HOLLYWOOD —Gilles Marini will host the highly anticipated production of “Ballroom with a Twist,” a brilliant new dance production at the Parker Playhouse (parkerplayhouse.com) on March 20, at 8 p.m. and March 21 at 2 p.m.
Conceived and choreographed by EMMY®-nominated Louis van Amstel, a five-time “Dancing With the Stars” pro, ballroom includes an ensemble of fabulous young dancers from shows such as “Dancing With the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “High School Musical.” An exciting ensemble includes Allison Holker of “High School Musical” and “So You Think You Can Dance” as well “American Idol” alumni David Hernandez and Trenyce, who provide stylish and exciting vocal accompaniment and interludes. This groundbreaking show pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest hip-hop styles. “Ballroom with a Twist” is an extravagant evening of entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and breathtaking performances.
Gilles Marini, is perhaps best known as Luc Laurent on ABC’s hit family drama, “Brothers & Sisters” as well as his second-place finish on season eight of “Dancing with the Stars.” Marini’s charm and zest for life is attracting fans all over the world. Born to a Greek mother and Italian father in Grasse, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. Marini found himself in the international spotlight after appearing in what some have called the second greatest shower scene in film history in 2008’s “Sex and the City: The Movie.” Other recent film credits include “One and the Other” (L’Une et L’Autre) and “The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down.” Television audiences have seen him in prime time series such as “Nip/Tuck,” “Ugly Betty,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Criminal Minds” and “Windfall” as well as the daytime dramas “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Passions.” Marini was named one of People Magazine’s top 10 Sexiest Men Alive for 2009. His portrait is featured in celebrity photographer John Russo’s book, “About Face,” published by Pixie Press Worldwide.
Louis van Amstel, born in 1972 in Holland, is a professional dancer, EMMY® nominated choreographer, and a dancesport coach. He is a world championship ballroom dancer, and also known in American pop culture for partnering with celebrities Kelly Osborne, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Rinna in “Dancing with the Stars.” After retiring from professional ballroom competition, he moved on to choreography and production. He founded the company VanDance, LLC, and directed, produced, choreographed and performed in the Broadway show Latin Fusion. Louis has appeared on “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and had a cameo role as himself on ABC’s “All My Children,” where he taught two characters to ballroom dance.
Allison Holker has made great strides since her recent high school graduation from Orem, Utah. She is a modern lyrical specialist who started dancing at the age of three. She began formal dance training at The Dance Club studio when she was four years old and began teaching at the same studio when she was 16. She appeared in the Disney hit “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2” as one of the cheerleaders and is now highly regarded as a leading contemporary jazz dancer. Allison was a top eight finalist on Season 2 of “So You Think You Can Dance.” She was originally partnered with Ivan Koumaev until week five, and then until week seven with Ryan Rankine.
In addition, The Goldcoast Ballroom in Florida is going to host a Master Class and Dance Off for local dance enthusiasts with the cast on Thursday, March 18, from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1415 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek (954-979-0770). The winner of the Dance Off will be invited on stage to dance with the cast of “Ballroom with a Twist.”
“Ballroom with a Twist” at the PARKER PLAYHOUSE is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, at 8 p.m. and March 21, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are available from $25 – $65. To purchase tickets or for more information about group rates as well as a special meet and greet offer, call the Parker Playhouse Box Office at 954-462-0222 or on the Internet at parkerplayhouse.com.
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