Live jazz, tap, swing! My second show in Austin was like kismet, with all of the elements of a show that I value most. And I had the chance to embody one of my idols, trailblazer Lena Horne.
By this stage in my tenure in Austin, I’d learned exactly where to search for audition postings. Just as my last show (Cabernet Cabaret) was ending, I was on a mission to find something that satisfied my dancing chops - and boy, did I find it! Dance studio Ballet Afrique was embarking on a type of performance that they had never pursued before: an innovative, interactive, 1920’s Harlem Renaissance experience. The throwback evening would set the audience back a century to engage in a rousing night of jazz and swing at the iconic New York Cotton Club. Onlookers were instructed to dress up (along with the cast) in period garb and were served authentic cuisine from that era. They did not disappoint! The unique premise? For the first time, the traditionally whites-only club was conducting an integrated “Colored Night”. Mimicking history, the evening also included performances from legendary artists Billie Holliday, Cab Calloway and Langston Hughes to name a few.
Sensationally, the night featured burlesque, swing and tap dance. To round out the experience, a live jazz band accompanied, setting all involved back in time to a raucously electrifying time in our nation’s history.
The rehearsal process was grueling and historically informative. Each of us would do extensive research on our individual characters, the culture of the Harlem Renaissance, the lingo and share our findings with the rest of the cast. We learned authentic swing dance from the Austin Swing Syndicate and older New Yorkers told us of their experiences to ensure the feeling of the 1920-1940s was reflected accurately.
Founder of Ballet Afrique and Director of this production China Smith made it clear to all of us that her goal was to pay homage to all of the trailblazing artists that came before us and recreate their experience in a way that the audience could take with them.
The show itself was an experience I won’t forget: the tables were packed and the venue was decorated smashingly- a real snapshot of that golden age of dashing sophistication. I was thrilled to have been involved in many swing dance acrobatics and to sing “Stormy Weather” as Lena Horne in her heyday. I am also immensely grateful for the friends I made and for such a rewarding experience.