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Jason Gilkison
Jason Gilkison
Jason Gilkison
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Jason Gilkison is an Australian professional ballroom dance champion and choreographer.

Early life

[edit]

Gilkison was born in Perth, Australia.[when?][1] He was raised by his single mum, Kay.[2] At age 4, he began dancing at the Perth ballroom dance studio, founded by his grandparents Sam and Ronnie Gilkison, the first of its kind in Australia.[3][4] Gilkison has lived in Sydney, London, England and Los Angeles, United States. He realised he was gay when he was 16 or 17.[2]

Dance career

[edit]

At the age of 7 Gilkison was first paired with Peta Roby.[when?][3] Gilkison formed a professional partnership with Peta Roby in 1980 and were undefeated Australian Latin champions from 1981 to 1997.[3][5] At age 23, Gilkison and Roby were the ranked pair in Ten-Dance Competition.[4]

In 1990, Gilkison and Roby received the "Young Australian of the Year" Award. In 1991, they became the residing teachers at one of London's most prestigious ballroom schools, where they remained for seven years, training many of the world's leading dancers.[5]

Stage

[edit]

Gilkison has served as choreographer and director for the ballroom dance stage show Burn the Floor[3] Gilkison's longtime dance partner Roby served as associate producer of the show.[when?][4] Burn the Floor began touring in 1999 and reached Broadway, Manhattan in 2009.[4]

In 2012, Gilkison choreographed Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas, a live stage show at the Tropicana in Las Vegas featuring celebrities and dancers from ABC's Dancing with the Stars.[6] The production opened in April 2012 and ran for twelve weeks.[6]

TV and film

[edit]

In 2008, Gilkison became a contributing choreographer for Australian version of the American reality dance-off series So You Think You Can Dance. Months later he joined the US version. Superstars of Dance, which he co-choreographed[2] with Nakul Dev Mahajan.

As of 2014, Gilkison worked as the director of choreography on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing.[1]

As choreographer

[edit]

So You Think You Can Dance

[edit]
Season Week Dancers Dance style Music
4 8 Courtney Galiano
Mark Kanemura 		Viennese Waltz "The Time of My Life"—David Cook
Katee Shean
Joshua Allen 		Paso Doble "Filet" from Le Rêve
9 Courtney Galiano
Joshua Allen 		Jive "The Dirty Boogie"—The Brian Setzer Orchestra
6 0 Karen Hauer
Ashleigh Di Lello
Ryan Di Lello 		Samba "Everything I Can't Have"—Robin Thicke
1 Channing Cooke
Phillip Attmore 		Jive "Rockin' Robin"—The Jackson 5
Brandon Dumlao
Pauline Mata 		Smooth Waltz "You Light Up My Life"—Whitney Houston
7 Kathryn McCormick
Ryan Di Lello 		Cha-Cha "Put Your Hands on Me"—Joss Stone
Mollee Gray
Jakob Karr 		Viennese Waltz "Ordinary Day"—Vanessa Carlton
8 Kathryn McCormick
Ryan Di Lello 		Samba "Magalenha"—Sérgio Mendes
Ellenore Scott
Russell Ferguson 		Paso Doble "Village Attack" from Blood Diamond
7 0 Anya Garnis
Pasha Kovalev
Cristina Santana 		Samba "Work" (Freemason remix)—Kelly Rowland
8 0 Iveta Lukosiute
Pasha Kovalev 		Ballroom Medley "Ven a Bailar (On the Floor)"—Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
1 Miranda Maleski
Robert Taylor Jr. 		Jive "Runaway Baby"—Bruno Mars
Iveta Lukosiute
Nick Young 		Quickstep "The Ballroom Blitz"—Sweet
6 Chelsie Hightower
Marko Germar 		Samba "Cinema Italiano (The Ron Fair Remix)"—Kate Hudson
Melanie Moore
Pasha Kovalev 		Viennese Waltz "Everybody Hurts"—Tina Arena
9 0 Lindsay Arnold
Nick Bloxsom-Carter
Witney Carson 		Ballroom Medley "Dance Again"—Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
1 Amber Jackson
Nick Bloxsom-Carter 		Viennese Waltz "Nights in White Satin"—Tina Arena
Lindsay Arnold
Cole Horibe 		Paso Doble "Unstoppable"—E.S. Posthumus

