'I always wanted to be a dancer'

NATALIE BANYARD catches up with the charming and gifted Strictly Come Dancing favourite Nikita Kuzmin, as he brings his first solo show, Midnight Dancer, to Truro

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WITH his outstanding technique, smooth style and charismatic personality, Nikita Kuzmin has thrilled and charmed television viewers on Strictly Come Dancing. Now, the international dance champion has embarked on his first-ever solo tour and is set to delight live audiences in Truro.

Nikita Kuzmin - Midnight Dancer invites you to a fairytale ball like no other, featuring much-loved music anthems, dazzling costumes and explosive choreography. Prepare to be amazed.

The show launched to appreciative audiences back in March and heads to the Hall For Cornwall for one night only on Sunday, May 18.

"Yes, it is my first ever solo tour and it does feel like a big moment," says Nikita when I catch up with him between shows.

"If I'm honest, I feel so nervous and scared - I'm actually shaking when I go out on stage!

"But for me, being vulnerable on stage helps me be truthful and show audiences the true me while at the same time entertaining people and bringing them the best show they've ever seen!

"There's so much going on. We have fabulous costumes, brilliant singers, amazing dancers, 53 different songs... and the audiences are loving it all. Everything is a dream come true."

Midnight Dancer has taken four years from inception to completion, and Nikita is clearly over the moon to finally be bringing the show to theatres.

"I have been working non-stop every single day for the past eight or nine months," says Nikita, who has been paired on the Strictly dance-floor with presenter, cook and social media influencer Tilly Ramsay (2021); Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds (2022); actor and musical theatre performer Layton Williams (2023); and Olympic hockey player and presenter Sam Quek (2024).

"And now that the product is finished it feels amazing.