Get Out More………………………………………..Dance Review

HAVANA RAKATAN (Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat)

02-05-2008

Direct from Cuba, it’s one of the first big shows of Birmingham’s International Dance Festival, and a breathless Terry Wills just can’t get enough.

What’s the difference between a hot sticky festive night out in Havana and the confined atmosphere of a captive audience in the Birmingham Hippodrome ?

Well judging from the fevered reception that led to a succession of non stop cheering, frenetic hand clapping, standing ovations, the answer is… none whatsoever!

The show’s format is simple. Take ‘Turquino’, a live seven-piece Cuban Band, three lead vocalists, add fourteen lithe hip swaying, gymnastic dancers and the answer is there for all to see.

A sensational two hours that leaves the audience roaring for more.

The show, which received its UK Premiere at the Peacock Theatre in London in the summer of 2007 received rave reviews and critical acclaim and now for an all to short three days it enjoyed by Midland audiences.

The product is the brainchild of Cuban choreographer , Nilda Guerra Sanchez who has assembled a cast of talented dancers that takes an audience through the full range of Latin American dances.

You may have seen these dances on the small screen via ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ but that simply can’t be compared to witnessing such frenetic, energetic, sexy, versions of the Salsa, Rumba, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha. Bolero and the Rumba live on stage.

Long before the end the audience were out of their seats responding to the infectious sounds and sights of this dance spectacular, and I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw an entire audience, including those occupying box seats, joining their appreciation with such abandon!

As part of the Birmingham International Dance Festival Havana Rakatan has to be trail blazer.

One final plus. The first night audience still buzzing, full of enthusiasm, and anxious for more of the same, were invited to join some members of the cast in the foyer, post show, to learn the steps of the ever popular Salsa dance.

The result? Dozens, perhaps hundreds (?) of budding Latin dancers of all ages ‘strutting their stuff’ on limited floor space with inevitable mixed results.

"Do we start on the left or right foot, step forward or back, move to the left or the right", etc!

It didn’t matter of course THE entertainment had been on Hippodrome stage with the fusion of high octane dancing, infectious beating rhythms, and sheer enthusiasm winning the hearts and minds of a those fortunate to have been there.

Providing there are still tickets remaining my tip would be give it a whirl.

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Tickets from http://birminghamhippodrome.com/

More details of the International Dance Festival at http://www.idfb.co.uk/index.html

Seen anything at the Dance Festival? Leave a comment on the Stirrer Forum.