It's Showtime!

2012-02-17T21:44:00.002+01:00

Hot Ice at The Arena
The Award Winning Hot Ice Back for 2012!

Hot Ice will be returning to The Arena for the 2012 season from 4th July to 8th September.

The world's most spectacular ice show burst into action on Wednesday 4th July, opening to a packed out audience from its home, The Arena, Pleasure Beach Resort.

HOT ICE at The Arena - Blackpool GB

2012-02-16T14:57:00.000+01:00

Bal du MOULIN ROUGE
Moulin Rouge Shop
11, Rue Lepic - Paris France
www.moulin-rouge.com

2012-02-12T01:03:00.002+01:00

EUROPAPARK
2012 Season
Production "Variety Show"
Steve Eleky - Comedy
Timothy Trust - Magic
Europapark Showballet

EUROPAPARK
Rust - Germany
www.europapark.de

2012-02-09T14:06:00.004+01:00

"JUBILEE" LAS VEGAS
Today, the show "Jubilee" encompasses seven acts in 90 minutes, a bit shorter than when it opened 31 years ago but still an effective tribute to the type of Vegas show Steve Martin was referring to on “Let’s Get Small” when he observed, “There’s a million people onstage, and everything’s moving really fast, and you can’t understand a word they’re saying, but it doesn’t matter, and you’re just sitting there going, ‘Wow! Look at the (breasts)! I’ll bet there’s … 57 breasts up there!”

Since “Folies Bergere,” similar in style but comparatively scaled back, closed in 2009, “Jubilee!” stands alone as the traditional showgirl production in Las Vegas. Many strode from the stage before then, including Arden’s “Hallejulah Hollywood,” “Lido de Paris” at Stardust, “Casino de Paris” at the Dunes and “Hello America” and “Pzazz,” both at Desert Inn.

“Folies” was a particularly difficult closing for many in the “Jubilee!” family to observe. Having turned “moldy,” to use the parlance of the industry, the production at Tiffany Theater at the Tropicana collapsed just before its 50th birthday.

“We were the last two shows that were all about showgirls and big production numbers, with the guys as singers and the whole nine yards,” LeCoque recalls. “ ‘Folies’ was timeless in Europe and here. But
you see, many times in shows, when the spark just isn’t there anymore.”

The flame in “Jubilee!” remains ignited largely because the cast must consent to an onstage review every six months, when producers hold auditions for fresh performers. The more than 1,000 costumes are meticulously cleaned and repaired. Upgrades are frequent. This weekend, a new set of costumes for the brazen “Titanic” number are being unveiled. That number and the tale of Samson and Delilah have been signature scenes since the show began.

In pure numbers, “Jubilee!” still rivals the grandest Las Vegas spectacles.

Its stage is 90 feet high and the width of half a football field. The cast has been drawn down some from the original 126, but there are still 85 cast members, and Team Jubilee numbers 165.

More than 8,000 miles of sequins have been used in the production, and the famous boast is there was a worldwide shortage of Swarovski crystals in 1981 because so many were being used to create “Jubilee!” costumes.
Many of those lavish garments, with headdresses nearly as large as baby cribs and weighing as much as 22 pounds, have been designed by Bob Mackie and today are the creation of Pete Menefee. A total of 18 staffers in the show’s wardrobe department keep the “Jubilee!” costumes in top condition.

The show’s cost, originally, was a then-unheard-of $10 million, and it is still a very expensive show to stage. The cost of each of the showgirl costumes in the “Red Feather” scene that closes the show, set to a medley of Cole Porter standards, is $7,000 apiece. The rhinestone-studded tuxedos worn by the men are $10,000 each.

Thus, the costume outlay alone in “Jubilee!” runs in the millions.
As you watch “Jubilee!” unfold, probably at the point that the sinking of Titanic is re-enacted to a splashy climax, you wonder how this show can possibly remain financially viable. It does not sell out every performance, certainly, but has the power of volume with performances each evening (including a “covered” performance Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.). Also, “Jubilee!” is the rare show that is not four-walled, where the hotel space is leased by an independent company that puts on the production. The show is owned by the hotel, so Bally’s -- and, at the top, Caesars Entertainment -- is literally invested in what is unfurled onstage.

Donn Arden's "JUBILEE"
Jubilee Theatre
Bally's Las Vegas USA

2012-02-07T23:16:00.005+01:00

"JUBILEE" LAS VEGAS
‘Jubilee!’ remains a titanic ode to Las Vegas entertainment!
When it opened in August 1981 at the old MGM Grand, there was nothing else like it.

Thirty-one years on, still, there is nothing else like it!

“Jubilee!” is Las Vegas’ own treasure chest filled with sequins, crystals and finely feathered costumes. The contents have hardly changed in the decades since the grand chest was flung open 31 years ago to a mouths-agape public that had never witnessed such a spectacle.

One hundred and twenty-six performers, tall, toothy and unwaveringly graceful, paraded across the stage. On opening night, “Jubilee!” was the largest show ever in Las Vegas. The showgirls, topless and tantalizing, stood high on heels while balancing headgear as large as birdcages and performed with seemingly painless precision.

Men were dropped into this big box, too, sporting blush-worthy, studded codpieces (where the term “suspicious package” has always carried a unique meaning) and bedazzled tuxedos.

But the men have always craned not to be overshadowed by the pure scope of it all.

The great showroom then was known as Ziegfeld Theater, and the show’s opening helped the MGM Grand return to form after the terrible fire at the hotel that claimed 85 lives just nine months earlier. In rehearsals at the time of the fire and nearly a year behind schedule, “Jubilee!” finally strode in to replace another showgirls-peppered show, “Hallelujah Hollywood,” which had closed after six years at the old MGM.

Six years for such a show seemed an eternity. “Jubilee!” at first was not viewed as a long-term hit production. It’s not that the show that billed its creator, Donn Arden, above its very title lacked legs.

“Opening night was incredible,” said current “Jubilee!” assistant company manager Diane Palm, a showgirl in the production’s original cast. “The line stretched all the way through the casino with people trying to get into the show.”

But nobody in that audience thought in terms of decades for a production where shameless grandiosity ruled the night. Asked if anyone felt “Jubilee!” might span 30 years and straddle two centuries, the show’s company manager and resident legend of dance Ffolliott “Fluff” LeCoque responded with the swift force of a high leg kick.

“Absolutely not,” said the 88-year-old LeCoque, who started as a dancer for Arden more than a half century ago. “We thought it would last six years at the most. “ ‘Hallelujah Hollywood’ lasted that long. Nobody thought ‘Jubilee!’ would be any different.”

Donn Arden's "JUBILEE"
Jubilee Theatre
Bally's Las Vegas USA

2012-02-02T18:15:00.004+01:00

FRIEDRICHSTADT PALAST NEW PRODUCTION: SHOW:ME

SHOW:ME will be the Friedrichstadt-Palast’s most expensive production yet. And one particularly fascinating question lingers in the air: what if the greatest revue virtuosos of the past century were still alive today and were to create a modern-day show?
We can reveal this much: you will never have seen a stage like this before. A kaleidoscope of colours, shapes, art and forms. Magnificent stage design.
Theatre moments that will leave you catching your breath.

Previews from October 2, 2012
World première on October 18, 2012!

FRIEDRICHSTADT PALAST
Berlin - Germany
www.show-palace.eu

2012-02-02T00:34:00.002+01:00

I'TS SHOWTIME!
In December 2011: 6614 Pageviews!
Thanks, Merci, Vielen Dank, Grazi, Bedankt!

2012-02-01T23:56:00.006+01:00

FRIEDRICHSTADT PALAST
Production "YMA" Only playing until July 21, 2012!
Berlin - Germany
www.show-palace.eu

2012-01-26T18:15:00.002+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE

The DVD from "SPEED" is now on sale!
DVD including show registration from 'Speed' The Making of 'Speed', Special Bonus Feature: backstage shots & interviews with members of the creative team, cast and crew. English spoken, Dutch/English, German and French subtitled. The CD is included!

