Review: Giovanni Pernice: Dance is Life

Friday 5th April 2019

Giovanni Pernice, of Strictly Come Dancing fame, packed the house out when he made his first to Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion in June last year. Once again, Giovanni was partnered by Strictly dance professional, Luba Mushtuk and accompanied by six highly talented dancers.

Sicilian born Giovanni is one of life’s charmers. As soon as he takes to the stage you are instantly mesmerised by him. He has perfect comic timing, an array of facial expressions that fit any situation, immense sensuality and of course, he can pulsate with speed that seems humanly impossible to most of us. If ever there needed to be clarification of what ‘the X Factor’ is – Giovanni has it.

During the first act, Giovanni commanded the floor whilst illustrating what being an Italian is all about. Sarah – a member of audience, got to experience what a ‘first Italian date’ with Giovanni would be like – plenty of vino and a Margarita Pizza, courtesy of Deliveroo!

In the second part of the show, Giovanni and his dance group told the moving story of how his Italian grandfather wooed his grandmother back in 1935. However, the romance was not without its issues – there were arguments, fights and jealous tendencies, not to mention the interference of others and his grandmother’s tears, until, finally, love managed to conquer all.

Dance is Life is a truly wonderful, feel good show. Dance fanatics will marvel at the Latin American, ballroom and contemporary choreography. The female costumes are every young girl’s dream and the lighting and set designs are to be applauded.

Dance lovers, if you do nothing else, make sure that you catch Giovanni when he brings his 2020 show to The Spa Pavilion. He is certainly not an act to be missed.

Reviewed by Gill Atacocugu.