All You Need To Know About Thoroughly Modern Millie

If there’s one thing that makes Thoroughly Modern Millie unforgettable, it’s the dazzling dance numbers that keep you on your toes (quite literally)! From the jazzy tap rhythms to the flapper-inspired sequences; this musical number is a masterpiece of high-energy and visually stunning choreography.

This is one of the many reasons why we are very excited to be teaching this iconic routine in our next 6-week Musicals course, starting from week commencing 2nd June both Online and in Hove!

Whether you’re prepping to be the next Broadway Star, trying something new, or just want to add some jazzy flair to your daily routine; this course is perfect for you.

Watch the routine here:

From its Broadway debut to recent revivals, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a classic that has managed to captivate audiences across generations. So, what makes Millie so appealing? Read on to dive into a world of jazz and flapper-tastic fun!

The Roaring Twenties: Reimagined

Set in New York City during the Jazz Age, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a sparkling blend of vintage charm and modern energy – making it a perfect dance routine to learn for any occasion. The 1920s was an era of cultural revolution, with flappers, jazz, and influential feminism playing a huge role in making this decade iconic. The choreography in Thoroughly Modern Millie embodies the spirit of the epoch, with slick dance moves, that are full of precision and full flapper-style flair!

Millie: A Heroine For The Ages

At the heart of what this iconic routine is based on, is Millie; a character who refuses to let anything stand in her way as she navigates the complexities of being a woman in 1920s America. Her journey is inspiring for anyone who’s ever struggled with balancing ambition, love, and self-identity. It’s the perfect musical that encapsulates a fascinating period in history, where people were beginning to reinvent the world in bold and exciting ways!   

So, if you’re looking to learn a dance routine that’s fun, lively, and upholds a sense of freedom that still resonates today; be sure to grab yourself a place on our upcoming Musical Course that will leave you humming the tune, tapping your feet, and feeling just a little more thoroughly modern yourself!

Credit: MTI

Join us for our next 6 week Musical Course in Hove or online, where you can learn a quirky routine from Thoroughly Modern Millie!

Online details: Mondays 2 June - 7 July, 7pm via Zoom

Hove details: Tuesdays 3 June - 8 July, 7pm at Open Space Studios

By: Eleanor O’Donnell

Course Previews: What's on This June

Spring has flown by and Summer is now just round the corner! We have an exciting lineup of 6-week courses starting in June. Our next course block begins on 2 June - and you can watch all the course previews here!

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CHARLESTON COURSE - (I WISH I COULD) SHIMMY LIKE MY SISTER KATE

BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH

ONLINE

Take a sneaky peek at the routine for our next Open Level Charleston course coming up in June, where we will be dancing to Shimmy Like My Sister Kate. An absolute classic from the 1920s which has been covered and reimagined many times; this version full of exuberance and truly reflective of ‘Roaring Twenties’ flamboyance! We run this course online and in studio locations in the UK.

Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:

Online - 2 June, 6pm BST via Zoom

Brighton - 2 June, 7:30pm The Dance Space

Hove PM - 3 June, 6pm, Open Space Studios

Lewes - 3 June, 6:30pm, The Body Workshop

Portsmouth - 3 June, 7:30pm, CourtX

Eastbourne - 4 June, 6:30pm, Leaf Hall

Hove AM - 5 June, 10:30am, Open Space Studios

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MUSICALS COURSE - THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

HOVE ONLINE

Join us for our next Musicals course in June where we will be learning a routine to Thoroughly Modern Millie’s title track. Set in 1922, this show follows Millie, who moves to NYC from Kansas in order to enjoy a flapper lifestyle and “marry for money” instead of for love - a thoroughly modern ambition for that time - and chaos quickly ensues. This fun routine encapsulates the show’s energy, quirks and humour!

Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:

Online - 2 June - 7pm BST via Zoom

Hove - 3 June, 7pm, Open Space Studios

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INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - SMOOTH SAILING

5 June - Open Space Studios, 7pm

For our next Intermediate Charleston course, we will be dancing to a song by the Queen of Jazz herself - Smooth Sailing by Ella Fitzgerald. Smooth like butter but with plenty of spice, Fiona’s choreography is heavily inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s deep, soothing voice, as well as the fierce freedom alluding from her enticing scats. You’re in for a treat with this one!

