Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, Ukranian dancer Nikita Kuzmin has won the hearts of the British public iconic routines from his passionate same sex dance with Vito Coppola to his fiery Moulin Rouge paso doble with Layton Williams. With this in mind, it may come as a surprise that Midnight Dancer is his very first solo show. With other Strictly stars such as Oti Mabuse and Johannes Radebe embarking on their own dance shows, how does Nikita Kuzmin’s fare?
I was gifted a press ticket in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nikita Kuzmin: Midnight Dancer
- The Hero: Nikita Kuzmin
- Movie Star: Andreea Toma
- The Villain: Seamus McIntosh
- Ensemble: Sophie Baker, Thomas Charles, Lowri Hamilton, Samuel Lake, Charlotte Zee, Zara Liu, Daniel Rae
- Singer: Rebecca Lisewski
Rating: ★★★★★
What is Nikita Kuzmin: Midnight Dancer about?
Follow the highs and lows of a classic romance story, as two star-crossed lovers meet only to be torn apart. Will they reunite at the masked ball, or will real life put an end to their fairytale fantasy? This brand-new dance spectacular is a modern-day Cinderella story and features all of your favourite dance floor anthems, dazzling costumes and explosive dancing. Don’t miss TV dance star Nikita Kuzmin like you’ve never seen him before!
What are my thoughts on Nikita Kuzmin: Midnight Dancer?
Midnight Dancer is a fairytale Cinderella story separated into different chapters such as The World is Ending, The Hotel and A New Hope, each one capturing the various emotions we experience with love from joy to hope to pain. While the narrative itself is loose and occasionally underbaked, that’s not why people are here to see Midnight Dancer. It’s to see Nikita Kuzmin dance his heart out, and he absolutely delivers on that front.
With Nikita choreographing the show himself with help from creative director Tom Jackson Greave, Midnight Dancer features an eclectic range of dances that highlight his incredible versatility. With classic ballroom, sultry Latin and contemporary to name a few, each number is performed with such grace, athleticism and energy by Kuzmin and the talented ensemble who join him. There’s always something exciting around the corner, with highlights including an intense Cry Me A River, an exuberant La La Land number and even a surprise appearance from Hadestown!
The numbers don’t just highlight Nikita’s talents, but also the people around him. Andreea Toma is a standout as the leading lady of the main romance and had a rich chemistry with Kuzmin – perhaps we’ll see her do Strictly in the future? Rebecca Lisewski (Mamma Mia) is also , getting to show off her powerhouse vocals to Burlesque, Gloria Gaynor and Moulin Rouge.
Just as much as it is a show about entertaining the audience, Midnight Dancer is also an opportunity for Nikita Kuzmin express his love for the art as well as highlights of his career – and yes, that includes getting the wrong Shakira song and his Ken. With moments to catch his breath and speak with the audience, the Q&A was admittedly a mixed bag but still fun.
What was my highlight of Midnight Dancer?
There are plenty of moments in Midnight Dancer itself I could name, but I want to name a specific one from the gala performance.
With many Strictly judges, pros and celebs scattered around in the audience (I was sat in the same row as Shirley Ballas with Arlene Phillips in the row behind me), Nikita was spoilt for choice of who to pick for the act two segment where he’d get a random audience member up onstage for an improvised number. Ultimately it was Vito Coppola who stepped up to the task and he threw himself into it. Shimmying with the ensemble in a sequin cape, it all culminated in a hilarious lap-dance with Nikita donned in a fabulous dress and heels, just one of the show’s dazzling costumes.
What are my overall thoughts?
I don’t understand why it’s taken so long for Nikita Kuzmin to do his own solo show. Midnight Dancer isn’t just the perfect for any Strictly and Nikita fan, but it’s also an opportunity for him to spread his love for the art to others. Dazzling, vibrant and oh-so-fabulous, I dare you to leave the show without smiling.
Buy tickets for Nikita Kuzmin: Midnight Dancer at your nearest touring venue now.
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