Dance Takes Center Stage in "Le Bodyguard": Testimonials from the Dancers of France Dionne Agency
- Danse Mode-Action
- 14 juil. 2023
- 6 min de lecture
The musical "Le Bodyguard" is a captivating production that showcases dance in various forms. This article takes us behind the scenes of this renowned production, through the testimonials of four dancers from the France Dionne Agency: Megan Brydon, Anne-Rose Cupidon, Kathline Gréco, and Yannick Moisan. They share their experiences, reflections on the emotional connection with the audience, challenges encountered, and memorable moments that have shaped their journey in "Le Bodyguard." Additionally, we delve into the collaboration between the dancers, choreographers, and production team members, as well as the strategies for maintaining the endurance and physical fitness required to meet the demands of the dynamic choreography in the show.
Diversity of Styles and the Value of Training: Megan Brydon, the dancer, shares her experience in "Le Bodyguard" and her training at Danse Mode-Action and the France Dionne Agency. Asked about her experience in "Le Bodyguard," Megan Brydon highlighted the diversity of dance styles incorporated in the production. Steve Bolton's choreography ranges from hip-hop to contemporary, pas-de-deux, Latin dances, and even breathtaking lifts. She described the process as an intensive two-month journey during which the cast worked diligently to perfect the dance numbers. To ensure authenticity and excellence, Steve Bolton enlisted specialized professionals in specific dance disciplines. One particular number caught Megan's attention, accompanying the song "I'm Every Woman." For this specific routine, the dancers received guidance and advice from Francis Lafrenière, an expert in Latin dances. With his assistance, they created a captivating six-minute piece that showcased their newly acquired knowledge and skills. The dancer expressed her excitement for this number, emphasizing the joy and sense of accomplishment she felt during its performance.
Megan also acknowledged the value of the training she received through the Danse Mode-Action program and the France Dionne Agency. She considered it a crucial asset that allowed her to learn from various professionals and master multiple dance styles. This diversity of knowledge has been instrumental in her professional dance career, setting her apart from others. Additionally, it has proven to be invaluable in her preparation for shows like "Le Bodyguard," where being a multidisciplinary dancer is essential.
The Emotional Connection and Challenges of Dancer Anne-Rose Cupidon in "Le Bodyguard"
In the musical "Le Bodyguard," dancers play an essential role in creating a captivating visual experience for the audience. Anne-Rose Cupidon shares her insights on the emotional connection with the spectators and the unexpected challenges she encountered. As a dancer, what type of emotional connection do you seek to establish with the audience during your performances in "Le Bodyguard"?
Anne-Rose explains that in "Le Bodyguard," which is more of a variety show, her main goal is to bring joy to the audience. She aims to provide a moment of escapism where the audience can temporarily forget their everyday worries. Through expressive movements, she seeks to create a positive atmosphere and evoke feelings of happiness and enthusiasm in the spectators.
Have you encountered any challenges or unexpected surprises during your performances in "Le Bodyguard"? How did you overcome them?
The dancer shares her experience of a major challenge she faced: lifts and partner work. Unfortunately, she had an incident where she fell from a height of over six feet, injuring her face and experiencing physical and psychological repercussions. This incident shook her confidence in others and required a process of relearning self-confidence and trust in her partners. Now, she listens to herself more closely and expresses her concerns when she doesn't feel safe in a situation or position. She emphasizes that the partnership relationship in dance relies on listening and, above all, mutual trust.
The Lively Backstage and How to Maintain Endurance and Physical Fitness in "Le Bodyguard": Dancer Kathline Gréco's Secrets
The musical "Le Bodyguard" is filled with memorable moments and amusing anecdotes that take place behind the scenes. In an interview, dancer Kathline Gréco shares hilarious stories and unforgettable memories that occurred during rehearsals and performances of the renowned production. The dancers also face energetic and demanding choreographies. Kathline also reveals how she manages to maintain her endurance and physical fitness to meet the demands of the show.
Could you share any backstage anecdotes or memorable moments that happened during rehearsals or performances of "Le Bodyguard"?
Kathline recalls a funny moment that happened during a major scene where the character of the "bodyguard" is supposed to be shot. She shares that instead of simply walking past the shooter while shouting, director Joël Legendre had the idea to try something different. Kathline attempted to run in front of the shooter while mimicking panic. However, this caused a burst of laughter as she resembled more of a headless chicken than a dramatic scene. This moment created a lighthearted atmosphere and laughter among the team.
The dancer also highlights the hard work of the dancers during rehearsals and performances. There was no slacking off, and everyone was fully committed. She mentions that despite the challenges and fast pace, they always found a moment to have a good laugh. After each performance, they had a little routine where they celebrated the end of the show by singing the final song together. It was a joyful shout-out that allowed them to count the number of completed performances, creating a friendly atmosphere and reinforcing their sense of accomplishment.
How do you manage to maintain your endurance and physical fitness to meet the demands of the choreography and energetic performances of the show?
Kathline explains that maintaining physical fitness is a constant commitment. She emphasizes the importance of staying in shape throughout the year, both before and after the show. For her, yoga plays an essential role. She practices hot yoga, which combines flexibility and physical endurance. The high heat of hot yoga quickly elevates the heart rate and boosts endurance. She mentions that holding poses for extended periods during yoga sessions helps her develop flexibility and maintain good physical condition.
In addition to the physical aspect, the dancer also emphasizes the importance of constantly reviewing the movements and adding her own personal touch to the choreography. She explains that in "Le Bodyguard," it's not just about physical movements but also theatrical interpretation. It is crucial to stay connected to the emotional aspect and add her own interpretation to meet the demands of the choreography and the entire show.
In the world of dance and musical theater, magic doesn't only happen on stage but also behind the scenes. Dancers, choreographers, and production team members work together to bring an unforgettable show to life. We had the opportunity to speak with Yannick Moisan, another dancer from the France Dionne agency, to learn more about the collaboration process and stress management in a popular musical like "Le Bodyguard".
Collaboration Process: When asked to describe the collaboration process between the dancers, choreographer, and other production team members, Yannick expressed enthusiasm about working with a talented and diverse team. Each person brings their skills and energy to the show, contributing to its overall magic. According to him, teamwork is essential to bring the show to life. Every member works hard and gives their best to provide an exceptional dance experience for the audience. Open communication, rigorous rehearsals, and the exchange of ideas are pillars of this successful collaboration.
Stress and Pressure Management: When there is stress and pressure related to live performances, Yannick shared some of his personal strategies. Before each show, the entire cast gathers for a "curtain call" session. This collective ritual strengthens the team spirit and helps reduce stress. Additionally, warm-up and stretching exercises are essential to prepare the body and mind for the intensity of the performance. Yannick also emphasizes that with time, stress decreases with each performance, allowing artists to feel more comfortable and confident on stage.
"Le Bodyguard" is much more than just a musical. It is a show where dance plays an essential role, incorporating a variety of styles and creating an emotional connection with the audience. The testimonies of Megan Brydon, Anne-Rose Cupidon, Kathline Gréco, and Yannick Moisan highlight the importance of training, self-confidence, commitment, and teamwork in creating a production of this magnitude. The memorable moments backstage, the challenges overcome, and the efforts to maintain physical endurance testify to the intensity and passion surrounding the production of "Le Bodyguard". It is a true team effort where each dancer contributes their unique talents to create an unforgettable experience for the audience.
