For over two decades, Burn the Floor has redefined the world of Latin and ballroom dance, lighting up stages from Broadway to the West End and captivating audiences in more than 180 countries. With its electrifying fusion of athleticism, artistry, and storytelling, the company’s signature tagline “no boundaries and no limits” is more than a motto; it’s a way of life. As the company marks its 25th anniversary, two of its brightest stars, real-life couple Jorja Freeman and Gustavo Viglio, reflect on the evolution of the show, their personal journeys through dance, and what makes Burn the Floor unlike anything else on stage.

As the company marks its 25th anniversary, two of its brightest stars, real-life couple Jorja Freeman and Gustavo Viglio, reflect on the evolution of the show, their personal journeys through dance, and what makes Burn the Floor unlike anything else on stage. “Burn the Floor now, in its history, is 25 years old, which is crazy,” says Freeman. “We’re the only Latin and ballroom dance company that has lasted that long by a mile. That longevity is a testament to how it keeps evolving, always staying relevant in a society that’s constantly changing.”

The company’s current touring cast features just 12 dancers, handpicked from a global collective of over 80. “These 12 aren’t just technically excellent,” Freeman adds, “they’ve been chosen for their charisma and ability to entertain everyone, not just dance lovers.” That versatility is one of the show’s great strengths. “It’s still rooted in Latin and ballroom,” she explains, “but now it adds everything but the kitchen sink, fusing styles to make a show that appeals to everyone. It’s a reflection of how society has evolved, and the show has evolved with it.”

For Viglio, who joined the company after a successful career in competitive ballroom in Italy, that freedom is one of the reasons Burn the Floor feels like home. “In competitions, you dance for judges. Here, you dance for the audience. You get to express yourself, you get to entertain, and that’s why I do this,” he says. It’s not just about entertainment, though. The show’s foundation in partner dance gives it emotional depth and humanity. “Latin ballroom is the only dance form where two people move as one,” Freeman explains. “That’s our foundation. From there, we can fuse and explore, but our goal is always to tell stories through movement.”

“With Burn the Floor, we have a lot of freedom,” adds Viglio. “It’s not like standard Latin ballroom where you follow 100% of the technical aspects. There’s choreography, sure, but a lot of freedom to create your own movement.”

“Exactly,” Freeman agrees. “We use the rules as a foundation, but we’re not bound by them. We’re telling stories through dance. We use our own creative freedom within styles like cha-cha. That’s why Burn the Floor resonates, we fuse fundamentals with modern expression.”

That energy doesn’t just stay on the stage, it defines the company offstage, too. “We’ve all known each other for years,” Viglio says. “After rehearsals, we joke, we grab a drink, it’s very special. And that connection? The audience feels it.” Freeman agrees: “At our wedding, our bridal party was all Burn the Floor friends. It’s one big family. That dynamic, that joy of performing with friends, is something the audience can feel every night.”

The connection between Freeman and Viglio runs deeper than most: they’re not just castmates, they’re married. But as it turns out, dancing together wasn’t quite the romantic dream they imagined. “There was a moment we danced together for six months,” Freeman recalls. “Worst six months of our relationship!” Viglio laughs. “It actually strengthened our relationship. We realized we support each other better parallel, not partnered. Now we help from the sidelines, with choreography, with videos. It works better for us.”

That journey, figuring out their rhythm both on and offstage, echoes how each dancer came to the craft in the first place. Viglio’s path began, quite unexpectedly, on a soccer pitch in Puglia. “My dad wanted me to be a soccer player,” he says. “So as a kid, I joined this training school. On the first day, I went in for a tackle, and being very flexible, I ended up in a split.”

That moment led to a new direction. “My dad joked, ‘Oh, you should become a ballerina!’” he laughs. “And I went for a dance course. The emotion I felt as a kid was indescribable, I knew that was my path. Best of all, my dad is still my biggest fan.”

Freeman’s start was more traditional. “I started ballet very young, I was this over-energetic kid, and my mum just wanted to teach some discipline,” she says with a smile. Her training expanded to jazz and musical theatre, but it wasn’t until 15 that she fell in love with Latin and ballroom.

Still, she never imagined it as a profession. “I never thought I was good enough to make it a career,” she admits. “But I auditioned for Burn the Floor at 19, and one contract led to another. It was surreal, I was the youngest, probably the worst, but I knew I had to give it a shot.”

Eventually, she paused to finish her journalism degree, but dance wasn’t done with her. “Once I finished, Burn the Floor called, and I made the choice. And that led to Dancing with the Stars Australia. I’d say to anyone, if you get an opportunity, say yes. You never know where it’ll take you.”

Today, both dancers appear on Dancing with the Stars and have seen firsthand how transformative dance can be. “We see people transform,” says Freeman. “They start off intimidated and self-conscious, and by the end, they’ve grown into completely different people. Dance has that power.” Adds Viglio: “It’s good for the mind, good for the body, and a great way to connect with others.”

It’s that realness, that raw, emotional connection, that they believe keeps live dance so essential, especially in a world flooded with online content. “Social media lets people see rehearsals, follow behind the scenes,” Freeman acknowledges. “But buying a ticket? That’s a conscious choice. We’re all guilty — we watch performances on Instagram or YouTube. But nothing beats live theater. Nothing makes you feel what you feel when it’s live.” Adds Viglio: “It’s a massive asset, but also a tool to bring people in. That’s why we’re coming back to Singapore.”

As the company prepares to light up the stage once again, both dancers are excited to return to a city that’s always welcomed them warmly. “I’d love people to notice the relationship between men and women on stage,” says Viglio. “And let’s not forget the music, it’s a huge part of the show. Ultimately, we want to entertain.” Freeman adds: “This cast is extraordinary, German champions, Dancing with the Stars pros, a New York Rockette. And they’re not just professionals, they’re friends. We hope audiences see that.”

“And fall in love with us,” she laughs. “The way you fall in love with actors in your favourite movie. That’s the goal.” Because for all its fire, footwork, and flair, Burn the Floor is about connection — between dancers, between styles, and most of all, between the stage and the seats. And after 25 years, that spark still burns brighter than ever.

Burn The Floor plays from 4th to 6th July 2025 at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre. Tickets available from Ticketek