Tango After Dark: Peacock Theatre, London

Sensual, seductive and stylish, Tango After Dark makes its world premiere in London. It features Tango superstar German Cornejo who leads 10 of the world’s best Argentinean dancers. Accompanying them are two superb singers and seven musicians playing authentic tango music composed by Astor Piazzolla.

The choreography by German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi is fresh and innovative. The show alternates between group numbers and showcase dances for each couple. All of the dances feature the signature moves of the Argentinean Tango mixed in with stunning aerial stunts and lifts. The impressively speedy footwork is precise and is performed effortlessly. All of the talented dancers perform with passion and technical skill.

There is no storyline or plot during this production. Instead audiences are treated to intricate dances, an authentic band and an array of superb choreography. Whilst the dancing was outstanding; the dancers were all excellent and oozed sex appeal throughout. Something was lacking and by the second act some members of the audience were getting restless, particularly during the longer instrumental sections. The dance sections that received the loudest applause often featured subtle narrative – perhaps more narrative could be benefit the show to ensure the longevity of this production?

The costumes, designed by German Cornejo, were stunning and enhanced the dancer’s movements. Each dance section had a different look and the female dancer’s dresses followed a theme but each dress is slightly different to be individual to the specific dancer – a clever detail. The dresses in particular are exquisite and the men’s suits are also clearly well made and highly stylish.

With a small company of ten dancers every single dancer has to be on top form and they most definitely are. Each movement is performed with grace and ease. The dancers use the entire stage and during the group numbers are completely in sync. The use of chairs and silks during two dance numbers also adds to the variety and dynamics. During this performance however Micaela Spina, Mariano Balois, German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi really stood out for their passion, fantastic footwork, stunning tricks and visible on stage chemistry.

The on-stage band were fantastic. Similar to the dancers, each member of the band got the chance to shine. The stand out performances came from Gemma Scalia on the violin and Diego Ramos the MD and pianist. The vocals provided by Antonela Cirillo and Jesus Hidalgo are powerful and it is nice to have the songs performed in their native language adding even more of the Latino vibe to the night.

This certainly is a showcase of some of the best Argentinean Tango in the world, let alone London. Any fans of the tango, or in fact dancing at all, will definitely not want to miss out on this spectacle!

Review by Amanda Reynolds

As the night falls, the music of the great Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player and arranger, Astor Piazzolla, merges with the sophisticated and sensual performance of world-class Argentinean dancers to reveal tango in its most authentic and pure form. Tango superstar Cornejo, who is widely acclaimed by critics and audiences all over the world as one of the most distinguished tango artists working today, leads his outstanding cast of 10 dancers, including his long-term dance partner and collaborator Gisela Galeassi in this mesmerising new show. Accompanied by two sensational singers and seven musicians playing tango classics, Tango After Dark keeps the passion of tango burning deep into the night.

Choreographed by Cornejo, Tango After Dark follows his previous success, Tango Fire, which won Best Theatre Production in the 2015 UK Latin Awards and has been presented to sell-out audiences at The Peacock since 2007. Cornejo and his dance partner, Galeassi, are both World Tango Champions and are widely known for their performances with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony.

WORLD PREMIERE
Germán Cornejo
Tango After Dark
The Peacock, WC2A 2HT
Wednesday 28 February – Saturday 17 March 2018