Night Clubs Reviews

Apr 12, 2008 - "FloorPlay," the new dance show at Reno's Eldorado, is brought to its knees by explosive, near war-zone sound levels

By Jack Neal

The muscular dance show “FloorPlay” has attitude.

It also has problems. While the debate rages over smoking in public, another health risk is largely overlooked. Hearing loss. It may take a lawsuit to end the penchant by some in the entertainment industry to boost a show’s sound to levels that damage hearing – and pleasure.

“FloorPlay,” the ballroom dance show now playing at Reno’s Eldorado Hotel Casino, is severely diminished by monstrous sound levels. It wasn’t until the day after, when I listened to a CD of the show, that I discovered that much of the show’s music is quite listenable.

In person, the work of vocalists Esther Hannaford and Kieron Kulik is impossible to discern, let alone enjoy. Ditto the work of percussionists Giorgio Rojas and Henry Soriano. These four soloists sing and play over a synthesized orchestration (arranged by Charlie Hull), all – but maybe two minutes - of which is so loud, it’s painful to experience and impossible to really hear.

“FloorPlay” is loaded with terrific dancers. It’s Sexy. It’s exciting. Huge pluses. What fun it should be. Many different dance steps are explored, but never at anything approaching a genuine change of pace. The frenetic pace and sound distortion are major drawbacks torpedoing what could be a sensational experience with movement and dance.

With dance stars everywhere, a giant disco ball to bring on mood, the mist of dry ice to add a touch of romance, countless costume changes and the acres of young flesh the show shows off to such stunning advantage, “FloorPlay” could be so much more than glitz and sass. Unfortunately glitz and sass is all this trimmed-down-for-night-club presentation offers.

Its dancing is so constantly energized, the pace of the show so consistently slam-bam, there’s never a quiet moment for the romance of elegant, lyrical dancing. With a sound volume that obliterates lyrics, and 85 minutes of sweat and carbon-copy choreography, “FourPlay” is sizzling.

It’s also monotonous.

For those who like such things, and who doesn’t, “FloorPlay” is steamy and suggestive. Polish and poise have been left by the wayside for a head-bobbing, ear-cracking soundtrack of pop sounds sung wonderfully, one presumes, by Hannaford and Kulik.

Jason Gilkison is the choreographer who has concocted this athletic ritual. Gilkison’s dancers are from everywhere, giving the show an international feel. All the couples look fabulous and they abandon themselves to dancing with a joy for movement that could and should make “FloorPlay” soar from high-gloss show business into the realm of terrific entertainment.

As it is, “FloorPlay” is more exhausting than entertaining.

“FloorPlay,” a Burn the Floor presentation, can be seen Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m. through August 10 (2008) at the Eldorado Hotel Casino, 345 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. Costs are $28.95 (seniors), $33.95, $38.95, and $43.95. For information call 775-786-5700, 800-648-5966 or go online at eldoradoreno.com