HOLIDAY ON ICE
www.holidayonice.com/shop/

2012-01-22T16:58:00.002+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE
Lés Attractions de "Féerie"
MARIO BEROUSEK
MARC METRAL
DUO STYKAN

Bal du MOULIN ROUGE
Production "Féerie"
Paris - France
www.moulin-rouge.com

2012-01-20T20:06:00.002+01:00

Paris zu Gast in Dresden
MOULIN ROUGE - DORISS GIRLS at SEMPEROPERNBALL in DRESDEN GERMANY
Die Tänzerinnen des Pariser Moulin Rouge freuen sich auf den Dresdner Semperopernball. Über 2200 Gäste werden heute Abend dazu erwartet. Der Ball steht in diesem Jahr unter dem Motto „Dresden darf das!“. Über den Roten Teppich werden der frühere James Bond-Darsteller Roger Moore (84) sowie Verteidigungsminister Thomas de Maizière (CDU) laufen. Auch Schauspielerin Caroline Beil und Sänger Roberto Blanco wollen kommen. Durch das Programm führen die Entertainerin Ruth Moschner und der Sänger Gunther Emmerlich. An der großen Party, die zeitgleich vor der Semperoper unter freiem Himmel über die Bühne geht, werden laut Ballimpresario Hans-Joachim Frey wie schon in den Vorjahren etwa 10 000 Dresdner teilnehmen. Foto: dpa

2012-01-12T01:37:00.000+01:00

2012-01-05T01:18:00.003+01:00

LIDO de PARIS
Le Lido de Paris is irrefutably one of the most celebrated cabarets on the globe. It is located on one of the most spectacular and refined avenues in the world (none other than the Champs-Élysées), and it is most renowned for its stunning ‘Bluebell Girls’. Take a trip to Paris and marvel at this particular cabaret – an incredibly legendary and entertaining cabaret that rivals all other cabarets in the world.

Le Lido is most eminent for its exotic and unusual shows, which in fact could strongly contend against those of Las Vegas. Elvis Presley himself famously gave an impromptu concert at this enchanting venue. Other prominent names that have performed there include the ‘sparrow’ Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, Josephine Baker, Elton John, Shirley MacLaine and Noel Coward, amidst many others.

A Le Lido Paris show will take you on an exhilarating journey in which your senses will be overwhelmed by a flurry of colour. As has already been made clear, the underlying theme of the Lido show is that of a girl in search of happiness, expressed to you through very special, unique means: that of cabaret. Marvel as four diverse and magnificent sets, led by the Bluebell Girls and the Lido Boy Dancers, open up before your astounded eyes. With extraordinary features and an array of special effects, this Le Lido Paris show is a true wonder, an attraction bound to captivate you.

LIDO
Production "BONHEUR"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr

2011-12-21T22:03:00.000+01:00

2011-12-20T21:56:00.003+01:00

Oh la-la ladies luring Moscow

The legendary can-can dancers from the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris have spiced up their show to cook up a special program for their admirers in the Russian capital.
The long legged beauties have left the cabaret which has been their home for 120 years to give three performances in Moscow.

“As a rule, Moulin Rouge never goes on a tour in such big numbers. Thirty-five dancers is a big deal!

One of the girls is Russian-born Olga Khokhlova who has been with the Moulin Rouge for over five years. Olga spends 18 hours per day polishing her dancing skills with just one day off a week.

The Moulin Rouge shows are watched by six million people annually. A quarter of them turn out to be Russian.

So now Russians don’t have to trek to Paris to be treated to a special presentation featuring the best bits from the original shows.

The can-can dancers will have to change their seductive outfits up to six times every performance. A thousand lavish costumes have been created for their Russian tour.

MOULIN ROUGE
Production "Christmas Show"
Moscow - Russia
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-12-20T21:29:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-12-15T10:56:00.002+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-12-08T10:54:00.002+01:00

FRIEDRICHSTADTPALAST
Production "Berlin Erleuchtet" Scenery Design
Berlin - Germany
www.showpalace.eu

2011-12-07T00:19:00.004+01:00

EUROPAPARK
DINNERSHOW "BURLESQUE"
Winterseason 2011/2012
with
Duo Aphrodite - acrobats
Golden Time - diabolo
Crazy Flight - acrobats
Natalya Chaplyn - strapaten
Mario & Stéphane - comedyact
Timothy Trust - magic
Europa-Park Ballet

"BURLESQUE" presented by Denis Jaquillard
Music by Marc Zander Band
Singers: Virginie Schaeffer & Juan Ricondo

Show directed by Steve & Kim Bor
Choreographed by Nathan Clarke

EUROPAPARK
Rust - Germany
www.europapark.de

2011-12-04T01:37:00.000+01:00

2011-11-29T22:07:00.003+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE PARIS
The Moulin Rouge is highly regarded all over the world, and it is not hard to appreciate why. Much of the allure of turn-of-the-century France is very apparent in the club's interior decoration. The Moulin Rouge Paris is an extremely favoured destination for visitors, and offers remarkable, distinctive musical dance entertainment for people from all over the world.

Indulge in an evening cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge: always strongly advised. As you taste some sumptuous champagne, have your breath taken away by the extraordinary array of colours and sounds of a “Féerie” show.

When dusk falls, Paris stunningly bursts into life. Become captivated by the astonishing Moulin Rouge, the world renowned Parisian cabaret.

It is both the oldest and most distinguished of all the cabarets in Paris. Be fascinated by some outstanding choreography at the compelling “Féerie”, led by a group of 100 artists. Marvel at 1000 dramatic costumes composed of rhinestones, feathers and sequins, all flamboyantly exhibited against dazzling sets. This outstanding evening can be made more delight with Hop on Hop Off Paris, one you will not soon forget.

The Moulin Rouge, Paris is perhaps most celebrated as the very birthplace of the can-can. In its beginnings, the can-can functioned as a appealing dance by the prostitutes who were working at the Moulin Rouge. The can-can soon developed into a form of entertainment in its own right, and played a vital part in the spread of cabaret all over Europe.

Paris is an enormously noteworthy world capital that proliferates with a truly astounding assortment of nightlife. However, it is, of course, particularly renowned for its wide-ranging number of cabarets. The finest, most memorable of all cabarets is well and truly none other than the wonderful Moulin Rouge.

About The Moulin Rouge
It was built by Joseph Oller in 1889, who was also the owner of the distinguished Paris Olympia. The name Moulin Rouge approximately translates to ‘red windmill.’ During this era, one of the music hall's most striking frequenters was artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who painted many renowned Moulin Rouge scenes. Some of the extremely celebrated singers who have performed at the Moulin Rouge include Yvette Guilbert, Josephine Baker, Frank Sinatra and the incomparable Édith Piaf.

The Moulin Rouge is arguably the most legendary cabaret on the globe. Visit for an experience to remember!
Source: Globe Trips.

MOULIN ROUGE
Production "Féerie"
Paris - France
www.moulin-rouge.com

2011-11-28T20:12:00.001+01:00

PARADIS LATIN
The New website!
Paris - France
www.paradislatin.com

2011-11-26T22:24:00.002+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE
Production "Féerie"
Paris - France
www.moulin-rouge.com

2011-11-24T21:28:00.001+01:00

FRIEDRICHSTADTPALAST
Production "Berlin Erleuchtet" Christmas Show 2011
Berlin - Germany
www.show-palace.eu

2011-11-17T16:50:00.001+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-11-16T00:46:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-11-06T00:51:00.002+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/12 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-11-01T21:44:00.000+01:00

ROYAL PALACE
Production "CRESCENDO"
Kirrwiller - France
www.royal-palace.com

2011-10-30T10:18:00.002+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE
The Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge will present a Christmas show in Moscow from 16 to December 18 in his first tour abroad since its creation in 1889, the organizers announced Thursday.

27 dancers and dancers will present the classics "Paris dance", "Nostalgia", "Féérie" and other numbers, including the famous French Cancan of Doriss Girls at the City Hall of Moscow Krokus showroom.

Spectators can also admire the acrobatic Duo Stykan number and listen to the young Parisian Singer Kelly Joyce. The organizers ensure that beauty, voice and the grace of the singer nicknamed "Black Venus" will leave anyone indifferent.

In March 2010, two other French cabarets - the Lido and the Crazy Horse - also completed tours in Russia.

MOULIN ROUGE
Paris - France
www.moulinrouge.com

2011-10-16T21:01:00.002+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-10-13T10:35:00.002+02:00

ROYAL PALACE MUSIC HALL
Production "Crescendo"
SOPHIE EDELSTEIN ILLUSIONS
Kirrwiller - France
www.royal-palace.com

2011-09-30T10:03:00.002+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holiayonice.com

2011-09-30T09:58:00.002+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Week 39 The rest of the cast have arrived and the skating and sore muscles are the talk of the day. The cast is wonderful and we have already bonded like such a family, I feel so lucky. Today, we have also started first costume fittings. this a very important time as costume houses from Amsterdam, Paris, Belgium and New York are all working at a rapid pace to get our first looks. The next time we see the costumes are for final fittings and then dress rehearsals. The countdown is on!!
HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-09-22T00:25:00.001+02:00

PHANTASIALAND
2011 Ice Show at the Arena de Fiesta
Production "Relight my Fire"

PHANTASIALAND
Brühl - Germany
www.phantasialand.de

2011-09-19T20:30:00.002+02:00

ROYAL PALACE
Music Hall
Production 2011/12 "Crescendo"
Kirrwiller - France
www.royal-palace.com

2011-09-15T09:58:00.004+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE - "SPEED"
The brand new spectacular show Speed will be an incredible sensation! Bart Doerfler, Creative Director, will share his experience of the developing process of this new Holiday on Ice production.

