Musical Boots

The start of Tap Dogs shocks the beejesus out of me. There is a blast of noise, a blinding light and then, blackness. There is no talking in the theatre.
My knee feels cold; I’ve spilt my Chardonnay in shock.A pair of illuminated workboots appear in the centre of the stage. A heel is raised, then scuffed back and forth. Soon, the movement is too fast to focus on. Piercing metal claps echo over the audience, sounds rain off the walls.
As I blindly wipe at the growing wet patch, I realise this isn’t a typical tap show.

Choreographed by Dein Perry, Tap Dogs is Jupiters Hotel and Casino’s latest stage production. Set in a steel works construction site, the show covers a typical day’s work for six sexy, tap dancing tradies. These boys in Blundstones bang out the beats for over an hour and trust me, the mixture of good looks, cheeky humour and extreme talent makes for one unforgettable show.

Did I mention talent? Not just dancers, but stage hands and skilled percussionists, the tap troupe creates the set as the show progresses. And it’s not all about the boys, perched on scaffolding above the guys are some equally gifted ladies who dominate the drums from the back.

Using every surface imaginable, including the roof, the six pairs of Blundstones splash and swing their way around the stage. They tap with basketballs, ankle grinders and gumboots while their perfectly synchronised feet threaten to set fire to the floor. With a bit of steel here, some ropes there and splosh trays full of water, the audience can’t help but wish we had that much fun at work!

One of the great things about the show is how much energy is projected off stage and into the audience. Debuting back in 1995, Dein Perry’s choreography is fiery, infectious and the show’s global success is undeniable, having performed in 37 countries including New York and London.

Beginning with a bang, (literally) and ending with a beverage, Tap Dogs is anything but boring. After 80 minutes of non-stop tap dancing, the hard working crew gulp down a well deserved beer as the crowd delivers an equally deserved standing ovation. I clap along with the rest of the audience, slopped wine long forgotten.

Tap Dog’s is showing at Jupiter’s newly upgraded theatre for a limited time. Book your tickets now!