Few shows run for a quarter of a century. The Australian dance spectacular Burn the Floor has, however, gone one better, hitting that milestone while continuing to expand its worldwide following.
The secret of that success has been an exciting, envelope-pushing, ever-evolving blend of ballroom and contemporary dance styles set to hit songs.
Since its 1999 premiere starring our internationally renowned world champion Latin ballroom pair Jason Gilkison and Peta Roby, Burn the Floor (BTF) has expanded into a global brand, selling four million-plus tickets in more than 30 countries. On top of international tours, it presents three permanent Norwegian Cruise Line productions.
Producer Harley Medcalf says there are “four BTF companies working”. “Rarely a day will go by without a Burn the Floor show or two running somewhere in the world,” Medcalf says.
And now that includes an Australian homecoming, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a national tour that includes shows in Bundaberg, Brisbane and Caloundra in August.
Burn the Floor: Dare to Dream has been created especially for Aussie audiences. Songs by INXS, John Farnham, Cold Chisel, Sia, AC/DC, Keith Urban and special guest vocalist Phil Burton’s own Human Nature fuel routines by choreographer/dancers Robbie Kmetoni (winner of So You Think You Can Dance – 2010), Dancing With the Stars professional Jorja Freeman and Italian dance champion Alberto Faccio.
For the first time the show will run as a single act of about 90 minutes, upping the intensity and adding super-stamina to the dancers’ skill set.
“It’s going to be a marathon, but with incredible energy!” Kmetoni enthuses.
Motivated by a mantra of “be brave, no boundaries, dare to dream”, the cast members take every challenge in their stride, fully supported by Peta Roby, who has been channelling her expertise and influence into directing and development since hanging up her dancing shoes in 2005.
“Peta always says she’s not a dictator, she’s a collaborator,” Kmetoni says. “She’s so beautiful to work with and provides incredible direction.”
Kmetoni was just 18 when he chose joining Burn the Floor on London’s West End as his So You Think You Can Dance prize.
Coming from a classical and commercial training background, he embodies the cross-genre diversity that keeps Burn the Floor growing.
Roby says “our roots are ballroom but we have to be open to what’s happening in the world”.
“And we’re definitely allowing ourselves to be influenced by it,” she says. “It’s always important for me to keep my eye on what’s coming up underneath, and it’s about having that youthful influence in the company.
“I must say I feel like when Robbie (Kmetoni) joined the company, he was the one that broke our mould. He’s the ‘now’. His influences have changed the way we think. I’m so proud Robbie’s now choreographing and that he’s been able to actually help our company develop that beautiful fusion with contemporary in our dance.”
For his part, Kmetoni saw it as an equal exchange.
“When I joined in 2010 I had to be open and willing to challenge my body and my mind in a short time to perform against incredible world champions in a show that was already put together.”
He says each cast member demonstrates that ethos.
Get InReview in your inbox – free each Saturday. Local arts and culture – covered.
Thanks for signing up to the InReview newsletter.
“Everyone’s willing to commit 100 per cent every day, no matter what style it is, no matter what.”
Roby wants audiences to be “blown away” by the talent she describes as “the cream of the crop for our industry”. Among them, fans of Dancing With the Stars will also recognise Freeman’s fellow professionals Gustavo Viglio, Lyu Masuda and Lily Cornish.
Kmetoni says he wants BTF “to remind everyone how great the talent is here in this country”.
Burn the Floor: Dare to Dream perform at Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg, August 21; Brisbane Powerhouse, August 22-24; The Events Centre, Caloundra, August 25.
Support local arts journalism
Your support will help us continue the important work of InReview in publishing free professional journalism that celebrates, interrogates and amplifies arts and culture in South Australia.
Donate Here
