This show is billed as a baby disco and that’s just what it is; cool venue, disco ball and tunes. But of course when it comes to babies and small people they always need a bit of help. Sadly this is where we were left wanting.
It was impossible to connect with Mouse who was up on stage behind her decks. The three dancing helpers did their best to encourage the children and parents to let loose and boogie, but we wanted more from Mouse. We needed more from Mouse. After all, it’s her name on the tickets.
Leaving the participants to just dance themselves for a large part of the show is a massive gamble, entirely dependent on whether your crowd is up for it. I can imagine that a house full of extrovert parents and bold kids would pay off. But when the parents are self-conscious and the kids take 35 out of the 40 minutes to warm up? Then, there is nowhere to hide.
When we were given routines to follow, like the Conga, the energy in the room stepped up a gear and it really was great fun for everyone. The show is well worth a look for these snippets alone.
When Mouse finally did join us for the ‘Dancing Queen’ finale you could see the children were curious about her—with her 1950s polka dot dress and Minnie Mouse hair—and keen to dance next to her. I understand that Mouse is a DJ but I wonder whether children really care about that. I suspect they’d have much preferred to dance with Mouse whilst someone else spun the decks.