This week has been thrilling: casting the final few members of Speed. The dancers are the final few and we have possibilities from Canada, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Berlin. Looking forward to the final line-up! This has been a great casting process as the cast is thrilled with this new 'edge'... yay!

Big steps this week in getting ready for SPEED rehearsals. The recording sessions with the orchestra and our amazing musical director Stephen Emmer were completed! The music is so exciting and now it is time to start vocal recording sessions in Germany, Holland, and Las Vegas. This is my favorite part as we put the soul into the sound and each track really becomes musically defined.

This has been a big week preparing for SPEED. We have had vocal recordings with
headliners Lorena Peril and Bobby Black in Las Vegas, casting a few more dancers in Holland, and costume shops in Paris working around the clock to get ready for first fittings. (Cynthia Nordstrom, our costume designer out of New York is thrilled to bring this wild fashion vibe to the show...!). One more week and I head to Utrecht permanently until the opening...woohoo!

So here I go! Packing up and leaving Vegas to head to Utrecht for the duration until the world premiere in Hamburg. This is the icing time in my mind, as the show has been under construction for over a year and we are now getting to put all the exciting touches to it. The cast, skaters, sets, etc are all coming together now...

Here we go... Well it is Monday here and the soundtrack is unbelievable. Truly an emotional ride in every way and with our new sound system it will be sooooo powerful! They are setting ice and we get to start on Wednesday on skates...I can't wait

Wow...what a great two days on the ice with my amazing choreographer Simone Grigorescu and Lisa McKinnon our performance manager. Seeing the show put to skates is so thrilling and we are laughing so much, we have such a fun time creating. We will be working everyday until next Thursday mapping out the numbers and preparing for our line captains to come soon.

On ice now for 6 days and it feels so great to be seeing choreography. Our line captains started officially today so a few more bodies always helps and we also had a very successful press launch in with myself and video host from the show Mirjam Weichselbaum in Hamburg on Monday...so things are moving FAST. Especially with the announcement that Sarah Conner will be singing two songs in the show with video...Exciting!

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-09-07T11:18:00.003+02:00

MEHDI RIOS
Mehdi Rios, who died on August 19 aged 66, was a circus performer for nearly four decades, and with his brother Michel was regarded as the greatest exponent of the acrobatic art known as the Icarian Games.

The Icarian Games is a two-man act thought to have been performed at Philp Astley's circus in London as early as 1777. The bearer lies in a "trinka" cradle, and propels with his feet a partner in a series of gymnastic leaps and bounds.

The act is both strenuous on the legs of the bearer and even more telling on the back of the "voltigeur"; when performed with grace and elegance, however, it can be one of the most attractive circus or vaudeville skills.

Mehdi Rios Lahoussine was born on June 9 1945 in Germany to a Moroccan father, Djamaa ben Lahoussine, and a German mother. Michel was his elder by three years. Their father directed a talented team of whirlwind Arabian tumblers and acrobats in leading circuses, and the boys eventually joined this act. When they grew up Michel took German nationality, and Mehdi Moroccan, but both later lived in France.

When Michel was 14 and Mehdi 11, their father – who had already trained them in tumbling – analysed their respective talents and sent them to complete their circus education with the instructor Augusto Lesi at the Gymnase de la Cité du Midi, in France.

While still working with their father's big troupe, the two brothers practised the Icarian Games for years, two or three hours daily, eventually perfecting their own act.

This they premiered at the Cirque d'Hiver-Bouglione in Paris on February 15 1958, performing a miraculous set of 30 somersaults. Mehdi was the only performer in the world who could be projected into the air in a "pirouette-rattrapé" manoeuvre and then land on just one foot.

Before long they had become the leading exponents of their craft, playing in front of huge audiences across Europe. In 1963 and 1964 they were featured at the Moulin Rouge; soon they were stars in New York, at the Radio City Music Hall, delivering four gruelling performances a day, seven days a week. But their principal home was at the Lido in Paris, where they performed for more than 25 years.

It was also at the Lido that Mehdi met his wife to be, a fellow artiste, Iris Toddy, who starred at the cabaret in an ice skating number with her brother, Gunner. The Toddys had started out as child acrobats from Germany, and went on to win the pairs competition at the World Professional Figure Skating Championships at Jaca, Spain, in 1974.

In the mid-1990s, after four decades, the brothers retired from performing and, with their wives, created a successful theatrical production company, Rios Productions. Based in Paris, Rios Productions packaged touring variety shows and revues, in the Lido style, which appeared in nightclubs, casinos and variety theatres all over the world.

After his funeral, a memorial service was held for Mehdi Rios at the Cirque d'Hiver-Bouglione, the setting for the Rios Brothers' debut performance. He is survived by his brother, and by his wife and their daughter, Nathalie, who also became a circus performer.

2011-09-02T20:16:00.002+02:00

PARADIS LATIN
Production "Paradis À la Folie"
Paris - France
www.paradislatin.fr

2011-09-01T08:14:00.004+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
The brand new spectacular show Speed will be an incredible sensation! Bart Doerfler, Creative Director, will share his experience of the developing process of this new Holiday on Ice production.
This has been a big week preparing for SPEED. We have had vocal recordings with headliners Lorena Peril and Bobby Black in Las Vegas, casting a few more dancers in Holland, and costume shops in Paris working around the clock to get ready for first fittings. (Cynthia Nordstrom, our costume designer out of New York is thrilled to bring this wild fashion vibe to the show...!). One more week and I head to Utrecht permanently until the opening.

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012
Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-08-30T01:00:00.001+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France

SPEED
Directed by Bart Doerfler
Choreographed by Simone Grigorescu
Costumes by Cynthia Nordstrom
Music by Stephen Emmer

www.holidayonice.com

2011-08-29T14:58:00.000+02:00

In seven days of the first of the new review 2011-2012, "Crescendo", the Royal Palace in Kirrwiller continues his artistic and technological transfer to continue to be among the world elite of the music-halls.
"The public does really not know how this House is outstanding." "I have difficulty to able to quote another place in this capacity", testifies David Moore, 61 years on September 4, Director and choreographer of the new show.

Born in Africa in the South, naturalized French, after letters and theatre studies, he joined the national ballet of Africa in the South as a dancer. "Originally, I had the vocation of the Music Hall." I do not know to do something else. "Dancer spotlight at the Lido, in Paris, it is moving slowly towards the creation of performances. "When, with age, the body doesn't want you obey, it must evolve."

After the Lido, and then the direction of the Paradis Latin, he began the creation of show in 1987. A show on ice for a great hotel in Seoul, in Korea. "I currently have a review in the year to Benidorm, in the South of the Spain, explains David Moore." Pierre Meyer came to see it, and then called me and asked if I was interested Kirrwiller. I stayed mouth EER. This is an offer she couldn't refuse. »

As David Moore attended for years the Royal Palace as a spectator. "This is one of the latest houses to offer each year a new review.". Even the biggest, Paris or Berlin, do more. »

With "Crescendo", David Moore wants to prepare the future of the Music Hall. "If we did not attract young people, our businesses will be dead in ten years." However the younger generations were higher rhythm TV zapping and clips that require a faster pace and a hunting time.

The new show has five tableaus and 35 scenes. The shortest lasts 29 seconds, the longest exceed not two and a half minutes. "There will have never been as many special effects, water, fire, 3D, film requires.". The attractions are integrated with the tableaus to not slow down the show.

This need for speed has led to choose Sophie Edelstein for large numbers of illusion. The star of the jury of the program of "incredible talent", on M6, and evenings of Patrick Sébastien, is one of the few women stars world of illusion where men dominate. She arrives in Kirrwiller with her troupe and its three trailers of equipment. "When Pierre Meyer has contacted me, I came." I am placing before the empty room alone on the stage, and I felt the feeling, the magic of the Royal Palace. I said yes. "It is a sorceress who stated," its fun.

