Q: Hi Erin. The Lalas Burlesque is one of the hottest acts on the Hollywood scene right now. What prompted you to create The Lalas Burlesque show?
Erin Lamont: I lived right up the street from a lounge that had a burlesque group perform – I saw their show – then directly called the owner and told him that I had girls that were hotter – better bodies – more technically trained – and that I could bring a crowd. He signed us on for 7 months after our first performance!
Q: How did you get into dance and the entertainment business?
Erin Lamont: It’s that age old stereotypical story. I took my first tap class at 7 years of age and fell in love. I started choreographing in college, where I studied dance and business and promptly, 7 days after graduating from college, I received my first dance contract working on a cruise ship. I hopped right into that gig and have been working ever since!
Q: Reactions have been strong and positive from The Lalas’ audiences. What is your secret to standing out and wowing the crowds?
Erin Lamont: Honestly, it’s my girls. They are freakishly phenomenal. They have a quality that just makes people stop and stare. The choreography and concepts are extremely important, don’t get me wrong – but just having a Lala stand in front of a crowd of hundreds and maybe just unbuttoning a shirt for 3 minutes – makes the crowd CRAZY! I love watching my show come to life.
Q: The girls in the show are all dynamic, beautiful and talented. What are some of the traits that you look for when you hold auditions for The Lalas Burlesque troupe?
Erin Lamont: This might not be the sexiest answer – but I look for that dancer that is punctual, and really pulled up for the audition. She takes care of herself. And equally as important, I just have to like them . There are so many talented girls working in this business but 3/4 of them I would never even consider – just because they have the wrong attitude. SO the bottom line: on time, prepared, and cool as hell. That’s why I have only 8 Lalas.
Q: Is being a part of such a competitive dance genre anything like the cult classic movie “Showgirls?”
Erin Lamont: Absolutely – that catty sh#t happens on a daily basis. One-upping a girl at a show or at an audition. But, my point of view is that there is enough work for everyone. I know that we are not the only burlesque show going on in LA, but we are sure as hell the best one. The dancers that are usually complaining are the ones that aren’t working, so I like to stay away from that.
Q: How do audiences interact with you and the girls after a show? I am sure people are already asking for autographs backstage.
Erin Lamont: They do! Especially when we have a stage that is more intertwined with the crowd. Pictures – autographs – business cards. Keep them coming!
Q: An evolution like the Pussycat Dolls is what comes to my mind. What can The Lalas’ fans expect to see in the future from your troupe?
Erin Lamont: The business model I have laid out for the Lalas is similar to that of the Pussycat Dolls – before they “made it big.” We are a burlesque group – and I plan on keeping it that way. The Lalas will be an international brand – we will have a reality show – we will have live shows performing simultaneously throughout the industry, whether it be in a casino , on a cruise ship, or private parties and events. Our shows will continue to WOW! I intend on keeping quality the forefront of our name.
Q: Are there any other projects that you are working on aside from The Lalas?
Erin Lamont: Along with being the creator and director of the Lalas – I am also an independent contractor choreographing for commercial, TV and film. I am currently working as a choreographer on Country Music Television’s new hit show “Your Chance to Dance” A commercial for Johnny Rockets, and the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant.
No comments:
Post a Comment