Arizona
Arizona Stars
A horde of flamboyant dancers opened the ball. Deceptively exposed, the perfectly shaped figures adorned with flimsy feathers, sequins, and diamante, set the stage ablaze in no time. From the very first moment, the colorful lavishness of these sparkling costumes captivated the eyes of the audience. The scene unrolled like a dreamlike mirage set in a remote paradise before enraptured onlookers. Divine hybrid creatures reminiscent of antique Greek mermaids (1) moved gracefully, humming a melody entitled Féerie, as if to subjugate people’s soul. Other scenes followed, each more breathtaking than the last, featuring contortionists, acrobats, miniature horse trainers, ventriloquists, singers, lead dancers, swishing tricolor petticoats, clowns, and illusionists. The ensemble of artists literally made one’s head spin. All of a sudden, a giant aquarium sprang up from the depths of the stage. Four enormous pythons were slithering through the crystal-clear water. Sandy and ebony hues marbled their scaly and glistening skin. A naiad sporting a sparkling swimsuit dove into the aquarium with the undulating constrictors, arousing terror among many of the mesmerized spectators holding their breath. This was followed by a water ballet, with undertones of the original sin, esthetically sensual and hypnotic. The pythons coiled their muscular bodies around the swimmer’s legs, girding her waist, grazing her belly button, until their head nestled against her breastbone. These erotic figures, instinctively subversive, took shape in water, giving the illusion of a new, ecstatically voluptuous hybrid creature. The temptation of Eve was being reinvented in this idyllic and minimalist setting, thanks to artistic prodigality with a hint of genius. Throughout the show, the audience was kept on tenterhooks with the successive scenes, all superbly polished just like the choreographies. As the opening notes of the French Cancan filled the air, the auditorium exulted. In front of the audience from every corner of the globe, an exquisite display of gorgeous legs adorning fishnet stockings, writhed about, offering the spectators an unrivalled performance. If the legendary City of Lights has shone brightly over the five continents since the end of 19th century, the Moulin Rouge and its French Cancan, the Eiffel Tower and Edith Piaf’s repertoire have had a great deal to do with it. As the revue approached the end, the jubilant audience started chanting enthusiastic encores, even before the entire troupe had time to join the French Cancan dancers. Although gasping, they wore a steadfast victorious smile. Without a second thought, they bounced up on their three-colored booties as if activated by a spring, abandoning the idea of performing a final split, considering this now to be way too early. Overexcited spectators gave a standing ovation to the showgirls from the Moulin Rouge. Supercharged, the dancers threw themselves back into the French Cancan wholeheartedly, igniting the palms of the loudly applauding audience.
1 - In Greek mythology, mermaids are fabulous sea creatures with womanly features and breasts, despite a fishy body.
1 - In Greek mythology, mermaids are fabulous sea creatures with womanly features and breasts, despite a fishy body.