Burn the Floor
Choreographer, director and former Latin champion Jason Gilkison
has taken ballroom dancing out of the competitive arena, ditched
the fake tan and sequins and transformed it into a night of great
entertainment.
FloorPlay draws on a variety of styles including samba
and waltz, tango and jive, with routines designed to illustrate the
history and tone of each dance. The cast of 20 versatile dancers
embody Gilkison’s well-crafted choreography, evoking a palette of
moods from romantic to raunchy, feisty to fun, in a seamless blend
of theatricality and technique.
While the production is ostensibly a celebration of ballroom and
Latin dancing, underlying all of the artistry is another crucial
element: sex. This whole show is irresistibly, unashamedly
sexy.
There are plenty of glistening, athletic bodies on display, but
the real electricity is in the way the dancers move, sinuously
swivelling their hips as they glide, shimmy and strut across the
stage.
Dressed in a multitude of revealing yet effective costumes, the
young women are strong performers, showing their personalities and
fabulous legs to great effect. Although the men are often relegated
to monotone suits and hats, they are no less talented or
charismatic.
Colourful nightclub numbers, a handsome matador scene and some
very sensual moments feature among the many routines for individual
couples and larger groups. The two glamorous singers, Esther
Hannaford and Kieron Kulik, give the show a cabaret feel,
occasionally joining the dancers on the floor.
While most of the music is recorded, live percussion is played
throughout by Henry Soriano and Giorgio Rojas on two enormous drum
kits at the rear of the stage.
Overall, FloorPlay strikes a fine balance between
virtuosity, passion and light-hearted entertainment.
