East Devon Dance Academy students sprung across the Manor Pavilion stage in a dazzling display of sheer athleticism and superb synchronicity in a truly great show.
More than 100 talented students have been taking part in Multiplicity, wowing crowds with fast paced routines, impressive gymnastic skills and a never failing energy from start to finish.
As the lights went down, the rousing roars of The Greatest Show began to play and audiences were swarmed with students descending down the aisles as circus characters to join their ringmaster in the fast paced opening number.
It was the start of a first act that flowed effortlessly from style to style, from jazz to ballet, modern to tap, choreographed by six members of the dance academy team.
A particular highlight was the homage to Irene Cara’s Flashdance, if the audience had come prepared with legwarmers, they would have been up on stage with the students recreating the iconic routine. The student’s enthusiasm exuded in this number more than any.
It was a high before the emotional poignant lyrical contemporary number to Ghost the Musical’s With You, that concluded Act One.
As the final rose dropped and the curtain closed, it allowed the audience a moment to take in the spectacle they had just watched and get ready for Act 2.
What was more amazing than the students never end energy levels was the impressive amount of quick changes which allowed many students to return to the stage within seconds for a new number and new dance style. Without a well rehearsed backstage team waiting in the wings to assist, the show could not have kept its flow which
The second half brought many fantastic and varied dance numbers including Honiton ballet group’s atmospheric routine to Ed Sheeran’s Bloodstream and Usher’s Yeah! which featured members of the adult jazz group, who showed they can move it with the youngsters in a very complex routine.
As the bows were taken and the final confetti fell to the ground, the applause from the crowd said it all, yet another powerhouse performance from the academy and its students.
The show runs until tomorrow. Call the Manor Pavilion to check for tickets.
See our gallery from the dress rehearsal here
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