The C'mon-Clap-for-Me Move

[Savonne the Minx]

So, lovelies..I was wondering what everyone thinks of burlesque dancers milking the audience for applause by stopping their choreography before they take something off and holding their hands up to their ears in the C'mon-Clap-for-Me move. I seem to be seeing it more and more.

I have to admit, I love a grand and graceful bow at the end of a piece. That's the time to milk an audience for applause. Personally, the C'mon-Clap-for-Me move comes off as desperate, improvisational and necessitous. If you want the audience to applaud a piece, dazzle them with choreography and costume.

Thoughts?

[Tiger Tiger]

I think it depends on the context... if it's quite a cabaret piece with a comical lean then I don't think it would be out of place, but other than that I would agree that it would be a bit of a jar in the performance if nothing else.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

I agree with Pepsi Cola, depends on the act, but I also think it depends on the crowd. Some crowds are just too quiet! I think sometimes, you just gotta get them going.

[Betty Red {PL Team / Madam}]

I agree - it depends on the crowd, the act and the venue. Lannie's in Denver hands out noisemakers at the door, so that sets the vibe for the entire show. It's fun and shows personality - if the act is right - I love it!

[Edson Carlos]

Its the equivalent of Ryan Seacrest going...


"And the contestant who will be going home tonight is........"

(pause)



(Dramatic lighting on stage)



(pause)



(shots of contestants)



(shot of ryan opening envelope)



(peak of dramatic music)


(pause)



"We'll find out after the break!"


It sucks in a way, but at the same time the buildup is a game with your natural emotions of wanting immediate gratification so in the overall formula, it works.

[Filmmonkey]

Personally, I hate the c'mon and clap for me thing in any performance of any type whatsoever. Umm, I don't know, do something entertaining, and then I'll clap for you...

[Savonne the Minx]

My sentiments exactly. If it's a comical cabaret piece, do something funny and be clever. Suspense can be built with cunning choreography and provocative music. There are a plethora of concepts that can keep the audience on the edge of their seats, in the palm of your hand, and DYING for more!! Begging the audience for applause before removing a costume piece creates a fallacy that burlesque is just about getting naked onstage and nothing more. I think it lowers the bar. There's so much more that can be done onstage other than something as simple as holding your hand up to your ear. Use skill to get the audience going. Earn the applause!!!


Filmmonkey said:

Personally, I hate the c'mon and clap for me thing in any performance of any type whatsoever. Umm, I don't know, do something entertaining, and then I'll clap for you...

[Lucky Tuskedero]

I just finished taking a class at New York School of Burlesque. One of Jo's points was that audience reaction and applause is one of the important elements of burlesque. Here in New York many performers are very clever, funny and umm... performance arty. I think its fine to milk the applause if the piece is comical or easily lends to such gestures. However don't beg for applause before a reveal unless you plan to produce something applause worthy. And please do not wear tassle pasties if you can not or will not twirl.