To the soft tinkle of a music box, a solitary couple twirls on stage, spinning faster and faster as the whispering voices of the night entice them. Suddenly the doll-like figures vanish, and the stage and auditorium erupt in a blaze of nightclub beats. The floor vibrates to the rhythm of three-dozen vigorous, young bodies, as they command the aisles in a mad celebration of dance.

Much has changed since "Burn the Floor's" Australian producer Harley Metcalf was inspired by a spectacular ballroom dance showcase at the 50th birthday celebration for British pop icon Elton John, and dreamed up this groundbreaking show. Its creators initially hoped for a one-year run. But now into its sixth year, "Burn the Floor" seems to be just commencing its journey.

Two years ago, when the production first came to Japan, the cast had been warned not to expect the kind of reception they get in the United States when they run into the audience and everyone goes wild. So the response they did get completely overwhelmed them.