Category Archives: Dancers

May Day celebrations

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It may not be as hugely popular as it has been in the past, but May Day is still a much-loved event in the UK and as such, various towns, villages and cities will be celebrating it in some form, generally in the form of a mini festival for the day! You can’t hold an event without having some entertainment but what sort of things are out there for May Day entertainment? Well fear not, because we have put together five fantastic May Day entertainment ideas for you to try next year!

Layla Rosa

Not exactly a traditional form of entertainment for parties or events, but an absolutely stunning one all the same! This act is a stunning revolving freestyle aerial rig on which two multi-skilled acrobats perform. It’s a beautiful and elegant choreographed circus show or ambient performance.

Morris Dancers

May Day entertainment ideas don’t come much more traditional than this – hiring morris dancers for your event. A tradition that dates back hundreds of years, morris dancers are hugely popular to watch and enjoy, despite at there always being one curmudgeon who moans aloud at their jolly dancing. So get your handkerchiefs, sticks and bells ready for the perfect example of May Day entertainment.

Rachel Haywood

…and the music just keeps coming! Rachel is perfect for a summer entertainment idea, which makes her a brilliant choice if you’re looking for May Day. We confess that May isn’t (strictly speaking) the summer, but what’s the harm in pretending? She is fab musician who provides pan music for a more up tempo set depending on what you’re looking for.

Garden Games

Come on now! It wouldn’t be May Day without a little outdoor fun! From quoits to chess and huge versions of Connect 4 and jenga, there’s sure to be something to entertain kids of all sizes (including the 30-year-old ones amongst us). We’ve also recently seen and enjoyed a fantastic version of Battleship, which utilises binoculars and a bit of dress up. How else would you fill the village green?

Belly Dancer

Ok, so traditionally you would never see a Belly Dancer at a May Day celebration but why not dare to be different and Hire the wonderful Tara Lee. Tara is a professional belly dancer, she performs and teaches both modern and traditional belly dance styles. She also performs Arabic folk dance as well as the whirling dervish. So if you wanted to hire her for a class at your event or just book her to entertain all your guests, then Tara is certainly your girl.

Abba Gold

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Why not book from Red Masque entertainment Directory ‘Abba Gold’ for your event venue? A party wouldn’t be a party without a bit of Abba, so why not organise your party and add a bit of class. This featured act is above all the best out there, drawing in crowds and being booked time after time.

With acts as polished as this one you’ll find it hard to book better. They are able to sing a genre of music for all tastes in that era and will make sure that they sing all your favourite tracks.

They are most suited for Corporate events, private parties, Weddings or really anything you wanted; (just make sure you book a big venue, so you can invite lots of guests). This band is getting more and more popular they are even taking International bookings. This group really do have the ‘likeability factor’ and it clear to see that they really are close friends.

They are able to engage their crowd and make your guests smile.

So what else can this band offer?

This band is young and fun and as we mentioned is a tribute to the Motown music. The two beautiful female vocalists really go to town with their enthusiastic dance moves, and stunning harmonies.

All costumes in their tribute band have been meticulously recreated. The Abba Gold show includes a minimum of 8 costume changes

During their breaks, for no extra charge, the band provides a professionally mixed playlist, which can feature music along the same genre. They can also design you an ‘Ultimate Playlist’ of your favourite party tunes (they just would like to know beforehand so they can get it organised for you).

So don’t delay book Abba Gold before somebody else snaps them up!!

Cuban dance

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Cuban culture heavily influences a number of dance forms, mostly thanks to the colonisation of the country by Spain in the late 15th century. Before the Spanish arrived, the indigenous population danced rituals known as areíto, but little is known about them and they have largely been lost to time. After the arrival of Spain, various European dance forms began to take over with the French contredanse being particularly popular. This gave rise to the Cuban contradanza, which spawned many of the ballroom dances found today including danzón, mambo and cha-cha-cha. Let’s look at them in more detail!