BOOK NOW

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PARTNER CHARLESTON - FIDGETY FEET

5 June - Open Space Studios, 6pm

In our next Partner Charleston Course we will be learning a routine to Fidgety Feet. The choreography, much like the song, is fast paced and packed with classic 1920s partner moves and a sprinkle of 30s fun - get ready to rock, swivel, fidget and spin!

BOOK NOW

Never Forget a Step! Top Strategies for Memorising Dance Routines

It’s a real thrill when you’re learning a dance routine – and at the end of the course it’s always wonderful to look back on just how much choreography you learnt!

But remembering the steps from week to week when learning a routine is a very common struggle for dancers. For those of you performing at our Summer Speakeasy in May, how will you remember it when there’s no class or rehearsal for three weeks?!

The old adage “practice makes perfect” comes to mind, but what are the best techniques for not just learning the dance but also retaining it?

Here are my top tips, along with an explanation of the best ways to apply them:

• Interrupt the forgetting process

• Listen to the music until you know it by heart

• Visualize the routine in your head

• Develop muscle memory

Now, let’s dive in and explore how to use these practice techniques in a world where there’s never enough time!

Interrupt the forgetting process

A student in my class (who works in education) introduced me to this concept. Ironically, after she told me about it, I forgot the name and had to text her for a reminder!

I had noticed that if I went home and practiced a routine on the same day I learnt it, I could recall about 80–100% of the steps. However, if I waited until the next day, my recall dropped to around 50%. In other words, the longer you wait, the more you forget.

What does it mean? The phrase "interrupting forgetting" sounds a bit upside down to me, but it subtly shifts the focus from "How can I remember?" to "How can I prevent forgetting?” – a much more effective mindset for retentive learning.

The Forgetting Curve is a theory based on research by Hermann Ebbinghuas, and suggests that retention can drop by nearly 70% within one day of learning. However, repetition in small bouts at regular intervals can increase retention to 90%.

So, how does it work in practice? It’s natural to want to put your feet up after a dance class, but if you can run through the steps just once more when you get home from your class before you relax, it will greatly improve your memory recall. Even better if you can revisit the routine in intervals throughout the week in between your classes. So, give it a go!

Listen to the music until you know it by heart

For many musicians, and singers in particular, being able to hear a song in your head is essential for producing the melody you want to create. Different dance styles have unique relationships with music.

In early jazz and Charleston, that relationship is like a marriage – the dance is a direct response to the music, or even a re-enactment of its sound and rhythm through movement. Therefore, if you can hear the tune in your head, your movements will naturally become a fluid response to the music.

The great thing about this technique is that you can listen while engaging in another activity. So, be doubly productive – put on your headphones and learn as you walk, clean, cook, or simply lie down and enjoy!

Visualise the routine in your head

I love this one, and I also use it to help me fall asleep – but be warned, you might ear-worm yourself, which won’t exactly help you drift off!

My approach is quite simple: I start from the beginning and visualise the dance from a first-person perspective. If I reach a moment where I struggle to remember a step, I go back to the start and begin again. The downside? You might never get past a certain point before eventually falling asleep – but hey, mission accomplished, and at least you got in a bit of practice!

Others suggest practicing the routine with your eyes closed. When we are in a dance class or learning from a video, we’re often looking at someone else. Running the routine in your head allows you to prove to yourself that you actually know the steps – because chances are, you do!

Some people like to create a story around the movements. When actors learn their lines, they rarely memorise individual words but connect to the story they’re telling as whole and the character’s objectives throughout. So, when learning choreography, we try not to focus on individual moves but instead organise the moves into phrases. Then, group the phrases into paragraphs, and eventually, you’ll remember the whole story.

Some people take this further and create actual narratives. For example, in South Carolina (Charleston), Santa Claus (Messaround) was told off (wiggerly finger) for falling in the fountain (waterfall). I’m not entirely convinced by this strategy, but if it works for you, go for it!

Muscle memory

Dance is muscle memory – or so dance teachers say. But is this phrase just hocus pocus?

While I could only play the piano using muscle memory (I struggled with reading music), I was still a bit sceptical about its role in dance. However, time has taught me that muscle memory is real – and sometimes, it can even work against you.

Have you ever learned a dance sequence that was similar but not identical to one you had learned before? Did you find yourself reverting back to the original routine? I can’t explain the science behind muscle memory, but I’ve experienced it firsthand, and I know it’s real.

