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
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