Nikita Kuzmin swaps the Strictly ballroom for Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House with Supernova, a high-energy dance spectacular.
Since joining the glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, Nikita Kuzmin has quickly become one of the show’s standout professional dancers. The six-time Italian Latin and Ballroom champion has reached the final twice, alongside the fabulous Layton Williams and Amber Davies.
Like many of his fellow Strictly cast members, Nikita has embarked on his own headline tour across the UK. Created in collaboration with world-renowned choreographer and BAFTA Award-winning creative Jason Gilkison, Supernova takes his signature style beyond the television screen and out to the masses.
Earlier this week, the tour arrived in Newcastle for one night only at Tyne Theatre & Opera House – and I was there to experience it for myself.
What to expect from Supernova
As the lights came up and dance anthem Cafe del Mar filled the room, you could have been forgiven for thinking you’d wandered into an Ibiza nightclub rather than a historic theatre.
The cast of seven dancers teased the spectacle to come, before Nikita made his entrance on stage. When he finally appeared, he was, of course, wearing a cropped silver sequin jacket. The show had well and truly begun!
After his opening number, Nikita explained that, like a supernova, the show is made up of the explosive fragments that have shaped him as a performer.
From the elegance of ballroom to the energy of Latin, every routine celebrates a different side to Nikita, with each dance style bursting onto the stage like another beam of starlight.
Strictly favourite Nadiya Bychkova also joined him on stage throughout the evening. Across the tour, this special guest role has alternated between Nadiya, Karen Hauer and Janette Manrara, making each performance feel that extra bit special for avid Strictly followers.
The show then took a nostalgic turn towards old Hollywood glamour – the golden age of cinema that pre-dates modern celebrity. I’ve always loved this style of dance, and it reminded me of those classic movie moments that leave a lasting imprint on your childhood.
One of my favourite routines of the night took inspiration from Romeo + Juliet, blending songs forever associated with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes’ iconic film with the intensity of Rosalía’s recent top 10 hit, Berghain. Billowing skirts whipped across the stage dramatically, in what was a captivating sequence of choreography.
As the show unfolded, Nikita shared more personal stories with the audience, and even welcomed two volunteers on stage to take part in a lighthearted quiz.
In contrast, a contemporary routine set to Coldplay’s Fix You then delivered one of the evening’s most emotional and vulnerable moments, perfectly demonstrating the power of dance to convey feelings that words simply can’t express.
The staging and soundtrack
The staging had a futuristic vibe, with illuminated blocks of light coming to life throughout the show as Nikita interacted with the voice behind them. It instantly reminded me of Jem and the Holograms, with the colourful digital backdrops helping to set the mood for each routine.
The music selection was varied, spanning many different decades and genres. My boyfriend and I had already predicted that Shakira would feature somewhere in the setlist (we were both right!) but there was everything from Ultra Nate and Robyn to Mika, The Police and Pet Shop Boys. The variety of artists and mix of tempos reflected the versatility of the show’s choreography.
Singer Lois Faith also joined the dancers on stage intermittently, with her powerful vocals adding another dimension to the performance.
As the evening quickstepped towards its finale, a routine set to Madonna’s Vogue perfectly summed up everything that makes Nikita such a compelling performer: technical precision, charisma and magnetic stage presence.
The verdict
A supernova shines with extraordinary brilliance, up to a billion times brighter than the sun, and it seems like a fitting way to describe this show.
Between the sequins and slick choreography, Supernova celebrates everything that’s made Nikita such a popular Strictly star.
He’ll most definitely be lighting up TV’s most famous dance floor again when Strictly returns in the next few months – and here’s hoping he finally lifts the Glitterball Trophy.
Supernova tours the UK until 25th July 2026. For more details, visit nikitasupernova.uk.
