SHOWTIME

Each year Domaine’s Dance Show is a bit of a challenge – new dances to do, costumes to make, kids to organise, coping with the changes in the programme, organising kids and transport, working on the narration …. And so it goes on.
This year was no exception – but for a totally different reason. I really thought it would be easier – the kids weren’t my responsibility, the costumes had all been made by a dressmaker, we only had one dance and it was simpler than ever, and I didn’t have to go to school.
But Nature put a spanner in the works – the week before the show I woke up with a sore throat – and a huge head cold developed. I don’t think it was flu, but a week of feeling really bad made the week before the show a nightmare of a different kind.
I’d offered to get tap shoes for the 22 kids – so the week was spent getting shoes I’d found on Gumtree, at a second hand shop and finally buying some from a supplier. It was also spent buying wigs, cigarette holders, fascinators, sailor suits, chess pieces – all my costumes and the props I needed for my narration. But I missed the first 2 rehearsals, spending the time lying down whenever I could, high on Colcaps and lemon/honey/brandy and blowing my nose endlessly. Wednesday I had to go to the technical rehearsal and Thursday, the dress rehearsal. Pete went fishing for the weekend, so Sihle was my main support – and he was great. The show seemed messy, scrappy and seen through a blur of feeling full of cold. I really wondered if we would pull it off.
And then Friday came and a lot of rest and a hip flask of brandy got me onto the stage with Phillipe – a fox stole – complete with head and legs - lent by Vivienne. And then I realised the truth of “the show must go on.’ One of the boys said to me “Your funny voice matches your funny character.” He was right. The “old lady” I played was a bit eccentric, and I had fun playing her and holding the bits of the show together. The best fun was that I was on the stage for almost all the dances and so saw the dancers from close up.
The little ones are always delightful – stunning costumes, hair specially curled, makeup and shiny little lips – and practically no steps at all. The odd pointing of toes and a little skip, then a wave to mommy and off the stage.
The Hip Hop group who were involved in Chess with the St Nics kids were great. There were twins – maybe 6 or 7 – with their hair in tight little pigtails – who concentrated so hard and watched Tarryn and Frank all the time, mirroring their movements just a hair-breadth behind.
Some of the bigger girls have real talent – and some have enthusiasm – and boobs too floppy for their tutus. It is always a pleasure to watch those who are really good.
The adult taps always bring the house alive – and their “Time Warp” was great. But Lance in a red and black corset, fishnets, high heel shoes and a long blonde wig stole the show.
Our one, simple dance is always great fun and we get lots of applause – three old ladies showing off on a big stage always gets the audience going!
Saturday went even better – I didn’t think I’d survive baking, going to a launch of my students’ network getting everything ready for Patronal festival on the Sunday and getting to the show – but it was great.
Will I do it again – I think so. Domaine’s shows are always so over the top and such fun.