REVIEW: Supernova with Nikita Kuzmin

Reading Time: 3 minutesWith BAFTA award-winning choreographer Jason Gilkison at the helm of this explosively dynamic show, Nikita Kuzmin's Supernova tour is an unmissable dance extravaganza.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Rating: 5 out of 5.

‘Finesse, fire and fun create the ultimate sequin-studded dance spectacular.’


With BAFTA award-winning choreographer Jason Gilkison at the helm of this explosively dynamic show, Nikita Kuzmin’s Supernova tour is an unmissable dance extravaganza. The company are technically flawless and showcases a diverse range of musical flavours and dance styles coupled with exceptional storytelling. The world-class polish delivered by the cast is perfectly balanced by Nikita’s own charm, cheek and authenticity that brings his out-of-this-world performance endearingly down to earth. 

The show is a mirror ball of different genres and looks that reflect the multifaceted versatility of Nikita’s personality as an artist.  Number by number, he tells the story of his dance journey, celebrating all the people and places that have forged the star he shines as today. Punctuated by a freshly mixed soundtrack including routines set to Raye, Bad Bunny, Coldplay, Rosalía and even the prologue to Romeo and Juliet, this tour is charged with an electric and international edge. Audiences are taken by the hand from old Hollywood’s cinematic ballroom glamour to loud and proud cosmopolitan jive in its opening half;  from Paso Doble-inspired drama to a touching tribute to his late grandfather. There truly is something for everyone in this show, culminating in a modern, voguing celebration, inviting the entire auditorium up on their feet to dance, clap and join the music. Live singer Lois Faith is a revelation, stylishly injecting the stage with energy and stellar vocals from within the dancing ensemble. 

Every member of the nine-strong dance company shines, bringing individual flair and artistry to create a staggeringly beautiful collective. These performers are not only athletes and creatives at the top of their game, but accomplished entertainers and storytellers. Sasha Woodward is a joy to watch with her signature tilts and leg extensions, finished with impressive characterisation. Anna Karelina wows with stunning lifts and breath-taking expressive control while Faye Huddleston’s poise and elegantly sleek frame are a masterclass in sequined sophistication. Nick Chan’s silky smooth polish and drive are seamlessly blended with Deavion Brown’s artfully charismatic sass, Idney de Almeida’s hip hop freshness, and Tom Watson’s dynamic articulation, allowing the worlds of tutting and tricks, ballroom class and Latin fieriness to collide. Expert maximising of the set, reminiscent of the famous Strictly Come Dancing studio set-up, and the deft handling of an eclectic range of props add to the theatre and imagination of all performances. 

The legendary Karen Hauer guest-stars in this evening’s performance, taking centre stage alongside Kuzmin. They transport us to an underground NYC world of mambo, combining elements of Salsa, Samba and Lambada with all the smokiness and flavour of a Cuban bar. She is truly a force of nature and a Strictly heroine. To see these two internationally acclaimed powerhouses come together onstage is mesmerising. The pair double as compères for the night, with moments of comedy and excellently handled crowd wrangling throughout.

Of course, Nikita himself spearheads this talented cast, hitting all the ups, downs and emotional notes of a twenty-four-year-long international dance career and a life spent dedicated to loving his craft. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he steps onstage, adorned with the geometric space-age silver jacket promised by the poster, until the curtain falls. Kuzmin delivers a high-energy, light-footed balance of furiously spectacular choreography, executed with power and presence, alongside an honesty and authenticity that cannot be taught. 

To put into words how impressive this show is does not do justice to the skill, passion and professionalism packed into this full-out programme. An astronomically joyous production which must be seen to be believed! Tickets for the tour are available here.

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