Energetic, electric and enthralling, Burn the Floor provides spectacular entertainment with stunning ballroom and latin dancing.
Right from the first moment with dangerous lifts involving the female dancers being thrown around like footballs, although considerably more gracefully than that, the audience is captivated. The show consists of breathtaking dance routines involving many ballroom styles and proves that the dance form is certainly not obsolete. Far from it, some of the most talented ballroom dancers in the world achieved a well-deserved standing ovation after an amazing show last night at the Oxford New Theatre on their UK tour.
Perhaps the main selling point for many an audience member is the famous face: Kevin Clifton (or Kevin from Grimsby), one of Strictly Come Dancing’s best loved professionals. The reigning Strictly champion charms the audience with funny monologues introducing dances yet it is a complete surprise to hear the dancer sing. But not just sing, continue to dance at the same time! Kevin belts his way through 'Let Me Entertain You' during a fast-paced routine with buckets full of pizzazz!
Despite the all-dancing, all-singing, all-talking Kevin moments, there are many other highlights to the fiesta of dance. Johannes Radebe brings the party vibes with saucy latin dancing as he gyrates his hips like there’s no tomorrow! His cheeky personality mixes with the occasional smoulder and raised eyebrow to the audience to create a fabulous cocktail of fun!
The exceptional cast also stars Graziano Di Prima, another Strictly professional, who performs a spellbinding duet with his fiancée, Giada Lini. Gracing the stage, the pair perfectly complement each other and Graziano speaks so passionately about his love for Giadi, melting the hearts of the audience. Both come across as extremely likeable and I hope others are fortunate enough to witness the magic they create on stage.
It seems almost impossible to pick one dance that stands out because the choreography throughout is impeccable and performed faultlessly by the Burn the Floor ‘family’. There is a style for everyone with tastes of Jive, Rumba, Cha Cha, Charleston, Foxtrot and so many more. The creators have managed to incorporate several genres of music for the diverse band to perform which creates excellent variety in songs as well.
One particularly remarkable moment however is Hallelujah; a contemporary style routine showcasing the beauty of the art. Performers somehow manage to make everything seem effortless and relaxing, casting a peaceful spell over the audience.
Greatly contrasting this, a tribute to the opera Carmen opens the second half with a trilogy of spine-tingling dances. Everything from the costumes and choreography to the music and movement of the dancers is phenomenal as Nancy Xu takes the lead with astounding acting through her heartbreaking dancing. The overwhelming emotion she brings to dance pours out with each step and is absorbed by everyone in the audience; awestruck by her undeniable brilliance. I would happily watch her fly across the stage with Graziano and Kevin any day.
Burn the Floor lives up to being the ‘Ultimate Ballroom sensation’ and I can’t wait for when they inevitably return for another large helping of virtuosic dancing.