In 2018, Armin van Buuren formed a strong collaboration with the young Russian DJ and producer Aleksandr Vladimirovich Shapovalov, better known as Shapov: between that year and the following one, they released three incredible trance tracks, which together made up the Trilogy EP, released on the Armind label, the main sub-label of Armada Music: Our Origin, The Last Dancer, and La Résistance de l’Amour.
Although all three tracks were well-received, The Last Dancer became the most iconic and successful of the collaboration. Voted #3 in the Top 50 of A State of Trance 2018 by fans, The Last Dancer stands out as one of the brightest tracks among the many composed by Armin van Buuren over the past decade.
First played by Shapov during his dual set at Tomorrowland Belgium 2017, it was officially premiered by Armin van Buuren during his set at Jaarbeurs Utrecht for A State of Trance 850 – Be In The Moment event. From that point on, it became a staple in his many DJ sets, eventually turning into an iconic track.
The Last Dancer is a progressive trance track whose main feature is an extended breakdown, starting with a soft, angelic choir and transitioning into a beautiful symphony that builds like an increasingly fast-paced march towards the final drop. The end result, combining all these harmonies, is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Officially, Armin van Buuren vs. Shapov – The Last Dancer was released on March 22, 2018.