Dance extravaganza Seoul-bound

Features

Published: 20 Apr. 2006, 20:45

Dance extravaganza Seoul-bound

With the title of “Burn the Floor,” for a show, what else would come to mind but fierce dancing and high-powered choreography?
There is no fuss or muss about it ― the show promises and delivers an extravaganza of ballroom and Latin dance with the overall feel of a musical cabaret. “Burn the Floor” is flashy, hot and sexy with no apologies.
The show’s genesis came when the producer, Harley Mecalf, attended one of Elton John’s extravagant bashes, in this case, the singer/songwriter’s 50th birthday celebration in 1997, at the Hammersmith Ballroom in London. As the event was at its peak, 16 dancers performed a 20-minute ballroom and Latin dance piece that, in the words of Mr. Mecalf, “mesmerized the packed room.”
Eighteen months later, he gathered a team of dancers, choreographers and designers (set and costume) and took the first step in putting his original concept into action. The year 1999 proved productive for the show as it had its world premiere in Bournemouth, England and a film version of “Burn the Floor,” produced by Universal, was released.
Soon after the premiere tour through Europe and Australia, the cast started a full world tour, starting in Australia. Since then, the show has performed in 16 countries and 74 cities.
For six days from next Wednesday at Olympic Park, “Burn the Floor,” featuring 36 dancers and 13 different dance genres, from jive, cha-cha, rumba, samba, waltz and tango to swing and jazz dance, will offer a modern-day cabaret with familiar songs like Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” and “Carousel Waltz” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.
The show will also be a feast for the eyes, as the dancers will be wearing original costumes by designers for Versace and Moschino, known for their bold, glamorous clothes. The costumes have been altered by costume designer and former dancer Bonita Bryg, to allow freedom of movement for the dancers.
The team’s 2006 tour through Asia, including the Seoul show, will be the last time the team will perform the original “Burn the Floor.”
After this tour, the show will be revamped as “Burn the Floor ― Extreme Ballroom” and will feature new music and costumes and updated choreography by art director Jason Gilkison.

by Cho Jae-eun

The show will be held at Olympic hall, Olympic Park in Bangi-dong, southeastern Seoul, from April 26 to May 1 at 8 p.m. on weekdays, 2 and 6 p.m. on weekends. The nearest subway is Jamsil Station, line No. 2, exit 5. Tickets range from 40,000 to 100,000 won ($40-105). For further information, call (02) 548-4480 or visit
www.burnthefloor.co.kr.