Forget Strictly, this week you can see a stunning dance show live on stage in Birmingham.

When dance icon Arlene Philips tells fans to get to a performance as fast as they can, it’s time to sit up and pay attention.

Philips is a huge fan of Burn The Floor, the international dance sensation that visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday, October 25, to Saturday, October 29, 2011direct from its electrifying run in London’s West End.

Burn the Floor features all the passion, drama and sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous champion dancers, in a true theatrical experience.

It is a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times called “Dazzling”.

Hippodrome spokesman Ben Wooldridge said: “From Harlem’s hot nights at The Savoy, where dances such as the Lindy, Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the Cha-Cha, Rumba and Salsa steamed up the stage, Burn the Floor takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance.

“The elegance of the Viennese Waltz, the exuberance of the Jive, the intensity of the Paso Doble – audiences will experience them all, as well as the Tango, Samba, Mambo, Quickstep and Swing.”

One of the star members of the cast is Emma Slater, from Tamworth, who can’t wait to get started.

Emma said: “We were in the West End a year ago, in the Shaftesbury Theatre, and this is a short follow-up tour. It’s a little different to Strictly Come Dancing, even though it features the same dance styles.

“The choreographer was keen to turn the ballroom wall upside down and on its head. It’s sexed-up quite a lot. It’s very edgy and a little bit dark. It’s ballroom re-invented.

“Because of that, it has something for everybody.”

Emma’s background is in ballroom and latin and she started dancing at the age of 10.

“I’ve always loved latin and when I got to the age of 18 I started to delve into commercial dancing.

“I did a lot of adverts and pop videos, as well as Mamma Mia the film and Dirty Dancing in the West End.

“I love theatre, it brings me so much pleasure. Performing in front of an audience means we can see the appreciation at the end of the night.

“It’s a thrill, there’s nothing better for us. We’re dancing together as a group and interacting on stage and it changes daily. Every time we go on stage there’s a new scenario, it feels like a new show.

“The TV dance shows have been really helpful for us and dancing has become more popular. A lot of regular people are starting to notice it and come to see us.

“Audiences are keeping up and they are a lot more knowledgeable.

“We have a lot of Twitter and Facebook followers – we can’t wait to get started.”

Tickets are available from www.birminghamhippodrome.com