his Friday night, 32 high energy, sultry and scantily clad international ballroom dancers will invade Kingsbury Hall, and it’s all thanks to Elton John. Five years ago, at his 50th birthday bash, Sir Elton staged a spectacular display of ballroom and Latin dance that was a huge hit with the 600 hundred guests at his little birthday get-together.

That performance inspired producer Harley Metcalf to create the groundbreaking show “Burn the Floor,” a showcase of the traditions of ballroom dance combined with the creativity, energy and technology of a rock concert. Metcalf is also responsible for the Irish Dance spectacle “Lord of the Dance,” starring the exceptionally oily chest of Michael Flatley, but we will try not to hold that against Mr. Metcalf.

Director and choreographer Jason Gilkison has gathered 32 champion ballroom dancers, ranging in age from 17 to 35, from Australia, Italy, Ireland, Norway, England, Sweden, Slovenia and Japan to perform the waltz, cha cha, samba, rumba, lindy, jive and swing, supported by Los Angeles based vocalist Angela Teek.

The dancers of “Burn the Floor” have solid dance technique and the credentials (they have more than 100 championship titles among them) required to perform with the best competitive ballroom dancers, but “Burn the Floor” does not adhere to the somewhat rigid rules of competitive ballroom dance.

In competitions, ballroom dance couples have to follow guidelines for choreographing their dance routines, making sure that they include all the required steps, as well as leaving out steps that might be considered inappropriate for ballroom dancing. Ever see the Baz Luhrmann film “Strictly Ballroom?” Remember when the hero Scott busts out the virtuoso leaps, turns and lifts? That is exactly what ballroom dancers are NOT supposed to do during competitions—if they want to win, that is. The dancers of “Burn the Floor” aren’t out there going for the trophies, so more elements of ballet, jazz and modern dance technique can be utilized in the choreography and more time and energy can be spent performing for an appreciative audience, rather than a row of critical judges. According to dancers David and Malin Watson from Sweden, who also happened to dance at the Elton John birthday party in 1997, performing in “Burn the Floor” has allowed them to fulfill their most ambitious dance dreams. “We strive to entertain the audience to the fullest,” they say, “and when we feel that special connection between ourselves and the audience, that is the greatest reward of all.”

Expect to see plenty of fancy dancing, flashy costumes and firm, tan flesh when “Burn the Floor” takes the stage this weekend. If you liked “Strictly Ballroom”—and frankly, what’s not to like—and you aren’t particularly impressed with the dancers on the Lawrence Welk show, then you should enjoy “Burn the Floor.”

“Burn the Floor” is at Kingsbury Hall April 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $42.50, $35 & $27.50 (ouch, I know, but group discounts are available, so maybe there is a discount for students, too). Get those tickets at the Kingsbury Hall ticket office or call ArtTix (355 ARTS).
megan@red-mag.com