Beats on Pointe – Masters of Choreography at Peacock Theatre

Beats on Pointe – Masters of Choreography at Peacock Theatre | Theatre review

22^nd May 2019

22 May 2019

From Step Up to Save the Last Dance, the boundaries between hip-hop and traditional institutions like ballet are constantly being challenged. Australian dance troupe Masters of Choreograph” have blurred the lines even further with Beats on Pointe, a vivid melting-pot of classical ballet, old-school hip-hop, street and electronic dance music.

After finding massive success in Australia and following a run in Sadler’s Wells last year, the company has returned to London for their worldwide tour. It’s evident why this show is hugely popular: the dancers are likeable, the performances are fun, engaging and even a bit nostalgia-provoking as 90s favourites reverberate through the speakers from beginning to end. The troupe make sure to include fan favourites like beat-boxing, a comical dance-off, elegant ballet pieces and breakdancing. The production excels in giving audiences a comprehensive take on street art, even including a bucket drumming session from one of the multi-talented male dancers.

However, during their Tuesday night performance, all is not exactly “on pointe” (forgive the pun) as a few noticeable errors and missteps contribute to an overall fatigued vibe from the ensemble. You have to give them credit where it’s due: as the group consists of only a dozen or so dancers there isn’t much room to alternate, so many of them are performing high-intensity movements for two hours without a legitimate break. Hopefully as they settle into their tour these small slipups will smoothen themselves out, but if you’re going to take on feats like moonwalking on pointe and old-school breakdancing, they must be almost perfect.

Overall, the show makes for a great night out with family or friends, and regardless of whether you’re a fan of classical or contemporary dance, you’ll find yourself feeling hyped up at one point or another throughout this exciting performance.

★★★★★

Kari Megeed

Beats on Pointe – Masters of Choreography is at Peacock Theatre from 21^st May until 16^th June 2019. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.