Empire Theatre, Eden Court, 18 August 2008

Tap Olé

Following excellent reviews from the Edinburgh Festival, it’s welcome to have an international act, such as Tap Olé, venture beyond the central belt to Eden Court. It sold out last year and this at the festival and the reviews have been four stars.

After dragging my husband to Mamma Mia earlier in the week, it seemed like a bit too much to ask him along to a tap dancing show as well, so I went alone. As a tap aficionado, I could watch until the cows come home, but appreciate it can be a bit dull for non-fans.

What a mistake – the show was captivating, and the audience clearly loved it. Two guitars, two dancers, a sound and a light man gave us over an hour of music and dance that ranged from tender to comedic, often in the same piece.

The show began slowly with some beautiful gentle guitar playing, and I was almost sorry when the dancers interrupted. The sound of their feet provided a percussive accompaniment, driving the music faster and adding an extra energy.

The dancing was technically faultless, thoroughly rehearsed and the timing was perfect. I did enjoy Guillem Alonso’s sand dance with its shifting moods; what a beautiful build-up when he poured the sand in time to the guitar playing.

I must admit to being a little bit nervous when the audience participation routine began. I can imagine this working well in fiery Latin countries or with the festival crowd, but Inverness audiences aren’t known for joining in. The shouts of “Olé” and the clapping were a bit muted at first, but we soon got the hang of it, and by the end people were cheering in a way I’ve rarely heard in the Empire Theatre.

The combination of Spanish guitar, flawlessly played, and the rhythm of tap was impressive. There was a touch of Flamenco at times, but this combination gave the dancers a chance to be more creative than the rigid rules of traditional dance would give.

If I had to find fault, it would be with Roser Font. I’m not sure if it was the high-school pony tail, or her earnest enthusiasm, but she just kept reminding me of the lead in the dancing class annual revue. There was nothing specific to fault, her steps were strong, her movements were right, but there just seemed to be little passion or personality.

Overall, it was a strong show, with plenty opportunity for each of the four performers to showcase their talents, and enough variety to keep interest high. They worked well together and certainly gave the impression of being enthusiastic about what they did.

I look forward to more festival leftovers coming to the Highlands.

© Karen Ray, 2008

Links

• Tap Olé