It's sequins, sparkles and torsos galore in this dazzling show which reinvents the often dated persona of ballroom dancing. Burn the Floor, first seen back in 1999 and now returning to the West End following a world tour, focuses solely on dance and the multitude of stories one song has the ability to tell.
Headlined by Strictly Come Dancing stars Robin Windsor and Kristina Rihanoff, it's clear the show is an ensemble piece from the very start with the headline pair happy to take a back seat and let the other dancers showcase their talent. This high energy show has a mixture of numbers from a steamy Salsa to an elegant and stylish Viennese Waltz. The extensive wardrobe designed by Bret Hooper complements the songs perfectly, with not a feather too little nor a sequin too much.
Smooth transitions between juxtaposing numbers makes the show, which is choreographed by Jason Gilkison, easy on the eye without disengaging. The stand-out numbers are the Viennese Waltz to the ballad "Everybody Hurts", and the high energy Jive to "Proud Mary."
The vocals (by Peter Saul Blewden and Vonzell Solomon) are spot-on and, thanks to the strong work of sound designer Derek Wilson and musical director Joseph Malone, take us on a roller-coaster of emotions, laughing one minute to being close to tears the next.
The chemistry between the dancers is remarkable; there is as much energy, charisma and dedication as there are high kicks, hip shakes and two-steps, with not a move dropped too early.
The subtle set design by Ray Klausen leaves the dancers with no place to hide and never distracts from the dances. And imaginative lighting design by Scott Rogers heightens the experience and complements the steamy Samba and Paso Doble with sultry reds and the elegant Waltz with a crisp spotlight.
- Kira Gorman
Photo: Francis Loney
**Come on our hosted Whatsonstage.com Outing to Burn the Floor on 20 March 2013 and get your top-price ticket, a FREE poster and access to our EXCLUSIVE post-show meet and greet - all for £28.50!**
