Ballroom With A Twist

Tonight the Utah Symphony was joined by Dmitry Chaplin, Chelsie Hightower, and Tristan MacManus from Dancing With The Stars, Randi Lynn Strong, Jonathan Platero, and Legacy Perez from So You Think You Can Dance, and vocalists Gina Glocksen, David Hernandez, and Von Smith from American Idol.  I don't ever watch these shows but this concert looked like a lot of fun and a splendid time is always guaranteed for all when Pops Conductor Jerry Steichen comes to town.  The orchestra, along with the featured vocalists, performed a wide variety of dance music including traditional waltzes, jazz, hip hop, country swing, and salsa.  The dancers performed with amazing costumes and incredible choreography.  I especially enjoyed  "I Got Rhythm," "Singin' in the Rain," "You Can't Stop the Beat," "Walkin' in Memphis," and "Zoot Suit Riot." Each number was high-energy and the audience at Abravanel Hall was very appreciative with cat-calls and whistles throughout!  The dancers even attempted to teach the audience a bit of choreography.  It did involve a "shimmy" and the less said about that the better!  The entire program was highly entertaining and I really enjoyed myself!

 

Note:  It was good to actually leave the house tonight!  I have become a virtual hermit this week, staying home every single night to watch Season 2 of Downton Abbey.  I am obsessed and the obsession will probably continue next week because my friend Rayne (we text each other while watching episodes) mentioned that Season 3 was already available at Target.  I bought it this afternoon (I got the last one).  Squeal!