Nikita Kuzmin’s Midnight Dancer is not just a dance show—it’s an electrifying deep dive into the mind of one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic performers. A whirlwind of styles, narratives, and sheer theatricality, Midnight Dancer feels like a fever dream set to a killer soundtrack, with every step meticulously crafted to dazzle audiences. If you’re looking for a conventional ballroom showcase, think again. This is a high-concept, high-energy spectacle that blends storytelling with an eclectic mix of dance styles.
From the very first moments, it’s clear that Midnight Dancer is driven by Kuzmin’s unique creative vision. The show’s central narrative—loosely structured around a time-traveling love triangle—serves as a clever vehicle for an array of dynamic dance sequences. The opening is an explosion of movement, featuring a medley of songs and styles that quickly transition into a sultry speakeasy-inspired jazz number, complete with a live singer delivering a “roaring 20s” performance. Familiar tunes, from Hey Pachuco! to Burlesque, help set the tone for a night filled with musical surprises.
One of the most entertaining sections comes in the form of a tongue-in-cheek Cinema Italiano sequence, where Kuzmin playfully parodies iconic movie moments, including Titanic, Dirty Dancing, and Barbie. From here, the show pivots into a futuristic Paso Doble-inspired routine that feels both cutting-edge and theatrical. But it’s the jaw-dropping highlight of Pink Cowboy Drive set to Proud Mary and Footloose that truly leaves the audience in stunned delight—a chaotic, high-energy blend of camp, skill, and sheer audacity.
Adding to the show’s charm is Kuzmin’s interaction with the audience. At one point, he pauses the performance for a monologue about British idioms he doesn’t understand—cue a hilarious rant about gravy on a roast dinner—and then moves into a live Q&A session. This personal touch makes the experience feel fresh and intimate, breaking the fourth wall in a way that few dance productions dare to do.
The second act only ups the ante. The cast makes a grand entrance to Lady Marmalade, before Kuzmin delivers a heartbreakingly intense contemporary solo that transitions into a stunning Cry Me a River routine. The emotional depth of this section is palpable, with a beautifully curated playlist that includes Run Boy Run and a La La Land-inspired epilogue, giving the show a cinematic, dreamlike quality.
Then comes the curveball—an impromptu audience participation moment where Kuzmin pulls an unsuspecting member of the crowd on stage for a lap dance. In a now-infamous moment, it was Nikita’s “father in law” who got the call-up, leading to hilarity both onstage and off. This unexpected, playful touch encapsulates the spirit of Midnight Dancer—unpredictable, unfiltered, and undeniably entertaining.
During the gala performance on 21st March 2025 in London, Nikita invited fellow Strictly pro, Vito Coppola to dance alongside him in drag in a moment that has filled Strictly fans with delight during the “off season”.
The finale is a full-throttle celebration, complete with an infectious club classic megamix that brings the show to a euphoric close. With stunning choreography, show-stopping outfits (special mention to the Pink Cowboy Drive, the Leather Viking, and the Futuristic Paso looks), and an atmosphere that crackles with energy, Midnight Dancer is an absolute must-see for any Nikita Kuzmin fan.
Nikita Kuzmin’s Midnight Dancer tour is running until May 2025 – purchase tickets on nikitalive.co.uk
