UK Theatre Network

Just Dance

The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury is a brand new £42 million venue that will bring a new era of entertainment to the area and aims to attract around 300,000 people.

 The architectural design of the new theatre has been created by Arts Team, with the undulating roof reflecting the shape of the neighbouring Chiltern Hills and the use of timber columns is reminiscent of the surrounding woodland areas.   The foyer is light, airy and very spacious, modern and stylish.  The blocked timber used around the theatre and in the auditorium creates an ambience of natural warmth.  With the pretty blue, red and white lights dotted around the auditorium, plenty of leg room and very comfortable wide orange chairs, with trees stenciled into the base, the audience has a most enjoyable environment to prepare for a thrilling night of entertainment.

The official opening of the theatre is on Tuesday 12th October with the Northern Ballet’s production of Swan Lake.  Prior to this the theatre has given the local community the chance to perform there first and raise some monies for charities.  The first ever performance at the theatre took place on 28th September, when 140 local children and adults from 8 different dance schools took to the stage for a vibrant evening of tap, ballet, swing, jive and contemporary dance. 

The accomplished Compere for the night was Ian Brown, from 3 Counties Radio and Totally Theatre, who seamlessly linked all the acts.

First to perform were students from Beaconsfield High School who performed a medley of Michael Jackson hits.  It seems very appropriate that some of the former ‘King of Pop’s’ immortal songs ‘Billy Jean’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Man in the Mirror’ and ‘Thriller’ were the first to be performed at this amazing new venue.  The students put in an energetic performance and successfully emulated many of his famous dance moves.  I think ‘Thriller’ should have been the final song rather than in the middle, so that the whole cast would be on stage, as at the start of their routine.

Six students from The Kercher School of Dance elegantly performed a ballet to the beautiful ‘Love Theme’ from Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone.  The rest of the school of 25 students danced to a fun song called the ‘Jellyfish Jive’. With some delightful tiny tots and very colourful costumes, it was a joy to watch and the audience loved it.

Rozelle School of Dancing had some lovely green costumes and hats for their tap dance ‘Girl in the Green Hat’ from the film ‘Mrs Henderson Presents’ sung by Will Young.  They also performed ‘Persuading Tommy’ and a ballet to ‘Sweet Heaven’ from the show Copacabana.

Musical Kidz Company confidently proved that ‘No Matter What/Children Rule the World’, by singing as well as dancing.  Their ages range from 3 to adults and their second piece, ‘Jellical Cats’ from Cats, had superb choreography and all the dancers moved with feline poise and style.

Susan Diane School of Dance gracefully performed their first dance of the evening, a masked ballet with a baroque feel, to ‘Preambule’ by Alexander Glazunov.

The Louise Austin School of Dance performed a charming tap routine with umbrellas to ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’.  The second group  of 4 older girls certainly looked like showgirls with their gorgeous feather headresses and tails for ‘Viva Las Vegas’  The routine was good and they danced very well, but girls, just remember the first rule of show dancing - ‘eyes and teeth, eyes and teeth’!

The only solo of the evening was performed by Stephanie Palmer of Sir Henry Floyd Grammer School.  In a stunning performance, she totally owned the vast stage and showed great maturity and confidence.  The two other pieces of contemporary dance were brilliantly choreographed and danced with energetic jumps and exuberance.

‘Footloose’ was an ensemble piece performed with gusto by Stage Plus School of Performing Arts.  They also sang as well as danced, but the singing was rather quiet and I don’t think would have projected to the back of the Circle or Balcony!

For the final number, Susan Diane School returned enthusiastically to a lively song from Hairspray called ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’.  With some great 60s costumes, it provided a happy and colourful ending to a fabulous show.

The show could not have happened without the hard work and commitment of the parents, ferrying the children around and making the spectacular costumes.  How wonderful for the whole community to be involved in making history at the launch of a new theatre.  I wonder how the kids will remember their experiences in 20 years time?  Visit www.  ambassadortickets.com/aylesbury or BO 0844 871 7607 for details of the exciting new programme.

The event was a fundraiser for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity www.fnhospice.org.uk
Reviewed by Yvonne Delahaye