The key thing to understand is that muscle memory only kicks in once you’ve drilled the moves enough times for them to become ingrained in your body. As you drill, repeat, and practice, commit to going all in; don’t just mark the steps – dance them! This is how your body truly learns.

Once the steps feel familiar, it’s time to turn off your brain, lose that inner voice, and let your heart and soul take over. Your brain might try to regain control, but let your response here be: “I don’t need you now, brain – I’m putting you on a shelf.” The more you practice trusting your body over your conscious mind, the more you’ll experience that out-of-body feeling – the true magic of dance.

Put it to action: Saltdean Speakeasy Performance Opportunity!

On Saturday 3 May we are hosting our Summer Speakeasy at Saltdean Lido, and all students who completed our most recent courses are invited to perform with us at this event in the following routines:

Strut Miss Lizzie
Who’s Got The Pain
It Don’t Mean A Thing
Parla Piu Pano

For those of you that have performed for a crowd before, you will understand the exhilaration it brings! It is a chance to share the stage with a community, and show off your accomplishments. We are holding a rehearsal on 26 April at Open Space Studios for all performers, which costs £10 per performer.

There is still time to register to perform and book your rehearsal space – we’d love to see as many of you join us as possible!

All those wishing to perform must purchase a Speakeasy ticket here: https://www.saltdeanlido.co.uk/event-details-registration/summer-speakeasy
Register your interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXDgykeTwcVEMc_Ch5gCmUf3UhdgH0eaoW1jTT7PrVIdow5g/viewform
Book your rehearsal space: https://mycharlestondance.com/workshop/p/speigeltent-rehearsal-2025

By: Fiona Ring

Summer Speakeasy at Saltdean Lido!

Join us for our Summer Speakeasy at the stunning Saltdean Lido, for an exhilarating dress-up-and-dance event that will transport you back to the Roaring 1920s.

Where: Saltdean Lido, Brighton, BN2 8SP

When: Saturday 3rd May 2025, 

Time: 2pm- 5pm

Age: 12+

Tickets are selling fast so click the link below to secure your place. We can’t wait to dance with you there!

What to expect:

As described by previous attendees, the MyCharleston Speakeasy is the “The most inclusive dance event at the Brighton Fringe” so it really is for everyone! Expect to be transported back to the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties with encapsulating pop-up dance classes, shimmering outfits and dynamic dance performances. Live music from local legends Soultastics will be sure to get your toes tapping as soon as you enter the building (what more could you ask for?!) with classic jazz tunes and a hint of Mambo rhythm. 

Past events have featured themes such as Ragtime, New Orleans Jazz, and The Savoy Ballroom Taxis. This year, we’re adding a touch of ‘Spanish Harlem’ to the event. As always, this is a dress-up-and-dance event, so start planning your outfit - you could be the winner of our ‘Best Dressed’ contest!

Historical significance of Saltdean Lido: 

Saltdean Lido is a Grade II Listed building, located in the heart of East Sussex, and is an iconic, art-deco style lido that first opened in 1938. It is one of the few remaining lidos of its kind in the UK and has been an integral part of the local community for many years, offering a place for leisure and positive social interaction – with a touch of 20th century nostalgia. 

Saltdean Lido was designed by architect Richard Jones in the 1930s and coincided with the broader trend during the interwar period, when British seaside holidays were gaining in popularity. Lidos (open-air swimming pools) were seen as the ideal combination of swimming in safe waters, whilst being near the sea. 

During the 1940s and early 1950s, Saltdean Lido was seen as a glamorous destination for those who were seeking a prestigious seaside experience. The Lido was at the heart of social life in the area; attracting both local families and holidaymakers from afar, who were looking to enjoy snippets of seaside life.  

As interest in foreign holidays grew, the popularity of lidos country-wide began to decline and as a result, the majority of original lidos across the country no longer exist. Despite Saltdean Lido falling into disrepair, it underwent a stunning restoration and reopened in 2017.

Today, its architecture is considered to be the apogee of lido design; epitomising some of the best elements of the modernist movement, with The 20th Century Society deeming Saltdean Lido as "probably the most architecturally significant open-air pool in the country”. In 2018 it was named by English Heritage as one of the Seven Wonders of The English Seaside.

Why is hosting our Charleston Speakeasy at Saltdean Lido Important? 

