Were we the best dressed ladies at Fontwell?

The £1000 prize for best dressed was up for grabs last week.

Hundreds of beautiful ladies turned out to compete for the title of "Best Dressed" at this years Fontwell Park Racecourse ladies day on Thursday 15th August

I'm sure it was a very hard decision for the judges as every single lady had really pulled out all the stops.  

In our opinion we topped the lot with our 2 gorgeous showgirl stilt walkers and 4 glamorous Vegas showgirl dancers ;-)

Well we didn't walk away with the hundreds of pounds prize money but our wonderful team certainly wowed the hundreds of race day goers and really added the Manic sparkle to the days exciting proceedings.

As the crowds queued for their tickets they were treated to a live Vegas themed dance performance by our 4 stunning showgirls. High kicking and twirling to famous tunes including Viva Las Vegas, Diamonds are a girls best friend and of course Dream Girls.

Inside the gates standing tall were our showgirl stilt walkers. Everyone stopped for a picture with them as they elegantly framed the red carpet.

It was a glorious hot sunny day and our fire dancer added to the heat by performing fire burning tricks and quirky fire choreography.

Once through the gates and into the champagne bar and pimms tent all the lovely ladies were treated to the smooth swing sound of Jamie our very own Rat Pack swinging sensation. He really enhanced the mood with his laid back style and cheeky charm.

At 6.30pm the main event began - The Jump Racing!! 

The team were invited to join in the fun and I believe they even had a little flutter :-)

If you would like more information on how Manic Stage Productions can help enhance your venues events please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Web: www.manicsp.co.uk

Email: manic_sproductions@yahoo.co.uk

Call: 07977478565

Surrounded by Celebrities

It was celebs all the way this weekend as The Show Girlz performed for the glittering Beauty Awards hosted by the glamourous Amy Childs and sponsored by top hair stylist to the stars Lee Stafford.

Nicole took her seat amongst the creme de la creme of Hampshires beauty and hair industry whilst the girlz prepared for their 20 minute musical extravaganza performance on the Guildhall stage!

Outside our sexy stilt walker welcomed the guests with sweets and an even sweeter smile!

The champagne was flowing on arrival and was followed by a delicious 3 course meal. At 9pm The Show Girlz took to the stage to entertain the 450 merry crowd.

Our 5 strong, talented team performed a medley of high energy choreography. Including pieces from Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing, Cabaret and Viva Las Vegas.

The audience were treated to 5 vibrant costume changes and 2 solo vocal performances amongst 10 toe tapping tunes. The crowd clapped and cheered with delight as each section quickly rolled into the next.

We had such a fantastic response from everyone watching and we were delighted with how successful the whole night was. Sara from JP South Events who organised the extravagant evening complimented us and said “Thanks soooo much Nicole, your girls were fantastic!! And the stilt walker really surprised the crowd. We will definitely be working with you again"

We even received a tweet from Lee Stafford!!

Amy Childs presented the awards and Nicole managed to sneak a quick picture with her back stage

Lastly we would like to congratulate our TOWERPOWER landlord Tony Wood on his award! His amazing hair salon and team United Salons situated in the Clock Tower (Our Office Building!) was crowned Salon of the Year 2013

 What a fun filled night we had! We can't wait to see if we get invited back next year! Fingers crossed! 

Check out this little video of the event and look out for our gorgeous girlz near the end.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/salons-triumph-at-our-awards-night-1-5190873

For more information or to book Manic Stage Productions and The SHOW Girlz please visit www.manicsp.co.uk

Shut Up! We're working with Amy Childs

On Saturday evening The SHOW Girlz (Manic Stage Productions specialist entertainment team) will be stepping back on to the Guildhall stage, this time to entertain at this years Hair and Beauty Awards. 

But they wont be the only glamourous and sparkly ladies there to wow the crowds! Our 5 dancers will be joined at this exciting event by TOWIE star Miss Amy Childs.

With her very own beauty salons and beauty range, TOWIE star Amy Childs knows her stuff about hair and beauty industry.

