The annual dance festival organised by the Regent Theatre has become a lovely way of starting the new year of stage productions. Having hit the magic milestone of 25 years of celebrating the dance talent of the region, the performers in 026 Dance have once again risen to the challenge and entertained their audience to send them home full of the joy that a beautifully presented set of performances can bring.
From the opening group Vivienne Shelley Dance Studios “Une Nuit a Paris” (choreographed by Kirsty Maguire, Emma Hawthorne and Alex Richards) which portrayed why the French capital is known as the City of Lights to the in your face presentation of the work of Britney Spears from NSCG Performing Arts (Kelly Green. Michelle Denny, Abby Buxton and the students themselves) this was a night that exhilarated and entertained while provoking both thought and the occasional tear to the eye as a plethora of dance styles swept the onlooker along.
The Paris set brought us beautiful ballet, catwalk chic and Can Can vivacity in spectacular mode and was followed by the set from Dance Fusion Community Dance School with their homage to the Second World War “Honour and Remember” (Claire Ashley). This was a very neat production that appealed to all generations and brought back memories of those from the war generation and those whose parents and grandparents would have told their tales of life in a time of conflict. Beautifully costumed and choreographed, the accompanying music from both the 1940’s and more recent times was spot on. There was clear evidence why this company is able to hold its own at world levels.
“Houdini” (Becky Jones) by Danceline celebrated the centenary of passing of the great escapologist. A mix of dancers ranging from 7 to 17 showed a wonderful fusion of dance and acrobatics to portray Harry’s stunts. A lovely performance.
The first half ended in great form as The A Team – Kidsgrove Care Solutions reprised their hit from 2025 “Marvellous Movie Magic” (Nicci Hooper) that allowed those who have challenges in their everyday life to showcase their love of life and joy found by musical movement.
Newcastle Under Lyme School got the audience swinging in their seats as they took us on a whistlestop tour of the world with “Global Rhythms” (Mary Wallbank and Laura Grecian) that introduced us to contemporary, commercial, jazz and Bollywood in effusive style. Such a pulsating and effusive performance!!
In complete contrast was the performance from The Academy For Performing Arts’ “Hope in Ruins” (Gemmie Pender and Abbie Blurton). This set explored the futility of war, its brutality and impact on humanity through excellent imagery and ensemble work and contrasted a powerful first half with an extremely poignant second.
It is always interesting to see the work of Balleton by Miss Phebe. This is a dance company that gives opportunities to the more mature student. Having witnessed their first tentative steps in performing for the public several years ago it is so rewarding to see the group grow in confidence over the years. This year’s offering “It Girl” (Phebe Smith) saw the dancers deliver its homage to the flapper girls of the 1920s – probably the first appearance of girl power – with all the sass and coquettishness it deserved. Loved the individual exits from the stage.
Finally, “Britney. A perfect finale piece which perfectly highlighted the commitment, teamwork and passion required to bring a project to perfect fruition.
With the event hosted by Caroline Sherratt and powerful interludes from The Regent Theatre Academy and Academy Kids this was truly an evening to remember.
There was a very interesting use of pre-recorded interviews to allow the performers to say what dance in general and appearing on the Regent stage in particular meant to them. The general theme was the teamwork and friendship that working on a production brings. However, the sheer fun of performing was felt by all.
Whatever enjoyment was had by the casts I can assure them that their pleasure was returned many times over by the enthralled audience. A production that should definitely not be missed
Dance 026 continues until February 7th with different performers and has a running time of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including interval. For ticket information contact atgtickets.com/stoke