Yes all the more easy to decide that the Royal Palace opened the purse: three million euros for the production. Sophie was coming with his troupe, David with his ten collaborators and assistants. "I wanted that settings are made in Spain and the audiovisual part in Belgium." Pierre looked at specifications and agreed.

"It's the price to pay." "One cannot cheat with the Viewer, under penalty of death," said Pierre Meyer, comforted by an increase of 27 000 customers past and flattering review upcoming bookings season: 70 000 places already reserved, is 5,000 more than last year on the same date.

ROYAL PALACE
Production "CRESCENDO"
Kirrwiller - France
www.royalpalace.com

2011-08-24T10:11:00.001+02:00

2011-08-22T10:38:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE

The brand new spectacular show "Speed" will be an incredible sensation! Bart Doerfler, Creative Director, will share his experience of the developing process of this new Holiday on Ice production.

The show concists of 10 chapters, starting with the Speed of Instinct. This part of the show is thrilling, wild, exciting and will have fire torches. After this spectacular introduction, a fun , athleticism and color consists of the traditional wheel and precision. The scene based on the Speed of City will be followed by Speed of Love, Speed of Nature and Speed of Money and demonstrate water, wind, fun and a good sense of humor!

After the intermission, the second act starts with thrills and excitement again. The audience will be entranced by circus acts, aerial features with the Wheel of Death and exciting, unexpected illusions. The Speed of Time is a fantastic love scene followed by Speed of Machines. This is a ground breaking part of the show that play with stunt snow bikes! Light Speed flies into the finale with a spectacular short track race!

Made for the entire family, Speed will have everyone cheering and laughing together, all the while making lifetime memories and forever changing the horizon of the ice show.

Week 32 | 14 weeks before the premiere!

Bart Doerfler: "Big steps this week in getting ready for SPEED rehearsals. The recording sessions with the orchestra and our amazing musical director Stephen Emmer were completed! The music is so exciting and now it is time to start vocal recording sessions in Germany, Holland, and Las Vegas. This is my favorite part as we put the soul into the sound and each track really becomes musically defined. Woohoo!!!"

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Tour 2011/12 Germany & France
Production "Speed"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-08-11T21:04:00.000+02:00

FRIEDRICHSTADTPALAST
Production "YMA"
Berlin - Germany
www.show-palace.eu

2011-07-31T17:28:00.000+02:00

Ode to the Vegas showgirl:
‘Jubilee’
celebrates 30 years in Las Vegas!

Nothing epitomizes Vegas more than the showgirl. Adorned in skin-hugging sequins, flamboyant feathers and sultry stage make-up, these statuesque icons embody all of the glamour and sexy appeal that characterize Vegas.

Audiences on the Las Vegas Strip got their first look at showgirls as we know them today with the opening of “Minsky’s Follies” in 1957. Along with being the first revue to feature showgirls as the main form of entertainment, “Minsky’s Follies” was also the Strip’s first topless show. The show’s success prompted other revues to open that showcased beautiful women in extravagant costumes, and the Vegas showgirl was born. Some of the other showgirl revues on the Strip at the time were: “Copa Girls” at the Sands, “Lido de Paris” at the MGM Grand and “Splash” at the Riviera.

Jubilee!
Today, there’s only one show left on the Strip that features the classic showgirl in all her rhinestone-studded and fishnet stocking-wearing glory. That show is “Jubilee!” at Bally’s. The show is celebrating its 30th anniversary on July 30, making it the longest-running show on the Strip.

“Jubilee!” opened in 1981. The show took Vegas audiences by storm with its 85 dancers of amazing stature (the true showgirl must be at least 5’8” and the men 6’0” and over), talented singers and three specialty performances. “Jubilee!” soon became known as a Broadway meets Vegas glitz production with its large 190-foot-long and 73-foot-deep stage and incredible production elements including 100 different sets and backdrops. To top it off the performers were decked out in exquisite costumes designed by Peter Menefee and Bob Mackie, the same fashion designer for Cher.

After 18,720 shows and 18 million guests, “Jubilee!” continues to dazzle audiences today as the only classic Vegas showgirl revue on the Strip.

Jubilee fun facts

There are more than 1,000 different costumes in the show
There are 8,000 miles of sequins used on the costumes. That’s enough to reach from Vegas to Paris and back.
Shoes cost approximately $100 per pair and last about three months. Each showgirl has approximately seven pairs of shoes for the show.
The cast of “Jubilee!” features 85 high-kicking performers. All dancers must excel in ballet, jazz and top dance.
With all the twirls and kicks they must execute, the dancers go through 1,500 pairs of tights a year.
There are 17 set changes in the show.
The heaviest headdress weighs 22 pounds.
About 4,200 pounds of dry ice are used for the fog effects in each performance.
“Jubilee!” performers must re-audition for their job every six months.
The show has a wardrobe team of 18 people to build, repair and wash costumes.

Jubilee!
Bally's Theatre
Las Vegas - USA
www.ballyslasvegas.com

2011-07-24T22:39:00.000+02:00

Can-Can if you can
Moulin Rouge audition’s

Paris’s Moulin Rouge (translation: Red Mill) is a cabaret, one of the world’s most famous with its trademark lighted windmill, built in 1889 on the Boulevard de Clichy, close to the artsy Montmartre area.

The spicy entertainment and especially the lively can-can dance that evolved on its stage has delighted crowds ever since. Every year, tourists flock there to have dinner among the romantic turn-of-the-century furnishings and enjoy the main feature, a two-hour show from a team of approximately 50 high-spirited dancers in glittery costumes.

Every so often the maitresse de ballet, the captain of the dancers, goes on tour around the world recruiting new candidates for the show. This summer, the current maitresse, Janet Pharaoh, is on tour auditioning dancers in Toronto, Montreal, Las Vegas — and Sechelt.

Yes, the Coast Academy of Dance (CAD) facility in Sechelt has made the cut as an audition centre, thanks to Julie Izad, the dance school’s artistic director.

Izad once danced with the Moulin Rouge herself from 1978 to 1982 at the start of her professional career, and she considers it a great opportunity for dancers to get a foot in the door of Europe’s active dance world.

Izad kept in touch with performers at the Moulin Rouge and invited Pharaoh to use Sechelt for her West Coast auditions. As Izad points out, the school is closer than Las Vegas for prospective dancers from Calgary and Seattle. If dancers are interested enough to audition, they are usually forced to travel a distance anyway, since Canada’s dance scene opportunities are few and far between.

“It’s very hard for dancers in Canada,” said Izad.

Some are dancing at a very high level, she points out, but the career options are not always there.

“There’s lots of work in Europe,” she said, and if offered a job with the Moulin Rouge, dancers will receive working papers for a year in France.

Auditions take place on Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. at CAD. There are certain qualifications. Applicants must be at least five feet nine inches tall, slim and at least 18 years old. Though can-can dancers are usually women, men also perform during the revues.

“You must be an all rounder in your dance,” said Izad. “It’s very physical. The employers will be looking at how flexible you are, at your technique — being a jazz or ballet dancer helps.”

Izad saw the show as recently as three years ago and says, “It’s definitely a glittery showgirl show with lots of feathers and sparkles, but there’s real dancing too.”

Some local dancers might apply if they meet the criteria — Izad would like them to try out just for the experience — though many will come from Vancouver for the opportunity to audition. For contact information, see the Moulin Rouge’s website: www.moulinrouge.fr.

2011-07-15T19:03:00.000+02:00

Semperopernball 2012 eröffnet mit Cancan!

Ensemble des Pariser Moulin Rouge zu Gast in Dresden
Dresden (dapd-lsc). Mit einem Cancan wird das Ensemble des weltberühmten Pariser Varietés Moulin Rouge den Dresdner Semperopernball 2012 eröffnen. Rund 20 Tänzerinnen und Tänzer werden während der Ballnacht am 20. Januar insgesamt viermal zur Musik der Sächsischen Staatskapelle auftreten, wie der künstlerische Gesamtleiter des Balls, Hans-Joachim Frey, am Freitag in Dresden sagte. Weitere Gäste und Künstler sollen im Herbst bekannt gegeben werden.

Der Auftritt sei im Jahr 2012 der einzige des Moulin Rouge außerhalb von Paris, sagte die Sprecherin des Varieté-Theaters, Fanny Rabasse. Das Ensemble Rouge gastiere zum ersten Mal in einem Opernhaus. Auch trete es zum ersten Mal zu Live-Orchestermusik auf. Mit den Dresdnern vor der Semperoper werde das Ensemble beim "Openairball" gemeinsam Cancan tanzen, hieß es.

