Crazy Horse Paris's Dubai Debut: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Adapting a Legendary Cabaret for the UAE

Andree Deissenberg embarked on a mission to revitalize Crazy Horse Paris, a project that spanned 15 of her 20 years with the iconic cabaret. "Crazy Horse was a diamond, but it was covered in dust," she explained, serving as the chief creative and brand officer. The cabaret, originally founded in 1951 by Alain Bernardin, was acquired by its current president, Philippe Lhomme, in 2005. Deissenberg joined the team the following year, transitioning from Cirque du Soleil.

Describing the situation in Paris as "very entrenched" with "old ways of doing things," Deissenberg contrasted it with Dubai. She arrived in the UAE in early October, just six weeks before the planned unveiling of her latest endeavor: tailoring the Parisian production for a new audience and venue. Speaking amidst rehearsals at the newly transformed Zabeel Theatre at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Deissenberg detailed the two formats being presented in Dubai: the main show and a dinner show. A key challenge involves integrating approximately 40 waiters serving 200 guests within a tight timeframe, ensuring their service does not disrupt the performance. Deissenberg noted the exceptionally high service standards expected by UAE audiences, admitting, "I've become spoiled."

Unlike the original Parisian show, the Dubai edition will feature food and beverage service during the performance. The intricate use of light, a crucial element of the show, also presented a challenge, as any misstep could affect its impact. In Paris, light functions akin to a costume, projecting designs onto the dancers or using shadows for modesty. For the Dubai adaptation, significant changes were made to the stage presentation to accommodate cultural sensitivities. "First of all, we dressed the girls. Very simple," Deissenberg stated. Collaborating with illustrator and designer Antoine Kruk, the team adapted existing costumes and created new ones, with the Crazy Horse Paris couture atelier crafting over 500 bespoke pieces by hand. The goal was to maintain the show's distinct visual identity while ensuring cultural appropriateness, a balance Deissenberg believes enhances the performance.

Initially hesitant about bringing Crazy Horse Paris to the UAE, Deissenberg now views it as an opportunity for modernization, calling the Dubai production "Crazy Horse Paris 2030." The show features a cast of 18 international dancers, with 12 performing nightly, all of whom underwent months of training in Paris to master the company's signature choreographic style. Deissenberg explained her process of selecting repertoire acts and integrating variety performers. The Dubai venue, with its larger theatre space, allowed for the inclusion of an aerial act, a first for Crazy Horse due to the Paris venue's size.

The Zabeel Theatre has undergone a significant transformation, replacing traditional seating with velvet-red sofas and featuring Crazy Horse's signature pink at the entrance. The lobby includes a bar, historical photographs, and an experiential room called The Legacy, dedicated to the cabaret's history, guest stars, and couture collaborations. Deissenberg emphasized the desire to connect the audience with the show's heritage while ensuring it feels contemporary. She also revealed plans for future collaborations with regional artists and a focus on female empowerment, confidence, and body image, inspired by the shift in the show's audience demographic from predominantly older men to younger women.

The Crazy Attitude sessions, already offered in Paris, provide participants with insights from dancers and a workshop on confidence and presence. While the immediate focus is on the November 12 opening, Deissenberg is confident that the Dubai production, described as "100 per cent Crazy Horse Paris, but with a Dubai touch," will resonate with its new audience, fostering a sense of shared experience and intimacy.