Broadway Baby!!!

Our stay in San Francisco could be described as nothing less than magical. The support and friendship we gained from our stay there will always be remembered. 

Our last few weeks there were very busy. Our show schedule plus various charity events having us share a stage with the stars of hit musicals such as Grease and Wicked were an awesome experience. But the highlight of extra activity was our appearance on the American Dancing With The Stars. A quick trip down to L.A. for rehearsal and the live shoot of our number was a nerve racking and exciting event. The last show of the season in San Francisco was quite an emotional one with the audience being even more vocal than usual.

Our bags packed, ready for the long journey home had one unusual sight. Keiron was not wearing the fish. I still cannot fathom how he did not loose the “Castro Cup”, our hacky sack tournament. The privilege of wearing the fish for the entire travel day went to Henry Soriano, BTF percussionist. The shame of it all!

A few weeks of civilian life was a nice change for all. But the call of our next mission was always at back of mind. A short rehearsal in Sydney Australia was to prepare us for an Australian tour. Exciting in itself. At the end of this tour we will have performed in Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Parramatta, Gold Coast and Perth. However this tour is even more special than usual as it is preparing us for our Broadway debut! After our performances in Perth we will fly to New York to have a shot at the big time. 

This has been a dream for Jason, Peta and Harley for many years. A lot of work and progression is required for us to make a go of this opportunity and no one is holding back. Broadway is at our fingertips. What an opportunity.

Dreams can come true.

Damon

BTF Cast Member

damon@burnthefloor.com

San Francisco

As the bus drove over the bridge from Oakland we all sat stunned. It is a rare occasion that we are all quiet at the same time. The view ahead was so exciting it had us speechless. The San Francisco city skyline was a grand picture. It was also the moment we all realised that a dream was about to come true. To perform in this city for an extended period.

The Post Theatre could not be a better location for us. Whilst smaller on stage than any other we have encountered, it could not be more perfect to get our message across. A week of rehearsals to tune us in to this new location had an inspiring effect. Not just for us as performers but for our production elements also.

Opening night could not have gone better. Such a buzz in the house, before, during and after the show. Three standing ovations flattered us. A big week ended on such a high. For the next five weeks we have the privilege to perform here. The after party was a glamourous affair. Cast, crew, management all glamed up for photos and drinks and were praised for their efforts. 

Monday night would not be our obligatory day off. An AIDS research fundraiser was held at the Post Theatre to a packed house. We would perform a few numbers sharing the stage with such icons as Rita Moreno. She was an absolute inspiration to watch perform. She could say so much by doing so little. A lesson for us all. Ms Moreno attended our opening night and could not praise us enough. A career highlight for many of us. 

The Valentines weekend was a great experience. Four full shows in two days! Couples all cuddling up to one another watching the romantic numbers with a special gleam in their eye and clapping along with the high impact dances with equal passion.  

This time would also see a bit of a birthday cluster. First off would be our local San Fran girl Giselle who would celebrate in style at the Redwood room. Next is Katarina (cast), followed by Nic (management), Sarah Soriano (cast) and Brett (wardrobe). Too much cake for even us to handle.

So it has been an action packed start to the season here. Including a visit to the "Lighthouse", a home for the blind. Where various activities take place for them, including dance classes. 

The hacky sack circle is a tight affair backstage. However we still manage to give it a go and of course Kieron is leading the not so good chart. We will tally it up at the end of our run here and announce the winner/loser of the "Castro Cup". 

Damon

BTF Cast Member

damon@burnthefloor.com

2008 to 2009

The conclusion to 2008 had us arrive in Amsterdam for rehearsal to prepare us for our German premier. It would be the first time our company had performed in Germany since 1999 with the original arena production. It was also fun to welcome some newbies to the show. Sherone, Katarina and Melanie were all rehearsing for their first full show. 

Dusseldorf was most welcoming with its frosty weather and entertaining Christmas markets. Snow was a novelty for most of us, especially for the Aussies. The theatre had a rustic charm and the feedback from each audience was most flattering from such a fashion and art conscious audience.

The journey on the bus to Dortmund was a great opportunity for most of us to relax and enjoy the scenery passing by. Upon stumbling into the downtown area, the most charming Christmas markets could be found. An enormous tree lighting up the night dominated the town square with row upon row of stalls selling everything Christmas from statuettes to lovely warm Christmas wine. Henry Soriano and I enjoyed this gluvine so much we forgot to pick up the groceries our wives sent us out for. Sarah and Rebecca were not impressed. 

The concert hall we performed in was immaculate. We were almost performing on the patrons laps they were so close. With the remainder seated on a steep incline towards the back of the house, they felt so near as they attentively looked into our performance. 

This was the first Christmas day our BTF family would spend together. The family feel was made all the more real with Kevin and Clare's families making the journey from the UK to spend a few days with them. Nan even brought the home made mince pies.

A beautiful dinner was had at a local Italian restaurant on Christmas Eve. With a lovely brunch to follow on Christmas day at the hotel. The presents were handed out by two Santas. We suspect Keith (Kevin's father) and David (Clare's father) may have been behind the white beards. The presents were not the only surprise. Whilst the Christmas celebrations continued Jeremy and Sarah snuck off to the Christmas tree in the square. It was at this romantic spot where Jeremy proposed. The happy couple returned to their BTF family who were so happy for them both. A special day capped off beautifully. 

The New Year's Eve show was a pleasure to perform, being our final show in Germany the audience was most generous with their applause. Back to the room, a quick pack and on the bus to the airport in Amsterdam where the longest travel day in history would start. All the staff thought we were crazy traveling on New Year's Day, which also happened to be Jeremy's birthday. He soon grew tired of our birthday wishes after the first twelve hours of travel.

Upon arrival to the new world we made our way North to Vancouver. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre would be the venue for the next two shows prior to heading inland to Penticton. Both locations were a success for BTF with glowing reviews coming from all reviews. 

Back across the border to the USA, here in Spokane, I sit reflecting on the wonderful conclusion to 2008 and promising start to 2009 we have experienced.

It has been our pleasure to have Louise, wife of our renegade percussionist Giorgio, along for the ride. A lovely lady and a wonderful photographer. Please find the link below to our BTF story in photos, all taken by Louise.

Burn the Floor Christmas Morning in Dortmund, Germany

Keep on dancing.

Damon

BTF Cast Member

damon@burnthefloor.com