Salons across the city are abuzz with the news that the reality show star will be presenting this year’s The News Hair and Beauty Awards. Amy shot to fame on smash hit TV program The Only Way Is Essex. With her glamorous looks and industry knowledge, she will make the perfect presenter for the ceremony. Amy, 22, said: ‘I’m so excited to be presenting The News Hair and Beauty Awards this year. As a trained beautician, I’m looking forward to honouring my fellow professionals for their hard work and dedication to the industry.’

The evening is set to be a huge success and we are sure all of the nominations will be dressed to impress. 

Manic Stage Productions will be putting on a musical medley extravaganza featuring some of the sexiest musical theatre show numbers known. Including routines from Dirty Dancing, Moulin Rouge and Cabaret.

Rehearsals are well under way and the team are excited to meet Amy and celebrate with the beauty industry at these prestigious  awards.

Watch this space for pictures and videos of the night and our performance next week.

If you would like more information about The SHOW Girlz or Manic Stage Productions do not hesitate to contact Nicole on 07977478565

Manic Member of the Month

Each month we will be interviewing one of our gorgeous girlz on their career and life as a dancer!

This month we introduce to you Lucy Kate

How long have you been dancing for?

For as long as i can remember! I think as soon as I could walk I was wearing my ballet shoes!

Did you train professionally?

Yes I trained professionally from a young age at The Legat Ballet School where I boarded. It was a big decision for my family and I at such a young age but I received a scholarship and was desperate to dance. Later at 16yrs I went to Brian Rogers Performers College for 3 years where I gained a diploma in Musical Theatre.

What was professional training like?

It was tough! We took around 6-8 classes a day which included ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, partner work, singing, drama and musical theatre. We were exhausted at the end of every day! But there was no time for rest, we did this 5 or 6 days a week for 3 years.

After what sounds like grueling training, what was auditioning for professional jobs like?

Auditions are very tough! For every audition there is at least 300 girls sometimes up to 800! It can be very daunting!  But you have to give it your all and not be afraid of knock backs! After all, they are usually only looking for one person, so that means 799 disappointed people. Dancers are tough skinned though and no amount of rejection puts us off going after our dreams! Sometimes your the lucky one!

What was your first professional job?

My first professional dance job was in Qatar. I was a dancer in an illusion show with Guy Barrett, for Qatar Summer Wonders Festival. There were several shows from the UK flown over for the festival which lasted around 2 months.

What was it like working in Qatar?

It was very different to the UK. All our costumes had be made so that they were appropriate for Qatar audiences. Not a lot of flesh was on show compared to the costumes we have in the UK! It was great living and working in such a different culture. A great 1st job with some fantastic people.

What other countries have you worked in?

I have been lucky enough to work in many countries! I have performed in several different shows in Dubai. I have performed in a casino show in Macau and rehearsed for this for a month in Hong Kong, this was a great opportunity to experience yet another very different cultures! I have also performed in several casinos in Portugal and I have been in a show in India. But, most of my traveling has been whilst cruising! Working on a cruise ship as a dancer is a great way to see the world! I have performed on P&O cruises and NCL Cruise line, taking me to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, North America, Carribbean, Mexico, Alaska, South America and Antarctica!

Wow you have been very busy! Do you dance a lot in the UK?

I do dance in England doing shorter contracts and lots of one off events, mainly for The SHOW Girlz (or as they were formerly known MANIC!). With these I have performed at awards ceremonies, xmas party events, theatre shows and corporate events.

How long have you been apart of The SHOW Girlz?

I have been apart of the team since the very beginning! The SHOW Girlz have always welcomed me back to perform with them between contracts and shows abroad. Its nice to come back to friendly faces and know that my experience further a field is appreciated. All the team are encouraged to perform and work for major companies throughout the UK and abroad, this is what keeps the team fresh and at the top of the profession!

Whats your favorite part of being one of 'The SHOW Girlz?'

I love that I can work with professional talented people so close to home in Portsmouth!

Fab! Lastly whats in the performance pipe line for you and The Show Girlz?

