There is an expectation that Supernova, Nikita Kuzmin's first solo tour, will burst into life from the opening beat. Instead, Jason Gilkison's slickly choreographed production takes its time, unfolding with quiet confidence before building into an exhilarating showcase of dance, personality and theatrical flair.
Every creative department plays its part. Henry Thomas's sleek, multi-level set provides a dynamic playground for the choreography, while Richard Jones's lighting shifts effortlessly from intimate and atmospheric to an arena-sized spectacle. Vicky Gill's glamorous costumes, from sequinned shorts to elegant monochrome designs, complement each change in mood, while Lois Faith's commanding live vocals drive a soundtrack spanning It's a Sin, Valerie and La Vida Es Un Carnaval. The choreography moves seamlessly through hip hop, ballroom, Latin, commercial and contemporary styles.
The emotional high point arrives with Kissing You. Bathed in soft light and dressed entirely in white, Kuzmin and his company deliver a beautifully understated routine that balances technical brilliance with emotional restraint. A gravity-defying lift, with his partner launching from the staircase into his arms before climbing onto his shoulders in one fluid movement, earns one of the evening's biggest ovations.
What surprises most is the show's humour. Guest star Karen Hauer proves the perfect comic foil, her effortless chemistry with Kuzmin producing plenty of memorable comic moments and keeping the audience roaring with laughter. Between the comedy and a few cheeky costume changes, Kuzmin's warmth and self-deprecating charm prove just as captivating as his dancing.
The production also reveals the man behind the glitter. Kuzmin speaks candidly about growing up in Ukraine, finding confidence after moving to the UK and learning to embrace who he is without fear of judgement. His heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, whom he never saw again because of the war, is genuinely moving, reminding us that performance can be an act of vulnerability as much as virtuosity.
If the opening lacks the explosive impact its title suggests, the payoff is more than worth the wait. By the finale, complete with an infectious burst of voguing, Supernova has become far more than a dance spectacular. It is an assured, stylish and unexpectedly personal evening that showcases Nikita Kuzmin not only as one of ballroom's finest performers, but as a charismatic storyteller with the confidence to let audiences see the person behind the performer.
Review Kay Johal