The Speakeasy, as a concept, was popularised during the 1920-1933 American Prohibition, where alcohol was banned, and secret bars emerged to maintain the popular culture of drinking and dancing. Given the fact that Saltdean Lido was built in the 1930s, holding our annual Speakeasy event there works perfectly, as the Lido’s original art deco ambiance compliments the prohibition-era atmosphere that we create within our events. 

Furthermore, hosting our Speakeasy at such an iconic venue, enables the spirit of the past to be revived whilst offering a modern experience; creating a nostalgic atmosphere that mirrors the rich cultural history of the time. It appeals to the allure of the hidden, the exclusive, and the decadent; perfectly aligning with the mystique of a Speakeasy. 

Using venues like the Saltdean Lido, highlights its ongoing importance as cultural/social hub, whilst allowing people to experience its uniqueness in a new, innovative way. 

Events like our Speakeasy also enable individuals to establish a deeper connection with each other and the venue; fostering a sense of community whilst encouraging cultural appreciation and the preservation of heritage – bringing Saltdean Lido’s history to life in a modern-contemporary context. 

We can’t wait to host our event at Saltdean Lido on 3rd May, and take advantage of the unique venue, to create an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance, and entertainment, whilst celebrating local history and maintaining its legacy through introducing future generations to the magic of this vintage venue! 

By: Eleanor O’Donnell 

Intro and edit by Lauren Pascolutti

All That Jazz: All You Need To Know

The History and Influence of "All That Jazz" from Chicago

Few musical numbers are as synonymous with a show as "All That Jazz" is with Chicago. From its unforgettable introduction to its timeless choreography, this iconic song has cemented its place as one of the most celebrated openings in musical theatre history.

It's a call to action for a night of indulgence, a promise of excitement, and a glimpse into the decadent world that the musical explores.

Featuring a dazzling combination of jazz, sensuality, and swagger, "All That Jazz" sets the tone for the entire show and has become a cultural touchstone within the musical sphere. Let’s dive into the history of this legendary routine and explore its far-reaching influence on both a musical theatre stage and pop culture.

Watch our own performance here:

The Birth of "All That Jazz"

Picture this, the year is 1975, and the world of Broadway is about to experience a revolution…

 The musical Chicago premiered on Broadway, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and choreography by the legendary Bob Fosse. Set in 1920s Chicago, the show explores the lives of two women, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who manipulate the criminal justice system to become famous celebrities.

At the very heart of Chicago is the high-octane, provocative number "All That Jazz." The opening number introduces us to Velma Kelly, the show’s main character and a vaudeville performer who has just been arrested for the double murder of her husband and sister. As she prepares to make her entrance into the criminal spotlight, the song serves as her declaration of confidence, fame, and unapologetic attitude. The jazzy tune is a celebration of all things glitz and glam, wrapped in a sexy, dark, and playful rhythm that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the roaring twenties.

Bob Fosse’s Choreographic Genius

When we think of Chicago, it’s impossible not to think of Bob Fosse’s choreography. His distinct style—characterized by sharp, angular movements, sensual isolation of body parts, and precise, almost exaggerated gestures—was a perfect match for "All That Jazz." The routine, with its intricate dance steps, seductive poses, and rhythmic precision, exemplifies Fosse’s signature flair.

Fosse’s choreography for "All That Jazz" blends elements of vaudeville, burlesque, and jazz dance, creating a routine that feels both timeless and edgy. The number is filled with sharp, provocative movements that emphasize the sensuality of the performers while maintaining a level of sophistication. Velma’s commanding presence is front and centre as she dominates the stage, accompanied by a chorus of backup dancers who mirror her every move. The opening sequence, where Velma struts confidently across the stage, is instantly recognizable—it's an iconic moment in musical theatre history.

This choreography has since become one of the defining elements of Chicago. It sets the tone for the entire show: a celebration of fame, the cost of ambition, and the allure of the criminal underworld. Fosse's mastery of the craft ensures that "All That Jazz" stands out not just as a catchy tune but as a powerful visual statement about the show’s themes of performance, and female empowerment.

The Song's Impact on Chicago and Beyond

"All That Jazz" is more than just the opening number to Chicago—it has become the heartbeat of the entire production. It encapsulates the style, tone, and themes of the show, drawing the audience in with its electrifying energy and provocative message. The number instantly establishes Velma Kelly as a force to be reckoned with, and sets up Chicago as a show about the seductive power of celebrity, manipulation, and the dark side of fame.

