Dance Paradise Event Review

After what seemed like an ‘Eternity’ from first reading the exceptional flyer to the actual day of the event, we set off for sunny Great Yarmouth to experience Dance Paradise. A straight run down the A47 for 3 hours and the venue, or venues in this case, is easy to find. Right on the seafront, we arrived at around 5.30pm and already there was a small queue.

Upon entering the main arena inside Tiffanys’ we were immediately hit by the amazing production. A huge stage with the DJ box placed in the centre and plenty of room for the dancers to do their bit. There were excellent backdrops everywhere, all adding to the overall atmosphere of the room. Hanging from the ceiling was a massive ‘DANCE PARADISE’ 3D banner. This was painted in a mad UV colour and looked wicked. On either side of the nice, large dance floor were two good sized dance platforms for those of us who like it on a higher level. A couple of bars catered for ALL your needs, including alcohol, soft drinks and water all at the usual prices. The cloakroom incidentally only cost 50 per item. As it was quite warm we left our coats in the Ravemobile. The sound in the main arena was excellent, nice & clear all of the time. Maybe it could have been just a smidgen louder but even so, wherever you were in the room you could hear the tunes clearly. The entrances to the two other arenas could have been found in the main room, both had been executed well with yet even more banners, more UV effects, more nice and crisp sound, bars etc. The first of which we found was the OYF (Off Yer Face) room. A compact little room, the smallest of the night but still producing a good atmosphere. Next the ETERNITY room, at the previous Dance Paradise this had been the Jungle room. With a nice n’ loud sound system and loads of backdrops, lovely lights and plenty of seating (lightweight friendly), this room also rocked all-night long. Eternity banners graced every possible space as this room was being hosted by the scenes Dance magazine. Well, all this and cor blimey, this is only venue 1 of 3. Not bad considering its all for only 9 pounds. Value or what?

Scruples in the Piazza: Jungle Zone! Again the décor in this arena was well thought out and excellently executed. Two large cubes suspended from the ceiling had images projected onto them. Lots and lots of UV banners adorned the walls and lighting effects were strategically placed to their best advantage giving an overall impression that the effort had definitely been made. This indeed was the impression I got throughout the whole of the show. The stage area of the room was well set out, the DJ being nice and visible. A smaller stage had been placed in front of the main stage and surrounded by a lighting rig. This did an excellent job showing the professional dancers off nicely. All of this and Dance Paradise had even provided a huge beach to chillout on afterwards. What more could you ask for? Our combined journey through the Dance Paradise adventure was thus: 5 rooms, 2 reviewers. I’ve heard of spreading yourself but - Oh well we shall try!

Starting off the night with the Eternity Crew we heard a wonderful set from John Sargeant, this man was unknown to us but after 40 mins of ass kickin tunes we won’t be forgetting him in a hurry, if at all! Next time to really rock.

A very familiar face (or ugly mug) only kidding - NOT! The wonderful sounds of a previous recipient of the coveted Golden Stylus Award. BRISK. Wicked set, when it comes to working a crowd and bringing up an atmosphere this man knows just exactly what to do. About time we checked the main arena, packed by now and rocking to the sound of DJ Druid playing an excellent set accompanied by MC Sharkey. This MC as I have said before is BOSTIN (cool word), in fact he is so good we are going to give him the first of the Bri & Ade Golden Microphone Awards for MC Par de Excellence (we nicked the Mic off Top Of The Pops).

Next up on the Decks in the Main Arena of course, none other than DJ Clarkee. I have to wonder if Clarkee will ever play a bad set. In the time I have been following him, he has yet to disappoint. Respect Due. Judging by crowd reaction he went down well with everyone else as well. After prising myself away from the main arena and leaving Ade who stayed for the rest of the Clarkee set, riveted by the superior skills of Technogod No 1, I was lucky enough to catch at least half of the H.M.S. set in the Eternity room. Yet another top notch set, as usual slight ‘plot loss’ was experienced due to the twisted nature of some of the tunes. Later when Ade was to learn he had missed this set he was to say the least bit gutted. After persuading him to take the rope from around his neck and to come down off that chair he calmed down sufficiently enough to accompany me to the Jungle Zone. Whilst in the Piazza, LTJ Bukem had everyone in the room rockin. The unmistakable sounds of Bukem sounding crisp and clear throughout the whole room. The atmosphere was completely different in here, although still buzzin. Everyone seemed to be well into the tunes etc. Leaving the beats and basslines rollin after about 30 mins or so we nipped back across the road for the P.A. Arriving part way through, DJ Force & The Evolution played one of the longest P.A.’s we’ve seen. Excellent it was too, the crowd lapping up every bit of it.

In the main arena Ramos played in his usual effervescent style, Dougal playing the Anthems to the Hands in the Air massive. In the Eternity room Ade witnessed an excellent set from Mark E.G., up to his usual nutty tricks. Also Alex Hazzard, after arriving late whipped serious ass after John Sergeant covered for him with another excellent play. The Bri & Ade Golden Stylus Award for set of the night goes on this occasion to Seduction playing in the main Arena for the last set. What a way to finish an event like this. A real shame the night had to end at all. How about an All-nighter Alex? As you will probably gather we flitted about all over the shop all night, sorry if we missed anything significant. Although there is no definite date for the next event, you can bet Alex will make sure everything is sorted for your pleasure.