In a captivating realm where the rhythmic echoes of a tropical Western musical meet the expressive language of dance, the enchanting world of Crimson and Clover unfolds through the artistry of Fae Pink's choreography. With every graceful step and mesmerizing sway, Pink masterfully weaves an intricate tapestry of movement that not only tells a love story but also captures the very essence of the show's theme. This dynamic choreography harmonizes seamlessly with the melodic heartbeats of Tori and Jasmine, the vocal powerhouses at the core of this Tropical Western symphony.

Join us on a journey where dance becomes the brush that paints the vibrant story of Crimson and Clover, and as we unravel the creative insights of the brilliant choreographer herself.

THECANCAN.COM: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the choreography for Crimson and Clover? How did you capture the essence of the high-heeled bandits and their outlaw spirit?

Fae Pink: I conjured the image of Western Bond Girls when first creating the dance for this show. The high-heeled bandits, with their unapologetic outlaw demeanor, became a wellspring of inspiration for every step, every twist, and every movement that unfolded on the stage. The choreography for Crimson and Clover is an homage to their unforgettable legacy, capturing not only the essence of the high-heeled bandits but also the very heart of their wild, untamed spirit.

THECANCAN.COM: What unique dance styles or techniques did you incorporate into the choreography to bring the Americana theme to life in Crimson and Clover?

Fae Pink: When I went into my dance studio, the Western flair of the music acted as my guide. We let that side of the story direct the choreographic narrative in a way that captured the rugged essence of the Wild West. You’ll also see some classic dance styles which all Can Can shows are rooted in mixed with literal honky tonk, knee-slapping, and square dancing. We wanted to celebrate not only the roots of Can Can shows but also the distinct essence of Americana that Crimson and Clover embodies.

THECANCAN.COM: The show description mentions jaw-dropping stage contraptions. How did you coordinate the choreography with these stage elements to create a seamless and captivating visual experience for the audience?

Fae Pink: Jonny builds all of the apparatus for Can Can shows. He created a spinning stage for our last show, NOIR, which we utilize again in this production along with (spoiler alert) a giant horse that appears in the finale. The apparatus really acts as an added playground for the performers. It is usually approached in a very trial-and-error sort of way. We get into rehearsal and just play. I will say, “Try this, try that!” until we reach the desired energy and movement style. From there, I build on what can be happening around the apparatus based on space, timing, and the need for added elements.

THECANCAN.COM: How did you approach choreographing the dance sequences between our love interests Crimson and Clover? Can you share how you captured their unique connection and love story through movement?

Fae Pink: Crafting the dance sequences for Crimson and Clover's love story was quite the experience. Most of the special moments they share are conveyed through the songs they sing. The dancing, though important, takes a bit of a step back, focusing on simple yet elegant staging to let Tori and Jasmine's incredible voices shine. Those two are such powerhouses.

THECANCAN.COM: Can you share some insights into the process of developing the choreography for the El Dorado gang's heists and robberies? How did you translate their daring escapades into dance movements?

Fae Pink: I wish a had a magical explanation for the process, but it's more about me understanding how the storyline should unfold in each number and then translating it through movement right in my little home dance studio. Then, it's a matter of taking that vision into rehearsals and sharing it with the talented dancers. That's when the real fun begins – we experiment with spacing, angles, and timing. For instance, if you take a sequence of movement and have two dancers face off, it can evoke a sense of conflict. But by flipping that same sequence and having them face away from each other, it can suddenly tell a completely different tale. Think of it as painting with people. I'm incredibly fortunate because our performers are nothing short of spectacular. They've got the dance chops, but what's more, they're sharp and intuitive, which makes all the difference in the world.

THECANCAN.COM: The show promises award-winning music. How did you collaborate with the musical team to ensure that the choreography and music complement each other and enhance the overall experience of Crimson and Clover?

Fae Pink: We usually start with a shell of the music we want to use in a show. I will sometimes create numbers with a skeleton of a song, and then the music will change 30 times over in the course of a rehearsal process. I am not joking! By the time we get to opening a show, Chris and Dave will have created 30-40 versions of each song. This can sometimes act as a bone of contention between myself and the music team. I will get attached to version 10 and then it will change. It’s hard to let go. Sometimes I win the battle, and we will stick with version 10. But, sometimes the music team will win, and we go with version 35. Fae laughs. Sometimes we are all on the same page, and things just mesh and meld perfectly. We have a checks and balances system within our creative team, and the finished product is always the best choice no matter whose idea it was. The amount of work and change that goes into each number in a Can Can show is literally insane!

Whether you’re an outlaw, or ready to put the ha in yeehaw, saddle up for a captivating experience where the untamed essence of the West meets the artistry of the stage. Tickets to Crimson and Clover are available now through September 17th.

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