When the musical was adapted into a film in 2002, "All That Jazz" became even more iconic, thanks to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ performance as Velma Kelly. The opening sequence in the film is a stunning recreation of the original choreography, with Zeta-Jones’ portrayal of Velma capturing the character’s confidence, wit, and irresistible charm. The film's success, both critically and commercially, brought Chicago back into the spotlight, reintroducing the classic number to a new generation and solidifying "All That Jazz" as an integral part of the cultural lexicon.

Beyond Chicago, "All That Jazz" has had an undeniable impact on popular culture. The song’s jazzy style, catchy rhythm, and sultry lyrics have been covered and referenced in countless performances, TV shows, and films. Its influence extends beyond musical theatre—elements of its style can be seen in the choreography of contemporary artists, and the song itself remains a favourite at jazz clubs and cabaret venues around the world. Its blend of jazz, dance, and showmanship continues to inspire performers and artists across genres.

The Enduring Legacy of "All That Jazz"

The impact of "All That Jazz" can still be felt today. The song’s combination of music, dance, and theatricality has made it a symbol of confidence, sensuality, and the glamour of show business. Velma Kelly’s bold entrance in "All That Jazz" has become an iconic moment in theatre, representing the power and allure of the female protagonist in a male-dominated world. Through Fosse’s choreography and Kander and Ebb’s music, "All That Jazz" speaks to a timeless desire for fame, recognition, and the intoxicating thrill of living on the edge.

As Chicago continues to be performed around the world, "All That Jazz" remains the crown jewel of the production. Whether seen on Broadway, in film, or in countless international productions, the number still has the power to captivate audiences. It’s a quintessential representation of the show’s bold energy, and its legacy as one of musical theatre’s greatest opening numbers that will continue to inspire, entertain and assure future generations of the lasting impact female empowerment can have.

All That Jazz - Previous MyCharleston Class

Join us for our next 5 week Musical Course in Hove or online, where you can learn the iconic All That Jazz routine from Chicago!

Hove details: Tuesdays from 22 April, 7-8pm at Open Space Studios, Hove - Book Now

Online details: Wednesdays from 23 April at 7pm via Zoom

By: Eleanor O’Donnell

Course Previews: What's on This April

Spring is well and truly underway, and we have an exciting lineup of 5 week courses after Easter. Our new term begins on 22 April; watch all the course previews here!

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CHARLESTON COURSE - PENCIL FULL OF LEAD

BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE

EASTBOURNE

Take a sneaky peek at our next Open Level Charleston Course coming up in April where we will be dancing to Pencil Full of Lead. This routine is a real crowd pleaser, combining classic choreography with a popular modern track. It’s quirky, upbeat and lots of fun! We run courses online and in the studio locations in the UK.

Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:

Hove PM - 22 April, 6pm, Open Space Studios

Lewes - 22 April, 6:30pm, The Body Workshop

Portsmouth - 22 April, 7:30pm, CourtX

Online - 23 April, 6pm BST via Zoom

Eastbourne - 23 April, 6:30pm, Leaf Hall

Hove AM - 24 April, 10:30am, Open Space Studios

Brighton - 28 April, 7:30pm The Dance Space

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MUSICALS COURSE - ‘ALL THAT JAZZ’ CHICAGO

HOVE ONLINE

Join us for our next Musicals course in April where we will be learning a routine to All That Jazz from Chicago The Musical. Featuring some of the iconic original choreography by Bob Fosse. This routine focuses on defining shapes at a steady pace and is accessible to all. Fishnets optional!

Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:

Hove - 22 April, 7pm, Open Space Studios

Online - 23 April - 7pm BST via Zoom

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PARTNER CHARLESTON - SOME OF THESE DAYS

24 April - Open Space Studios, 6pm - 5 week course

In our next Partner Charleston Course we will be learning a routine to Some Of These Days. This routine is inspired by some West Coast Swing steps and features the iconic Pretzel move! MyCharleston Partner Courses specialise in choreography, allowing you to develop your dance knowledge through building on the routine each week. Join us either as a pair or solo dancer - no partner swapping required!

BOOK NOW

INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY

24 April - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 5 week course

We are very excited to announce that in our next Intermediate Charleston course, we will be dancing to the iconic track that is ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’. This was interestingly the most popular tune during World War II, and was picked to coincide with VE Day on 8 May. For this routine, expect an A-Z catalogue of Solo Jazz moves, combining classic moves and combos. Get these under your belt, and you’ll have the knowledge to attend any intermediate Solo Jazz class!