Seit Beginn des Kartenvorverkaufs am Montag sind nach Angabe der Veranstalter bereits 2.000 Tickets verkauft worden. Die günstigsten, sogenannten Flanierkarten für 190 Euro seien bereits am frühen Montagmorgen vergriffen gewesen. 200 Karten der mittleren Preisklasse seien noch erhältlich, hieß es weiter.

Der Semperopernball 2012 steht unter dem Motto "Dresden darf das!". Laut Frey wird sich der Ball jung, witzig und frech präsentieren, ohne mit der Tradition zu brechen. Das solle sich nicht nur im Gastspiel des Moulin Rouge zeigen, sondern auch bei den anderen Gästen und Künstlern sowie "vielleicht auch" beim Tanz der Debütanten. Die Debütanten eröffnen den Ball in der Semperoper traditionell mit einem Wiener Walzer. Interessierte zwischen 16 und 29 Jahren mit tänzerischen Vorkenntnissen können sich jetzt bewerben.

2011-07-08T21:29:00.000+02:00

Hot Ice is so cool!
Hot Ice 2011 - The Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach GB

Time was when Hot Ice ran for six months rather than six weeks but, as they say, good things come in small packages and rather some show than no show.

Having returned to the Blackpool summer scene last year from its temporary shelving due to essential maintenance work being carried out on The Arena, it’s good to see that whilst the run has been shorn of quite a few weeks, the cast (this year numbering 30) and quality remain as high as ever.

There was always going to be a certain irony that having been at the cutting edge of contemporary skating for so many years, the show had to shut up shop just as television’s Dancing On Ice had made skating into the must see new rock and roll.

Whilst other skating shows made their cast dress up as Mickey Mouse and Snow White, Hot Ice introduced silks and aerial skills into its production – this year continuing that fusion of circus, burlesque, new cabaret and skating with the likes of the return of Alexey Kofanov and his cult show Soap inspired bathtub athletics.

This year’s mini United Nations of skaters boasts a company of 30 and the fact that South Shore’s own Katie Stainsby has Dancing On Ice credits to her name and Trent Nelson-Bond is a six times Australian Ice Champion matters not a jot.

For all its smattering of excellent solos and duets this is still essentially an ensemble production – receiving gasps for the speed of its chorus line carousels and spontaneous applause for the show stealing black clad flamenco routine.

From camp cabaret to red hot Latin American rhythms, from jungle beats to pumped up disco style Mozart there are more mood and costume changes than anyone would care to count.

Producer and director Amanda Thompson has clocked up 20 years at the helm this year –and looks set for at least another 20 more, and it’s good to see former Hot Ice favourite skater Oula Jaaskelainen back for a second year sharing the choreography with Anthony Johns.

The show runs until September 4 and is dedicated to the memory of ice skating legend and top British coach Betty Calloway who recently passed away at the age of 83.

HOT ICE
Production 2011
Blackpool - United Kingdom
www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

2011-07-08T20:02:00.000+02:00

LIDO de PARIS
Production "Bonheur"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr

2011-07-07T01:02:00.000+02:00

ROYAL PALACE MUSIC HALL
Production "Passion"
Kirrwiller - France
www.royal-palace.com

2011-06-21T22:06:00.000+02:00

Parisian chic with British legs!
Draped in jewels and feathers, and with the longest legs in town, Bluebell Girls have embodied Parisian sexy chic at the Lido cabaret since 1948.

But founder Margaret Kelly, nicknamed Miss Bluebell for her stunning hyacinth-coloured eyes, actually preferred English-speaking girls, saying French girls did not have the "right bustline".

Pierre Rambert, her former assistant and now the Lido's artistic director, said that, while Bluebell indeed preferred Anglophones, it wasn't necessarily about boobs: "In the 1970s, it was difficult to find French girls who were 1.75m; now there are plenty."

Miss Bluebell handpicked her dancers not only for their long legs, beauty and elegance, but for their strength of character, too.

"Bluebell was a very avant-garde woman and very feminist," said Mr Rambert. "There was an independence, force and dedication and she forwarded the image she wanted to give to her girls."

Apart from the 1.75m minimum height (still the case), the elegance, discipline and radiant smiles, there was no set formula.

Mr Rambert says this strong identity is why the Bluebells, along with The Rockettes at Radio City in New York, are the only two line-girl formations to have survived.

Currently about 60 girls appear on stage each night: 44 girls both topless and clothed (known as nudes and Bluebells) and 16 Kelly Boys. Roughly half are French; the rest hail particularly from the UK, Australia and Russia.

Some 10,000 showgirls have high-kicked night after night on the Champs-Elysées since Irish-born Miss Bluebell brought her troupe over from the Folies Bergères to the Lido in 1948.

For the spectators, it's a world of glamour and grace. But achieving that requires a good deal of grind.

Bluebells have to be resilient, doing two two-hour shows a night, six nights a week. The feather backpacks weigh 10kg, the headgear 6kg and, while the kits get lighter as materials improve, the heels have grown.

Former Bluebell Jane Adamik, now maîtresse de ballet, says making the physically demanding appear graceful is part of the job.

"Running up and down the stairs, continual costume changes ... all on nine-centimetre heels; the girls make it look glamorous, but it's physically very hard."

Clearly the magic still work: Ms Adamik says she gets about 50 CVs a day. So what makes girls keep on aspiring to be a Bluebell?

"It's just something I've always wanted to do," says Mariel Evans from Wales, who has worked her way up to fourth captain after joining two-and-a-half years ago. She started classical ballet at three, but turned to cabaret when she grew too tall to be a ballerina.

"I've wanted to do this since I was four. People say don't be silly you'll never work, and here I am, living the dream."

Lindsey Raven, a Bluebell from 1981 to 1983, who now lives in Rome, said it was more than work: "Miss Bluebell taught us discipline, stage presence and things you can use in life afterwards, like the confidence that you can do what you want to do.

"It was a title; I never had to audition for another job. As soon as you said you were a Bluebell, it was a passport into another show."

Former Bluebell Annette Hirsch from Australia says the new generation is a bit different. "We were a lot more reserved and we wore nicer dresses. Lots of us worked for Dior as well. Nowadays, it's more sunglasses and jeans".

She said the reality of being a Bluebell was rather different from the image: "[It's] not just a dancer who is barely dressed on stage and doesn't have anything in her brain, because lots of girls have gone on to have very interesting careers when they left the Lido.

"There's some intelligence there as well." Ms Hirsch herself went on to study psychotherapy.

Many former Bluebells gathered in Paris last year for a celebration on what would have been Miss Bluebell's 100th birthday.

Organised by Ms Raven, she brought together more than 200 former Bluebells (and Kelly Boys!) from around the world via her showbiz networking site www.showbizfriends.com.

Today's show at the Lido, called "Bonheur", is a sea of stunningly coloured feathers and sequins, but all the showgirls were white. Can you have black Bluebells?

Mr Rambert insists colour is not a barrier: "It's just that way at the moment. Two of our lead boys are black and [in the past] one of our lead girls was a stunning Afro-American. A beautiful girl dancer is a beautiful girl dancer no matter what colour she has."

LIDO de PARIS
Production "Bonheur"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr

2011-06-19T20:17:00.000+02:00

One of Adelaide's best dancers is doing big things in Paris, performing to thousands at the iconic and super-sexy Moulin Rouge.

Sam Reynolds is embracing Paris - the lifestyle, the nightlife and the language.

"My first glimpse of that famous red windmill, I can only imagine what my face must have looked like. My forehead was glued to the window ... (and I had) a smile from ear to ear," she said from Paris.

Sam never feels like she's far from home.
"A majority of the girls are from Australia or England. So when I'm at work it hardly feels like I'm in a foreign country," she says.

One of her close friends and lodge (dressing room) buddy is the daughter of Lisa Curry-Kenny, Morgan.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
"Morgan and I started together so it was great for us to both have a fellow Aussie girl to go through tough rehearsals, finding homes, costume trials, and settling into Paris and the show."

Two months in, Sam is still getting used to the gruelling six-day working week, which includes two shows a night.
After sleeping in until noon, the girls spend their afternoons experiencing all Paris has to offer. Picnics in the park are a favourite.

"I try to fight the urge to visit a boulangerie or patisserie every day but they are on every corner" she admits.

A stage performance is never without hiccups and Sam has already experienced her first on-stage slip-up.
"We have dancers we call swings who do a different spot on the stage every show. One night during the can-can, myself and one of the swings got too close while running to a position change and we clipped boots. I tripped and fell forward.

