‘Ballroom With a Twist’ comes to Bowlus stage

A team of performers will present “Ballroom With a Twist” … and some salsa, a waltz and almost certainly a few breakdance moves as well.
The curtain rises for the live dance extravaganza — billed as a reality television fan’s dream come true — at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
The show features past performers from “American Idol,” “Dancing With The Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
But unlike on television, the dancers aren’t competing with each other. Rather, they’re working in league with a singular focus — to entertain the audience, notes performer Jonathan Platero.
“There’s something here for every age demographic,” Platero, a 2009 “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist.
“The audience is going to have a lot of fun with this,” Platero said. “We’ll have some hip hop, jazz, contemporary. We even have some break-dancing. It’s very energetic, an amazing show.”
For two hours, the 15-member ensemble will serve up a night of energy, rhythm and a few instructional bits, Platero promises.
“We’ll give the audience an opportunity to ask questions,” Platero said. “It truly is an interactive show.”
Platero, 27, originally grew up in Florida before moving to New York City, and was a decorated performer long before gaining attention on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
He is a world-class salsa dancer and choreographer, and has appeared in such TV shows as “Glee” (alongside Olivia Newton-John) and the Fran Drescher comedy “Happily Divorced.” He also made appearances on the Disney Channel and in music videos by Jennifer Lopez, John Mayer and Cody Sompson.
Most recently, Platero was featured  in 2013 with “Dancing With The Stars.” He remains a head choreographer and dancer for Estrella TV’s “Mi Sueno Es Bailar,” the Spanish TV version of “Dancing With The Stars.”
And much like with those avenue outlets, “Ballroom” offers its team a chance to bond.
“We really are like a family,” Platero said. “We really feed off each other’s energy. Travel can be stressful at times, but with this group, we get along so well that we can just hang out and make the experience that much more enjoyable.”
Tickets remain available for the Saturday showcase, and can be purchased online at bowluscenter.org, by calling 365-4765 or at the door. Adult tickets sell for $20 for orchestra seating, and $17 for the balcony. Student tickets sell for $10 and $8.50, respectively.
The performance is sponsored by the Sleeper Family Trust.