Rhythm City Mess Around Cabaret - 2019
By the time Vancouver’s own Rhythm City Mess Around Swing & Jazz Dance Festival had arrived in late August of 2019, Kat Single-Dain & I were already close to 2 months into preparation for her Fringe Show Gloria’s Happy Hour. Aside from the awe-inspiring experience of learning and working with Kat (a multi-talented performer, artistic director of Vancouver’s own Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret & Parade of Lost Souls, and an all-round major contributor to Vancouver’s performing arts scene), it was an absolute dream-come-true, to be co-starring in multiple roles for a physical-comedy show, complete with skits I had never dreamed possible. From doing Bob Fosse-inspired song & dance routines, to sharing a pair of ghostly pants in a Chimpanzee Costume, this show was going to be ambitious. (I’ll most likely write more on the experience of being in Gloria’s Happy Hour in future blog posts).
That said, by this point, Kat and I were feeling pretty synchronized in one of our favourite routines of the show. With her titular character, Gloria set to take the stage as MC at the RCMA cabaret, she saw the opportunity to perform our big number, in front of a crowd of hundreds of lovely swing dancers/teachers from around the world. It became a sort of pre-show taste for the public (& ourselves)!
I remember showing up at the Russian Hall midday, chatting with dance-friends—while they took a euphoric, sweaty break out in the blistering sun—and they were curious if I was taking workshops. Though I had wanted to, I explained how I was busy working on the show. It felt like there was exciting opportunity everywhere that summer. Too much to eat up all at once! So, as the classes recommenced, and the sounds emanated from the heart of the hall, Kat & I were outside refining our moves in the grass. That’s something I particularly admire about Kat, her use of time all the way up to opening night.
That evening, not only did my cabaret dreams come true, I got to perform alongside/for friends and familiar faces, and I got an early taste of the Fringe Show that was yet to come. I can describe it as one of those breathable instant memories—the kind that you know are being made as it’s happening, yet you enjoy every moment. Everyone at the cabaret brought something totally unique and entertaining. I love the experience of everyone running on and off stage, making a full variety show. Afterwards, the social dancing was vibrant—full of inspired dancers. And I am beyond happy to have these wonderful photos from Rhythm City Dance photographer Emmanuel Guevarra, to bring back these memories.
