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After 20 years of dancing together, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have a pretty good idea what they’re doing.
Watching the former Strictly stars on stage in their latest touring show The Last Tango – currently at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford and touring across the UK until July – is both enthralling and infuriating; because their dancing is utterly, utterly effortless.
Their intricate, complex Argentinian Tango was mind-boggling, but they made it look as hassle-free as a stroll through the park.
It seems a shame this is to be their last national tour, as the ease and trust in their partnership is extraordinary, and one of the greatest appeals to be found in watching them; their charisma another.
The show itself was certainly very cleverly put together, told through music and dance and narrated in small, interspersed sections, by actor Teddy Kempner as an amiable but wistful older Vincent looking back on his life with Flavia.
From their first meeting, through their courtship and onwards to a moving and beautifully danced ending, the show holds the attention - moving intelligently from slow numbers to fast.
The story is also written such that it gives a fantastic opportunity for the supporting dancers to showcase their talents, of which they have many – the jive number in the second act being one of the most entertaining sections of the show.
In part toe-tapping, in part funny, in part alluring and in part moving, the show keeps things interesting enough not to lose the audience whilst sticking to what its stars do best.
There are perfectly-pitched solo numbers from both Vincent and Flavia; hers a magical display of Paso-style foot and skirt-work and his a masterful but cheeky Latin dance number with the ladies.
Though offering up plenty of recognisable dances, the show as a whole is tango-heavy as the title would suggest – and that is as it should be, for Vincent and Flavia have the unique ability to make you hold your breath with the mere flick of a leg. Yet, seemingly, without breaking a sweat.
That’s talent.
The Last Tango is on at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, until Saturday, October 31. Shows are at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets £20-£42 with concessions and group rates available. To book, call 01322 220000 or go to https://orchardtheatre.co.uk/