First Opening of the Season: BURN THE FLOOR Opens Tonight at Broadway's Longacre Theatre

BURN THE FLOOR, the electrifying Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular, began performances Saturday July 25 at 8 PM at Broadway's Longacre Theatre (220 W. 48 Street). BURN THE FLOOR has thrilled audiences in over 30 countries, and will be the first show of the new Broadway season, playing a limited 12-week engagement. Opening night is Sunday August 2, running through October 18.

Joining the company for three weeks only will be special guest stars Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. BURN THE FLOOR offers the rare opportunity to see Maks & Karina make their Broadway debuts together.

BURN THE FLOOR is created, directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison, former World Champion Latin and Ballroom dancer, and guest choreographer on the fourth season of So You Think You Can Dance. BURN THE FLOOR's 18 award-winning international dancers hail from around the globe - Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Australia, Sweden, The Philippines and the U.S. - and include Australian Ballroom and World Latin American champions. The dancers, who collectively hold more than 100 dance titles, move to the vision of artistic director and choreographer Jason Gilkison. The cast is composed of Henry Byalikov (NBC's Superstars of Dance), Sharna Burgess (Fox's So You Think You Can Dance), Kevin Clifton (International IDSF Open Champion), Sasha Farber (three-time Junior & Youth Latin Australian Champion), Jeremy Garner (six-time Australian Amateur Latin finalist), Gordana Grandosek (Italian Open Champion), Patrick Helm (Welsh Open Champion), Sarah Hives (ABC's Dancing with the Stars), Melanie Hooper (two-time Australian Professional Latin Champion), Peta Murgatroyd (ABC's Dancing with the Stars), Giselle Peacock (four-time U.S Champion), Nuria Santalucia (two-time Australian Latin Champion), Sarah Soriano (8th in the world, British Open Championship - Youth Latin American), Damon & Rebecca Sugden (three-time Asian Pacific Ballroom Champions), Trent Whiddon (Australia's Dancing with the Stars), Damian Whitewood (Australasian Champion), and Robin Windsor (Ballroom & Latin International finalist). Joining them on stage are vocalists Ricky Rojas (The Buddy Holly Story) and Rebecca Tapia (The Boy from Oz), and musicians Henry Soriano, Roger Squitero, David Mann and Earl Maneein.

Critics and fans around the world have raved about BURN THE FLOOR: The Independent (London) said "Extraordinary! So hot it contributes to global warming. BURN THE FLOOR will take your breath away!"

BURN THE FLOOR is a breathtaking blend of Latin and Ballroom dance first conceived as a special performance at Sir Elton John's 50th birthday celebration in 1997. Two years later, the show made its world premiere in the U.K. and quickly took the globe by storm. Helmed by producers Harley Medcalf, former World Champion dancers Peta Roby and Jason Gilkison, BURN THE FLOOR comes to one of Broadway's most intimate venues, bringing audience members thisclose to the action and passion of the dancers.

BURN THE FLOOR is produced by Harley Medcalf, Joe Watson, Richard Levi, Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Raise the Roof One, Toppall/Stevens/Mills, Benigno/Klein, Caldwell/Allen, Carrpailet/Danzansky, Bud Martin, The Production Studio, Schaffert/Schnuck, and Carrie Ann Inaba by special arrangement with Dance Partner Inc.

Carrie Ann Inaba has enjoyed a long career in television and film, however, this will mark her first association with a Broadway show. She is the only American Judge on ABC's smash hit, "Dancing with the Stars" and enjoys a varied career as a choreographer, director, actress and television host. . She said "After over 20 years of experience with many talented artists in television and film, I'm thrilled to get my feet wet on Broadway with this wonderful production. I've been a fan of BURN THE FLOOR since its inception, and I am honored to be a part of the creative team that is bringing this wonderful show to Broadway - where audiences from around the world can feel the passion that is Ballroom Dancing up close."

BURN THE FLOOR will heat up the stage at Broadway's Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48 St. Playing Schedule from July 25-Aug 2: Sat July 25 at 8, Sun July 26 at 7, Tue July 28 at 8, Wed July 29 at 8, Thu July 30 at 8, Fri July 31 at 8, Sat Aug 1 at 2 & 8, Sun Aug 2 at 6:45 PM (opening night).

Playing Schedule after Aug 2: Tuesday at 7, Wed to Sat 8, Wed & Sat at 2, Sun at 3.

Price Scale: $111.50, $89.50 and $59.50. All prices include $1.50 facilities fee. Discounts are available on groups of 10 and more.

For more information, visit www.burnthefloor.com.