Supernova Nikita Kuzmin
Eden Court Theatre 8/7/26
Burn the Floor presents a show by Jason Gilkison
In my day dancers were just a back up to make the star look good. We were either The Palladium Girls and Boys or the Lionel Blair dancers. I am delighted that dancers now take centre stage. This is a big step forward – pardon the pun – resulting in the popularity of 'Strictly Come Dancing' the hit show from the BBC.
One of the stars to emerge is Nikita Kuzmin, who reached the final twice. Born in Ukraine, he left his home country for Italy becoming six times Italian champion in Latin and Ballroom dance. Quite an achievement. He then moved to Germany studying at Motsi Mabuse Dance studio. After a stint in Germany’s 'Let’s Dance', he was spotted by the BBC and joined the team at 'Strictly'. He is a popular TV celebrity. He appeared in the 'Celebrity Big Brother House' while managing his diabetes, and is an engaging personality both on and off screen as well as being a fabulous dancer. His appearance for two nights at Eden Court before embarking on a thirty-six-venue tour is a testament to the ethos of dancers. He filled the main auditorium at Eden Court even to the second-floor boxes which I have never seen before. The audience adored him and he gave them what they wanted.
A company of four boys and four girls, including a vocalist plus guest star Karen Hauer treated the audience to non-stop production numbers, using twenty-five musical arrangements in the first half alone. The same goes for the second half interspersed with Nikita engaging with the audience, telling his life story, a quiz, and getting two willing audience members up on stage. He handled it with easy grace and the audience loved it. The dancers danced non-stop and showed off their technical skills and individual personalities. Sitting close to the stage I was in awe of their energy, technique and passion. To become a pro dancer, you must start early, training from childhood, moving from one audition to another, appearing in the West End, touring, TV and film, wherever they want a pro dancer, actor and commitment. They all delivered the goods. I was impressed that Nikita introduced them individually at the curtain call. I was delighted to see Karen Hauer, a favourite of mine, dance several spots.
The show had an impressive set - futuristic and with an offstage computer voice. The soundtrack was non-stop and featured much popular music. I loved the second half opening Romeo and Juliet sequence with tracks from Baz Luhrmann’s movie. Costumes were creative and allowed the performers to dance. Not too much glitter. I imagine wardrobe were busy in this heat getting ready for the next show. The show was directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison and presented by Burn the Floor who have been producing dance shows since 1999. They are experts in giving audiences what they crave and celebrating dance. Long may they continue.
If you love dance and the razzamatazz of show biz, then get a ticket if you can. ‘Supernova’ hits Glasgow on the 10th July, Dundee on the11th, Edinburgh on the 12th and then touring England.
