'It's a dream come true'

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 Bath.

- NATALIE BANYARD

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.

"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. "I have been working non-stop every single day for the past eight or nine months," says Nikita. "And now that the product is finished it feels amazing.

"I am always my biggest critic, but I actually feel this show is really good, and for me to say that, it must be good! It feels really nice to be able to say that and it's definitely something to be proud of.

"After four years in the making, it's a joy to finally be presenting it to audiences and we see them smiling, and loving it, and up dancing at the end of the show - it's just incredible."

Nikita is joined on tour by a sharp and chic cast of world-class performers including dancers Sophie Baker, Thomas Charles, Lowri Hamilton, Samuel Lake, Charlotte Lee, Zara Liu, Seamus McIntosh, Daniel Rae, and Andreea Toma; and vocalist Rebecca Lisewski, whose credits include Mamma Mia! in the West End and Cabaret in London's Playhouse Theatre.

"They're all so talented," he gushes, "and I'm thrilled that they are all getting such great compliments and feedback.