Sharna-May

Hey there everyone,

My name is Sharna Burgess and I've been a dancer with Burn the Floor for nearly three years...... and what an experience it has been. I see our gorgeous male singer Kieron has already told you a bit about us but I'd like to share my story with you too.

I was previously a competitor for such a long time in a world that after a while swallowed me up, and made me forget why I loved to dance. I was so caught up in trying to be something other people wanted me to be just so I could win that I forgot how it felt to just be me, give my heart and soul and not worry what place I'd get. Just as I was about to give it all in, Jason Gilkison (our choreographer) approached us to be in his new show......Burn the Floor.

Over the past three years I have not only remembered why I love dancing but have found where I truly belong. This show lets us all bring our own personalities to the stage, for me, I'm a rock chick with attitude, no ballroom competition with diamontes and fake eyelashes was ever going to accept the girl with green hair, but with Burn the Floor I am nothing more or less than simply me....... attitude green hair and all!

I get to dance the way I want ballroom to be done....... real, raw and rebellious. Every night our cast touches the audience in the only way we know, through movement, music and emotion. Anybody who has seen our show walks out feeling alive and inspired, what an amazing compliment to us.

I can sit here and write about everything that is in our show and how every night is a standing ovation of not just clapping but screaming and cheering, but trust me you have to see it for yourself. What I can tell you is it's an experience you will never forget, you may want to relive over and over again, we certainly do.

I can't wait to come to the US and share what we do with you all.

Hope to see you soon!

Sharna xx

Act Two

The second half of 2008 was as busy as the first. After returning from the USA and a short break we travelled to one of our favourite and most frequented countries. Japan. It is always a successful, invigorating yet challenging stop.

A few days of rehearsal and focus would see our first week of performances commence at the Festival Hall in Osaka. FloorPlay would be the last show to appear in this grand venue before it's resignation and destruction, in favour of a new development on it's hallowed ground. We would rock this venue for the last time and the audience seemed to absorb every move and nuance we made, on and off stage.

Our stay in Osaka was spiced up with the close following cameras of the Australian "60 minutes" crew. They conducted interviews and shot footage of our performances and reeled at the crowds reaction. This gave us great delight in knowing that Australia would see the fruits of Jason and Peta's labours twenty years on from their original interviews on this popular programe.

A quick ride on the bullet train and we were in a familiar BTF venue. The Tokyo International Forum has been home to many a performance from this company. It was a lovely feeling to visit again. Such a vast space, filled with eager audience members. The large screens side of stage captured our expressions and interaction in high definition!

Having not performed in Sydney since 2006 we were excited to present a five week season at the newly refurbished Star Theatre in the Star City complex.

The opening night was a smash, with Sydney's stars of screen and stage elite jumping to their feet at our shows conclusion. What an honour to get such a response in a city which we all hold to such high esteem.

Our success was not bound only to the stage. Jason's recent success on such programes as "So You Think You Can Dance", lead us to much media interest. Channel 7's "Make Me A Super Model" would be our first TV challenge. The agenda had us teaching a group of models to Tango. This would enable them to establish the character and intimacy of the dance in a photo shoot. I hope the shoot went well but think they should stick to modeling.

Along with appearances on popular morning television show "Kerrie Anne Kennerley", we made our company debut on "Dancing with the Stars". A gripping two minute piece choreographed by Jason, packed with a dynamic mix of dance styles was thrilling to perform live on set. What a buzz. At the finish the whole audience sprang to their feet and you could barely hear the host start to interview Jason.

Our last week in Sydney had many of our cast visit the Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children. Swapping performances, conversation and jestures warmed everyones hearts. This visit gave great occasion to the launch of the Blindfold Trust. A charity to which proceeds aid the education of blind children and their families. This trust has already benefited from generous donations and funds raised from our Sydney audiences and supporters.

2008 has been incredibly busy for all involved in FloorPlay. The end of the year will see us travel to Amsterdam and Germany. Looks like the first BTF Christmas could be a white one.

Damon

damon@burnthefloor.com

 

Moving Out

Sarah and Henry taking their vows.
Sarah's parents Robert and Lyn and the bridal party.

It was with a mix of sorrow and jubilation that our time in Reno came to a close. Sorrow to leave our Reno friends and audiences that we came to love so much. Jubilation that we have completed yet another successful Burn the Floor project. Moving out of our apartments that had been home for the previous four months was quite a task, but there is nothing like finishing a project on a successful note, then heading to Las Vegas to celebrate.

The real reason we travelled to Vegas was for the wedding of the year. It was our pleasure to attend Henry and Sarah's ceremony and reception. Staying at the Mirage Casino Resort the bridal party headed to the most beautiful setting, over looking the Las Vegas strip. As the sun set and the lights slowly came up, Henry and Sarah took their vows in a heart wrenching ceremony. With family and friends all in attendance the scene was set for a reception that truly reflected the happy couples love for one another.

Another celebration for Burn the Floor was the appearance of Jason Gilkison choreographing  on the hit program "So You Think You Can Dance". This time on the USA broadcast. Audience members, dancers and judges were amazed at this skills and commented on national television of his talent.

Looking forward, we are headed to Japan, always a hot spot for some BTF action. Tokyo and Osaka will bare the brunt of our pent up tension built up over the last few weeks. Couple this with our first appearance in Sydney in over two years and the second half of our year will be nothing less than awesome.

Hope to see you soon.

Damon

Floor Play Cast Member

The Biggest Little City In The World

Reno, Nevada. Here we are, half way through our successful stay. Performing at the Eldorado Casino. Crowds build as they catch wind of our perfomances. The weather slowly giving us glimpses of sunshine and clear skies. More and more hustle appears downtown. More and more fantastic news graces our dressing rooms. Personal and professional.

On the personal front we managed a quick gettaway to Lake Tahoe. A mansion complete with boat was hired for the weekend to house our BTF family. What a spot. Clear views to the other side of the lake and mountains rearing up behind. A photographers dream. Sunshine kissing our bodies. Well most of us. Kevin’s lilly white complexion managed to burn regardless of him being in the shade with SPF15 on!

Dannial and Ash-leigh had the first run on the boat. All of us waving and cheering them off from the jetty, knowing what was about to occur. Screams and excitement welcomed them back. They retuned an engaged couple. The proposal was a complete surprise for Ash. The engagement party was in full swing. Such a romantic and exciting time for Dan and Ash and their BTF family, who wish them happiness and love in their life together.

Previously we had all been glued to the Australian “So You Think You Can Dance”. Watching our friend and director/choreographer Jason Gilkison get the critical acclaim he has deserved for many years now made us all proud.

As we continue our performances, our calander continues to be filled in places all around the world. We hope you continue to explore your love of dance as we do here.

Damon
BTF Cast Member