of Del Boy, and he is well supported by Rodney, Uncle Albert and Trigger among others. We are also treated to dances from In The Heights and Back to the Future and The Avengers. The vocal treats return with a medley of songs from Les Miserables and there is a delightful routine from Little Shop of Horrors (a personal favourite as I have only recently finished performing in the show myself).
The Cinderella Waltz contrasts wonderfully with a routine to Bad Cinderella and there was a delightful routine to Crossing A Bridge from Anastasia. The unexpected hit for me though was She Used To Be Mine from Waitress. I was unsure what the dancers could do with the song but found it movingly interpreted and was such a lovely dance to watch.
The most bittersweet moment of each Summer concert has to be the Leavers' Dance though as we bid farewell to the older students who are moving on to pastures new. It has been a privilege over the last four or five years watching these dancers grow and become confident individuals, show after show and to see them on stage with other groups. The next stage in life for them is exciting and will take them on journeys I could not have imagined, seeing them perform a few years ago. As always we wish them well and thank you for entertaining us.
The show's finale reminded the audience precisely how many dancers had featured in tonight's concert. The ever popular Steps' 5... 6... 7... 8... re-introduced most of the dancers and the stage was packed. It was vibrant and fun and also reminded me how much work goes on behind the scenes with choreography, costumes, chaperoning and all the business support needed to put a show on stage. I salute everyone involved. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Nicky Wright has created a worthy legacy and her daughter Chloe has continued to develop it. Long may it continue.
The show runs from Thursday 21 July to Saturday 23 July with two performances on Saturday.
Andy Evans 21 July 2022
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