Shanghai Daily news

The idea was born at Elton John's 50th birthday party and is now a showbusiness phenomenon that is touring the world. Michelle Qiao previews the coming-to-Shanghai of the dance spectacular "Burn the Floor"

Inspired by excitement of the show that accompanied Elton John’s 50th birthday party, the dance spectacular “Burn the Floor” featuring champion dancers will be staged in Shanghai next week.

Champion dancers from 15 countries will whirl into the Shanghai Grand Stage next week to present the world's latest hot and sexy dance show, "Burn the Floor."
The three two-hour performances promise to be "absolutely breathtaking and passionate," according to Li Jia, a Latin dance fan who has seen the show overseas.
"In my eyes, 'Burn the Floor' is more attractive to watch than other contemporary dance shows such as 'Riverdance'," Li says.
"Burn the Floor" was conceived eight years ago at British superstar Elton John's 50th birthday bash when he hosted a phenomenal display of ballroom and Latin dance, captivating his 600 invited guests. The performance inspired producer Harley Medcalf to create this ground-breaking show.
It magically combines the elegance and sophistication of ballroom dancing with sweaty, sensual rock and roll.
The show consists of dazzling displays of rumba, samba, cha-cha, waltzes, jive, jitterbug, swing, mambo, salsa, tango and quickstep. The traditional pivots, voltas, swirls and sways of ballroom dancing have been pulled apart and stuck back together by the troupe with sexy, saucy, hip-gyrating abandonment.
"Burn the Floor" began touring the world after it proved itself to be a hit with its first performance in Australia in 1999.
"This hot dances create a competitive atmosphere between two teams of dancers," says Li. "It was so exciting that we in the audience found it hard to sit still - you cannot help dancing with them."
To ensure the best effects, the organizers have shipped the original "burning floor" from Australia.
"The floor consists of six layers and the surface is Canadian maple," says Li Xiangrong, manager of the CPAA Entertainment which is behind the performance. "Each layer is fashioned from a different material specially designed to assist the intensive dancing and the whole floor is designed to help reduce strain on the dancers' leg muscles.
"We are also using a special US-made oil which prevents dancers from slippery and polishes the floor at the same time. But the oil costs around US$100 per square meter."
In addition to the expert dancing, the funky, sometimes retro costumes, exciting music and rock concert-style lighting all add to the spectacle.
"Each dancer has a different fabulous costume but they all look harmonious when together on stage," says manager Li.

Date: October 19-21, 7:30pm
Tickets: 100-800 yuan
Address: 1111 Caoxi Rd N.
Tel: 54660-260, 5466-6818