Danzón

Watch that ó! Danzón is the official musical genre and dance of Cuba, which is also enjoyed across Mexico and Puerto Rico. Evolving from the contradanza, it is a fusion of African rhythmic dance styles and European influences. Developed in 1879, it is an important root for Cuban culture today and is highly distinctive; each dance begins with an introduction of four bars followed by a ‘paseo’ of another four bars. This repeats and is then followed by sixteen bars of melody. During the introduction and paseo, dancers walk to the floor, talk, choose a partner—And then begin dancing on the fourth bar of the paseo. After the initial melody is performed, the dance repeats – four bars, paseo, four bars, paseo, melody – and so on and so forth! It is most often performed to the tune of Charanga bands, which include a cello, flute, double bass and more.

Mambo Dancers

Mambo is a dance form that originated in Cuba and has since been developed by Cuban musicians across North America and Mexico. The word ‘mambo’ actually comes from Kikongo, a language spoken by Central African slaves who were taken to Cuba many centuries ago, and means “Conversation with the Gods.” Modern mambo began with a song called ‘Mambo’ from 1938 and was heavily inspired by danzón and African folk music.

Cha-cha-cha

Cha-cha-cha or cha-cha (either is fine) came to be very popular in the 1950s when it was danced to the music of the same name by popular Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrín. Another dance that originated from danzón, the name is onomatopoeic, derived from the sound of the scraper (a guiro) and the shuffling of dancing feet. It is notable for having a rhythm that many social dancers don’t get quite right; the count is meant to be ‘two, three, cha-cha-cha’ but many erroneously believe the dance to begin with ‘one, two, cha-cha-cha’. So now you know!

Bolero

The Cuban bolero or Trova does not owe its origin to the Spanish music and song of the same name, instead coming to prominence in Santiago de Cuba in the last quarter of the 19th century. The style began when a group of musicians earned their living by moving about the city and singing and playing the guitar to passers-by. Pepe Sánchez is widely heralded as the creator of the Cuban bolero but because he was so naturally skilled at the compositions, he never wrote any down and most are lost. Thankfully a few of Sánchez’s works remain as his compatriots would occasionally note them down after hearing him perform. The style is extremely popular throughout Latin America and has been since its inception.

Salsa Dancers

Salsa dancing originated from the cha-cha-cha and mambo dances of the early 20th century and actually began in New York in the 1970s. American dancers incorporated their own favoured dances like swing and hustle into the mix as well as guaguanco and pachanga, dances that are synonymous with Afro-Cuba and the Afro-Caribbean. Ideally, the upper body is to remain level whilst the legs move in time to the music. It’s a very rhythmic dance, often associated with passion due to the intensity of the dancers’ concentration.

Ballet Dancers

Cuba has ballet schools throughout the country with one of their most famous celebrities, Carlos Acosta, famous all over the world. To give some idea to the scale of Cuba’s love with ballet, the National Ballet School in Havana is home to roughly 3,000 students, making it comfortably the largest ballet school in the world. Such is the pride that Cubans take in their ballet that throughout Castro’s reign, the dance receive state support for both dance education and performance.

Restaurant Entertainment ideas

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Ideas can be a necessity when either opening a restaurant, having a themed party night in a restaurant or to just attract new customers to your restaurant. So choosing the perfect entertainment is vital. Restaurant Entertainment can be quite tricky as it has to create the right ambience. If you want a band or musician, be aware that the music can’t be too loud or your customers will not be able to speak amongst each other, and well that would be awkward. Also make sure your entertainment fits into your venue you don’t want to hire a big 6 piece live jazz band, to only squeeze them into a corner so ask the and how much space they need and work it into your restaurant layout.

1. Live Band- Whether your band range from a 2 piece to an 8 piece, booking live bands are a great source of entertainment. Your customers will love listening to some smooth jazz, or even some modern hits played live in the background. Having a live band may also keep your customers at the restaurant after they have had their dinner. Offer them a seat at the bar, where they can order more drinks and
listen to the band, even dance to the band if they wish.

