Stomp Romping Into Tampa

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Downtown Tampa was rocked when the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center hosted one of the most intensely physical, rhythmic percussion shows I have ever seen.  Stomp “drummed” up a crowd and took the hearts of their patrons by storm.  I don’t think I witnessed one person not amazed by their performance in that sold out theater.

Stomp is a performance with an urban feel to it, but resembles so many different aspects that it’s hard to put it all into a list.  It’s as intense as River Dance with a blue collar urban feel, but I also see Cirque De Soleil and West Side Story, all masterfully blended into its own unique play.  This show would amaze Fred Astaire for sure.

From start to finish, it was an hour and forty-five minutes of non-stop rhythm. The performers used their bodies, brooms, Zippos, trash cans, signs, newspaper, and anything else they could find to make incredible sounds with.  They combined karate, slapstick, juggling, tap dancing, comedy, intense lighting and the feeling of friendship that will send your emotions running all over the spectrum.  I was awestruck with the choreography of this show, and have a new found respect for the level of physical and mental endurance as well as the countless hours needed to learn this act.  They are true sportsmen and theatrical artists combined into one true package.

What I like the best about this show is the feeling of urban friends (ie. New York City) getting together on a hot summer day, behind one of their places of employment, down an alley chilling out.  They come up with some incredible sounds and dancing to pass the time away.  If you ever lived in a big city, you will know what I mean when you see Stomp.

Stomp is definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever seen; a must for anyone who loves dance and intense choreography. Stomp is a show perfect for any one of any age and race.  When they’re done, you’ll be out of breath and feel sore just from watching.  Oh yeah, they will get you involved in the show, too.

The Expressionist Magazine gives this intense show 5 out of 5 stars, and a big kudos to all the performers who made this look easy.  We also thank the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for having this show for the people of Tampa to be amazed with.