Gilkison has a burning desire
He is one of the most in-demand names on the international dance scene and it seems the work just keeps coming.
Perth native Jason Gilkison, who will join global pop icon Paula Abdul on the judging panel of Ten's 2014 reboot of So You Think You Can Dance Australia, recently wrapped up filming auditions in Sydney before rushing back to London to continue his role as director of choreography for hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing (UK's equivalent of Dancing with the Stars), which embarks on a live tour of the UK next month.
When the prolific choreographer and creative director returns Down Under at the end of January ahead of the SYTYCD Australia live shows, he will find himself flying between Sydney and Perth to helm enduring theatrical ballroom and Latin dance sensation Burn the Floor.
"Yes, every now and again I'll be commuting from Sydney during SYTYCD back to my hometown, which is really, really nice," he told AAA.
"I got back to Perth last Christmas, but it was a really short visit and always too short when I sort of pop in for Christmas.
"So I'm really looking forward to being able to spend more time at home."
The latest production of the wildly successful Burn the Floor - which has been performed in more than 40 countries and 161 cities - will premiere at the Regal Theatre in April before touring Japan.
"Burn the Floor has got a special link to Perth because it's where we did the very first workshop before we even started touring, so it's kind of our lucky city to start in," Gilkison said.
"Whenever we have to change or rework a show, we always come back to Perth and play a season before we hit the road.
"I'll be in SYTYCD, obviously, but I'll bid the dancers farewell in Perth and send them on their way to Tokyo."
Gilkison, a regular choreographer and guest judge on the multi-Emmy award-winning US flagship of the SYTYCD franchise, is buoyed by the perennially popular show's renewal for an 11th season next year.
As for whether WA viewers can expect to see any home-grown contestants on the Australian version next year, Gilkison - a world-conquering Latin dance champion in the 80s and 90s - wouldn't say but did reveal some "great WA ballroom dancers" featured in the auditions.
"WA has always been renowned for churning out some really amazing ballroom dancers . . . I was obviously pleased to see so many ballroom dancers in the auditions."
