A modern take on tap dance, STORIES – The Tap Dance Sensationis a bold, energetic narrative-driven production that centres on Icarus, a successful young actor trapped under the control of a powerful film director. The story is brought to life by a cast of 10 exceptional dancers performing a fusion of tap dance and urban jazz.
A dynamic, transformable set by Federica Mugnai transports audiences through a cinematic world of film sets, hotels, and gambling clubs, with atmospheric lighting by Alex Hardellet and costumes by Margaux Ponsard and Janie Loriault.
Founded in 2018 by artistic director, choreographer and producer Romain RachlineBorgeaud, RB Dance Company was initially created to revitalise tap dance and reintroduce it to contemporary audiences through ambitious large-scale narrative productions. With STORIES the company aims to modernise the art form while celebrating its theatrical roots.
Review by Richard Lambert.
Everything about this production is superb, from the lighting, set and costumes to the soundtrack and outstanding cast. But what really sets it apart is the extraordinary choreography and staging.
Huge trucks, staircases, doors and panels are constantly moved around the stage, with the dancers leaping between them, plunging from heights and racing up and down the stairs. Guard rails are repositioned mid-performance, and the trucks glide into place with remarkable precision. Every movement is meticulously timed, creating a breathtaking 70 minutes of theatrical action that must have taken an incredible amount of rehearsal to perfect.
Matthew Bourne, move over – there’s a new kid in town!
The costumes are beautifully conceived, moving with the dancers and accentuating their strength and physicality. The lighting is superbly crafted, while the dramatic score drives the action forward, heightening the tension and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
This is theatrical storytelling at its most exhilarating, delivered entirely through dance and physical performance. The energy is extraordinary, the staging is astonishing, and there isn’t a weak link in the entire production.
Do not miss this incredible show!
Cast
Thiméo Garin (principal lead dancer)
Sandra Pericou-Habaillou, Geoffrey Goutorbe, Jérôme Louis, Noémie Dalphin, Lisa Delolme, Malory Hyvelin, Lucas Siffert, Jérémy Marquet and Tidgy Chateau.
Creatives
Romain Rachline Borgeaud — Creator, Writer, Composer, Director, Choreographer and Producer
Angel Cubero — Resident Director
Houdia Ponty — Assistant Director
Sacha Néel — Assistant Choreographer
Federica Mugnai — Set Designer
Alex Hardellet — Lighting Designer
Margaux Ponsard and Janie Loriault — Costume Designers
Bruno Segni — Hair and Make-up Design
Production: RB Dance Company Venue: Peacock Theatre, London Dates: 18–31 October 2026.
https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/stories-the-tap-dance-sensation-2026/
Photo credit: Aline Gérard
STORIES – The Tap Dance Sensation – Tour Dates
3 November 2026 – Royal & Derngate, Northampton
5 November 2026 – Stockton Globe, Stockton
7 November 2026 – Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth
8 November 2026 – Bradford Live, Bradford
9 November 2026 – King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
11 November 2026 – Hall for Cornwall, Truro
27 November 2026 – Metropol Theater, Bremen
28–29 November 2026 – Rosengarten Mozartsaal, Mannheim
1 December 2026 – Theater am Marientor, Duisburg
2–3 December 2026 – Liederhalle Hegelsaal, Stuttgart
8 December 2026 – Stadthalle, Bielefeld
9–10 December 2026 – Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt
11 December 2026 – Musical Theater, Basel
12 December 2026 – Saarlandhalle, Saarbrücken
Trailer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GXqo7PXM5dQd1r6hoQOjCWxJuRpg62z2/view