Cabaret dancing: dance glamorously with femininity

History of cabaret dance

Cabaret dancing is often associated with extravagance with a sexy side. Moreover, the rooms do not become empty over time, quite the contrary! Cabaret dance is an integral part of French cultural heritage and particularly in Parisian culture. This performing art has evolved since its humble beginnings, that's what we're going to see right away!

The origins

It was in the 19th century that cabaret dancing began to have modest success. In the past, cabarets were located in the working-class neighborhoods of large European cities. These establishments were distinguished by their access facility, their friendliness, there music and the dances. 

The cabaret dancers presented a fusion of folk dances and of ballroom dancing. This mix gave rise to an innovative show accompanied by catchy music. 

Gradually, cabarets became places of artistic expression which open the way toemancipation of artists. Indeed, these places allowed dancers, often from modest backgrounds, to perform on stage and develop their talent. Also, the shows were a way for them to break social codes and to make their voices heard at a time when the artistic world was reserved for the elite.  

The evolution

In the 1920s, cabaret dance experienced its roaring twenties. Especially in large metropolises such as Paris, Berlin and New York. In addition, the dances were punctuated by the hi-hat, THE shimmy or even the foxtrot which are characterized by theexuberance and the freedom of conventions. Among the dancers, we could see a vitality overflowing which reflected the state of mind and the freedom which animated them at that time. 

A decade later, in the 1930s and 1940s, cabaret dance gained popularity popularity by transcending the cinema screens. Moreover, icons like Joséphine Baker or Ginger Rogers have raised cabaret dancing to the pinnacle of glamor and elegance. This is how they managed to inspire young artists to enter the cabaret world.

The rise of cabaret

Then, in the 1960s, a protest movement against established norms rages within Western societies. Cabaret dance follows the movement and asserts itself in front of more bold And engaged. Indeed, this is felt in the choreographies, in which a clear search for freedom from the youth. Particularly on questions of sexual liberation and civil rights. 

20 years later, in the 1980s, cabaret dance adapted to musical and artistic developments giving space to pop influences and hip-hop culture. Thus, hybrid performances are emerging at the dawn of the 21st century mixing contemporary elements, pole dancing and acrobatics, forming today a modern artistic scene. 

Cabaret dance genres

Cabaret dance is a universe full of diversity mixing styles And genres. Each type of dance brings a unique experience, reflecting the story, there culture and the tendency of his time, transcribed in our era. 

The hi-hat

The charleston is one of the emblematic dances of the Roaring Twenties, but above all, one of the most striking styles of cabaret. It is in the working class neighborhoods of New Orleans that the hi-hat found its roots at the beginning of the 20th century in the African-American community. Originally danced to syncopated rhythms by the residents of the neighborhood, it eventually made its entry into the world of entertainment, on Broadway, thanks to the musical “Runnin' wild” in 1923. It enjoyed phenomenal success which would propel cabaret dancing as a symbol of exuberant energy. 

Why this choice ? 

If this dance is used, it is because it is characterized by fast and frenetic rhythms seizing short and fast steps. It is also its theatrical side which seduced the dancers, in fact, the lower body movements are circular at the feet and legs. The arms are used to create a contrast with the frenetic movements of the legs. 

Also, the hi-hat was chosen for its embodiment of theeffervescent spirit and the freedom of morals, which at that time represented the Roaring Twenties. It is a dance that responded to all the social and cultural demands of the era marked by the end of the First World War and the beginnings of women's freedom. 

How is the charleston danced in cabaret? 

In cabaret, you must start by standing straight, feet together and arms slightly apart from the body with your gaze forward. Next, the dancer lifts their right foot and places it on the floor and repeats with the left foot alternately while moving forward. Then, conversely, the right foot is tilted back and rested. The operation is repeated with the left foot to move backward. Generally, the arms are swung in a coordinated manner with the steps. Also, the dancers perform footwork in an expansive manner. Particularly with kicks which consist of swinging one leg forward and backward alternately, while keeping the knee straight. But also swivels which are rapid rotations of the knee. 

Burlesque

Burlesque in cabaret dance is much more than a simple artistic performance, it is a real show that combines dance, social satire and comedy. Basically, this style of dance was dedicated to satirical shows of the 19th century to parody the literary or theatrical works of the time with a cocktail ofhumor, of provocative dances and of comedy. 

Those who practice burlesque in cabaret dance adopt an attitude of self-confidence since it is a practice that celebrates individuality and boldness. To express it, the dancers opt for fluid movements which embody the sensuality. In fact, they use pelvic undulations, arm strokes and graceful movements. Additionally, to embody the mystery, some use accessories such as gloves, feathers and fans. Also, some do not hesitate to use striptease to capture the public's attention. 

The modern cabaret

The modern cabaret is a combination of modernity and traditional cabaret by integrating fpole dance figures, of contemporary dance, acrobatics and D'theatrical elements. It is an energetic and expressive dance form that uses fast, fluid and dynamic movements emphasizing freedom of movement and creativity by judging for themselves the dramatic intensity they want to bring . 