2. Solo musicians. Give your restaurant that classical elegant and sophisticated feeling by having a hired musician play beautiful music in the corner of the restaurant. You could choose from a solo saxophonist, a solo classical guitarist or the beautiful sounds of the piano. All would suit any restaurant as this style of music is pleasing to most people.

3. Dancers – Dancers can really bring your restaurant to life with the vibrant colours, the fast paced music and of course the exciting dance moves. Have your dancers situated outside the restaurant building to make your customers experience start from when they literally walk in the door. Plus, think of the exposure you will get from the public taking photos with your restaurant logo behind.

4. Fun Casino – Attract your customers by hiring a fun casino in your restaurant. The Fun Casino is a great source of entertainment as it is interactive. The casino tables will be set up around your restaurant with professional croupiers explaining and dealing each game. The Fun Casino gives your guests the opportunity to mix and mingle and will also keep your customers inside your restaurant. Why not add in a live jazz band to really bring a Las Vegas theme together.

5. Magicians – Magicians are great restaurant entertainment as they can meet and greet your guests. The magician can also walk around and do some table magic which your customers would thoroughly enjoy. It also means they would not have to move about much and can enjoy the entertainment from the comfort of their own table with their family and friends.
If you choose Restaurant Entertainment you will most definitely see your customers happier and even your staff happier. It will bring a new lease of life into your restaurant and should attract some new customers. So give restaurant entertainment ago, you never know what it could do for your business.

South American entertainment

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Why not embrace all that Latin spirit, hold a fun World Cup party for all your mates, and learn the life-loving, hip-swaying moves that Latin American footie fans do so well with a Latin dance band.
Go Dance
Top of your list should be the Latamba Show Band, who bring all the energy, exuberant and sequins of a Latin Brazilian party to any venue. These guys really know how to dance. Guests can sit back and enjoy a fantastic live band, vocalists and dancers performing a great show, before joining in on the dance floor! They also offer a small space/small budget option with backing tracks instead of the full bands, but still keeping all that energy and sense of fun.
Go Mega
If you want to push the carnival float out a contemporary Brazilian carnival band for hire that can fill your party with music from the streets and clubs of Rio de Janeiro. This is no small scale outfit either Carnival Bands are made up of around 25-30 musicians including five percussionists, a singer, a Brazilian ukulele player, and two gorgeous dancers in full carnival style costume!

Go Sit Down!

If learning all those dances seems a little too much like hard work, do what most football fans do, and sit back with a beer and enjoy watching the professionals do it! Carnival Party bands have their own troupe of dancers, whose performances feature Carnival samba costumes, sensual mulatta dancers, Capoeira (Brazilian acrobatic martial art dance), Lambada, Afro-Brazilian dance, Brazilian north eastern folkloric dances and much more.

Father’s Day entertainment ideas

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Father’s day will be here quicker than you know it! Here at Red Masque, we’re committed to making everything just a little more unique, and that means it’s time for some great Father’s Day entertainment ideas.

So, what is the best type of entertainment to get Dad for Father’s Day? Well, he might like one of our burlesque dancers, but that might not be the best Father’s Day gift. So, maybe we should look at some other great options…

Fathers put a lot of energy into raising their children, so why not celebrate Father’s Day by surprising them with breakfast in bed? For a fancy breakfast, hire a personal chef to get everything ready. Although when it comes to delivering breakfast in bed, we’re not sure that we would recommend sending a stranger into his bedroom, but there’s a good chance that Dad is always out of bed at least a few hours before you, so here are a few options for celebrations a bit later in the day.

What kind of music did Dad really love back in his younger days; back when he would whisk mum away to a concert, stay out well into the night, and wake up without a screaming baby demanding food? Why not surprise him with a blast from the past by a 60’s tribute band to come and play just for him? How amazing would that be?!

But if your dad doesn’t listen to music, we mean not the same kind of music we listen to, at least. But he still loves to be surprised and entertained, so there are other choices. Singing telegrams are certainly music, and we believe they would help to bridge the gap between your music and your father’s music. Everyone loves a great jingle, and if you hurry and book a singing telegram now, they’ll have more time to create a customized message. For an extra treat, you can even go for a singing telegram or special birthday message delivered by a celebrity impersonator. Maybe “Happy Father’s Day, Mr. President” isn’t quite as sultry and scandalous as the original Marilyn Monroe ditty, but it would certainly make a great surprise!

Whatever you decide to choose for the perfect Father’s Day gift, Red Masque is here to help. Take a look at all the great entertainment we have to offer.

A Stag weekend idea in Edinburgh

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Stag weekends don’t always have to be about strippers. Edinburgh is glorious, gory, glamorous and great at kicking off its shoes and dancing on the bar. Just think of the city like an oh-so-respectable auntie – leading light of the WI and runs a bordello out of her back room. You’ll love it and it’s perfect for a weekend of entertainment.

At a glance:

– From the glowering bulk of its infamous castle to the skinny Scott Monument, few cities have as many historic sights to see
– Cosy bars, ‘private’ clubs, haunted pubs, cocktail hour, real ale, drams and dives – Edinburgh’s love of a ‘wee swallae’ is legendary
– Scotland’s capital is shameless about its shameful past and happy to creep you out for as long as you can stand it

Local knowledge:

George Street – smart shops and serious clubs
This is where you’ll find Edinburgh’s smartest bars and clubs and crowds of sleek locals looking lovely.

The Royal Mile – land of the untamed tourist
Its tartan by the acre and you can’t move for tourists, but Edinburgh without a walk up The Royal Mile is almost illegal. Shameless souvenirs, lone piper (not even sure if he’s human), haunted tours, the whisky museum, closes, wynds and miles of cobbles, it’s all a bit stunning. But just go for it. Get into the spirit.

Tollcross – a down and dirty mix of a good time
If you like your pubs cheap, your takeaways plentiful and your entertainment eclectic, Tollcross is happy to help. If you’re up for a gig or a great club night, the mighty Picture House plays Tollcross hard and fast Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Bruntsfield – café society and a village vibe
Independent coffee are Bruntsfield specialities. Dodge the baby buggies and well-heeled Edinburgh mamas and grab yourself a large cup of caffeine and a window seat. This is where to take your raging hangover and soothe yourself back to life, ready to do it all over again.

The wonderful world of Roald Dahl

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

What a wonderful party this would be! There is no doubt a brilliant opportunity for caterers to get imaginative and conjure up all sorts of delicious treats for guests but it also presents a brilliant theme for entertainment as well. Hire a Willy Wonka costume, hire dancers for your event to be oompha loompas and can no doubt put together a magical repertoire of acts to truly make you feel as though you’ve stepped into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Matilda

The Natural History Museum’s Hitze Hall would be a wonderful setting for a Roald Dahl themed party, certainly a large enough room for some of the magic that will undoubtedly take place as a Matilda event reaches its peak. A digital graffiti wall would be a wonderful addition whilst magicians would be an obvious addition to the occasion. Illusions on the stairs amongst Dippy the Dinosaur will surely be a must see! Just make sure you avoid Miss Trunchbull, the scariest of all costumed characters!!

The BFG

Imagine attending a party where everything is giant-sized! That’d certainly make Roald Dahl party games more fun! From the chairs made out of cotton reels to a scone the size of a table, this is sure to be a 2016 party theme to celebrate the release of the Steven Spielberg film! Wouldn’t that be fun? Giant pencils and mugs can function as theming props whilst the BFG himself can lurk outside a window. But what of the entertainment? With some sneaky production, it’d be possible to magnify the image of a band or circus troupe so that giants are really performing at your event! That’d be a must see as you munch on the snozzcumbers.

James and the Giant Peach

As far as we’re aware, there isn’t a venue in London or the rest of the UK that’s been hollowed out from the inside of a peach but no matter, we you always create one. Okay, perhaps not a real peach but for a James and the Giant Peach party, we think repurposing a circular venue such as the Royal Albert Hall, the London Planetarium or the Round House will be perfect. After that, we can then work on the entertainment.

