Review: Diane Bradbury Theatre Dance School’s showcase Step in Time at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre

Mums, dads, grans and granddads whooped, hollered and cheered every song, dance and gymnastic display at the opening performance of Step In Time at Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre last night (Monday, May 18).

They had good reason to be bursting with pride during this entertaining showcase by students and teachers from Diane Bradbury Theatre Dance School.

Powerful, imaginative and awe-inspiring displays of street dance, ballet, jazz and rock and roll styles coupled with magical musical theatre sketches and cute singing from budding little stars in gorgeous costumes made for an impressive show.

It’s always a tough call picking out favourites but the seniors’ well-drilled version of Diesel from Starlight Express was pumping with energy, the teachers and students’ interpretation of Minnie the Moocher was a tap-dancing triumph which sparkled like their glittery tailcoats, the students’ ballet performed to the Ella Henderson song Yours was a real lump in the throat experience and the seniors and advanced seniors’ street dancing to a Bruno Mars medley was simply knockout.

A well-performed, prettily costumed selection from Mary Poppins, presented by the preps and advanced juniors, and an excellent tap dance number set to Five Guys Named Moe were among the musical theatre highlights.

The youngest dancers and singers got their chance to shine too, pointing their toes perfectly, clapping in time as best they could and singing Bob the Builder at the top of their voices. Yet there’s always one who dances to their own tune, does their own thing and steals the limlight, much to the amusement of the audience.

The grown-ups in the audience were all yelled out by the time the curtain dropped, so the stars of the night took up where they left off with a rousing three cheers coming from backstage.

Step In Time continues at the Pomegranate tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow at 7pm.