The Magic of Dance

May 30 2008 By Les Stewart

BBC Television’s Strictly Come Dancing stars Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite never put a foot wrong as they took to the stage at Perth Concert Hall on Monday evening.

They enthralled a near-capacity audience with The Magic of Dance, based on their successful DVD of the same name.

There were tempestuous tangos, quivering quicksteps, a fiery flamenco and a sexy samba as concert-goers were invited to “Showtime at the Copacabana.”

Add in countless colourful costume changes, with sequined ball gowns and yards of taffeta and lace, and the scene was set for a memorable evening.

Camilla and Ian, ably supported by accomplished backing dancers, took ballroom dancing to new heights.

Special guest, tenor Will Martin, from New Zealand, also displayed his vocal range and piano skills.

His dream of playing for the All Blacks was never realised, he told the audience. But he has been invited to sing the national anthem when they play England in Auckland, on June 14.

All too soon, the show was over and, if there was a slight criticism, it was that the finale didn’t quite last long enough.