Hip hop and burlesque together?!
They're two seemingly different worlds, but when they collide, it creates a balance of harmony and defiance.
When Brisbane burlesque group The Velvet Kittens join forces with local producer DeeJaye Katch, all kinds of fun and sassiness will ensue.
Owner of VSassy Dance Academy and head of The Velvet Kittens, Vivienne VSassy, gives a bit of an insight into the world of the show 'Drop It: Hip Hop Burlesque' playing as part of Wonderland Festival.
First of all, you run VSassy Dance Academy! What do you love about doing this?Most of all I love the change I get to see in women (and the occasional man) who reconnect or discover their own sense of sexy and grow in self-confidence and body acceptance, while they develop new skills and improve fitness through burlesque and pole dance. I adore the fun, creative and supportive outlet too!
'Drop It' explores the juxtaposition of hip-hop and the art of tease in burlesque. How do you collide the two, and what happens when you do?
Hip hop moves are given extra sass with burlesque elements like striptease and bump and grind. Traditional burlesque props feature to contrast and complement. DeeJaye Katch spins through a tour of music genres starting with one of the most sampled songs in hip hop history and The Velvet Kittens bring colourful burlesque performances to the journey.
Why is Brisbane's Wonderland Festival a good home for 'Drop It'?
The Wonderland Festival is an end-of-year celebration with lots of debauchery throughout. The Brisbane Powerhouse is a wonderful highly regarded venue and over 14 days there will be 31 shows that cover a range of theatrical styles including circus, comedy, music and burlesque. It is the perfect place for ‘Drop It’!
What kind of work goes into putting a show like this together?
Researching/choosing songs and dance moves, putting the songs in an order that builds and takes the audience on a musical journey. Locking in choreography while being flexible to DeeJaye Katch’s turntable and scratching genius. The other usual stuff is things like rehearsals and costume/prop design.
What has been the most challenging part of preparing for this show?
It takes getting used to the difference in the music that Katch scratches to the recording you’ve been rehearsing to and you have to make choices throughout to stay with your choreo or improvise. It is also exciting though, similar to dancing to a live band (which I adore!).
What has been the easiest?
The research has felt easy because it has been fun and interesting. I’ve picked up B-Boy Battle terms like ‘uprocking’ from DeeJaye Katch and enjoyed watching loads of old school music video clips and hip hop choreo. All of The Velvet Kittens have picked up/revisited some great moves.
What has it been like working with DeeJaye Katch? Have you ever done this kind of thing before?
Working with DeeJaye Katch has been excellent. He really knows his stuff and is generous with knowledge and support, it is a privilege to be creating a show with him. 'Drop It: Hip Hop Burlesque' is quite different to the shows we usually put on!
Image © Mark RhodesGive us a bit more of an insight about the art of burlesque, and what has drawn you to it.
Burlesque provides an opportunity for women to embrace their inner strength, humour, femininity and sexiness... That is the main reason I am drawn to it. It is also a lot of fun! There are lots of different ways to burlesque; most involve humour and striptease.
You have quite a theatrical background. How does burlesque compare to something like musical theatre?
The burlesque I do has lots of similarities to musical theatre. My theatrical background influences my style; I like to tell a story through burlesque. I often choose music with lots of innuendo that I can base a cheeky story on. Sometimes I use musical theatre songs and sometimes I even sing them!
Describe 'Drop It' in three words.
Beats And Burlesque!
