If the Burn
the Floor group set out to entertain the audience with a free flow of
energy, suggestive sexuality and Latin grooves, it certainly succeeded
in its latest production FloorPlay. At the start of the show,
the dancers came down from the stage to entice willing viewers into
a seductive number in the aisles. This set the tone for the evening,
which continued to the beat of the salsa, jive and rumba, interspersed
with snatches of classic ballroom dances.
FloorPlay situated the dancers in Harlem Street, a bar, a
nightclub and other settings; the women togged in glittery body-hugging
costumes, the men in ripped jeans and suits. While there was some variation
within each of the dances, they mostly faced the audience as a group,
instead of partnering one another in the manner of competitive ballroom
dancing. The impact of the group was electric, but some of the intricate
footwork and precision - the mark of ballroom champions - got lost in
the chaotic outpouring of energy. After a while, this "shimmy and boogie"
formula became repetitive.
The show had some magical moments. In act one, for example, Jessica
Raffia showcased her high extensions and brilliant sense of timing in
Leading Me On, a sensuous dance with the men in the cast. Act
two drew on the tango and paso doble for Fire in the Ballroom,
which included a spectacular cape-whirling scene for the men and lots
of strutting and pouting in Spanish poses for the ladies.
Other variations came in segments about the history of ballroom dancing
- these included film footage and examples of traditional ballroom
steps, ably performed by Damon and Rebecca Sugden. It was these gentler
moments - danced with precision, perfect posture and skill -
that let the show (and the audience) breathe. They gave respite from
the relentless energy that was almost trying too hard to be entertaining.
The choreography by former world ballroom dance champion Jason Gilkison
clung steadfastly to the Latin side of ballroom dancing and rarely delved
into the waltz, quickstep or foxtrot. For me, this was a disappointment
and resulted in a show that had little time for variation, emotional
nuance and artistry. The dancers were highly skilled athletes who could
afford to tackle more emotionally complex choreography that might have
given the show more light and shade.
FloorPlay was extremely slick, with live music by percussionists
Henry Soriano and Jo Malone, while singers Keiron Kulik and Rebecca
Verrier provided live vocals. With great lighting, a top cast and fabulous
dancing, it would be interesting to see a greater degree of choreographic
risk and complexity to support the excellent dancers and production
values. |
"It was the gentler moments - danced with precision, perfect posture
and skill - that let the show (and the audience) breathe"
Credits
Director and Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
Vocalists: Keiron Kulik and Rebecca Verrier
Percussionists: Henry Soriano and Jo Malone
Dancers include Jessica Raffia and Robin Windsor, Damon
and Rebecca Sugden, and the company
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