So You Think You Can Dance Australia

[edit]
Season Week Dancers Dance style Music
1 1 Jemma Armstrong
Rhys Bobridge 		Waltz "A New Day Has Come" from Celine Dion
Stephanie Golman
Marko Panzic 		Jive "Untouched"—The Veronicas
2 Kate Wormald
Hilton Denis 		Foxtrot "2 Hearts"—Kylie Minogue
3 Jemma Armstrong
Rhys Bobridge 		Paso Doble "O Verona" from the film Romeo + Juliet
Top 16 Ballroom "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)"—Louis Prima
4 Henry Byalikov
Vanessa Sew Hoy 		African Samba "Lo-Lo Dzama"—Sum Svisti
8 Kate Wormald
Rhys Bobridge 		Rumba "Message to My Girl"—Split Enz
9 Demi Sorono
Jack Chambers 		Cha-cha-cha "Mercy"—Duffy
2 1 Talia Fowler
Emmanuel Rodriguez 		Cha-Cha "Hound Dog"-Smoky Joe's Cafe
2 Top 18 Rock and Roll/Latin Ballroom "Objection (Tango)"-Shakira
3 Amy Campbell
Damien Samuel 		Rumba "Stepping Stone"-Duffy
4 Penny Higgs
Charlie Bartley 		Viennese Waltz "I Have Nothing"-Whitney Houston
6 Talia Fowler
Charlie Bartley 		Quickstep "Valerie"-Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse
Penny Higgs
Ben Veitch 		Foxtrot "Rock with You (Frankie Knuckles Remix)"-Michael Jackson
7 Top 8 Foxtrot "Ain't That A Kick in the Head"-Robbie Williams
8 Kat Risteska
Charlie Bartley 		Tango "Gotta Get Thru This (Acoustic)"-Daniel Bedingfield
Amy Campbell
Ben Veitch 		Paso Doble "Overture"-Australian Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar
9 Ash-Leigh Hunter
Damien Samuel 		Foxtrot "Hurt"-Christina Aguilera
3 0 Jessica Prince
Kieran McMahon
Matt Geronimi
Will Centurion 		Viennese Waltz "Never Tear Us Apart"—INXS
4 Robbie Kmetoni
Ivy Heeney 		Paso Doble "Sweet Disposition"—The Temper Trap
7 Nick Geurts
Jessie Hesketh 		Cha-cha-cha "Istanbul 1:26 am"—Orient Expressions

As judge

[edit]

In 2014, Jason Gilkison joined the judging panel on the 4th season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia alongside Aaron Cash, Shannon Holtzapffel and Paula Abdul.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jason Gilkison

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jason Gilkison is an Australian-born choreographer, director, and former professional dancer renowned for his innovative fusion of traditional with contemporary performance styles across television, stage, and live events. Best known as the creative director of the BBC's for over a decade, he has also directed the global dance production Burn the Floor and choreographed for major artists and ceremonies, earning a BAFTA award and the Carl Alan Award for his contributions to dance. Born March 28, 1966, in Perth, , Gilkison was raised by his single mother, Kay, and introduced to dancing at age four by his grandparents, Sam and Ronnie Gilkison, who founded Australia's first studio. He began competing at age seven, partnering with Peta Roby in 1973 and turning professional in 1980; together, they became undefeated Australian Latin champions from 1981 to 1997 and received the Young award in 1990. After moving to in 1991 to teach at a prestigious school until 1998, Gilkison transitioned from competition to , creating Burn the Floor in the late 1990s as a high-energy showcase that toured over 40 countries, broke records on Broadway in 2009, and returned to the West End. His early choreographic highlights included the Olympics closing ceremony in 2000. Gilkison's television career took off in the 2000s with choreography for So You Think You Can Dance in and the , followed by judging and directing roles on Dancing with the Stars in the U.S. and . He joined in 2014 as creative director, overseeing group routines and contributing to its BAFTA-winning production design, while also choreographing for artists such as , , and . More recently, he choreographed the UK tour of and I Should Be So Lucky, with new projects slated for 2025. A multiple nominee for World Choreography Awards, Gilkison's work has revitalized for modern audiences through its sensual, theatrical lens.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Jason Gilkison was born in 1966 in Perth, , to a single mother, Kay Gilkison, who raised him amid the modest suburban surroundings of the city. Growing up in this environment, Gilkison benefited from unwavering family support that shaped his early personal development. His mother, described as innocent and devoted, played a pivotal role in providing stability and encouragement during his childhood, navigating the challenges of single parenthood to foster his growth. The family's close-knit dynamic was influenced by their involvement in Perth's local dance community, where Gilkison's grandparents owned a prominent studio that offered him his first glimpses of the art form. This background instilled a sense of cultural and artistic heritage, even as the household focused on everyday resilience in a conservative Australian setting of the and . As Gilkison matured, his path led to relocations within , including to . These shifts marked a transition from his rooted Perth upbringing to a broader perspective, building on the foundational support from his mother and .

