Mary Wigman may not be as well known as other dancers of the twentieth century- partially because there is of course little surviving footage of her, and her reputation was somewhat tarnished by creating work to help propagate Nazi ideology . But we know even the greats can be problematic (for every good man likeContinue reading “Mary Wigman- Hexentanz”
Category Archives: Dance
Film Review : Becoming Madonna
Madonna has always been resolutely Madonna, bitch. From 2024, this documentary directed by Michael Ogden follows her early career trajectory like a tracking pigeon. It’s extremely insightful, like a scrapbook bursting to life, full of interviews with those who knew her back in the day, like late brother Christopher who became one of her backingContinue reading “Film Review : Becoming Madonna”
Overlooked Classic: Von Sudenfed- Tromatic Reflexxions
Or rather, MES and Mouse On Mars’ gnarly side project. Mark E Smith never liked to be second -guessed, and he had of course worked with Coldcut, so his collab with electronic pioneers Jan St Werner and Andi Toma was another delightful surprise. Smith added his addled poetry to their thick, distorted beats and itContinue reading “Overlooked Classic: Von Sudenfed- Tromatic Reflexxions”
Vintage Film Review: Royal Ballet-Romeo and Juliet
This ballet , first screened on TV in 1977, was choreographed by Kenneth McMillan, and features the legendary pairing of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev at the height of their powers. It goes without saying that the emphasis was on storytelling, with the onus on the leads, whose movement vocabulary was emotive and dynamic, particularlyContinue reading “Vintage Film Review: Royal Ballet-Romeo and Juliet”
Five Of The Best… Michael Jackson
With the recent TV documentary, Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy and the apparent hagiography Michael dividing people, I’ve been thinking a lot about the late singer, dancer and all-round eccentric and somewhat broken man. We’ll never know the truth, will we? And while that’s undoubtedly tainted Michael in many ways forever, he still left behindContinue reading “Five Of The Best… Michael Jackson”
Film Review: Liza Minnelli-The Last Heiress of Hollywood
Lucie Caries’ film about Hollywood icon Liza Minnelli is candid and moving, precisely because her subject isn’t afraid to speak openly and honestly about her tragedies as well as triumphant moments.So there’s battles with drugs and drink; unsuitable romances, Bob Fosse, Studio 54, Andy Warhol , Michael Jackson, AIDS activism, and a Pet Shop BoysContinue reading “Film Review: Liza Minnelli-The Last Heiress of Hollywood”
Goths v. Thomas The Tank Engine
An evergreen clip of some cyber goths rocking out to the ‘Thomas The Tank Engine ‘ theme tune is all I need today. They put the Choo Choo in tune. May your weekend be as frenetic and fun as this… Come on baby, do the gothomotion.
Liberace Was “Feelin’ Groovy”
Flamboyant pianist Liberace was the epitome of Las Vegas: camp, flamboyant and always the most fabulous in the room. He was never subtle, or understated. But this clip is completely next level. Sometimes, mainstream culture, in a completely misguided way, attempts to capture the youth oriented zeitgeist, and in the mid -sixties, that’s exactly whatContinue reading “Liberace Was “Feelin’ Groovy””
Vic and Bob Gotta Have Faith
Few comedy pairs are like Vic Reeves and the gorgeous Bob Mortimer. I laugh like a drain at their shenanigans. But it’s their most absurdist moments that tickle me most, and like rent free in my noggin. Their parody of lTV lookalike/soundalike competition ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ makes me laugh like a twat every time.Continue reading “Vic and Bob Gotta Have Faith”
Gallery Review: Curtain Call, McManus Gallery,Dundee
This exhibition has many beautiful costumes from stage and screen, with a particular emphasis on Scottish designers. Jane Petrie, from Newport-On-Tay has many glorious costumes included here, such as the regal gowns from the hit series The Crown starring Claire Foy, and The Essex Serpent with Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes. A reproduction of JackieContinue reading “Gallery Review: Curtain Call, McManus Gallery,Dundee”