Yes, we can-can!
The city transformed into a mini Paris when the famous cabaret troupe Moulin Rouge performed in the capital.
The team of 17 members presented a show choreographed in 1999, and enthralled the audience with some high energy moves from their traditional can-can dance form.
“What we have performed in the capital is just the highlight of the actual performance. Typically, Moulin Rouge is much grander than this,” said Fanny Rabasse, the official spokesperson for the Moulin Rouge.
The opulent set, feather costumes and Swarovski-studded bikini tops brought alive the glitzy world of cabaret at its grandest best. Asked whether they considered toning down their sexy costumes to better suit the Indian sensibilities, Fanny said, “We follow a rule at Moulin Rouge that we don’t adapt or showcase for a specific country. I know that religion is strong in India but we decided not to make any change in our costumes. Just that we refrained from getting dancers in topless dresses as we avoid that when we tour.”
The costumes are elaborate and gorgeous, but their weight proves tough for the dancers. “The costumes are so heavy that we have to put in a lot of effort to even lift our arms. Some clothes leave bruises on our bodies but it’s all worth it. Otherwise where else would you get to wear such beautiful costumes,” smiles Natalie Sims, a dancer in the troupe.
The ladies are highly fascinated with Bollywood. “The film Moulin Rouge had featured a song from Bollywood. We tried some Bollywood moves too, while recording for a TV show. The song and dance sequences in Indian movies are completely different from us but very interesting,” says Shane Collard, another dancer in the team.
Exploring the city in the limited time was also high on the team’s agenda. “It was crazy. There was chaos all over, but an organised chaos. The crowd kept me enthralled,” adds Shane. While he was busy observing the lanes and by-lanes, the women in the team went on a shopping spree picking up pashmina shawls, bedspreads, silk scarves, artifacts and junk jewellery. “I picked up a ring for myself and a beautiful handcrafted elephant which I felt represents India,” shared Natalie.
The troupe is planning to include a Bollywood sequence in their dance performance some day. “We never change our dance but when we re-choreograph in 2016, then there might be a reference to Bollywood, I don’t know yet,” ends Fanny.
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