"Falling over or costume malfunctions are bound to happen to all of us, in a show that literally never stops. The best we can do is keep on smiling."

MOULIN ROUGE
Production "Feérie"
Paris - France
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-06-16T00:53:00.000+02:00

Peter Pan on Ice flies to Mexico!
As of the July 11, the Holiday on Ice show Peter Pan on Ice will tour in Mexico!
For over one month, the show will perform in Guadalajara and Mexico City and will finish on the 14th of August.

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Tour 2011
Production "Peter Pan"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-06-13T16:52:00.000+02:00

LIDO de PARIS
"5000 x BONHEUR"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr

2011-05-30T18:50:00.000+02:00

LIDO de PARIS
May 30th 2011:
5000th presentation of "Bonheur"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr

2011-05-26T00:41:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Tour 2010/2011
Production "FESTIVAL"
Last City of the tour:
Lille - France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-05-20T19:00:00.000+02:00

EUROPAPARK
Variety Theatre
Production "Luminocity"
Artists:
STEVE ELEKY
EMILIA ARATA
CRAZY FLIGHT
EUROPAPARK SHOWBALLET

EUROPAPARK
Rust - Germany
www.europapark.de

2011-05-10T19:53:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Tour 2011 - CHILE
Production "MYSTERY"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-05-05T22:14:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "Mystery"
Touring from May 3, 2011 - June 5, 2011
in Chile, Argentina & Uruguay.

Mystery invites you into the world of magic, the mysterious and the macabre. Opening with a visit to the mysterious East, Mystery incorporates elements of magic and the unknown into an elaborate skating extravaganza. This production features a unique new set design by TPi award winning designer Bart Clement and costumes by French designer Edward Piekny. Directed by Anthony van Laast, with choreography from Robin Cousins MBE and music arrangement by Michael Reed, Mystery offers an amazing journey into the imagination – on ice.
www.holidayonice.com

2011-05-05T21:30:00.000+02:00

EUROPAPARK
Season 2011
Production "Surpr'Ice"
Ice show produced by Ian Jenkins & Sandra Escoda

EUROPAPARK
Rust - Germany
www.europapark.de

2011-05-03T20:08:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "SPEED"
Tour 2011/2012 Germany & France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-05-02T22:13:00.000+02:00

LA NOUVELLE EVE
Production "Paris je t'aime"
Paris - France
www.lanouvelleeveparis.com

2011-04-29T22:46:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
3 DVD box including:
-Jubilee 65 years of Holiday on Ice
-Tropicana show registration
-Energia show registration
On sale in Holland;
www.bol.com

2011-04-25T00:19:00.001+02:00

MOULIN ROUGE
It's hard work being a Moulin Rouge showgirl. There are punishing performances twice a day, workouts in between and only one day off a week.

But the daughter of Olympian Lisa Curry and ironman Grant Kenny is relishing the experience.

Morgan Kenny began rehearsals last week at the dazzling French cabaret after landing in Paris the week before.

Having actively avoided the limelight all her life, Morgan will soon be taking to one of the world's most famous stages - the Moulin Rouge.

With the help of her proud mother, Lisa, who took her musician friend Joel Walkenhorst, 29, along for the ride, the 20-year-old is settling into her Parisian lifestyle.

She had just enough time for a quick tour of the city of love's famous sites, its shops and cafes before the first rehearsal on Thursday.

The bubbly dancer described her first day as "lovely".
"It was good but difficult. It's hard work being a showgirl! So many little things that need to be perfect all the time. Legs are very sore but it will all fall into place, I'm sure," said Morgan, who joins an elite troupe of 60 international dancers.

MOULIN ROUGE
Production "Feérie"
Paris - France
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-04-25T00:06:00.000+02:00

EUROPAPARK
Ice Stadium
Production 2011 "Surpr'Ice" produced by Sandra Escoda & Ian Jenkins
EUROPAPARK
Rust - Germany
www.europapark.de

2011-04-17T11:37:00.000+02:00

LIDO DE PARIS
Production "Bonheur"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr
all pictures (c) Alexei Moskalenko

2011-04-13T14:51:00.000+02:00

PHANTASIALAND
Arena de Fiesta
Ice Show 2011 "Relight my Fire!"

PHANTASIALAND
Brühl - Germany
www.phantasialand.de

2011-04-10T22:34:00.000+02:00

2011-04-09T20:49:00.000+02:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Tour 2011 France
Production "FESTIVAL"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-04-06T23:36:00.000+02:00

LIDO de PARIS
Touring show 2011
Production "A Touch of Lido"
Moscow - Russia
www.lido.fr

2011-04-04T19:30:00.000+02:00

LIDO de PARIS
Touring show 2011
Production "A Touch of Lido"
Moscow - Russia
www.lido.fr

2011-03-30T01:34:00.000+02:00

MOULIN ROUGE
VARIETY is the spice of life – and no one knows it better than South Shields dancer Caroline Renno.

The 29-year-old has been dancing with the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Paris for five years – and there’s no sign of her giving it up any time soon.

It’s all down to the fact she understudies for all the lead dancers and soloists, meaning that, for Caroline, no two nights are ever the same.

She said: “I work six days a week with two shows every night, and I love it.

“The show runs every single day of the year and, because we all get a day off, I’m doing something different every night.

“I am the replacement for all of the leads so most of the time I’m playing a lead. It keeps it fun and different. If I had to do the same show every night I think I would be back home by now.”

She added: “It’s amazing to wear all the beautiful costumes and perform every night to an absolutely packed- out audience from around the world.

“I even get to swim with five live pythons.”

Famous
But don’t expect the famous haunt to be anything like the 2001 Baz Luhrman film.

The ex-Whitburn C of E School pupil, whose parents, Carol and Lawrie, still live in Westoe, added: “It’s really nothing like that. The only thing which is the same is the can-can. It has made the Moulin Rouge more famous and popular.”

Caroline, who lives in Paris with her French-American boyfriend Olivier, 35, began dancing at the age of two-and-a-half with Valerie Shepherd School of Dance in South Shields.

She also danced in the borough with Kathleen Burden Ballet School and at just 16 she earned a place at the prestigious Phil Winston Theatreworks college in Blackpool.

She has performed all over the world including touring the Moulin Rouge across France, Tokyo, Hong Kong and London.

“The best place we’ve been to on tour, is the Brazil Carnival in 2009,” she said. “That was totally amazing to be part of.”

But her hectic life doesn’t make her miss her Westoe home, where her folks still live, any less. She added: “I really miss my parents, brothers and friends, so I try to get home when I can. It’s just an hour on the plane but one day that’s what will bring me home.”

Dance teacher Valerie Shepherd said: “The whole school is proud of her because of what she has achieved. When she’s home she always pops in and sometimes passes on her expertise.

“This summer I’m finally going to see her at the Moulin Rouge.”

MOULIN ROUGE
Paris - France
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-03-24T17:55:00.000+01:00

PHANTASIALAND
"Relight my fire!"
The fire on the ice is lit in the Arena de Fiesta at
Phantasialand in Brühl - Germany!
Look forward to party feeling pure,
When the ice-skaters are swinging so hot that the ice begins
to melt almost take the figure skater with a world full of passion,
energy and action. In the vibrant scenes, supported by gripping music,the professionals show highest - pirouettes, long jumps and loops included.

As a soloist, in pair skating, or as an ensemble join the artists at
breathtaking speed, full of fascinating images on the ice on an
exciting journey that is so energetic, hot, impulsive, and powerful.

PHANTASIALAND
Production "Relight my fire!"
New Ice Show - Season 2011
Brühl - Germany
www.phantasialand.de

2011-03-24T00:19:00.000+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE
Schlangenfrau Nina Burri, zweitgrösstes Talent der Schweiz, ist jetzt gefragt in Paris.
Das weltweit bekannte Moulin Rouge will die Kontorsionistin engagieren.
Die 33-jährige Artistin soll dort ihre Schlangen-Show zeigen, wie der "Blick" berichtet. "Kurz vor dem Final hat mich Jean-Jacques, mein damaliger Chef, mitten in der Nacht angerufen. Er hat einige Videos meiner neuen Show gesehen und will mich unbedingt zurück", wird Burri zitiert. Ende Monat reist Burri nach Paris, um Details zu besprechen.

Burri hat schon einmal im Moulin Rouge gearbeitet. Allerdings war sie vor sechs Jahren als Tänzerin eine von fünfzig. Es sei zwar ein Highlight gewesen, dort tanzen zu dürfen, aber nach knapp zwei Jahren habe sie das Haus wieder verlassen, sagte Burri. Jetzt wartet eine neue Herausforderung.