BOOK NOW

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Videos: Watch what we got up to in term one 2025

Watch the winter term routines from all our groups during the first term of the year! These routines were taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, and online.

Hove Morning Group

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Hove Evening Group

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Brighton Group

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Lewes Group

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Eastbourne Group

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Portsmouth Group

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Another Day of Sun - Musicals Group in Hove

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It’s De-Lovely - Partner Charleston

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Everything you need to know about ‘Who’s got the Pain’

As featured on the Fosse/Verdon series, “Who’s got the Pain’ was the only film number that Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon performed together. We are very excited to be teaching this number for our next Charleston Musicals Course running from 24th February to the 31st of March both Online and in Brighton & Hove!

This 6-week Musicals Course is a great opportunity to perfect your inner-Fosse, so you can Jazz-Hands your way into any social dance; making you so copacetic on the dance floor!

Click this link, or visit www.mycharlestondance.com to secure your place!

Want to find out more? Read on to discover why this dance is highly celebrated in the world of Jazz!

Historical Context: ‘Hands, Hips, Hats:’

As seen throughout his work, Fosse developed a distinctive choreographic style, wherein many of his routines have dancers sat into one hip with fingers flexed and hiding their eyes beneath a hat. In today’s society this is often mockingly called ‘Jazz hands’ but the terms that Fosse coined was ‘Webbing’ and ‘Spirit Fingers;’ this move is often danced in a sequence with a hat.

Although Fosse did not invent the phrase, Hands, Hips and Hats, the way he put them together and what he made them hint towards (sex, corruption, and falsity) became his in his own right. Since ‘Who’s got the Pain’ has been aired, his iconic style of dance has been imitated on Broadway, the West End and also in Pop Culture videos; most notably in Michael Jackson’s music video Beat It and II Hands II Heaven by Beyoncé; who have folded Fosse’s style into their own.

‘Who’s got the Pain’- Damn Yankees:

Thanks to the high number of streams of the miniseries Fosse/Verdon, Fosse’s name is now back in cultural conversation, as is the 1958 number Who’s got the Pain, featuring Gwen Verdon. At this point in his career, Fosse was still married to his first of three wives, Joan McCracken, but when Verdon was cast as Lola in Damn Yankees, the two created an inseparable bond.

Fun fact: Did you know that Fosse’s love of dancing in hats was in aim to hide his premature balding?

From the very beginning of the routine, Fosse and Verdon embark on a stylistic journey of stereotypical Fosse choreography. Their faces are hidden under their hats, their hips are shunting, and all angles created are crisp and clean. The body isolations, tick-tocks, and perfect synchronisation were all picked up from the African diaspora, adding to the multi-cultural elements of the dance.

This fun, eccentric dance will undoubtedly get your toes tapping as you embark on a voyage through timeless choreography full of Jazzy flare (plus the song is pretty cool too!)

Sign up today, by clicking this link, or visit www.mycharlestondance.com to secure your place!

By: Eleanor O’Donnell

Everything you need to know about Hot Honey Rag

On Saturday 8th February we are hosting our next Musicals Masterclass, and we could not be more excited for this one because Chicago is coming to Hove! In this two-hour workshop, you will be able put on your finest 1920s Glad-Rags and channel your inner Velma Kelly as you master the iconic routine that is ‘Hot Honey Rag!’

Click this link to secure your place!

Want to find out more? Read on to discover why this routine is loved and celebrated by so many. Why this routine hit the theatres by storm; making it quintessential to the world of Broadway!

Now, we all know that Chicago is one of the most iconic and enduring musicals of all time. Its dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs, and sharp portrayal of crime, fame, and corruption continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Among the standout moments in Chicago is the sizzling "Hot Honey Rag," a show-stopping number that has become a symbol of the musical’s energy and flair. Let's take a closer look at the history and cultural impact of this routine.

Watch our very own routine of ‘Hot Honey Rag’ based on 2002 musical. Choreography by Rob Marshall.

The Origins of "Hot Honey Rag"

"Hot Honey Rag" first graced the stage of Broadway in Chicago, which opened in 1975. Written by John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics), the musical is set in 1920s Chicago and tells the story of Roxie Hart, a vaudeville performer who finds herself on trial for murder. Chicago’s sleek and jazzy score pays homage to the Vaudeville and Jazz Age, and "Hot Honey Rag" is one of its standout musical numbers.

