God Save Our Bareskin : “Attention!”, the show is about to start…
Comfortably seated, your mind is already bubbling with eager anticipation at this evening you are about to spend in the temple of glamour on avenue George V. The Crazy Girls will soon be on stage and you’d never guess that in the dressing rooms, just a few steps away from where you’re seated, the atmosphere is already totally crazy! A few last-minute details, adjustments to the costumes, the famous black hats of the British Royal Guard have been carefully fitted and then it’s off onto the stage. Suddenly, the curtain is lifted revealing an army of women dressed in the emblematic English uniform. It’s the same renowned opening act they’ve been performing for over thirty years: God Save Our Bareskin. “Attention!”, the show is about to start…
London calling
Ever since its inception, Crazy Horse Paris has made parodying political events and poking fun at the establishment part of its unique signature style. While visiting London, the founder of the cabaret, Alain Bernardin, has this crazy idea to create God Save Our Bareskin, an act inspired by the British Royal Guard and added to the venue’s off-the-wall repertoire. From head to toe, the uniform of the Royal Guards has been redesigned for the elite Crazy Horse dance troupe. At first, only the epaulettes, belts, cuffs and boots are kept for structure. Then the “British pounds” garter belts are added for a touch of glamorous humour. And last but not least, the famous “Bearskin”, the legendary headgear of the Queen’s Guards, is proudly worn by the dancers and will become, over time, one of the icons of the cabaret.
The act is entitled God Save Our Bareskin, an obvious homage to the British national anthem, God Save the Queen, but first and foremost a cheeky play on words, “Bearskin” becoming “bare skin”.
A Totally Crazy! army, gone wild!
Many talented artists were brought together to make the Crazy Horse’s must-see opening act an unforgettable experience. A real-life British Royal Guard officer came to Paris to rehearse with the dancers and teach them how to march military style. The internationally renowned choreographer, Molly Molloy, added her artistic genius to the Crazy Girls’ stride. Several years later, under the artistic guidance of Andrée Deissenberg, an element of coquetry is added to this legendary act. “We intentionally changed it to make it appear less formal. The Crazy Girls now dance to a very festive 70s tune”, she explains. “That way, right from the moment the curtain is drawn, the tone is set!” Yes, Sir!