In addition, in modern cabaret, you will find a whole range of styles ranging from modern jazz, urban dance to pole dance for diversified choreographies adding a spectacular and impressive dimension to the performances. 

Also, modern cabaret follows the social and cultural developments of our era. Thus, themes such as emancipation, identity and self-acceptance are highlighted. 

Vogue 

Voguing is a movement originating from the LGBTQ+ community in New York in the 1980s that mixes dance, THE graceful movements and theassertiveness. This movement was a response to oppression and stigma. Inspired by model poses and African-American dances, voguing is broken down into several categories, each emphasizing specific elements: 

• Old-fashioned voguing for grace
• New way voguing for athletics
• Women's voguing for dramatic performances

Voguing dancers perform complex postures, playing on the geometry of the body. Then come the main event, which are key moments in the performance where the poseur presents sequences of elaborate postures. After which, the clashes appear, these are moments when two poseurs face off in a friendly competition to highlight their ability to master movements. 

Pole dancing

Pole dancing is a form of artistic expression that combines grace, elegance and the physical force. Considered a contemporary dance, it finds its origins in the cabarets of the 19th century. At that time, artists used wooden poles as props for their performances. However, it was in the 1980s and 1990s that pole dancing evolved to become a discipline in its own right mixing fitness, dance and acrobatics. 

To perform, the dancers lean on the pole to perform a series of movements. In particular, spins, which consist of rotating around the bar doing figures where the body is suspended in impressive positions. 

The French cancan

The French cancan is a staple of the French cabaret scene. It took hold in Parisian cabarets and dance halls in the first half of the 19th century. This art form is distinguished by its fast and dynamic movements, highlighting the swirly petticoats dancers. 

Among the key elements of the French cancan, you can find the twirling leg movements present in the jumps, THE beats and the kicking. Also, don't be surprised if you see heel kicks which add a sound dimension to the dance. 

A cabaret dance class

Cabaret dance is a vibrant art form that embodies grace, vivacity and freedom of expression. To master the codes of this dance, it is essential to understand the steps that make it up. 

The basic steps 

• The elegant walk : it is a confident gait, bust raised and shoulders clear. 
• The hunt : This is a fluid lateral movement that involves a crossover step followed by a catching step. 
• The slippery step : this consists of sliding one step next to the other while maintaining a graceful posture. 
• The chased footsteps : the feet move quickly towards each other only to move away again. 
• The pirouettes : these are rotations of the foot. 
• The hi-hat steps : these are lively leg movements accompanied by rotations. 

Progress of the session

The course begins with a warm welcome from the instructor with a brief introduction to create a friendly atmosphere. Then comes the warm-up to prepare the body for exercise. It consists of stretching, joint mobilization exercises and gentle movements. After which, the teacher indicates the theme choreography so that students can familiarize themselves with the style of cabaret they will approach. He goes on to show the basic steps that will be used in the performance. Once the steps have been integrated, the students repeat several times to imbibe the intention. The course continues with the choice of integration of accessories or not depending on the theme. Then the instructor explains the staging of the performance as well as emotional interpretation that students must put. Finally, the course ends after 1 hour on the key points of the lesson and the answers to questions. 

Outfits adapted to the discipline

Cabaret is a show, so it is important to know the outfits consistent with this activity, we find: 

• Leotards

• Fringed costumes

• Charleston-style dresses

• Corsets and bustiers

• Fishnet stockings

• High heels

What you must remember

Cabaret dancing dates from the 19th century and was reserved for the elite, mixing ballroom dancing and folk dance. It ended up being made accessible to everyone in the 1920s or the roaring years of cabaret responding to the oppression and to the freedom of morals. Cabaret dance as we know it today is a fusion of several genres : 

• The hi-hat

• Burlesque

• The modern cabaret

• Vogue 

• Pole dancing

• The French cancan

If you want to learn cabaret dancing, remember these basic movements : 

• The elegant walk
• The hunt
• The slippery step
• The chased footsteps 
• The pirouettes 
• The hi-hat steps 

Course progress and outfits

To go further, we have seen how a class is taking place : 

• Warming up

• The choice of theme

• Demonstration of basic steps used in choreography

• Repetition of steps by students

• Choice of accessory integration

• Explanation of setting and emotional involvement

• Debriefing of the session

Finally, we focused on the outfits frequently used in cabaret: 

• Leotards

• Fringed costumes

• Charleston-style dresses

• Corsets and bustiers

• Fishnet stockings

• High heels

Work on your movements at DECIBEL ®

Want to try cabaret dancing? What if you came to work on your movements at DECIBEL ® ? You will gain drawing your abs, glutes and thighs during 45 minute intensive workout sessions to be the greatest cabaret dancer!

We know that cabaret dancing requires exceptional energy and endurance, which is why, with the help of our coaches, YOU strengthen your muscles and cardio on the motivating playlists to give you strength! And since the cabaret is a show, you will be under the spotlight of a dim light so you can bring out the best in the dancer in you. 

Ready to push yourself to enter the Moulin Rouge?