The number features a high-energy combination of music and dance that captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties; a time of excess, freedom, and rebellion. Originally, the routine was choreographed by Bob Fosse, whose signature style has gone on to define much of Chicago’s aesthetic. Fosse is known for his attention to detail and his choreography for ‘Hot Honey Rag’ is a blend of Jazz, burlesque, and vaudeville; combining quick footwork, sharp isolations, and suggestive movements in which exude sensuality and confidence. which were seen as highly provocative and daring for the time. In the production of Chicago, these moves translate into a routine that is at once, flirty and intense, and seductive and humorous; therefore upholding the power to captivate audiences around the globe!

Watch Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera perform the 1975 choreography from the musical.

The Song and Its Power

"Hot Honey Rag" is performed in the second act of Chicago and serves as a pivotal moment in the show. Roxie Hart, having gained fame from her murder trial, joins Velma Kelly for the performance. The song itself is a catchy, jazzy tune with playful lyrics about a woman’s desire and the irresistible allure of the “Hot Honey Rag” dance, which provides the perfect backdrop for the choreography to shine!

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Since its debut, Chicago and the "Hot Honey Rag" number have left an indelible mark on musical theatre. The number has become a hallmark of Broadway and beyond, influencing the way subsequent musical theatre productions use choreography to tell a story. The incorporation of female empowerment and feminism within a musical was groundbreaking, and it has paved the way for other shows to explore similar ideals.

In a larger cultural sense, "Hot Honey Rag" is part of a greater conversation about women's agency, the commodification of fame, and the complex relationship between power and seduction. The number’s provocative energy invites us to consider the fine line between performance and reality, and glamour and the darker truths lurking beneath the surface.

As a result, it is clear that ‘Hot Honey Rag’ is more than just a routine from a musical; it is the cultural touchstone that represents the intersection of art, entertainment, and societal expectations; placing influential feminism at the heart of the performance- what more could you ask for?

Now you’ve read the history, and watched the routine what are you waiting for? Click the link or visit www.mycharlestondance.com and secure your place in being able to dance one of the most empowering routines in history!

Location: Open Space Studios, Hove

Dressing up is encouraged!

By: Eleanor O’Donnell

Videos: What's on Spring 2025

February is here, and we have an exciting lineup of 6 week courses this month. Our new term of the year begins on 24th Feb, watch all the previews here.

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CHARLESTON COURSE - STRUT MISS LIZZIE

BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE

EASTBOURNE

Take a sneaky peek at our next Open Level Charleston Course coming up in February where we be dancing to Strut Miss Lizzie. We run course online and in the studio locations in the UK. See below dates and locations:

Online - 24 Feb, 6pm BST

Brighton - 24 Feb, 7:30pm The Dance Space

Hove PM - 25 Feb, Open Space Studios

Lewes - 25 Feb, 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop

Portsmouth - 25 Feb, 7:30pm, CourtX

Eastbourne - 26 Feb, 6:30pm, Leaf Hal

Hove am - 27 Feb, 10:30am, Open Space Studios

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MUSICALS COURSE - ‘WHO’S GOT THE PAIN?’ DAMN YANKEES

HOVE ONLINE

join us in our brand-new musicals course inspired by the 1958 film adaptation of Damn Yankees. We chose this routine as it’s a standout moment in Musical theatre featuring Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon—the only time they performed together on film. The number is an example of Fosse's early choreographic style and we can’t wait to bring it to life both online and in studio

Course available online and instudio

24 Feb - 7pm GMT - Via Zoom

25 Feb - 7pm - Open Space Studios, Hove

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PARTNER CHARLESTON - PARLA PIU PIANO

27 Feb - Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course

Take a look at what's in store in our 1920s Partner Charleston Course which runs every Thursday at 6pm. If you fancy giving it a go, you can sign up to the next course either as a pair or solo dancer and join us from 27 Feb for the next course.

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INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - IT DON’T MEAN A THING

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27th Feb - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course

We are very excited to share a clip of our next intermediate Charleston routine. Set to the tune ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’ it’s a real crowd pleaser. Take a little look at what Fiona has planned and join her from 27th Jan, 7pm at Open Space Studios in Hove.

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