Forever Crazy

From a somewhat inauspicious beginning in Paris over sixty years ago, through to today where their shows regularly draw sell-out crowds, Crazy Horse Paris comes to Sydney – and tickets are selling fast.

Variously described as iconic cutting edge performance art, a Parisian cultural phenomenon or even risqué burlesque – it is a high kicking celebration of the feminine form. The cast of ten, stunning, classically-trained dancers are clothed mostly in just textured lighting.

Candy St. Louis – we don’t know her real name – has been dancing with the show for eight years and is doubtlessly having the time of her life. “I’m a Brooklyn girl, living in Paris and then on tour in Australia. I think I’m just flying – I haven’t touched the ground yet”.

Conceived by Alain Bernadin in 1951, his vision has always been for a highly specified, uniform body shape amongst the dancers – even down to centimeter precision. “The way he chose his dancers, his women, for his show – that’s what he wanted”, says St. Louis, “There could be a million reasons why he did what he did but I love the fact that it remains those rules.”

Whilst the show has no shortage of fans – not the least amongst A-list celebrities – it doesn’t fit with everyone’s gender politics. However, the cast see it differently. “Our show does open your mind, especially for women in my opinion”, says St. Louis, “We stand for class, confidence, elegance and femininity. If women let us in, they can walk away with their shoulders a bit higher and proud to be who they are.”

Sep 27–Oct 1. State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney. $100.80-$142.60+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ticketmaster.com.au

By Greg Webster