Mark Ballas Joins BURN THE FLOOR

The producers of BURN THE FLOOR, Broadway's Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular, announced today that Mark Ballas of TV's "Dancing with the Stars" will join the touring company of BURN THE FLOOR for a limited engagement. Mark Ballas will perform in Pittsburgh, December 28-January 2, 2011, at Heinz Hall as a special presentation of the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series. In addition to Pittsburgh, Ballas will perform with dance partner Giselle Peacock in only two other cities: Raleigh, NC (November 30-December 5) and Houston, TX (December 14-19).

Single tickets to BURN THE FLOOR ($21-$57) are available by calling (412)392-4900, visiting the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue) or online at www.pgharts.org. For more information about the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh subscription series, please call (412) 456-1390. Groups of 10 or more may call 412-392-4819. PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh is a presentation of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

Mark Ballas is a lifelong performer, born in Houston and raised in England. As the only child of 8-time undefeated World Latin Ballroom Champions Shirley and Corky Ballas, he was raised in the ballroom world. He's held every major championship in ballroom, from Junior Olympic Gold Medallist to twice winning the International Open to the World. He's currently competing on his seventh season of America's Number 1 TV show, "Dancing With The Stars," having already won the competition twice in past seasons. Mark is currently in the studio recording his debut solo CD, The HurtLoveBox, which will be distributed exclusively through WalMart later this month.

"We are thrilled that Mark will be appearing in the US Tour. His star-power attraction is well deserved, and we look forward to bringing his amazing talents to the stage for audiences in these three cities," says Harley Medcalf, BURN THE FLOOR creator and producer.

Ballas will be partnered with Giselle Peacock, known to US audiences from her appearances on "Dancing with the Stars," "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Superstars of Dance." She began dancing at the age of 10, studying ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and modern dance. As a competitive dancer, Giselle has captured both US and British Youth Championship titles.

Also appearing as featured dancers in these three cities will be "So You Think You Can Dance" alums Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer. All three have been seen on TV's "So You Think You Can Dance," in the US (Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer, Top 10 Finalists) and in Australia (Robbie Kmetoni, 2010 Winner).

Years before "Dancing with the Stars"and"So You Think You Can Dance" turned Ballroom Dancing into must-see TV, BURN THE FLOOR was blazing a new dance trail and igniting stages around the globe. In BURN THE FLOOR, Ballroom Dance is totally reinvented. All the dance styles are refreshed and invigorated and leave audiences grinning with delight and screaming for more. You see and feel, live on stage, all the passion, drama and sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous world champion dancers in a true theatrical experience, a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times calls, "Dazzling!" and The Times (London) calls "the summer's hottest ticket"!

BURN THE FLOOR is directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison. The national tour of BURN THE FLOOR launched in Portland, OR, on September 7, 2010, and continues through spring of 2011. For a full list of tour cities, please visit www.burnthefloor.com.