A gloriously sinful and sizzling ballroom extravaganza that thrills and delights beyond measure

Before I took up my seat in the Opera House of the Pretoria State Theatre for my inaugural Burn the Floor experience, I briefly rubbed shoulders with two patrons who happened to be experts on the South African theatre scene. They explicitly expressed the need to prepare myself to be blown away by what was about to unfold.  Their brief appraisal was spot-on.  You don’t simply see this show; your visual and aural senses are high-jacked by the performers, as you live through the entire experience with them. My usual deeply seated cynicism was vanquished just as the show was about to start, courtesy of two court jesters. The twosome playfully wooed the crowd with their whimsical offstage antics, reminiscent of mime artists, albeit both decked out in 1800’s costumes. The curtains raised.

The audience was met by a sublimely serene ballroom setting, bathed in a soft white light enveloping the stage. The backdrop illustrated a street scene that summoned an image of a 17^th century European town, complimented by flanking, satin drapes. A company of dance duos blissfully started waltzing to the orchestral music of Austrian Composer Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube…

Burn the Floor is based on ballroom routines with a twist, which became blazingly apparent just as soon as a guitarist appeared onstage behind the dancers, clad in black leather and a black feather-adorned Mad Max inspired helmet. He launched into a thunderous solo riff from a completely different genre. Somehow these rock sounds meshed seamlessly into the classical orchestral arrangements. This musical rollercoaster, mixed with Latin American themes reflected in both song and dance, characterised the essence of this production throughout.

Originally conceived by founder and producer Harley Metcalf in the late nineties, his new theatrical production sent shockwaves through the ballroom establishment, eventually growing into the spectacular production it is today. Portrayed by charismatic, deeply committed and disciplined performers, it was a joy to witness the passion they have for their craft, clearly evident in their eyes during their energetic, relentless 90 minute performance. The spatial confines of the theatre seat was hampering, as I felt like rising and bursting into an eclectic celebration myself, whilst being strung along by the meticulously choreographed sequences.

Choreographer and director Peta Ruby, together with co-choreographer Jason Gilkison, managed to capture the rebellious spirit as before, though with a more daring rock angle, breathing new life into the traditional dances such as the Viennese Waltz and Foxtrot. Yet these seared with the passion of the Latin Tango and Paso Doblè, simultaneously revelling in the sheer energy of the Cha-Cha, the Samba and even Jive.

Scott Rodgers’ lighting design meshed perfectly with the fast pace of the choreography. The carefully sequenced lights painted the stage in either vibrant multi-colours or soft hues of orange, yellow and red, enhancing the themes presented onstage to such an extent that it drew the audience into this electrically charged celebration of life.

South African talent is prominently featured in this international production, to the likes of dancers Johannes Radebe and Kylee Brown. Radebes’ breathtakingly beautiful, explicit dance routines during Kissing You are most worthy of international accolade. Not only is he the current reigning South African National Ballroom and Latin American Champion but also a dance trainer for the TV production Strictly Come Dancing SA. I am certain we will be seeing more of this Free State born performer in years to come.

Brown fits the cast of dancers well with her experience in freestyle and notably Latin, displayed in Aint No Other Man, as she glides over the stage in a sultry manner. Dancing since the age of 8, she is the undefeated WDC South Africa under 21 Latin Champion, winner of the under 21 WDC World Latin Championships and scored top ranks in the Open British Latin Championship. In the band, lurking behind the armoury of drums and percussion, was another proud SA performer, PW van der Walt. Never missing a beat, Van der Walt’s occasional smirk oozed self-confidence, with his set of drums reverberating along, all the while lending the rapid musical rhythm that forms the foundation of Burn the Floor.

Songs include music from Santana, Kelly Clarkson, and Christina Aguilera. A jaw dropping rendition of Led Zeppelin’s 1971 classic, Stairway to Heaven, was one of my highlights, arranged with an infusion of the now familiar Latin-esque style, delivered by accomplished Italian vocalist Mikee Introna. His incredible, pitch-perfect vocal talent left me in awe, especially when he hit the high notes, reminiscent of Robert Plant’s original vocal recording. Equally impressive was the voice of Sharnielle Hartley who hails from Australia. Her easy-flowing, yet forceful act was nothing short of astounding. The voices of Introna and Hartley in unison sent shivers down the spine.

A large international show of this distinction comprises of a gifted, multi-national crew who all play their part in bringing such a dynamic production to life and certainly every single member deserves mention for their individual contribution…

Burn the Floor revolutionised the image of dance and inspired reality TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing. It is brought to South Africa by Bernard Jay and The South African State Theatre, in association with Kyknet, Jacaranda FM and will blow the roof off the following venues:

Pretoria: The State Theatre: 28 April to 15 May 2016

Cape Town: The Baxter Theatre: 19 May to 5 June 2016

Durban: iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino & Entrtainment Kingdom: 8 – 19 June 2016

Photos courtesy of Burn the Floor, Review edited by Chris Avant-Smith

The post Review: Burn the Floor appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Before there was Dirty Dancing… Before there was Saturday Night Fever… Before ballroom dancing became cool with reality TV… There was the real deal – the dancers tearing up the dance floor, in an “international style” competition since 1920.

