Ugly unitard appeal
Deirdre Tarrant
The Fierceness - Real Hot Bitches, Downstage Theatre, reviewed by Deirdre Tarrant
THIS was so appalling it was actually appealing.
A partisan audience greeted friends in the cast by name with cat calls and encouragement. Onstage The Real Hot Bitches (27 including three men who were arguably the better movers and certainly in better trim than most of the ladies) grind their way through repetitive routines in search of the dream to be “semi-professional”.
Casting is under the fierce eye of Cynthia Sachet (I was the hottest dancer alive, then…?). Loud music (not credited),loud costumes, loud voices and a script inspired by Chorus Line that was, of course, not clever nor catchy but had appal/appeal.
But there was a script, a structure, clear direction by Gabe McDonnell and Rosie Roberts and a context as six of the dancers were recalled to go through their audition paces.
Ultimately there was a Cinderella moment as Geraldine shed her classic beige and formed a break away company wearing the ugliest unitard (a unitard is a long legged leotard) imaginable.
Imagination was not required. Provocative and gyrating in their gladiatorial g-strings, this troupe is enough to put you off dancing.
The skill base was minimal but enthusiastic and there were some truism moments from Gloria (the ballerina) and Loretta the “rural”.
Not for the fainthearted but definitely a sequinned step up in tinselled tackiness from the last RHB show I saw.
Cynthia had the final say: “you’ll not make friends in this business – not if you’re any good”. The Real Hot Bitches certainly have friends. Downstage has opened its artistic arms to a new genre.
THIS was so appalling it was actually appealing.
A partisan audience greeted friends in the cast by name with cat calls and encouragement. Onstage The Real Hot Bitches (27 including three men who were arguably the better movers and certainly in better trim than most of the ladies) grind their way through repetitive routines in search of the dream to be “semi-professional”.
Casting is under the fierce eye of Cynthia Sachet (I was the hottest dancer alive, then…?). Loud music (not credited),loud costumes, loud voices and a script inspired by Chorus Line that was, of course, not clever nor catchy but had appal/appeal.
But there was a script, a structure, clear direction by Gabe McDonnell and Rosie Roberts and a context as six of the dancers were recalled to go through their audition paces.
Ultimately there was a Cinderella moment as Geraldine shed her classic beige and formed a break away company wearing the ugliest unitard (a unitard is a long legged leotard) imaginable.
Imagination was not required. Provocative and gyrating in their gladiatorial g-strings, this troupe is enough to put you off dancing.
The skill base was minimal but enthusiastic and there were some truism moments from Gloria (the ballerina) and Loretta the “rural”.
Not for the fainthearted but definitely a sequinned step up in tinselled tackiness from the last RHB show I saw.
Cynthia had the final say: “you’ll not make friends in this business – not if you’re any good”. The Real Hot Bitches certainly have friends. Downstage has opened its artistic arms to a new genre.
Have Your Say
4 Comments
Jane at 11:57 a.m. on 11 August said
Ugly and unitard should not be used in the same sentance. Also, arguably the RHBs have the opposite effect to 'putting you off dancing' as they inspired more than 2,000 people to join them dancing in the streets in Christchurch in 2008.
Cynthia Sachet at 8:18 p.m. on 11 August said
Dear Deirdre, Darling you missed the point! I know sometimes it is hard to " think outside the square" and imagine a world where people with a few extra pounds on their chops are allowed to dance on a stage. Sweetheart, don't worry we are not a threat to you and your wonderful svelte graceful gals, we have a sense of humour, a love of color and of course lunch. Yes, we had a story line and I know that contemporary dance is all about being a wee bit obscure and earnest so that would have thrown you. Chin up old girl, you are still dance royalty. Love Cynthia Hottest Dancer Alive Then.
Cynthia Sachet at 8:24 p.m. on 11 August said
we try! http://www.capitaltimes.co.nz/article/3201/DanceYourSocksOffnomore.html
stephanie oberg at 11:01 p.m. on 11 August said
rrrreeeooowww cat bitchy review me thinks.