Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time, we’re talking about the celebration of dance with Nikita Kuzmin – Supernova. We saw the show at the Darlington Hippodrome, and what an artsy treat. If you are interested in finding out more about this night of dance, keep on reading!
Disclaimer: we were invited to the show, and given a free pair of tickets, in exchange for an honest review.
Right out the gate, lets say that Supernova is an evening that showcases the incredible versatility of dance through a spectacular blend of hip hop, contemporary, classical, Latin and ballroom, embracing both the traditional and the queer ballroom culture.
From the very beginning, Supernova makes one thing abundantly clear: this is a celebration of dance in all its forms. Rather than following a traditional biographical structure for the star, the show takes inspiration from the styles that have shaped Nikita’s career and artistic identity. It feels personal without becoming autobiographical, allowing the choreography to tell a story instead of relying on lengthy narration or having to be a die hard fan of Nikita.
The result is a production that never stands still. Every section introduces something fresh, keeping the audience engaged as the evening flows between genres. Whether it’s the elegance of ballroom, the athleticism of hip hop or the emotion of contemporary dance, every style is treated with equal respect and performed to an exceptionally high standard.
While Nikita is undoubtedly the star attraction, this production belongs just as much to the ensemble. Their commitment never falters, whether they’re supporting the central performance or taking the spotlight themselves. The background moments are filled with detail and personality, ensuring there’s always something to watch, and the solo performances are equally captivating.
Two moments stood out in particular. The vogue section is an absolute triumph, bursting with confidence, individuality and infectious energy. It feels celebratory, empowering and is a complete vibe. Another example, the Latin section is electrifying, packed with precision, chemistry and the kind of passion that has the audience hooked from the very first step.
Visually, Supernova is stunning. The set design creates a striking backdrop without ever overshadowing the dancers, but the visual effects add just enough theatrical flair to elevate the performance. Everything feels polished and purposeful, creating a production that looks as impressive as the choreography.
The sound design is equally impactful. The music fills the auditorium, creating an atmosphere that immerses you completely in the performance. There were moments where the volume edged towards being a little too loud, but the quality of the dancing was that engaging that it quickly became an afterthought. Before long, I found myself completely absorbed in the action on stage.
If there is one area that shocked me, it was the ticket pricing. With average tickets sitting at around £65 per person, with some seats climbing significantly higher, the show certainly asks audiences to make an investment. For a performance running at under two hours, that initially feels difficult to justify and I don’t know if I could justify it. The show is great and a real treat for a dance fan, but with prices starting above the £50 mark, it is a really inaccesible night. However, the quality of the production, the calibre of the dancers and the overall spectacle do go a long way. It’s an expensive evening, but one that delivers on quality for those who can afford it.
Ultimately, Supernova is a real celebration of dance. It showcases technical excellence as well as the emotional power of movement, reminding us that dance can tell stories just as effectively as words can. It’s stylish, energetic and filled with moments that leave you in awe of the talent on stage.
Accessibility
The production contains very loud music throughout, frequent flashing lights, theatrical smoke effects, audience interaction and several moments where bright lights are directed into the audience. On one occasion, these lights remained pointed towards the audience for approximately 25 seconds, which did lead to a sort of sensory overload. Audience members who are sensitive to light or sound may need to take this into consideration.
Value for Money
With average ticket prices around £65 per person, Supernova is undoubtedly one of the more expensive touring dance productions currently on the circuit. While the quality of the choreography, production values and performances help justify the price, it remains a significant investment for an evening lasting under two hours.
Have your say!
Will you be seeing Supernova, or have you caught the show on tour already? Let me know what you thought in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other.
Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language may be removed.
Head over to the Terms and conditions page to learn more about our policies, here at StageSideUK.
Follow us on Twitter and give our page a like on Facebook.