Introduction to dance and early training

Jason Gilkison began his dance journey at the age of four in Perth, , where he started lessons at the ballroom studio founded by his grandparents, Sam and Ronnie Gilkison, in 1931. This studio, the first of its kind in Perth, provided Gilkison with his initial immersion into the world of through family ties that had deep roots in the local dance community. Through these early lessons at the ballroom and Latin studio, Gilkison gained foundational exposure to and styles, learning the essentials of rhythm, posture, and movement that characterized traditional partnered dancing. His training emphasized basic techniques such as precise footwork and the fundamentals of partnering, which were hallmarks of the studio's curriculum and commitment to accessible social dancing. As a child, Gilkison relocated to , where he pursued more structured training that instilled greater discipline and fueled his growing passion for competitive . His mother, , played a supportive role in nurturing these pursuits during his formative years.

Competitive dance career

Partnership with Peta Roby

Jason Gilkison first paired with Peta Roby at the age of seven, when both children began imitating professional dancers they admired, prompting Gilkison's mother to suggest they train together formally. This early collaboration, initiated in primary school in Perth, , evolved into a professional competitive partnership that lasted 17 years, concluding in 1997. Throughout their tenure, Gilkison and Roby cultivated highly synchronized styles in Latin and dancing, characterized by seamless coordination and mutual reliance that allowed for fluid, expressive performances. Their routines emphasized trust between partners, enabling innovative interpretations of traditional forms, such as blending rhythmic precision with emotional depth to captivate audiences. This dynamic not only fostered technical excellence but also encouraged creative risks in choreography, setting their partnership apart in competitive circuits. The duo's training regimen was rigorous, involving daily practice sessions to refine technique and stamina, often under the guidance of Gilkison's mother, , at the family-run Gilkison Dance Studio in Perth. This consistent routine was complemented by extensive international travel for competitions and coaching opportunities, including stints in during the 1990s, which exposed them to diverse influences and elevated their global presence. On a personal and professional level, the partnership marked significant evolution for both dancers, with Roby playing a pivotal role in Gilkison's maturation as a performer by providing a reliable counterpart who challenged and complemented his style from childhood onward. Their shared journey from youthful enthusiasts to undefeated Australian Latin champions underscored the enduring bond that propelled their success.

Major achievements and records

Gilkison and his dance partner Peta Roby formed one of the most dominant partnerships in Australian ballroom history, remaining undefeated as Australian Latin champions from 1981 to 1997, a 17-year streak that established an Australasian record for longevity in the discipline. This unparalleled run included multiple national titles and solidified their status as the preeminent Latin pair in the country during that era. On the international stage, Gilkison and Roby achieved world, British, and international professional Latin championship status, becoming the first Australians to claim such titles. Their competitive prowess extended to prestigious events like the , where they won the professional Latin division in 1995, further elevating Australian representation in global . At age 23, Gilkison and Roby ranked as the top pair in the World Amateur Ten-Dance Competition in 1988, demonstrating exceptional versatility across both Latin and Standard styles. In recognition of their contributions to dance, they received the Young Australian of the Year Award in 1990.

Choreography and directing career

Stage productions

Jason Gilkison has served as the choreographer and for the production Burn the Floor since its inception in 1997, transforming it into a global phenomenon that blends high-energy , Latin, and styles in large-scale ensemble performances. The show premiered in and quickly embarked on international tours, captivating audiences with its innovative fusion of traditional precision and modern theatrical flair, often featuring explosive group routines that emphasize athleticism and emotional intensity. In 2009, Gilkison created and choreographed a specially adapted Broadway edition, which ran for 193 performances at the , marking a significant milestone in bringing competitive to mainstream theater stages. The production has continued with ongoing international tours through 2025, including engagements in and the , maintaining its reputation for pushing boundaries in fusion while evolving with new casts and arrangements. In 2012, Gilkison directed the choreography for : Live in Las Vegas, a 12-week residency at the Tropicana Hotel that adapted television routines for a live theater setting, featuring celebrity dancers and professional partners in an 80-minute of and contemporary numbers. This production highlighted his expertise in scaling intimate TV performances to suit larger venues, incorporating ensemble work that echoed the dynamic energy of Burn the Floor. Gilkison co-choreographed the tour of : The Musical from 2019 to 2023, alongside director , adapting Baz Luhrmann's film with vibrant and Latin sequences that captured the story's rebellious spirit and athletic dance demands. The production toured major venues, blending competitive precision with theatrical to appeal to both dance enthusiasts and musical theater audiences. Gilkison's for : The Stock Aitken Waterman Musical, which premiered at the in November 2023, fused hits from the and with vibrant dance sequences that integrate elegance, Latin rhythms, and contemporary flair to drive the of a young woman's journey. Directed by , the production features ensemble dances that propel the story forward, emphasizing Gilkison's signature style of seamless genre blending to create accessible, high-impact theatrical movement. The show has since toured the , showcasing his ability to tailor for musical theater while preserving the athletic precision of competitive dance. Looking ahead, Gilkison is collaborating on Burn the Floor: Supernova, an upcoming tour starring finalist , set to launch in June 2026 with explosive that further innovates by merging foundations with bold contemporary elements in a high-octane ensemble format. This production continues Gilkison's tradition of large-scale shows that redefine theater through interdisciplinary fusion, promising intensified athleticism and narrative depth across venues like the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Television and film work

