11. JASON GILKISON
// Backstories of Burn The Floor, SYTYCD and Strictly Come Dancing
I am SO excited to bring you this special episode with the one and only, Jason Gilkison.
Jason is a world-renowned ballroom dancer, director, choreographer and artistic director. Jason and his dance partner, Peta Roby, were the undefeated Australian Champions from 1981-1997. They went on to work on the ballroom and latin dance spectacular, Burn The Floor, where Jason accepted the role of choreographer and artistic director. Burn The Floor went on to successful seasons on Broadway and the West End and is still an absolute juggernaut today. Jason was a popular judge and choreographer on the hugely successful TV series So You Think You Can Dance, both in Australia and the USA, and has created over 100 routines for the franchise.
Currently, Jason holds the coveted position of creative director for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in the UK where he has been for the last 8 years. Along with the team, Jason has helped to transform the show into the huge success it is today. This role has seen him choreograph for artists including Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Shania Twain, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett. This year he was awarded with a BAFTA for his creative vision and artistic direction on the show!
In our chat we discuss his childhood, longstanding partnership with Peta, competing against Todd McKenney, and the stories behind his experiences on Burn The Floor, So You Think You Can Dance and Strictly Come Dancing. Jason also shares how he gets the most out of his dancers, how he says inspired and what his creative process entails.
Jason is such a joy to speak with and a wonderful story teller full of inspiring insight and advice! His humility and kind heart shines through the entire chat. I hope you enjoy listening.
JASON’S WEBSITE
FOLLOW JASON
@jasongilkison
