Next week Nikita Kuzmin: Supernova takes to the stage at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury for one night only as part of a UK tour. The Strictly Come Dancing star is headlining this new Burn the Floor production, which has been created by world-renowned choreographer Jason Gilkison and features Ballroom, Latin and Contemporary dance styles. Rather excitingly, at the Canterbury performance the dancer will be supported by fellow professional and Strictly alumni Janette Manrara, who is joining the tour from 23rd to 27th June. You can find out more about Supernova in the following interview from Nikita Kuzmin on behalf of Burn the Floor. I was kindly given a copy of this piece to share with my audience. Tickets for the remaining performances of the tour can be purchased via the Supernova website.
You’re stepping into the spotlight as the lead of Supernova. What was it about this project that made you say yes?
Just the sheer excitement of creating something completely new and exciting for people to see. I’m going to give a part of my heart, a part of my soul, and a part of my experience to bring this show to the stage. I can’t wait for us all to have a big boogie together at this huge celebration of love.
Audiences know you well from Strictly Come Dancing. How does leading a full-scale touring production like this differ from performing on television?
It’s so much more personal. You get to speak directly to the audience. You get to have real, direct contact with them. They see you up close, and I feed off their energy. At the same time, we’ll still be bringing all the iconic performances, along with lots of brand-new, fresh material, which I can’t wait for people to see.
Supernova promises to be the most daring and dynamic Burn The Floor show yet. What can audiences expect that feels new or surprising?
We’re going to show different sides of me that people have never seen before, which is very exciting. It’s going to be such an intimate, shared experience.
The show blends ballroom, Latin and contemporary styles. Are there any particular dances or moments that you’re especially excited for audiences to see?
There’s one special section of the show where I share a personal experience about how coming to London gave me the opportunity to truly flourish, which was very different from the rest of my life. It’s quite a vulnerable number, but also a celebratory one. It feels like I’m giving a piece of my heart to the audience.
Burn The Floor has a reputation for re-inventing traditional ballroom. How will Supernova breathe new life into classic?
We’re bringing something new. We’re rethinking everything that’s been done before, and that feeling of being so up close and connected with the audience is euphoric. The whole show plays with the idea of euphoria.
This is a huge UK tour, taking in everything from major cities to coastal towns. What do you enjoy most about touring around the country?
I love getting to see and meet people across the country so we can celebrate together. It’s thanks to the fans who watch Strictly that I’m able to do what I love most, and I’m so appreciative of that. It’s going to be amazing to have such a fun time with them.
You’re known for your charisma and connection with audiences. How important is storytelling and emotional connection in a show like this?
The whole show is based around all the different parts of who I am – every single element that makes me me. I also think it’s really exciting that there hasn’t been a traditional casting process. I personally cast all the dancers, so we have a truly talented, unique and diverse group of people on stage. The whole show is about bringing everybody together from different backgrounds and dance styles. It makes for such a fresh, exciting experience.
With live vocalists and an international cast of multi-disciplined dancers, how does the energy of performing in Supernova compare to anything you’ve done before?
It doesn’t compare! It’s such a fresh concept, and everybody is so excited to give the audience the opportunity to see something completely new from me, something they’ve never seen before. I think they’re going to have the biggest and best party they’ve ever had.
For fans coming to see you live for the first time outside of Strictly, what do you hope they leave the theatre feeling after Supernova?
I hope they leave feeling joyful. I hope they leave dancing. I hope they leave ready for a boogie!
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