On Stage: Walanbaa Yulu-Gi – Burn The Floor

World renowned ballroom dance company Burn the Floor spectacularly celebrates Australia in its latest production Walanbaa Yulu-Gi.

Featuring First Nations star Mitch Tambo, the production combines Indigenous music and dance with iconic Australian songs and the dazzling dance moves and choreography Burn the Floor is renowned for.

Through Tambo’s interaction with the audience, we learn of his cultural background and beliefs.  Songs he and his wife, vocalist Lele, present such as Native Tongue and Walanbaa together with dance numbers led by Indigenous contemporary dancer Albert David and Sermsah Bin Saad enhance that education.

Tambo’s presentation of You’re the Voice sung in his Gamilaraay language is a show stopper.

Like the other shows the Australian company has staged since its formation 25 years ago, Walanbaa Yulu-Gi brilliantly showcases the abilities of the company’s vocalists, musicians and dancers.

Songs such as Highway to Hell, Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Never Tear Us Apart, Khe Sanh, When the War is Over and Staying Alive are enthusiastically performed by the show’s vocalists and musicians including Tyler Azzopardi, Mark Stefanoff, Lea Firth, Jamie Valente and Pat Madden.

The show’s dancers brilliantly bring the words of the songs to life through their exceptional dancing. The choreography ensures all dancers are given a chance to shine and show their skills in presenting a range of ballroom and Latin dance moves including the waltz, foxtrot, cha cha, samba, rumba, tango, swing and jive.

At times playful, sometimes risqué and often sensual, the dancers’ expertise and athleticism are palpable.

Regular Burn the Floor show attendees are likely to recognise some of the dancers including Jorja Freeman, Gustavo Viglio, Jemma Armstrong, Lily Cornish, Julian Caillon and Robbie Kmetoni. Jessica Raffa has rejoined the group while new dancers for this year’s show include Lyu Masuda, Craig Monley and Sriani Monley.

Numerous striking costumes and clever lighting support the theatrical feel of the show. This together with the performance of the cast ensures the all-Australian production offers an action packed and memorable entertainment experience.

Burn the Floor is playing at The Palms at Crown Melbourne until July 30. It then tours around Queensland, Canberra and New South Wales.  Visit the Burn the Floor website for further information.

*Photo credit: Belinda Strodder

Jenny Burns attended the opening night of Walanbaa Yulu-Gi at The Palms on Crown as a guest of the production company