It's exciting as the team are getting very busy. Nicole and Matt do a great job of finding us work and Manic Stage Productions are very respected for their ability to provide exactly what is asked of them. We are currently rehearsing for several events along the South coast including The Beauty Awards hosted by Amy Childs from TOWIE. Vegas themed entertainment for a large hotel chain and some amazing choreography to compliment a request from a top MJ tribute artist.

Thank you Lucy :-) we wish you every success!

Bon Voyage

Todays blog post is wishing our talented team member Tasha a safe and enjoyable contract on board the P&O Cruise Ship, Arcadia.

All of our performers regularly jet off and take time away from Manic Stage Productions to fulfil other exciting dance and performing arts contracts and opportunities. Some of these have taken the girls all around the world!

Our latest farewell goes to Tasha Small who will be leaving us for the high seas until Christmas. Tasha has been cast as one of only 6 female dancers in the Headliners Arcadia cast of 13. We are positive she will have an amazing time visiting fabulous ports and faraway places whilst working on this impressive cruise liner.

Headliners are renowned for their spectacular West-End style shows and Tasha is already hard at work in rehearsals learning an impressive 8 of them. Including Destination Dance, New York City Rhythm and Blame it on the Boogie. 

She tells us that for each cruise the entertainment itinerary will be different, but they will most likely perform every night whilst onboard. However from my own experience most of your days are free, with lots of opportunities to explore the countries you visit, so i'm sure no one will complain!

Travelling the world doing a job you love, you can't get better than that :-) 

Bon Voyage Tasha and Good Luck from the whole team xxx 

We LOVE Beyonce!

On bank holiday Sunday I was lucky enough to be at Beyonce's "The Mrs. Carter Show" World Tour at The O₂ Arena in London.

I can not express how amazing it was.

Beyonce is without a doubt the "Queen B" of talent and the whole show was an inspiration. The set was simple with only massive video screens that beautifully depicted the many faces of the leading lady in between show stopping hit after hit. 

She was accompanied by an all female 11 piece band which mirrored the song's message of feminine empowerment. 

The solid catalogue of smash hits, many of which were creatively rearranged did not disappoint and Beyonce alongside her spectacular dancers performed as if their lives depended on it!

And in true super star fashion, whilst belting out anthems from her Sixteen years in showbiz she executed the creative choreography with ease and complete commitment.

I feel privileged to have been there and so close to the intimate centre stage (Did I mention I was on the 3rd row!!) the whole show has reignited my passion for performance, dance and choreography and I cant wait to get into the studio with the team to choreograph some Beyonce style booty shaking!

Here are a few past videos of Manic Stage Productions team working it to some of our favourite Beyonce tracks - Enjoy!

Single Ladies - http://youtu.be/rHciKTqzwT8

Destinys Child - http://youtu.be/IQe27NCAoPo

Run The World - http://youtu.be/u-s2sd7ixfI

Pro Class Choreography 3

Each week Manic Stage Productions invite the whole team to get together and learn new choreography.

This week we set to work on reproducing the world famous Beyonce song - Single Ladies 

http://youtu.be/rHciKTqzwT8

Check out our Youtube channel for loads more videos of Manic in the rehearsal studio!

If you are interested in booking Manic to entertain at your event, please get in touch by emailing manic_sproductions@yahoo.co.uk

Working for Fontwell Park

Manic Stage Productions are working closely with Fontwell Park Racecourse to help promote all of their fab, fun racenights between now and Christmas. 

This month Manic have been out and about spreading the word for Fontwell and their forthcoming Abba Race Night on Friday May 3rd 

Check out this video of the Manic team in action

http://youtu.be/LFKCIGv-lS0

Do you love the music of Abba? Have you booked your tickets yet?

All the details of this exciting event can be found on the Fontwell website  

Experience the excitement of jump racing with a range of food and bar outlets, betting facilities and fantastic hospitality options. After 7 great races, Abba Magic will be performing live after racing, from approximately 8.30pm - 10.00pm.

Gates will open at 3pm.

Do you need help with your promotions or event? Contact Manic Stage Productions on 07977478565

or email us manic_sproductions@yahoo.co.uk