MOULIN ROUGE
Paris - France
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-03-14T19:19:00.000+01:00

EUROPAPARK
Season 2011
He's back! Steve Eleky!
Europapark
Rust - Germany
www.europapark.de

2011-03-12T17:47:00.001+01:00

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE...LIDO in MOSCOW!

The famous French Lido cabaret comes to Moscow with his show dedicated to the 65 years of its existence, explained the artistic director and Director of the Lido, Pierre Rambert. "The Lido does practically not tour because it does not want to become too accessible." The Lido is Paris a point that is all. But the Russia and the France have cultural and spiritual ties close. There are many Russians who come to us in France. "So we decided to bring a little of the atmosphere and the spirit of the Lido for all those who can not come to Paris and see our shows", explains Pierre Rambert. Representations in Moscow which will be held 17-19 March 2011 at Crocus City Hall, should provide the more grandiose show outside Paris.

"It is the first time that the Lido is in Moscow and Russia even to present the show in the Moscow public." We are very pleased to do so, very nervous also. We have many Russian friends who come to the Lido in Paris. When we had proposed to come to Moscow, it was thought that it would be a great idea because it is clear that the Russians like the Lido because when they come to Paris, they come to the Lido. We wanted to make what there is of the Lido, transportable as much because of technology, machinery, technology can be moved. What we take with us in Russia, is what makes the soul of the Lido: the Blues Bell Girls, dancers, singers, the attractions, the beauty of the costumes, the elegance of the artists and a certain Parisian spirit. The spirit of the feast and joie de vivre. "All what makes the Parisian night, we want the give the Russian public and the Moscow public specifically," explains Pierre Rambert.

Even if it is impossible to bring the technical component of the Lido in Moscow, the atmosphere of the famous cabaret will be still re-created, reassures Pierre Rambert. A special setting will be created on the occasion. The room of Crocus City Hall will also set up: a part of the floor will be replaced by the tables as it must be in a true cabaret. The spectators will have unique special effects and the show lights spectateurs. On the stage, there will be a dragon belching fire, fountains and illuminated cascades, a pool is transforming into a skating rink. Over 300 hand made costumes decorated with feathers and Swarovski crystals are made Paris to Moscow specifically for performances in the Russian capital. Some costumes weigh about 15 kg. The average price amounted to EUR 12 000, says Pierre Rambert.

"The show will last approximately 1: 30 pm." It is the duration of the show in Paris without intermission. There are 32 people staged between the cheerleader magazine, singers, dancers, the Blues Bell Girls, attractions... It is a big show. I bring some 300 costumes of Paris: it is a huge move. There are fifteen different ballets in the show. I treated the show with vignettes of a variety are representative of what we do at the Lido. I insist many still on the speed of the show that the public be taken on a trip so that he forgets the cold, congestion, concerns so that it passes a moment of pleasure. "The joy of living, it is that we want to bring to Moscow public", resumed Pierre Rambert.

LIDO de PARIS
Production "A Touch of LIDO"
Moscow - Russia
www.lido.fr

2011-03-10T00:16:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "FESTIVAL"
Tour 2011 - France
www.holidayonice.com

2011-03-07T20:26:00.000+01:00

HOT ICE 2011
The world's most spectacular ice returns to The Arena, Pleasure Beach Blackpool - GB for the 2011 season.

Global auditions are currently taking place ensuring the very best talent will be ready to take to the ice come July 2011.

Hot Ice was recently awarded "Best Show" at the Big E awards in Las Vegas. It features the best in ice-skating, including stylish costumes, unbelievable feathers and glittering rhinestones to set the ice alight with sparkle. The show boasts innovative lighting designs and special effects that will thrill the audience.

This is a show suitable for all ages. A show that will always be remembered. A show not to be missed by anyone. See Hot Ice at the Arena, Pleasure Beach Resort.

HOT ICE SHOW
Production 2011
Blackpool - GB
www.hoticeshow.com

2011-03-07T20:08:00.000+01:00

LES FOLIES DU LAC
Lac d'Aiguille
26300 Châteauneuf-sur-Isère - France
Production 2010/2011
www.foliesdulac.fr

2011-02-26T15:28:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
"FESTIVAL"
Now available: DVD including show registration from ‘Festival’
The Making of ‘Festival’, Special Bonus Feature: backstage shots & interviews with members of the creative team, cast and crew. Also included a 3D special of Festival with special 3D glasses. English spoken, Dutch/English, German and French subtitled. And the CD is included!
www.holidayonice.com

2011-02-24T19:51:00.001+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE
Reine du "French cancan", Mathilde danse au Moulin-Rouge
Depuis 2008, Mathilde Tutiaux exerce son métier de danseuse de revue au Moulin-Rouge où elle est montée en grade.

ELLE a longtemps cherché sa voie dans une activité sportive. Passant du patinage artistique « avec Alban Préaubert » à l'aviron et au handball. « Mais je me suis souvent arrêtée par lassitude ».
In fine, Mathilde Tutiaux, ex-élève du collège Rimbaud et du lycée Sévigné, a découvert la danse à Moving Zone
« J'ai apprécié l'atmosphère festive qui y régnait. Pascal Pereira a su tout de suite me transmettre sa passion. Au bout de six ans, j'étais présente tous les jours. C'était ma deuxième maison ».
Comme Ornella Damperon, elle participe à la tournée ardennaise de la « Starlight Company ». « Ça m'a donné envie de la scène ».
Obligée de mettre la danse entre parenthèses en décrochant son bac économique, elle entre à l'Institut supérieur européen de gestion à Paris où elle obtient un master en marketing en cinq ans d'études.

« Parallèlement à cela, j'ai passé quelques auditions pour des compagnies itinérantes sans pouvoir honorer les contrats, faute de temps ». En mars 2008, lors d'une audition ouverte au Moulin-Rouge où, initialement, elle accompagnait une amie, Mathilde tape dans l'œil de la maîtresse de ballet. Parmi la cinquantaine de prétendantes, elle fait partie des trois meilleures danseuses. Sa démarche, son allure et son buste font le reste.
« Ça s'est plutôt bien passé. Et Janet Pharao m'a dit qu'elle me recontacterait les semaines suivantes. J'étais sous le choc. Depuis toujours, au fond de moi, je caressais le rêve de faire du music-hall ».

La magie de la scène
La convocation arrive sous forme de mail en octobre. « Je n'arrivais pas à y croire ». Répondant déjà aux critères de base du Moulin de la Butte Montmartre (plastique harmonieuse, 1,75 m de taille, formée à la danse classique), Mathilde doit suivre cinq semaines de répétitions intensives. « Quatre heures de travail six jours sur sept dont près de deux heures de cancan. Un stage fatigant mais qui m'a préparée au rythme réclamé par la scène ».
Mathilde, 25 ans, se souvient encore des séances de french cancan, l'emblème de ce lieu, et du port du col de plumes (7 à 10 kg) sur hauts talons. « Une préparation très athlétique avec levées de jambes, roues et sauts-écarts. C'est très cardio mais il faut toujours être au top. »
La « première » avec la troupe officielle a lieu en novembre. « Il y avait une grande excitation. J'étais une des sept nouvelles. Je me rappelle du décompte horaire en coulisses puis quand le rideau s'ouvre enfin. Après, pas le droit à l'erreur ».
Mathilde entame son métier dans « Féerie ». Avec deux représentations chaque soir devant 850 spectateurs. Retenue pour illustrer le flyer des 120 ans du Moulin, elle est aussi passée du rôle de meneuse de ligne à celui de remplaçante meneuse principale.
« Quand une des trois meneuses de revue est indisponible, je suis mise en avant. Chargée de porter le show ».

La Mistinguett ardennaise est ravie de contribuer au renom « d'un des cinq symboles de la France ».
« Que demander de mieux ? Je savoure chaque soir le fait de jouer devant une salle pleine. C'est magique. Il n'y a jamais de crêpage de chignon entre les 80 danseuses de 14 nationalités. J'espère préserver cette vie le plus longtemps possible ».
Lors de ses rares moments de loisirs, Mathilde adore flâner dans Paris et revenir à Charleville-Mézières. « Je passe toujours par la rue du 91e RI pour y prendre un cours de danse »…

MOULIN ROUGE
Paris - France
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-02-24T19:39:00.000+01:00

Glamour and glitz in the city of lights!
THE champagne corks pop and black-tie waiters glide between the tables carrying duck foie gras, lobster and pistachio blanc-mange. On the dance floor, couples sway cheek to cheek to the sultry tones of a blue-eyed blonde singing big band tunes.

