REVIEW: Pasha Kovalev – Life Through Dance, Sir John Wilson Town Hall, Airdrie

The Siberian terpsichorean and Strictly Come Dancing reigning champion, Pasha Kovalev returns to Scotland with his newest show: Life Through Dance showcases the perennial favourite’s impressive choreographic and dancing skills as well as providing an insight into his journey from child in Russia to worldwide favourite.

In the near two and a half hour show Kovalev is accompanied by two professional pairs (Ryan Hammond & Marcella Solimeo and James Wilson & Leila Stewart) as well as his original professional partner Anya Garnis and delivers a whirlwind tour of dance styles neatly linked by big screen footage of Kovalev talking of his inspiration for, and motivation to, dance. The set is simple but effective and is complemented by inventive lighting and projections.

Kovalev’s sheer class shines through and despite the undoubted talent and quality of the other dancers, Kovalev is simply in a different class. The effortlessness with which he executes each routine is breathtaking.

Kovalev’s warm personality shines throughout and at times he’s like a little boy on Christmas morning, such is his delight at the reaction of the crowd. A quality evening and hopefully not the last time we see him here in Scotland.

In a phrase – просто отлично!