Every Thursday, the theatrical dinner venue The Act (at the Shangri-La Dubai) throws it back to the good old days with a hip-hop night. How it works: you make a reservation for a Japanese-infused Peruvian a la carte dinner, and you get a dance show and a club night with it — sometimes including a global star on the decks. Past artists have included Lil John and Talib Kweli.
Danny Lee, choreographer and creative director behind the event, tells tabloid! what DWA is all about.
What is the concept behind DWA or Dubai With Attitude?
DWA is the night where you can get down, dirty and be a bit casual. It’s just the chance to hear some great music, old school hip hop, and have a great party.
How did the idea first begin to brew? How much has it changed since it began?
As you know, we like to mix things up at The Act and change concepts. DWA is our new baby. We fly new DJs in every week — the [line-up] of this is just getting better and better. When it comes to the show, we keep it more commercial-based. Super sexy, old school R’n’B and hip-hop tracks with singers, dancers and crazy show-stopping routines.
Alongside yourself, who is the creative team that makes the show happen?
I can honestly say we have one of the best creative teams in Dubai. It’s a lot bigger than what you see on stage. I have a costume designer, stage manager, producer. And then we also have Stephen Lamar, the MC/singer, three amazing dancers from London. Plus, the international speciality acts who are flying in every month to keep the show fresh. A lot of love, dedication and hard work goes into what you see on the stage.
How do dancers get involved with The Act’s shows? What’s the process like?
I will work on concepts, ideas and choreography then workshop the ideas in a rehearsal. We [rehearse] four days a week, eight hours a day. The dancers are super hard-working.
Describe the typical DWA night/performance. We walk in the door and...
The first thing you notice is the music. DJ Mitchell spinning classic R’n’B and hip-hop remixes during dinner. Once you sit at your table, you will notice the dancers in elaborate, crazy costumes hanging around the venue — just being stunning. Then the show will start. You will enjoy a spectacular variety show whilst you enjoy your food. Then it goes into club mode, where our international DJ will take over.
On that same note, what can people expect from the show, music-wise?
Commercial R’n’B [and] hip-hop. You see routines performed to Rihanna, Beyonce... even 2Pac.
Is choreography a one-way street, or do your dancers ever incorporate their own ideas?
It’s a one-way street, I’m afraid. I do like the dancers’ feedback once the show is built and finished. The dancers sometime suggest tracks, which is cool.
Last but not least, what has been your proudest moment of your career so far?
When The Act was invited to open the F1 concert in Abu Dhabi for Florence and the Machine and Enrique Iglesias. It was an amazing experience to work on such a prestigious event. But with that said, this season has only just begun and we have some crazy events lined up with some A-list artists.
*For reservations, contact 04-3551116 or reservations@theactdubai.com.
