Nikita Kuzmin - Burn the Floor: Supernova | New Wimbledon Theatre

If you've ever watched Nikita Kuzmin glide across the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom and wondered what a full evening of his choreography and storytelling would look like, Burn the Floor: Supernova delivers exactly that. Blending breathtaking ballroom and Latin routines with contemporary and commercial dance, the production is a fast paced celebration of movement, music and personality, brought to life by an exceptional cast of international dancers.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed choreographer Jason Gilkison, the show is packed with inventive, dynamic choreography that never allows the energy to dip. Gilkison has once again produced routines that are technically outstanding while remaining highly theatrical, effortlessly switching between explosive ensemble numbers and quieter, more intimate moments. Every dance feels purposeful, with each style flowing naturally into the next to create a performance that is as emotionally engaging as it is visually spectacular.

One of the show's greatest strengths is its variety. There are exhilarating routines bursting with energy, heartfelt moments that allow the emotion to breathe, and theatrical sequences that feel almost cinematic. Rather than simply presenting one dance after another, Burn the Floor: Supernova takes the audience on a journey, balancing dazzling entertainment with genuine personal storytelling.

Kuzmin himself is an incredibly charismatic performer. While his dancing is, unsurprisingly, phenomenal, it's his warmth and authenticity that really elevate the evening. Throughout the show, he shares snippets of his own life, reflecting on growing up in Ukraine, moving to England, and the determination it took to build the career he has today. These personal moments add another dimension to the performance, making it feel far more intimate than a traditional dance showcase.

Some of the evening's most touching moments come through dances dedicated to the people closest to him. A beautiful routine for his girlfriend is full of tenderness, while another dedicated to his grandfather who sadly passed away earlier this year is incredibly moving. Both performances feel deeply personal without becoming overly sentimental, giving the audience a glimpse behind the performer audiences know from television.

Another standout moment comes with Kissing You, which is undoubtedly one of the emotional highlights of the evening. Beautifully choreographed and performed with remarkable sensitivity, it's a routine that leaves the theatre completely silent before the applause inevitably erupts.

Of course, Kuzmin isn't carrying the show alone. The ensemble of professional dancers are absolutely phenomenal and deserve enormous praise. Every member of the company brings incredible skill, precision and personality to the stage, with each performer given opportunities to step into the spotlight rather than simply blending into the background. Their chemistry as a company is evident throughout and the sheer quality of dancing across the board is astonishing.

Special guest Karen Hauer is another welcome addition. Sharing the effortless chemistry audiences have loved on Strictly, the pair bounce off each other brilliantly, injecting plenty of humour into the evening. Their playful interactions had the audience laughing throughout, providing a perfect contrast to some of the show's more emotional sections.

Visually the production is equally impressive. Henry Thomas' sleek, contemporary set design proves incredibly effective, creating striking stage pictures without ever overwhelming the dancing. Combined with the lighting and video elements, it allows the focus to remain exactly where it should be: on the performers.

The costumes, designed by Vicky Gill, are absolutely stunning. Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will already know her incredible work, but seeing these costumes up close on stage is another experience entirely. Every outfit sparkles, moves beautifully with the choreography and adds an extra layer of glamour that television simply can't replicate.

My only criticism concerns the lighting. From my seat in the dress circle, there were occasional moments where the lighting became so intense that it was genuinely uncomfortable to look towards the stage, forcing me to look away during parts of numbers. Thankfully this was only an intermittent issue and certainly didn't detract from the quality of the performance itself, but it did slightly affect the overall viewing experience.

Ultimately, Burn the Floor: Supernova is an exhilarating evening that combines world class dancing with genuine heart. It isn't just a showcase of extraordinary talent, it also offers a glimpse into Nikita Kuzmin's personal journey, making the performance feel refreshingly honest as well as hugely entertaining. Whether delivering explosive Latin routines, elegant ballroom numbers or deeply emotional contemporary pieces, the cast consistently performs at the very highest level.

With only five performances remaining on the tour, this is a show well worth catching while you still can. If you're a Strictly fan, a dance enthusiast, or simply looking for an uplifting night at the theatre, Supernova shines brightly from start to finish.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review