hey!

Ballroom now...it’s raw and flirtatious.

By CHARLIE JOHNSTON | May/June 2008

The first thought that entered my mind after seeing Eldorado’s latest show, “FloorPlay,” was: “How does the cast keep dancing, spinning, twirling, flipping, and sweating for so long?”

“The excitement of doing the dances we love is enough to bring the energy out of us,” says dancer Robin Windsor.

Bringing some of that energy to the audience, the dancers frequently and spontaneously snap their fingers, followed by a quick, sharp, “Hey!” punctuating the popping dance moves and irresistible rhythms. It’s not necessarily a planned part of the performance or part of a script that dictates, “Shout ‘Hey!’ after this step.” It’s more of an impromptu display of passion and excitement.

The dancers’ love for their work shows through the entire performance. Beaming smiles and playful teasing fuel the international cast through an eclectic mix of sensual Latin dances such as the Rumba, Cha-Cha, and Salsa; classic ballroom Fox Trots and Lindys—with modern twists; and snappy big-band-style swing dances.

Singers Esther Hannaford and Kieron Kulik set the tempo with catchy rock and pop songs such as Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Rollin’ on the River” and Gloria Estefan’s “Turn the Beat Around.” A particularly sexy and seductive rendition of the ’80s favorite “Tainted Love” is a crowd favorite. The song’s true meaning seems to be born through the tormented, lusty interaction between Hannaford and Windsor as they fight one another, almost in spite of themselves.

As if the toe-tapping, memorable songs and powerful, exciting dances weren’t enough to keep the audience engaged, the cast went to special lengths to make sure everyone got their money’s worth with frequent detours into the aisles to snatch men—some less shy than others—away from their wives and girlfriends for a quick turn, dip, spin, or even
a kiss.

The 20-member dance troupe, with dancers from the hit television shows Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, form Burn The Floor’s “FloorPlay,” a hip, young 21st-century edge that is an instant crowd pleaser.

“I loved the colorful costumes and the singers,” says audience member Danny Bricino, 24, of Fernley, after the show’s opening-night performance on April 1. “It was super hot. Very sexy.”