“All in all, a treat for dance lovers who would have been mesmerised through the fast- paced, energetic show.”
Julia Newbould
3.5 Stars
Venue” Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Sydney
Dates: until August 17
When I saw that Burn the Floor was being performed in the Playhouse at the Sydney Opera House, I wasn’t expecting it to be a big experience. I’d seen previous productions of Burn the Floor in large stadium arenas.
But this was a pleasant surprise. The energy, the vitality and the passion of the performers was incredible and the choreography exceptional, and it was great to be up close and personal with the action.
Today’s Burn the Floor’s Ballroom Re-invented, is a slicker, more streamlined production which appeals to dance fans. With the popularity of Dancing with the Stars, this fan base is growing and those in the audience certainly saw some excellent dancers with brilliant choreography.
Following successful runs on Broadway and the West end, the Sydney cast featured international ballroom champions whose spectacular moves are strongly rooted in the classical styles of the waltz, tango, cha cha, rumba and samba.
The Sydney production also features the talented Prinnie Stevens belting out a couple of classics including Proud Mary and It’s a Man’s World.
The musical choices are varied and popular – ranging from Mr Bojangles and a soft shoe cum waltz number to a romantic routine to Coldplay’s Clocks.
The Gypsy King’s version of a Volare was a highlight, and possibly my favourite, which was featured among a number of Cuban songs including Oye Como Va – which had the dancers looking like they had just stepped out of a colourful West Side Story number.
Ballroom Re-Invented began with an electric violin accompanying the dancers through a range of classical ballroom moves. This soon amped up with Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal which started bringing the edginess to the show.
A Spanish segment, was most beautifully performed; there were some serious gangster rock and rolling; and some very high octane sambaing – which seemed not to produce a drop of sweat in the super fit super talented dancers.
It was an 80-minute world-wind of classic rock and pop numbers – the dance choreographed to INXS’s Never Tear Us Apart was breathtaking.
Stairway to Heaven, Piece of My Heart also gave some opportunity for slower numbers featuring different members of the cast.
And the finale was an energetic routine to the Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz.
All in all, a treat for dance lovers who would have been mesmerised through the fast- paced, energetic show.
Three and a half cha cha chas
Julia Newbould, Theatre Now
