O'ARA
How did you get your stage name?
It was taken from the famous novel Gone With The Wind, in which Scarlett O’Hara is cold beauty and sensitivity in one.
What sparked your passion for dancing?
My aunt was a prima ballerina, but I grew up with two older brothers doing BMX and motocross, so it could have all ended very differently for me! I started attending ballerina classes when I was very young. Already in middle school I chose a sport-studies program, rather than going a more classical route and dance became my way of expressing myself, I couldn’t do without. Speaking is not something that comes naturally to me, I often get overwhelmed by my own emotions. Body language, which I believe to be incredibly powerful, is something I master.
Dancer, comedian, performer… How would you define yourself?
100% a dancer. But it’s true that acting is part of the job of a Crazy Girl. Acting, singing on playback or singling someone out of the audience are things that require me to leave my comfort zone, but which I thoroughly enjoy doing. These are means of expressing my entire femininity and sensuality in a safe space within the bounds of Crazy Horse Paris. That’s invaluable.
What vision of femininity do you represent when you’re dancing on the Crazy Horse stage?
I like projecting the image of a funny, mischievous and artistically amazing woman when I’m on stage. But, depending on the scene, the image may differ. For instance, I dance Good Girl with all the energy of a spontaneous tease and Rougir de Désir with depth and emotion.
What’s the first thing you do when you get off stage?
I take an ice-cold shower! Does my muscles good, I feel weightless afterwards.
Are you a different person when you’re no longer on stage?
Totally. I’m usually very reserved and like going unnoticed. Which is a bit bewildering, since people usually think that, because I’m a Crazy Horse dancer, I’d be very self-assured, but I’m the complete opposite! Even ordering a drink can sometimes feel like a challenge!
What makes Crazy Horse Paris such a magical place, after more than sixty years?
I’d say it’s the girls’ personalities. At Crazy Horse Paris, each dancer can explore and use their own personality and emotions to their fullest potential. In other dance troupes, whether they be classical or cabaret, there’s a solo performer and the others are part of the ballet corps. What’s magical here, is that every dancer is a solo performer.
Which scene of the Totally Crazy! show do you think is the most amazing?
I really enjoy performing Rougir de Désir. It’s an honor dancing this wonderful solo choreographed by Philippe Decouflé. But the one that fascinates me the most is Crisis ? What Crisis !?!. At first, I actually hated it. I was young and told myself I really wouldn’t like performing this electrically charged striptease. But, over the years, I came to love it. This oh-so-modern “femme fatale”, so powerful and classy, entranced me. I would love to embody her some day on the Crazy Horse stage.
Photos : Esteban Wautier, Melissa Linke, Antoine Poupel
