Crazy Smooth: In My Body is a dynamic and energetic street dance production and a captivating experience. The Canadian dance troupe seem to have it all and I hope to see them on this side of the pond for years to come. “B boy for life.”
Crazy Smooth: In My Body is a dynamic and energetic street dance production performed by an incredibly talented Canadian dance troupe. It was a privilege to catch them on their current European premiere at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. This show offered so much more than what you may first expect. Crazy Smooth combined street dance and breaking with powerful lighting & high quality music production. The 9 female and male dancers on stage range from 26 to 58 years old, these 9 breakers take us on their personal journeys showcasing the highs and lows throughout their lives as professional dancers and the profound affects ageing in the industry has on their body, mind and soul. It was a truly unique experience and an evening in the theatre I highly recommend to everyone.
The show begins with a single spot light on Crazy Smooth, one of the male dancers, his story is shared through a cinematic medium, this was something quite masterful and truly engaging. As the other dancers join him on stage we, the audience, are all in awe of their level of talent and charisma. From their breaking skills to their collective impeccable timing and emotive duo and solo pieces you are forever drawn in. There were moments of true connection and I personally felt a real escape from the outside world whilst witnessing this show, which lets face it in this current climate is no easy feat. Crazy Smooth is also the artistic director and choreographer, he has somehow crafted the perfect balance of lighting, sound and dance. Each element complimented the other which made for the most enticing spectacle. I was honestly blown away with his level of artistry and precision, there were some truly breathtaking moments.
The personal stories that were delivered throughout were extremely inspirational, they provided an enormous amount of hope to anyone wanting to achieve their dreams and go for what they know to be their true calling, as these dancers shattered the boundaries that society puts on us in regards to agism. Tash’s story in particular blew me away, you’ll have to see the show to discover why.
Every dancer had their own unique flare and they’re all immensely talented in their own right. However, Nubian Néné is a female dancer who particularly stood out to me. This woman had it all, from the power and precision she brought to the stage, to her crazy smooth motion and hard hitting dynamic movement both of which take an enormous amount of strength to deliver at such level, her technique was on point. Nubian Néné also had remarkable stage presence that drew the audience in, she was a joy to watch. I believe everyone watching will have their own personal favourite as when you are in the theatre parts of yourself will be revealed through their on stage delivery.
I have to note that the Southbank Centre provided the most incredible hosts and the Queen Elizabeth Hall Theatre was stunning, this is a venue I will return to time and time again.
In summary, at the top of the show we were encouraged to be vocal and cheer the dancers on, particularly throughout their battle pieces, but we didn’t need any encouragement as the performers demonstrated that the law of gravity didn’t apply to them. This show was exhilarating from start to finish, experiencing them spinning on their heads and their hands, to challenging lifts and intricate choreography. Plus, the high energy they brought to each other and us, the audience, was pure magic. There was truly never a dull moment throughout, this was a captivating experience. The Canadian dance troupe seem to have it all and I hope to see them on this side of the pond for years to come.
“B boy for life.”