Review: TANGO AFTER DARK at Sadler’s Wells

Whilst not an especial devotee of the aforementioned TV programme myself, I appreciate that it has avid fans, drawn by the uplifting format, glitz, glamour and general razzmatazz. The knock-on impact is that shows like the one currently at Sadler’s Wells are far easier to market. As a former performer, I am mindful of the sheer amount of work and dedication (not to mention honed natural talent) which goes into the exactitude of tango. To succeed, it must be delivered with intensity and passion and whilst steamy, it should never look too hot, or too sweaty, irrespective of how uncomfortable, ruffled by feathers or scratchy sequins, the dancers actually are. Certainly, to be avoided at all costs, are an excess of garlic before a performance, and stabbing your heel through a partner’s toes — or indeed any other part of their anatomy.

Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Germán Cornejo brings his dynamic company of superb Argentinian performers to the London venue hot on the (Cuban) heels of an International tour leg which included stints in Bulgaria and Turkey.

Every man pairs with every woman during the company manoeuvres, but there are established couples, production-line company numbers, and other configurations. Notable among the current pairings are Nicolás Schell and Nair Schinca fresh from their win at the Stage Tango World Championships held at the beginning of September where they saw off 800 couples from 47 countries to win the title with their particularly acrobatic routine.

Despite their brilliance however, they are marginally eclipsed in fluidity and poise by Germán Cornejo himself when he takes to the stage with his regular partner Noelia Pizzo. With her sultry beauty, precision and flawless line, she literally takes your breath away. They share the stage with other pairings which include Esteban Simon and Marilu Leopardi, Guido Palacios and Florencia Zarate, and Juan Cupini and Erica Rossi. Joining the dancers on stage are singers Vanina Tagini and Jesus Hidalgo who perform beside the onstage band under the guidance of pianist Diego Ramos.

All-in-all, a thoroughly entertaining evening, but for me, there’s only so much tango one can watch and I won’t need to see another such production for a good while. If you feel like satisfying your immediate appetite, TANGO AFTER DARK continues at Sadler’s Wells until Monday 9th November and runs 2 hours with an interval.

Tango After Dark Tickets