International style competitions involve five Latin American dances and five classic ballroom dances. From this competition came a theatre production so fabulous, so hot that it’s called Burn the Floor. Only the fanciest foot moves and tidiest twirls make it on this stage … and they’re coming soon to South African stages. The countdown is well and truly on – Burn the Floor: Fire in the Ballroom starts its South African run at the State Theatre next month.

The original concept of the theatrical dance production grew from an electric display of ballroom and Latin dancing at Sir Elton John’s 50th birthday party in 1997. It was there that the ballroom dance world was opened up to producer Harley Medcalf .His first edition of Burn the Floor was launched in 1999 and revolutionised the image of dance.

By 2016, it has evolved, and the new South African run of Burn the Floor: Fire in the Ballroom has a theatrical rock angle. Think Santana, Janis Joplin, Christina Aguilera and Led Zeppelin. There are no Tiny Dancers here. It’s something about the way you look tonight. It’s hauling out your blue moves. Described as “gloriously sinful” it promises to put dance competitions as you know them to shame.

Catch it in the Opera Theatre of The South African State Theatre in Pretoria from April 27th to May 15th; the Baxter Theatre at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town from May 19th to June 5th; and the iZulu Theatre at the Sibaya Casino in Durban from June 8th to 19th.

Choreographed and directed by long-time Australian Latin champion Peta Roby, the international cast of dance champions includes the sensational South Africans, Johannes Radebe and Kylee Brown.

Born and talent nurtured in South Africa, Johannes Radebe started dancing at the age of 7. He is the current reigning South African National Ballroom and Latin American Champion and is a season dance trainer for the TV production Strictly Come Dancing SA. Johannes recently became a very recognisable figure in South Africa when he and his celebrity partner, Capetonian Leigh-Anne Williams, were the runners-up in the 2015 season of the TV show.

Kylee Brown was born in Pretoria and started dancing at the age of 8. Kylee is the undefeated WDC South Africa Under 21 Latin Champion. In 2011 she won the Under 21 WDC World Latin Championships and the highlight of her dancing career to date was winning the Under 21 Open British Latin Championship in Blackpool in 2012.

Burn The Floor: Fire in The Ballroom is brought to South Africa in 2016 by Dance Partner Productions, in association with The South African State Theatre and Bernard Jay. Step lively if you want to see it – tickets for the South African tour in 2016 are now on sale at Computicket.

SHOW INFORMATION  

Pretoria: South African State Theatre: 28 April 2016 – 15 May 2016

Cape Town: Baxter Theatre – 15 May 2016 – June 2016

Durban: Sibaya Casino – 8 June 2016 – 19 June 2016

Tickets at Computicket

The post Burn the Floor appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Fire in the Ballroom

The true rebels of ballroom “Burn the Floor” are heading back to Joburg with a stunning new production.

Audiences will be thrilled with the news that Strictly Come Dancing runner up, Johannes Radebe, will be joining the cast as a fully-fledged part of this international dance sensation.

Burn The Floor – “Fire in the Ballroom” will run on the Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein for a limited season from September 16th to October 3rd.

Crafted over the past two years by groundbreaking choreographers Jason Gilkison and Peta Roby, the hit dance sensation is currently performing to rapturous European and American audiences.

Burn the Floor’s Executive Producer Nic Notley says, “The new show is totally different than our last production that came to Joburg, and will blow the roof off the theatre!  It has the same rebellious spirit, though more daring with a more theatrical rock angle – we have also designed a new set, new costumes and new music including Santana, Janis Joplin, Christina Aguilera and Led Zeppelin.  Don’t think twice about returning to see the show – it will be a great night out, I promise!”

Burn the Floor has the reputation of being the “worlds toughest dance show” and the dancers are handpicked to embrace a new Latin American feel.  The producers are delighted to have a South African performing on the world tour.

Johannes Radebe, along with his Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner Leigh-Anne Williams, have had the South African television viewing public on the edge of their seats each week with their deft dance moves and crept into everyone’s hearts as a firm favourite, right up until their were declared runners-up in the recent final held on Friday August 7th.

Born and talent nurtured in Zamdela, Sasolburg, Johannes Radebe started dancing at the age of seven, fascinated by the discipline and the glamour of Ballroom and Latin.

He competed in local competitions, working up the Latin ranks with top honours, and had an undeniable presence in provincial championships in the Free State.

At age eleven, already a junior pre-championship dancer, his future was decided in 2001 when he was offered training in the Gauteng province.

Along with his dance partner Jeanne Swart, he was crowned SA National Champions in 2014.  He made it to the finals of Strictly Come Dancing 7 in 2014 and repeated that achievement now in 2015.

Peta Roby, Burn the Floor’s Director says, “Johannes is a choreographer’s dream and with his spellbinding charisma and dance skills to match, it does not get a lot better!  The audiences are in for a visual treat – South Africa has some extraordinary dance talent that I want the world to see.”

Burn The Floor – “Fire in the Ballroom” will run on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from September 16th to October 3rd.

Performances are from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.

Tickets for performances from Tuesdays to Thursdays, and weekend matinee performances are from R100 to R350.

Tickets for performances on Friday and Saturday evenings are from R150 to R400.

These are exclusively available from www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.

The post Burn the Floor appeared first on Stage and Screen.