Night Clubs Reviews

May 8, 2008 - Not strictly ballroom, "FloorPlay," the fabulous dance show at Reno's Eldorado, soars to hit status ("FloorPlay" revisited)

By Jack Neal

Not strictly ballroom, but most assuredly sexy, "FloorPlay," the muscular dance show at Reno’s Eldorado Hotel Casino, has attitude and tremendous appeal.

Whether it’s dance appeal or sex appeal, makes little difference - it makes all the difference. The show’s gorgeous bodies (both women and men) are a feast for the eyes, but it’s how those trim, fit, attractive bodies dance - drenched as they are with personalities plus (and glistening perspiration) - that makes the show soar to the heights.

“FloorPlay” is loaded with terrific dancers, all of them champions. It’s Sexy. It’s exciting. It’s fun. The traditional swirls and sways of elegant ballroom dancing have been pumped up into a saucy, hip-gyrating style that catches fire then sizzles for 85 heart-pounding minutes.

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 of beautifully designed clothes, and the acres of young flesh the show shows off to such stunning advantage, “FloorPlay” is loaded with glitz and sass.

It’s also loaded with talent.

Vocalists Esther Hannaford and Kieron Kulik sing the songs that makes the whole show dance. Like the show, what they sing is an eclectic mix of styles, accompanied by a recording of largely synthesized Charlie Hull orchestrations fleshed out (in the flesh) by percussionists Giorgio Rojas and Henry Soriano. Hannaford and Kulik are excellent, and – like their compatriots of dance – move exceedingly well. As bookends of percussive virtuosity, Rojas and Soriano, provide the illusion of live music, while dressing the stage with what looks like a drummer boy’s candy store of drums.

The pace of the show is consistently frenetic, with few quiet moments for the romance of lyrical dancing. Obviously designed with high-octane energy in mind for casino audiences chomping at the bit to hit a jackpot, “FloorPlay” is steamy, suggestive, and a surefire jackpot hit.

Dancing as the stars of “FloorPlay” are dancers Jessica Raffa, Robin Windsor, Sharna Burgess, Patrick Helm, Ash-Leigh Hunter, Dannial Gosper, Sarah West, Carmelo Pizzino, Jeremy Garner, Sarah Hives, Damien Whitewood, Peta Murgatroyd, Rebecca Sugden, Damon Sugden, Claire Clifton, Kevin Clifton, Giselle Peacock, Sasha Farber, and Laura Zmajkovicova. They’re all sensational.

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 abandon themselves to dancing with a joy for movement that makes “FloorPlay” soar from high-gloss show business into the realm of terrific entertainment.

“FloorPlay” 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. 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