Strictly star Johannes Redebe is bringing his sizzling South African show to the Dartford stage on his first ever solo tour.
Freedom, which is at the Orchard Theatre on Friday, 8 April, is the first time that the professional dancer will take his own production around the country.
The exhilarating dance show is a celebration of music and movement, from African fusion to fiery Latin. There will also be crowd-pleasing classic dances and party anthems, all performed with Johannes’ trademark enthusiasm and vibrancy.
“Freedom is my story and it will be full of love and passion,” promises the 34-year-old dancer. “I wanted to incorporate everything I know and everything I am, using my world to showcase some of those stories of South Africa.
“It’s an extravaganza that I have created using my mind, body and soul. I want everyone up on their feet and in the aisles. It’s the freedom to do what you want and to be who you want in the world.”
Johannes is no stranger to being on the road, as he previously toured with renowned dance company Burn the Floor - which led to him being head-hunted for Strictly Come Dancing.
“I have danced in groups, on ships, in bars, on the street - I have always wanted to be a performer,” says Johannes, who worked for two years on South Africa’s Strictly Come Dancing before appearing on the UK version. “But since a young age I have always aspired to perform in theatre. That’s where my roots are. The desire to have my own show; to tell my own story through dance, is wonderful.
“It’s a story about where I come from. It’s going to be beautiful and inspirational and will tell people that you can dare to dream big; that the world is more accepting now. It’s going to be a journey.”
Since joining Strictly in 2018, Johannes has become a firm fan favourite. Last year saw him take to the dancefloor with baker John Whaite for Strictly’s first ever all-male partnership.
The couple received high praise from the judges and audiences while on the show and reached the final, but lost out on the glitterball to EastEnders’ Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
With spectacular stage production, sing-along songs and thrilling dance, Johannes is set to spread joy to theatres around the country - including Kent.
“Where I come from, everybody dances,” adds Johannes. “My mission is to get the whole world dancing.”
Freedom is at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford, on Friday, April 8. Book online here or call 03433 100 033.
The show will also be visiting the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, on Sunday, May 1. Book online here or call 01227 787 787.
