It’s a sold-out Saturday night at The Art Centre’s Great Hall for local tap-dancing legend Bayley Graham’s Rhythm Is My Business, part of the World Buskers Festival.

The set and costumes are minimal, but create a sleek red, black and white aesthetic. The stage is backed by a sign reading Rhythm Is My Business. Only “Business” is illuminated in striking red LEDs, which I think is a creative choice, but Bayley later tells us he couldn’t afford the whole sign and is going to keep adding to it over time – “the life of a performer” he laughs.

We’re treated to a show before the show even begins, as drummer Jack Flanagan – clad in full suit, bowtie and sunglasses – drums along to classic jazz tracks. He’s joined by appearances from dancers Natasha Boon and Azalea Keegan as the audience file in.

It’s showtime and the lights dim; Bayley makes his grand entrance in a near-floor length shaggy black coat. There’s no denying Bayley is an insanely talented dancer, but when talking to the crowd he comes across cocky. It feels like he’s trying to play the role of big-time confident rock star, but not quite executing it right. It rubs me up the wrong way. This attitude might work around the world to a room full of strangers, but the crowd is full of people that know Bayley – friends, family and those who have watched him dance for many years.

The show continues and all the dancing is fantastic. Bayley is joined by Will Perkins for a tap duet to “Putting on the Ritz”, and Natasha and Azalea provide stunning support throughout. It’s cool to see jazz and contemporary dance integrated with Bayley’s tap.

There are a number of incredibly creative numbers, a highlight being Bayley’s duet with Jack on the cajón. The integration of tap and drumming is a true showcase of rhythm, and Bayley’s feet truly move at an astounding speed.

The arrogant character initially portrayed crumbles as Bayley dedicates an emotional solo, “Mr Bojangles”, to his childhood dance teacher, who is in the audience. He fights back tears during the performance and goes into the crowd to give her a hug at the end. Any sour taste left in my mouth from Bayley’s attitude at the beginning is gone.

The supporting dancers are an unexpected highlight throughout the show, with Will Perkins’ contemporary solo an absolute standout. Will is an exceptional young talent, currently home on a break from taking Ōtautahi dance talent to the world.

Bayley returns for an improvised finale, speaking to the crowd about the rare opportunity to disconnect from our phones and connect with a room full of people. It’s raw, vulnerable. This is where he truly shines; no gimmicks, no attitude, just pure talent.

The technical elements of the show need some work – it feels at times there is too much smoke and the sound quality is mixed. Bayley’s shoes were mic’ed, so the tapping is loud and clear, but he and Will sing without mics, making it difficult to hear over the dancing. I sat in the second row, so I can only imagine what it is like further back.

Bayley describes this performance as the premiere, and first iteration of Rhythm Is My Business. There are some moments of absolute gold and I’m excited to see how he can develop the show in the future.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer