Stories: A Tap Dance Sensation, Peacock Theatre Review

Stories: A Tap Dance Sensation production image. ©Aline Gérard

Reviewed by Danai for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Tap dance is often viewed as an outdated form of expression, and those unfamiliar with it may not fully grasp its power. Romain Rachline Borgeaud founded the RB Dance Company to reinvent tap dance, and Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation is a testament to the company’s success. In this performance, tap dance and urban jazz serve not only as storytelling mediums but also as showcases of immense talent and passion, making it impossible for the audience to leave without being deeply impacted by the show.

Stories is filled with powerful moments, where the movement on stage captivates the audience, demonstrating the profound emotional depth that dance can convey. The dancers poured their hearts into the performance, making it accessible even for those who are less familiar with dance. Alex Hardellet's lighting design enhanced the overall experience, complementing the choreography beautifully.

The music set the right tone throughout, although the inclusion of lyrics may be seen as controversial. While the lyrics provided some narrative clarity, I felt that the choreography and the dancers’ expressive performances could have conveyed the story just as effectively on their own. Nevertheless, the original tracks were distinctive, and for anyone revisiting them after the show, they will surely evoke memories of key moments from the performance. Federica Mugnai’s set design blended seamlessly with the rest of the production, and its versatility was a remarkable asset.

My only concern was that while the story of Icarus was engaging, it didn’t feel particularly connected to any contemporary themes that might resonate today. Although the performance modernized tap dance and gave it a fresh dimension, the narrative itself could have benefited from deeper exploration of current power dynamics or psychological themes. Additionally, I would have loved a quieter moment where the sound of the tap dancing itself took center stage, as this traditional element was somewhat underused. Such moments could have added another layer of texture to the performance.

Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation was a unique experience and serves as a compelling invitation for audiences to engage with tap dance as a modern form of expression. The production is inclusive, welcoming all to enjoy its artistry. The noir aesthetic of the narrative is beautifully juxtaposed with the modern music, lyrics, and dance moves, creating a bridge between traditional tap and contemporary artistic expression. The finale, which incorporated percussion, was especially memorable, leaving the audience with a lasting magical impression. Overall, Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation is a powerful reminder of the captivating potential of the human body on stage. It showcases how much physicality can convey, reinforcing the universal language of dance that transcends words and definitely does what it promises; it gives tap dance a new sense and makes it more exciting than ever!

At Peacock Theatre until 2 November 2024

★★★★