Jason Gilkison began his prominent television choreography career with the U.S. version of So You Think You Can Dance, contributing routines starting in season 4 in 2008 and across multiple subsequent seasons. His work featured innovative group numbers and partner dances, such as paso dobles and Viennese waltzes that blended classical precision with contemporary flair, often drawing from his competitive background to emphasize technical storytelling in high-energy formats. These contributions helped elevate the show's production values, with Gilkison creating over 100 routines that showcased emerging dancers' versatility. In 2014, Gilkison served as a judge on season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance , where he provided expert feedback on contestants' techniques and performances, guiding emerging talents through and Latin styles alongside judges , Shannon Holtzapffel, and Aaron Cash. His role emphasized constructive critiques that highlighted potential for professional growth, contributing to the season's focus on diverse dance genres. Gilkison has been the creative director for BBC's for over 12 years as of 2025, a role he assumed around 2013 after initial guest in the early . In this capacity, he oversees the artistic direction, including annual live tours and productions for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, directing group routines that integrate celebrity partners with professional dancers in elaborate spectacles. He also directed : The Professionals tours, such as the 2021 production postponed to 2022 due to the , featuring pro dancers in high-octane performances across UK arenas. His influence from competitive dance often infuses these TV formats with authentic partnership dynamics and dramatic flair. Beyond Strictly, Gilkison choreographed the opening act for the Semi-Final 2 in , creating the drag-infused spectacular "Be Who You Wanna Be," which featured three drag performers alongside the Ukrainian troupe Podilya for a vibrant, inclusive sequence. Early in his , prior to his choreography prominence, Gilkison had limited TV appearances, including a self appearance as choreographer in the 2004 special The Making of 'Burn the Floor'.

Awards and nominations

Competitive honors

In 1990, Jason Gilkison and his dance partner Peta Roby were jointly awarded the Young honor by the National Council, recognizing their exceptional achievements in competitive dancing as young Australians under 31. The selection process for the award, established to celebrate outstanding contributions from individuals aged 16 to 30, evaluates nominees based on demonstrated excellence in their field, significant impact on the community through inspiration and leadership, and potential as role models for youth. Gilkison and Roby's nomination highlighted their dominance in Latin and Ten-Dance competitions, which elevated the profile of in and positioned them as ambassadors for the art form, fostering greater public interest and participation in the discipline. This national recognition markedly increased their visibility, paving the way for international opportunities and solidifying their reputation as trailblazers in competitive . Gilkison and Roby's undefeated streak as Australian Latin champions from 1981 to 1997 stands as one of the longest unbroken records in the history of Australian dancing, spanning 16 years of consecutive victories at the national level. This feat, achieved through their partnership's technical precision and innovative routines, not only dominated domestic competitions but also set a benchmark for endurance and excellence, influencing subsequent generations of Australian dancers by demonstrating the potential for sustained supremacy in a highly competitive field. The record's historical significance lies in its role in professionalizing in , where prior to their era, such prolonged dominance was rare, thereby elevating the sport's prestige and attracting greater investment from dance organizations. On the international stage, Gilkison and Roby amassed notable honors, including the 1988 World Amateur Ten-Dance Championship title and the 1989 Blackpool Dance Festival Amateur Latin Championship, where they outperformed global competitors in the prestigious event held annually in the UK. They also claimed the 1989 British Amateur Latin Championship and achieved high placements in professional divisions, such as sixth place at the 1997 Blackpool Professional Latin final and finalist status in the 1996 edition. These accomplishments, including undefeated runs in select World, British, and International Latin events as noted by their professional biographies, underscored their versatility across Latin and ballroom styles, earning them acclaim as one of the era's top Ten-Dance pairs. These competitive honors collectively facilitated Gilkison's seamless transition from performer to educator and choreographer, as their proven expertise drew invitations to teach at elite institutions, such as a prominent school in 1991, where they began mentoring emerging talents. The international prestige from these awards established them as authoritative figures, enabling Gilkison to leverage his competitive legacy into creative directing roles, including the development of innovative stage productions that blended competition techniques with theatrical elements. This shift not only extended their influence beyond the dance floor but also contributed to the global evolution of as a performative art.

