If you think ballroom dancing is all about sequins, stiff smiles and Strictly-style routines, Burn the Floor Luminous is here to change your mind. Bringing its high-octane blend of dance, music and theatre to the Sydney Opera House, this spectacular production is less “dance recital” and more “someone turned the volume, lights and energy all the way up”.
Luminous brings together some of the world’s finest international champion dancers for a fast-paced celebration of ballroom and beyond. Directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison, the production pushes the boundaries of traditional ballroom, mixing styles with dynamic choreography, live musicians, vocalists and plenty of seriously impressive footwork.
And impressive is an understatement. From the moment the dancers hit the stage, there is an infectious energy that makes it almost impossible to sit still. The choreography is slick, dramatic and occasionally jaw-dropping, with couples twisting, spinning, lifting and throwing themselves across the stage with the kind of precision that makes you wonder whether they have secret springs in their shoes.
The live music and vocals add another layer to the performance, while the costumes and lighting turn the Playhouse into a constantly changing world of colour, movement and glamour. It feels cinematic at times, but there is something wonderfully raw about seeing these incredible dancers performing just metres away.
What makes Luminous particularly accessible is that you don’t need to be a ballroom buff to enjoy it. You don’t even need to know your cha-cha from your cha-cha-cha. The storytelling is in the movement, the music and the sheer personality of the performers, making it an easy night out for dance fans and complete newcomers alike.
It is also a great reminder that ballroom can be much more than a competition floor. Burn the Floor takes the familiar foundations of ballroom and gives them a rebellious, theatrical makeover, resulting in a show that feels contemporary, energetic and seriously entertaining.
At just 90 minutes with no interval, it is also the perfect length for a midweek night out or an easy addition to a Sydney evening. And with the show recommended for ages five and up, it is one that can work as a family outing too, although younger children may want to attempt their own dance routine on the way home.
Burn the Floor Luminous is playing at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse from 13 to 29 August, with extra performances added due to demand. Tickets start from $79 for selected weekday B Reserve seats, while Friday and Saturday performances start from $109 for B Reserve.
The verdict? If you like your theatre with a little more shimmy, your dance with a lot more drama and your nights out with plenty of wow factor, Burn the Floor Luminous is well worth adding to the calendar.
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