Every now and then a dance show comes along that has such runaway enthusiasm that you bin the criticism and merrily rave to anyone who will listen. Havana Rakatan is such a show. There are reservations, such as over-long numbers and unclear narrative, and there will always be those who pour scorn by claiming Cuba peaked with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Maybe it did, maybe it didn’t but no one minds when Rakatan’s 13 dancers have such feel-good appeal and its nine musicians show such sass. Trumpeter Alberto Pellicer is Mr Refrigerator, while Geidy Chapman is a sight to behold as she shimmy-shakes her magnicent bosom and coaxes a reserved audience into the salsa groove. Watching her tip-toe with her dapper co-singer Michel is even better – his hand on her plumptious curves is a million blessed miles from the stick models and their scruffy boyfriends that we’re supposed to find appealing.
Havana Rakatan is the work of Nilda Guerra, the young choreographer-director whose show features broad brush strokes of Cuban dance, from its Afro-Hispanic heritage to its own Chan Chan. These sashay unashamedly along, with more recent variants on the island’s moves all part of the popular mix. Purists will pick at the costumes (many), acting (obvious) and the style and sound which are strictly bongos, turbans and tassels. There’s even a balletic scene, which you don’t expect, except it’s another dance form at which the Cubans excel.
In London for its third visit, the show is like party dancing onto which we willingly project. It’s as if you’re watching yourself having a really fun time. Rakatan shows little taste for more serious issues, although enjoying yourself is serious enough.
Until 23 May. Information: 0844 412 4300. www.sadlerswells.com.
Havana Rakatan
Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT
