How did you get into dance?

I was born in Essex, near London, and I grew up dancing from as early as I can remember. I started ballet at the age of three and then I learnt modern jazz, tap dancing and contemporary. When I started planning my training, I took a close look at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London, partially because the site is supported by Brian Friedman, and partially thanks to the heels classes, since I was already a fan! I started attending Urdang Academy at the age of nineteen. I studied there for four years. I was full of doubt after my four years. I felt that I had not yet found myself as a dancer and considered trying something else. At that point, a friend sent me some information on an audition for a famous cabaret in Paris, le Paradis Latin. I said to myself…“OK, I’ll give it a try. It’s just an audition. And if I’m not picked, I’ll stop.” I went, and was hired the same day. This opportunity opened up a whole new world before me, cabaret, and I found my way at last!

How did you get your stage name?

My actual first name is Honor, just like the actress Honor Blackman, a James Bond girl. She played the role of Pussy Galore in Goldfinger in 1965. I was familiar with the story and the idea naturally met with my approval: Goldie Galore, a nod to Goldfinger and Pussy Galore.

Who is Goldie Galore?

I’m still working it out…. But I can say that she is extremely self-confident and seductive. Goldie Galore is an alternative version of myself, thrown into an imaginary, fantastic and rather marvellous world.

How did your Crazy Horse Paris audition go?

In a totally unlikely manner! I was deeply convinced that I belonged at Crazy Horse Paris, while also believing that it could only happen in my dreams. I had never dared to apply, a friend sent my details in. And then, when I received the invitation to the audition, I didn’t reply in time to book a slot. There was no question of me just walking away. On the audition date, I just turned up, made up, with a nice hair do, and a determined look. I insisted, and refused to give up. After four hours of waiting, walking about in the nearby area, they finally called me back and I gave my audition. They picked me. When I think back to that day, the odds were against me… and yet… it worked. I first saw the show on my twenty-third birthday, and I started rehearsals on my twenty-fifth birthday. There were so many signs… It was as if the universe had helped me to find my place, and now, here I am.

How do you prepare for the different roles in the Totally Crazy show? Whether you play the seductress, the cheeky mischievous dancer, or a deep and dramatic role?

I am pretty upbeat and playful by nature, so I am intimidated by dancers with a good handle on the hotter seductive roles, since we need to keep it meaningful and controlled. During a performance, we need to subtly adapt our natural behaviour, adding richer texture and colour and sometimes contrasting streaks, which makes each number truly fascinating. I personally focus on boosting the intensity of my numbers and adding a mysterious touch. Sometimes less is more, as I now realise, a twinkling spark in your eyes can convey some unsaid secret, blasting your number out full power.

What message do you aim to convey to the public when you dance at Crazy Horse Paris?

The Totally Crazy show is a sort of daydream. An invitation to check out from reality and enter a parallel universe where everything is beautiful, perfect and carefree. We incarnate this illusion of perfection when we perform, creating a moment in time away from our daily lives. I try and ensure that the audience feels involved and yet untouchable when they immerse themselves in this imaginary universe.

What do you feel is the main strength of a Crazy Girl?

The ability to seduce an audience and be playful, of course, but above all, the ability to work on the little details. Quality movements are key at Crazy Horse Paris. The way you move your hands, your arms, and your neck, can convey gentleness, strength, vulnerability and seduction, all at once. This approach requires subtlety and is complex… but really worthwhile for a dancer!

Is the atmosphere back stage before the curtain rises… Totally crazy or ultra concentrated?

It’s different every day, but I always relish the curtain going up! The atmosphere is supportive, almost family-like. We support and encourage each other, we make each other laugh. We have video screens back stage, and can watch the solos. We mutually admire each other. I take inspiration from all of the other dancers, adding more mature touches to Goldie Galore.

What makes you particularly proud to be a Crazy Horse dancer?

Whether I look around me on the stage, or at the wall at the posters showing famous Crazy Horse legends since 1951, everybody is immensely talented. And when I realise that I am currently one of them, I am part of the show’s history, that makes me really proud.

As a dancer, how would you describe your relationship with your body?

As a dancer, I consider my relationship with my body as a never-ending journey in which each new day provides an opportunity to learn something new about myself. I listen to my body and make sure I eat what I need, prevent injury, and figure out whether I should work on flexibility, endurance or performance quality to improve my numbers. I think that it is critical to be well aware of your body, but it takes time.

What female icons inspire you in life?

 My mother inspires me massively…. I truly believe she is one of the most incredible people in the world.

What have you discovered about yourself since becoming a Crazy Horse dancer?

 I have realised to what extent I can be demanding with myself. At Crazy Horse Paris, every little detail of make-up, hair, the costumes, the movements and eye contact, is carefully thought out. Nothing is left to chance. Crazy Horse Paris was built on this harmony and perfection. I have learnt to apply these same standards everywhere, on stage and elsewhere.

Which number in the Totally Crazy show do you think is most mesmerizing?

Rougir de désir. I am moved to tears when I watch this number. The music, the sublime body lines, the quality movements… it’s just breathtaking. This is without a doubt my favourite number.

Photos: Paul Morel