What a pleasure and an honor it was to not only watch, but also participate as Paris After Dark danced their way into history. They performed a stunning show on the Zhaza Zerbino stage at the Dance Queens sim, thereby earning their STAR in Dance Queens Walk of Fame. This walk continues to grow, and what a joy it is, to see the names of people who contribute to virtual dance creation in Second Life. It takes courage and passion to put in the time, money and energy to bring virtual dance shows to the stage and share these performances with other people. Paris After Dark made time to share at Dance Queens, and with them came Kim Bieler-Decycla, our first hostess to earn a STAR in our Walk of Fame. Kim has worked tirelessly, hosting hundreds of shows for Fifth Avenue Guys and Dolls dance troupe as well as Paris After Dark. Below are pictures from the show, followed by an interview with Paris After Dark, that we may get to know them better. Also find pictures from the star paver placement ceremony.
THE SHOW
For Your Entertainment - HaddLie with Kely, Ele, Hestia,
Kahlan, Venus, Babypea, Mona, Dee
Money Can't Buy It - Sherry with Ethan, Trav, Venus, Sagia
Living Dead Girl - Hestia with Kely, Dee, Ele
I Am That Crazy - Babypea
The Swinging Sisters - HaddLie with Madison, Resmay, Sagia,
Kendra, Venus, Nancy
Red Light Special - Kely with Ele, Hestia, Brittany, Yvette
Work It - Madison with HaddLie, Madison, Nancy
Dangerous Women! - Ele with Kely, Hestia, Brittany, Dee,
Anya
Looking at Me - Resmay with Anya, HaddLie, Layum, Trav
THE INTERVIEW
1. How and when did your troupe form?
Paris After Dark is the brain child of Sherry
Souza-Lighthouse. She had already owned
Fifth Avenue Guys and Dolls and wanted to spread her wings into Burlesque. So thus it was born. Our first show wand January of 2024.
2. Where do you usually perform, what is your usual venue?
We perform at the Paris After Dark Theatre in the City of
Paris environment at Fifth Avenue sim.
The **Paris After
Dark Theatre** is a realm where vintage glamour and Parisian burlesque
converge, its red windmill a beacon in the twilight. Inside, gold and crimson
decor set the stage for dancers who embody grace and seduction, their
performances a tapestry of art and desire. An eclectic audience, united by the
spectacle, revels in the jazz-infused ambiance, their collective experience
weaving a narrative of bohemian enchantment. Here, in this sanctuary for dreamers,
every night unfurls as a celebration of Paris's enduring romance and
mystery. It is the centerpiece of the
Paris Sim.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Avalon%20Cove/50/184/2803
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Avalon%20Cove/52/209/2801
3. What is your troupe's primary goal in dance?
Our troupe’s primary goal in dance is to create captivating
and memorable performances that transport our audience to another world. We aim
to blend artistic expression with storytelling, using dance as a medium to
evoke emotions and spark imagination. Whether it’s through the elegance of
burlesque or the thrill of sultry and teasing acts, we strive to push the
boundaries of creativity and deliver a unique, immersive experience every time
we take the stage. To present burlesque through vintage history to modern day
times in a classy approach to sensual body expression.
4. What can an
audience member expect to see at one of your shows?
An audience member at one of our shows can expect a
mesmerizing blend of vintage charm and modern flair. Picture a night filled
with dazzling costumes, intricate choreography, and captivating performances.
Our dancers and performers bring a mix of burlesque elegance and a bit of
naughtiness, creating an atmosphere that’s both enchanting and exhilarating.
The lighting sets the mood perfectly, casting a magical glow over the stage.
It’s a night of pure entertainment, where every act tells a story and every moment
is unforgettable.
5. Who owns the troupe and who directs or manages it?
The troupe is owned by Sherry and Ethan Souxa-Lighthouse.as
a part of Fifth Avenue Productions. Paris After Dark is managed and directed by
HaddLie Rau (haddlie)
6. As a Director or Manager, what is your favorite thing
about having a troupe?
My favorite thing about having a troupe is the incredible
sense of community and creativity it fosters. It’s amazing to see how each
member brings their unique talents and perspectives, contributing to a vibrant
and dynamic environment. The camaraderie, the shared passion for performance,
and the joy of creating something beautiful together are truly unparalleled.
Plus, watching our hard work come to life on stage and seeing the audience’s
reactions is incredibly rewarding. It’s like having a second family, united by
our love for the art.
7. As a Director or Manager, what is your least favorite
thing about having a troupe?
My least favorite thing about having a troupe is managing
the inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings that arise. With so many
creative personalities working closely together, it’s natural for disagreements
to happen. Balancing everyone’s needs and ensuring that all voices are heard
can be challenging. Additionally, coordinating schedules and logistics for
rehearsals and performances can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. However, these
challenges are part of the journey, and overcoming them often strengthens our
bond as a team.
8. What directive would you give to someone who wants to
join your troupe?
Embrace your individuality and be prepared to work as part
of a team. Our troupe thrives on creativity, dedication, and mutual support.
Practice regularly, stay open to constructive feedback, and always bring your
passion and enthusiasm to every rehearsal and performance. Welcome to our
creative family
9. What is your favorite food, favorite drink, and please
tell us about any pets that you have.
Well, we only own one dog. He goes by the name Bane. About
two years ago, my nephew gave him to us. Well, Bane prefers to be the only dog
in the house because my sister's husband collects stray animals. He is thus now
ours. For whatever reason, I also refer to him as Sir Pee's A Lot. I will let
you figure that name out. My preferred drink changes with the season and my
mood. I adore drinking coffee, hot coffee or iced coffee. I cannot live without it, Lord knows. It
sustains me. There are moments when I'll sip an energy drink. An explosion of
vanilla and cherry. Selecting a favorite dish can be challenging. Except if I
had to choose. Never fails to provide me with a delicious Mexican dinner.
10. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has
participated in Paris After Dark since its start. Paris After Dark would not be
where it is today without the brilliant ideas and inventiveness of all the
great choreographers. The level of passion displayed in every performance is
astounding. I also want to thank Kim, who is one of the best and has hosted
every show for us. Our long-serving MC, Ethan, has put up with last-minute
music changes and dancer substitutions, and he has always handled it with
grace. Sherry, who has allowed me to essentially handle Paris After Dark by
myself. We put countless hours into every show, and it shows in every dance we
perform. And there would no Paris After Dark without it's people and the
audience who comes to every show we have.
11. If your troupe has a website, blog, Flicker, Facebook,
or anything else, please list it here:
Our flicker website is still fairly new and is a work in
progress. Please feel to follow us here:
https://www.flickr.com/people/haddlie/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Fifth-Avenue-Guys-Dolls/100080070798014/
THE CEREMONY
Congratulations to Paris After Dark for earning your STAR in the Dance Queens Walk of Fame! Thank you for sharing your creative visions at the Dance Queens sim. Also congratulations to Kim Bieler-Decycla for earning your STAR in the Dance Queens Walk of Fame! Thank you for the hundreds of hours you give to the dance community, hosting shows week after month after year. Thank you both for participating in this project and strengthening the bond and creative journey of the dance community in Second Life. As we continue to on our virtual dance and imaginative expression adventure, we wish you fulfillment in all you do. Let there be magic, let the dance continue! With gratitude and love.