Then the lights dim and I catch my breath as I anticipate the entrance of the Bluebell Girls who have dazzled audiences since 1948.

My jaw drops when the chorus line of tall elegant women and gorgeous men in eye-popping costumes shimmer on the stage in elegant nudity dressed up with striking haute-couture dresses, elaborate hats, dazzling feathers that fan out in 2m curves, amazing head-dresses and 9cm heels.

Scenes move from Paris to India. Cats prowl on Paris rooftops, shop windows turn into swirling fashion shows and a dazzling Indian set with a revolving temple, a palace, a seven-headed horse spouting water and a pool of lotus flowers transports me into a fantasy world of colour, music and sound.

Judging by the nightly queues, seeing a show at Lido de Paris is as popular as visiting the Eiffel Tower.

For Merindah Byrne, a 23-year-old Bluebell Girl from Yamba, NSW, dancing at Lido de Paris is a small-town girl's dream come true.

"I'm from a really small town in Australia. I always wanted to live in the big city and dance and experience the glamour," Byrne says.

The statuesque 183cm dancer studied ballet, tap and jazz. A ballet teacher at summer school suggested she try out for the Moulin Rouge.

"I flew to Melbourne to audition when I was 17. I was chosen in the final six but I was too young."

The minimum age for dancers in Paris is 18. One year later, Byrne left behind her job working in a surf shop in Yamba and packed her bags to take her spot in the chorus line in the Moulin Rouge.

"Dancing the cancan was really fun. At the Moulin Rouge I was a lot taller than most of the dancers. Moulin Rouge has a fun vibe but the Lido is classy," Byrne says.

A couple of years ago, she caught the eye of recruiters at Lido de Paris where Bluebell Girls are picked for their height (the minimum height requirement is 175cm) and elegant look.

Cabaret revues are not just for the tourists. They are woven into the fabric of Paris culture, with 55 per cent of the Lido's customers from France and the show attracts repeat customers such as wedding parties and business people.

Being a Bluebell Girl in Paris has given Byrne instant credibility. Heads turn when Byrne and her friends walk into their favourite nightclubs, Le Baron and L'Arc.

"It's very much part of French culture. When I meet people outside of work and they find out I dance at the Lido they are in awe, even if they are Parisian and have never seen the show," she says.

Each cabaret show in Paris is unique. Lido de Paris is upscale and elegant; Moulin Rouge is performed in an intimate room; Crazy Horse is about the art of nudity with sexy moves and dancers with flawless dancing technique.

Dancing in the same show twice a week, six nights a week, can be mentally and physically tiring.

"You have to transform when you're on stage no matter how you're feeling, whether you've had a bad day or feeling a little sick. As soon as I go on stage, I immediately feel happy and better," Byrne says.

Paris is everything Byrne dreamt of and more; an architecturally stunning 24-hour city with parties, lively clubs and lots of restaurants.

"I love being in Paris. It's a very easy city to settle into. You can go to some places and you feel like you're in some kind of book."

Byrne lives in a cute studio apartment with windows overlooking a beautiful Napoleon III-style garden in the 9th arrondissement. Working at night means Byrne is free during the day to lunch with friends, shop and explore Paris. A favourite spot for lunch is Hotel Amour, a boutique hotel with a fabulous terrace and wonderful food.

"On sunny days, I like to go to Jardin du Palais Royale. It has a big fountain and it's the best place to walk in summer."

Byrne says the gardens are undiscovered by tourists and the city's best-kept secret. Her favourite shopping street is Rue des Abbesses in the 18th arrondissement for "cute and individual French boutique stores".

Byrne's advice for Aussies: "Don't come in winter. Come in late spring. And don't be surprised that everyone isn't walking around in Chanel."

www.lido.fr

2011-02-24T00:13:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Tour 2011 France
Production "FESTIVAL"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-02-17T13:54:00.000+01:00

MOULIN ROUGE PARIS
New Show 2012
Production: "FLASH"
A new show has been under preparation for a long time and is almost ready. Scripts, songs, and costumes have been prepared, and the music has been recorded in a studio. The cabaret is expected to close for about five weeks beginning November 15, 2012, to revamp the stage and sets for the new revue. Reopening is scheduled just before Christmas 2012. Tradition demands that the name of the new show begin with "F". The new Revue is called FLASH.
www.moulinrouge.fr

2011-02-17T00:48:00.000+01:00

ROYAL PALACE MUSIC HALL
Production: "PASSION"
Kirrwiller - France
www.royal-palace.com

2011-02-10T11:06:00.000+01:00

LIDO de PARIS
Happy Valentine at the LIDO!
Revue "Bonheur"
Paris - France
www.lido.fr

2011-02-09T00:01:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
"FESTIVAL"
"Holiday is back in Paris, Paree!"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-02-07T20:32:00.000+01:00

Dommage que certaines personnes ne comprennent pas que ce blog est créé dans l'appréciation de tous les spectacles en Europe.

Et ce blog n'est pas commercial, mais seulement pour but de montrer son appréciation à leur volonté!

Bonheur68

2011-02-02T00:11:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
Production "FESTIVAL"
www.holidayonice.com

2011-01-25T23:26:00.000+01:00

ROYAL PALACE MUSIC HALL
Production "PASSION"
Kirrwiller - France
www.royal-palace.fr

2011-01-19T23:18:00.001+01:00

LIDO de PARIS
Le Lido...Les Costumes
www.lido.fr

2011-01-11T21:26:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
New CD "FESTIVAL" Out now!
www.holidayonice.com/shop

2011-01-06T15:27:00.000+01:00

MAISON CLAIRVOY
Les danseuses du Moulin Rouge, du Lido et du Crazy Horse s'y pressent, les danseurs de l'Opéra s'y pointent régulièrement, et Francis Lalanne y met souvent les pieds. Dans le petit atelier de la maison Clairvoy. rue Fontaine, dans le XIe arrondissement, on fabrique des chaussures sur mesure, devenues une véritable institution dans le monde du spectacle.
Maison Clairvoy
Paris - France
www.clairfoy.fr

2011-01-06T10:54:00.000+01:00

BENIDORM PALACE
Show "DE LUXE"
Benidorm - Spain
(c) All pictures by Benidorm Palace

2010-12-23T13:14:00.000+01:00

2010-12-17T17:41:00.000+01:00

FRIEDRICHSTADTPALAST
Berlin - Germany

2010-12-16T14:19:00.000+01:00

NATIONAL PALACE
Vierzon - France

2010-12-05T15:37:00.000+01:00

HOLIDAY ON ICE
New Show 2010
"FESTIVAL"
Touring Germany and France 2010/2011
www.holidayonice.com

2010-12-04T00:33:00.001+01:00

BREAK A RECORD? YES WE CAN-CAN!
The world got a huge kick out of breaking records, as these can-can girls prove.

The gorgeous French dancers at the Moulin Rouge, in Paris, performed the most high kicks ever by a single chorus line with a whopping 720 in 30 seconds.

2010-12-03T23:42:00.000+01:00

Shay Stafford - Memoirs of a Showgirl
It's quite a journey from taking ballet classes in Brisbane to being a celebrated Paris showgirl.

In her autobiography, Memoirs of a Showgirl, dancer Shay Stafford pulls back the curtain to take readers backstage at the Moulin Rouge and Lido to discover what it's really like to tread the boards of the world's most famous cabarets.

Shay details the highs and lows, the loves and temptations and the close encounters with the rich and famous in this remarkable account of a most extraordinary life.

Readers are given a glimpse of the grind behind the glamour and learn that beyond its sparkling fa?ade, not everything that glitters in the modern showgirl's life is gold.

The rich history of the Moulin Rouge and Lido is recounted as is the cautionary tale of how a stunning city's seedy underbelly routinely seduces vulnerable young ingenues.

After 12 years at the Moulin Rouge and Lido, Shay has seen it all. She details her transformation from a single woman making the most of the extraordinary Parisienne nightlife to a happily married mother of two.

See Paris through Shay's eyes. The view over the Seine from the back of a Vespa, the backstage dramas, the loneliness of a life far from home, the excitement of living your dream plus the high melodrama of French love affairs are all told in Shay's wonderfully warm and honest voice.

She brilliantly captures the journey from the ordinariness of Australian suburban
life to the glittering highs of the Paris stage, as well as showcasing the grit and determination needed to carve a successful career in dancing.