Around the World in 80 minutes @ NEWTOWN
Written by the "Spy Review"
It was Saturday 11th September 2004 and hordes of people patiently waited in line outside the stylishly renovated @ NEWTOWN venue on Enmore Road. You would be forgiven for thinking it was an opening night show for the "whose who" of entertainment. But this was no rock show, no Shakespearean classic, nor an episode of Australian Idol.
Welcome to Tour De Dance 3 - the third installment from Jean-Luc Stora, founder of the renowned "world of dance at your feet" studio that is Dance Central. The only place in Sydney you can experience the flavours of Polynesia, Latin America, India, Africa, Hawaii, Tahiti, Brazil, Egypt and America in a multi cultural collaboration of music and dance.
By 9pm the venue was buzzing with anticipation in the open plan auditorium furnished with sophisticated lounges. All seats are taken and there's a sizeable queue at the bar. Disco lights flash across the back curtains of the elevated stage - a stark contrast to the dimly lit interior.
The clock strikes 10 and our illustrious MC for the night, Julia Stora introduced the stunning opening number by Fernando Ebony entitled "Sexy Sydney" followed by Tina Moors and the Khalani Dancers fusing Techno beats with sensual Hawaiian dance. Jean-Luc Stora and his energetic Samba dancers leave the audience feeling invigorated and wanting more, while Sean Brohier, Vincent Vega and their hip hop dancers "totally killed it" with an old skool funk number. The first act concluded with a Musical Theatre excerpt from 'Cabaret' choreographed and performed by Kaylene Pomana Jones featuring multi-talented dancer/teacher Minerva Fairchild.
The break between Act 1 and 2 gave the audience the opportunity to try out some of the moves they've just seen. The Dj's (Swipa and Dede Da Cruz) mixed it up with a variety of Latino, Funk, and Disco beats for the swaying mass on the dance floor. By 10.30pm @ NEWTOWN was packed to capacity. Door sales completely sold out forcing staff to turn away patrons not in possession of a prepaid ticket.
Act 2 kicked off with the infectious rhythms and dance moves of Janine Rew and her African group. Popping expert Nate (Nacho Pop) took the stage assisted by Caramell Dancers and Dance Kool guests with a smooth robotic act reminiscent of the 80's "Breakdance" movie. Audience favourite Aruna Po-Ching's Pasifika Sway gave an exotic and sexy rendition of Tahitian and Hawaiian dance followed by the slick sophistication of Cristo and Aitali with their contemporary Salsa "pas de deux".
Melanie Hitchcock and the Caramell Dancers showed us why they are the undisputed champions of Hip Hop, then Sky Blue and her sizzling Salsa dancers got our hips swivelling topped off with the lively Brazilian beats of Adam and the Performing Brasil musical group with guest percussionist Jean-Luc Stora.
Fernando Ebony returned with the Disco classic "Daddy Cool" assisted by his groovy back up dancers; a refreshing and original opening number for Act 3. Sultry Belly Dance specialist Katina (Queen of the Nile) performed with poise and grace, followed by Cristo's Pop Latin Funk group who exploded on stage with passion and flair. Farah Shah's Mango Dance group gave us the Planet Bollywood experience with their lively, fun routine then DJ Swipa blew everyone away with his freestyle break dance, top rocking and acrobatic stunts.
By 1am the party was in full swing when the Samba Frog drumming and dance group took to the stage. Their vigorous rhythms pulsated through the crowd causing everyone to rise to their feet for a final dance off. The DJ's rocked the party until 2.30am as the exhausted but exhilarated guests finally headed home for a well-deserved rest.
Dance Central has one heck of an act to follow and there are plans for Tour De Dance 4 in December 2004. What tricks could they possibly have up their sleeve for the next party? Guess you'll have to be there - I know I will.
PS: Special mention to Dance Central staff Shar and Lisa who worked hard behind and in front of the scenes to make the party a success, Ignatius for his services as chief photographer and Julian for filming the event.