Choreography recognitions

Gilkison earned a BAFTA award in 2020 for his contributions to . He has also been recognized with the Carl Alan Award for his outstanding contributions to . Throughout his career, Gilkison has garnered eight nominations for the World Award, highlighting his innovative work across stage and screen. Notable among these is a double nomination in 2019 for routines on , including the performance of "" and collaborative group numbers. In 2024, he received another nomination for his on . Additional nominations have acknowledged his for stage productions like Burn the Floor and various television specials. These accolades have significantly elevated Gilkison's international profile, establishing him as a premier figure in and facilitating expanded opportunities in directing and creative production following 2020. His recognitions underscore the enduring impact of his fusion of ballroom traditions with modern theatrical elements, influencing projects such as the live tours tied to .

References

  1. https://www.jasongilkison.com/about
  2. https://www.intertalentgroup.com/client/jason-gilkison/
  3. https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/strictly-choreographer-jason-gilkisons-life-25501801
  4. https://burnthefloor.com/creative-team/
  5. https://burnthefloor.com/jason-gilkison/
  6. https://www.danceinforma.com/2009/10/02/jason-gilkison/
  7. https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2009/01/14/dance-king-jason-gilkison-makes-his-move
  8. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/134059/jason-gilkison-burn-the-floor-and-the-ballroom-renaissance/
  9. https://inspireddance.com.au/jason-gilkison/
  10. https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/28/burn-the-floor-brings-dance-stars-to-oc/
  11. https://dancemagazine.com.au/2016/04/burn-floor-game-sharing/
  12. https://www.haveagonews.com.au/paper/11-2015/284digital.pdf
  13. https://www.danceaustralia.com.au/news/still-burning-after-all-these-years
  14. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/its-about-sex-20050909-gdm12v.html
  15. https://www.outsidechange.com/blackpool-history-professional-latin/
  16. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=981759330660078&id=100064780598244&set=a.631400609029287
  17. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dancing-with-the-stars-live-in-las-vegas-live-show-to-debut-april-14-at-the-new-tropicana-las-vegas-144479625.html
  18. https://www.puredwts.com/2012/04/09/dancing-with-the-stars-live-show-in-las-vegas/
  19. https://soluckymusical.com/
  20. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/nov/15/i-should-be-so-lucky-the-musical-review-missing-the-hit-factory
  21. https://matineemusicals.com/i-should-be-so-lucky-the-official-stock-aitken-waterman-musical/
  22. https://theatreweekly.com/burn-the-floor-supernova-to-ignite-uk-stages-with-nikita-kuzmin-in-2026-tour/
  23. https://brightondome.org/whats-on/LsW-burn-the-floor-presents-nikita-kuzmin-supernova/
  24. https://www.dance-forums.com/threads/sytycd-season-4-week-8.26977/
  25. https://dancespirit.com/sytycd-season-9-top-20-perform/
  26. https://tvtonight.com.au/2014/04/so-you-think-you-can-dance-australia-apr-10.html
  27. https://tvweakness.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/so-you-think-you-can-dance-australia-season-4-episode-1-recap/
  28. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/strictly-come-dancing-behind-the-scenes-interview-jason-gilkison_uk_635a708ae4b044fae3e63650
  29. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-announces-four-23826012
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/may/09/joanna-lumley-is-my-ultimate-strictly-supremo-jason-gilkison-on-dream-contestants-and-his-eurovision-drag-spectacular
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1086330/
  32. https://www.facebook.com/groups/460748527467357/posts/2488462324695957/
  33. https://www.dancemagazine.com.au/2016/12/jason-gilkison-not-so-strictly-ballroom/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/outsidechange/posts/3-days-and-countingour-next-australian-champions-we-take-a-look-at-have-been-one/1456464594402556/
  35. https://www.vegasdancesport.com/content/blackpool_champions/amateur_latin/
  36. https://www.blackpooldancefestival.net/prlatin.shtml
  37. https://www.utdallas.edu/~aria/dance/blackpool96.html
  38. https://www.mcall.com/2010/11/10/burn-the-floor-a-ballroom-and-latin-dance-spectacular-2/
  39. https://dancemagazine.com/here-are-the-2019-world-choreography-award-nominees/
  40. https://variety.com/2024/artisans/news/world-choreography-awards-full-nominations-list-2024-1236166366/
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