Cabaret

[AquaDancer]

I've been dancing and assisting instruct (ballroom) for a few months now.

Yesterday I was watching a ballroom exibition on tv and found a category I was not familliar with. Cabaret.

After 12 years of classical ballet training and struggling with the different ballroom "technique" :roll: I think I've found what I'd love to do. Where do I learn more infromation on Cabaret?

Thanks everyone!

[Sagitta]

Yesterday I was watching a ballroom exibition on tv

What channel were you watching? I have the problem of not getting any ballroom dancing to speak of on cable!! :(

After 12 years of classical ballet training and struggling with the different ballroom "technique" I think I've found what I'd love to do. Where do I learn more infromation on Cabaret?

You could just "google" to find out more. I'm thinking that one way you can get into cabaret is starting small and participating in open mike sessions. The following two quotes help describe what you could work on during your open mikes (taken from http://www.citycabaret.com/juliewilson/:

"Cabaret is one-to-one, like a party, and you're the hostess who wants to please. Most of all you have to have a good time and hope your audience joins in the fun." - Julie Wilson

"In a world where privacy is grasped and where so many are alone, she weaves an aura of intimacy with those who have come to see her. She is the hostess of a party and embodies a sense of being right where she belongs. It's contagious. The audience leaves with the realization --unfortunately all too unfamiliar -- that everyone's actually been together for an evening, embracing real emotions, having fun. And the hostess of it all -- Julie Wilson. She brings it all together, everything Julie needs, everything her audience wants."

-Elizabeth Ahlfors

[dancersdreamland]

After a while of searching, I am unhappy to report I could not find a lot of information regarding cabaret style ballroom dancing. Following is the little information I was able to find. Hope this helps.

cabaret style bellydance: http://www.shira.net/styles.htm

book which discussed cabaret dance: Dancing Till Dawn: a century of exhibition ballroom dance by Julie Malnig

I'm going to put in a request with a few dance publications for additional information. I'll post it here if and when I receive a response.

All the best!

[pygmalion]

Um. I have only a vague idea of what cabaret is, although I'm sure others can help.

At least one definition for cabaret is an exhibition style dance performance. This could be in a dance competition or a studio exhibition. The one cabaret performance I've seen focused on showy, broadway style moves and incorporated some ballroom dance patterns.

I'm sure this is not an all-inclusive definition, and I'll keep googling to see if I can find a clear definition or guidelines somewhere.

Does anyone else have input? We need help here. :lol:

[pygmalion]

Ugh. I have a bad habit of asking a question, then googling before anyone can answer! :oops: :lol:

Here's an excerpt from the USABDA rule book regarding cabaret

The classifications of solo competitive events are:

3.3.1.1. CABARET

a) Lifts are required.

b) Each couple competing in a Cabaret event must dance the same routine in all rounds of that event.

c) All Cabaret routines are restricted to a four (4) minute time limit. This includes entrances onto and exits from the floor.

d) Props are permitted in Cabaret events provided that they meet the following restrictions. They must be either 1) a part of the competitor's costume or 2) small enough to carry in one hand (e.g., ball, cane, chair, etc.). Competitors must carry their own props onto and off of the floor. Props may not be set up on the floor prior to the start of the routine and must be removed from the floor after the completion of the routine.

[LauraB]

Look up Theatre Arts or Theatrical-- also Exhibition Showdance. Cabaret/Theatre Arts is called different things depending on the comp and/or the country.

[tiadancer]

I dance at Brigham Young University. They hold two caberet competitions each year. Basically it is theatrical ballroom dancing that incorporates lifts. The length is four minutes and sometimes the girl wears ballroom shoes and sometimes she doesn't. The best coreographers for a top-notch caberet are Curt and Sharon Holman who are instructors at BYU. They are absolutely amazing and coach the top caberet couples in the nation.

[Swing Kitten]

Welcome to the forums tiadancer! nice to have you with us!

[pygmalion]

Thanks, tiadancer! And welcome. :D

[dancersdreamland]

I'm going to put in a request with a few dance publications for additional information. I'll post it here if and when I receive a response.

I have yet to receive a response from any publications...but it looks like tiadancer did a good job clearing things up. :D THANKS!

Welcome to the Forum Family tiadancer!