The Twits

For a final idea, we thought we’d go for spectacle over practicality. You see, as any fan of The Twits will tell you, there are a number of moments in the story that stick out to a reader, not least the finale where The Twits believe they’re upside down. As such, how about sticking everything to the ceiling of your venue and having an ‘upside down’ party? With bird pie on the menu (or not, as the case may be), various practical jokes provided by top comedians and hired party magicians and a few wonderful costumed characters to play the titular characters, there is more than enough here to create a brilliant (albeit highly expensive and unsafe) event. But hey, The Twits themselves would probably enjoy it!

Solo Dancers and Dance Groups

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For entertainment that really gets your party started, it’s hard to beat a professional dancer for sheer energy, visual impact, and more than a touch of glamour.

Dancers and dance companies perform choreographed routines that combine music and movement into an energetic and elegant form of entertainment. Most dance groups for hire offer a range of traditional, classical and contemporary dance styles, including elegant ballroom dancing, street dance, Las Vegas style showgirls, traditional Irish dancing, Latin American tango, Spanish flamenco, and the more risqué charms of burlesque.

Most dancers and dance troops offer either a standard show that can be adapted to your venue and event, or as bespoke option to create exactly the mood and feel you require for your event.

Whether you’re looking to hire a belly dancer to surprise guests at a birthday party, or classical ballerina to add grace and elegance to your product launch, dancers and dance groups provide an energetic, engaging, and ultimately highly entertaining show for your guests.

What to look for in a quality dancer/dance group

Dancers can be formally trained at dance schools, ballet schools and performance academies, or some may just be naturally good at dance. So, it’s not always a measure of quality to look at the training each dancer or members of a dance troupe have received. The exceptions are, of course, classical ballet and ballroom dancing, both of which involve many years of training, and there are definite advantages of years of training for dance forms such as jazz, tap and Latin American dance.

If they have performed at major venues, in professional dance shows, ballet companies or West End shows, or have performed for global brands, chances are they are of high quality, have relevant experience, and deliver a great show.

Most dancers and dance troupes are extremely versatile, often offering a wide variety of dance styles for your event. Chances are, if a dance troupe focuses exclusively on one or two dance styles or forms, they will have a high level of expertise in these forms and therefore put on a more authentic show.

Some of the dance companies featured at Red Masque Directory will create bespoke shows just for you, and bring in dancers and performers with the correct level of skills required. So, just because they don’t specialise in Street Dance for example, they can probably call on some very good performers if you require a bespoke urban style performance.

Take a little time to look at the Profiles of dancers and dance companies here on Red Masque Directory. All companies will feature photographs of their dancers, and some offer video, a great way to see what they look like in action.

Make it a Birthday to remember

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The tradition of holding a party to celebrate the anniversary of birth began centuries ago in Europe when it was feared that evil spirits sought out people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would gather around to bring good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off evil spirits, and candles were placed on cakes to transport the birthday wishes directly to God.

Initially, only royalty was deemed important enough to have a birthday celebration, but the tradition soon spread with the introduction of the children’s party in Germany, the Kinderfeste.

For the trivia buffs amongst you; the lyrically astounding ‘Happy Birthday to You’ song was written in 1839 by sisters Mildred and Patty Smith Hill!!

Birthday party fancy dress themes work really well let your imagination run wild…

It’s good to ensure there are plenty of attractions to keep guests talking& mingling so you could also consider casino tables which can tie in nicely with a James Bond theme, for example, and create a space for guests to meet, mix and break the ice. Also check out our celebrity lookalikes who will work the floor & get people talking.

For a rocking party, you could book a band to play songs fitting to that theme or just a general Rock, Pop, Soul, and Swing or even a Jazz band to keep your guests dancing all evening long.

Celebrity lookalikes of your birthday girl/ boy’s favourite celebrity would be a great touch. For a great surprise you could hire some comedy music acts who can act “incognito” for part of the evening before bursting into song when your guest’s least expect it!

For loads of ideas on making your Birthday one to remember look on our Entertainment Directory to see every type of entertainment imaginable.