Bad Boys of Dance

Dates and Venue 30 November & 1 December 2012, 8pm (+2 pm matinee on 1 Dec) | The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts

Reviewer Michael Pink


It is always a singular event when a unique dance company comes to Vancouver. Such was the case with the much anticipated performance of The Bad Boys of Dance who dazzled the Vancouver dance world.

The six dancers in the New York based company brought a refreshing energy to the stage in a multi-talented and dynamic performance that was enlivened with music from some of this era’s most talented and popular musical names including Michael Jackson, Queen, Black Eyes Peas, U-2, Prince and Cold Play.

The dancing was incredible, creative and technically pristine. Moreover, the talented dancers made the performance look easy, which is a hallmark of true artists.

In the first set, the dancers adopted a casual look with jeans and t-shirts. The dancers in the first set were also barefoot which added a raw and natural ambience to the performance. In the second act, a different costume repertoire was adopted with black pants and tank tops.

The staging was quite original with the use of a giant video screen backdrop that featured captivating scenes such as moving dots during the dance performance to the music of the U-2 song Vertigo.
Particular standout pieces in the evening included dancing to the music of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Queen song, “We Will Rock You,” the Black Eyed Peas song, “I Gotta Feeling” and the classic Michael Jackson song “Man in the Mirror.”

Of note was the harmony in the repertoire which balanced dance, music and staging seamlessly.
A very contemporary and original piece found the dancers moving with large blow-up dolls which delighted the crowd.

The dancers received two standing ovations from the clearly enthusiastic audience.
The Bad Boys of Dance brought a refreshing, lively and eclectic performance to the stage which will certainly guarantee a solid crowd upon their much hoped for return to Vancouver.

© 2012 Michael Pink