What does it take to bring Crazy Horse Paris to UAE? Behind the scenes at new Dubai cabaret
When Andree Deissenberg joined Crazy Horse Paris, it was on a rescue mission, and it wasn't an overnight project. Of the 20 years she has now spent with the legendary cabaret, 15 have been devoted to bringing it up to date. “Crazy Horse was a diamond, but it was covered in dust,” says the chief creative and brand officer. Founded in 1951 by French artist and entrepreneur Alain Bernardin, the…
Andree Deissenberg, the chief creative and brand officer of Crazy Horse Paris, has embarked on a mission to bring the legendary cabaret to the UAE. Having spent 15 of her 20 years with the production, Deissenberg has been working to modernize the show for a new audience and venue. She joined Crazy Horse in 1976, six weeks before the opening of her latest creative challenge, following the purchase of the production by Philippe Lhomme in 2005.
The transformation at Zabeel Theatre in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray includes the integration of waiters into the performance, a unique aspect of the Dubai edition. Deissenberg has observed the high standards of service UAE audiences expect and aims to meet them. The biggest changes involve adapting the provocative performances to Dubai's cultural sensitivities, dressing the dancers modestly while preserving the show's distinctive visual identity.
The cast consists of 18 international dancers, each spending several months training in Paris to learn the company's choreographic style. The Dubai edition adds an aerial act, which was not possible in Paris due to the venue's constraints. The theatre space has been redesigned with velvet-red sofas, a pink entrance, and an experiential room called The Legacy, which introduces visitors to the history of the Paris cabaret.
Deissenberg's vision for the future includes working with regional singers, dancers, and fashion designers on potential collaborations. She also aims to focus on female empowerment through dance and Pilates sessions, inspired by the Crazy Attitude events held in Paris. However, her immediate focus is on opening night, scheduled for November 12, as the team prepares to deliver the new Crazy Horse Paris experience in the UAE.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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