Kylie Minogue has now found her way onto a new stage … of the more virtual variety, as Nintendo Wii’s Kylie Sing and Dance game launched at the end of 2012, and when the challenge came for someone to turn her signature dance routines into something we can all have a go at (gold hot pants optional), there was only one man to call … choreographer, Bazz Robson!
What first made you want to dance?
Growing up, my mother always filled the house with music, especially 60’s classics – Cilla, Dusty, The Beatles – and I would dance around the kitchen while she cooked dinner. Weekends would always be movie nights and we would watch two films on a loop over and over again: Dirty Dancing and Grease. I was obsessed.
What is your average day like?
Each day is different. An average day would probably consist of personal training with a client in the morning, and spending the afternoon choreographing new routines or showing, mixing together music for my classes, emailing and corresponding. Then I am into the studio to teach back-to-back classes and rehearsals if we have a show coming up. If I’m doing external stuff, like filming, then I will travel first thing to the location. Spend the day filming, choreographing and then drive back to teach at my studio (depending on the location). I’m usually home for about 10pm. They are sometimes very long days but even though I may be exhausted, I love every minute!
What has been your best moment as a choreographer so far?
To pick a highlight would be hard so I’m gonna say (shamless plug alert) Kylie Sing and Dance game. When you love what you do, you put 100% into it. When it’s something you love and for someone you’ve admired and been a fan of for many years, you give that little extra 10%. Choreographing the game was a real honour and an absolute joy to do.
Do you see a noticeable difference in clients’ health with dance classes?
Absolutely! My clients tell me all the time how much their health has improved. It’s made them so much fitter and all round healthier. They could turn up to a class feeling down from a hectic day, or from personal troubles they may have, but after an hour they are picked up and feeling, not only healthier body wise, but also in the mind. It’s an hour/two hours of pure escapism and utter me time. They become themselves, which I think is important. It’s so easy to get lost and caught up in a day to day busy life, so to escape to a dance class, have a spa treatment is the absolute key. For that time, you are no-ones mother, no-ones wife … you are just you!
How long does it take to see a difference?
The effects are sometimes instant or can be a gradual process. I had a woman last week, who has been attending regular dance classes and rehearsals for one of my shows, tell me that she has lost two and a half stone in three months. It’s thrilling when I hear really fabulous success stories, none more so than a client I have personally trained. She has now lost over four stone through my cardio dance one to one workouts.
In terms of keeping fit why is dance so effective?
Dancing not only gives you a cardio workout, toning bits of your body you didn’t know existed, it also releases endorphins. You don’t even notice that you’re working hard because it’s more like a Saturday night out than a gym slog … and don’t panic if you haven’t got the rhythm of Rihanna or the moves like Jagger, anyone can do a dance class. The moves are broken down into easy-to-learn steps, so you work your brain as well as your body. You’ll be rewarded with a confidence boost as well as boost to your body.
Do you think playing the Kylie Sing & Dance game counts as a workout?
Totally! Do it to it’s full potential, learn the routines, dance them with all your might, and you will feel fabulous and hopefully see results!
What’s your top tip for getting the most out of the game?
Don’t worry about not getting it first time round, it will feel a little alien in the beginning. Try again and once you have nailed the choreography, then dance it to the max. There are some really energetic routines in there, The Locomotion being one.
Who’s the most exciting person you have met?
I worked with Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, over 10 years ago, when I lived in Spain. He was a resident of an ‘80/ ‘90’s show called Gold that I was the dance captain and chief choreographer for. He was so lovely and returned every other week. After the show, we would have a drink and he was very exciting and interesting to talk too. He shared some wonderful stories of the ‘80’s and his time with Spandau Ballet. I was a big Spandau fan, so it was a thrill for me not only to be working with him but to be sharing a drink as well.
What’s your idea of the perfect day of relaxation?
A good lie in, breakfast, catch up with some Sky+’d shows on the sofa. Meet some friends for lunch, a few drinkies and a good laugh. Home on the sofa, dressing gown on, a good DVD – I either love a good weepy, like Beaches or a DVD box set of Will & Grace. Maybe finished off with a soak in the tub and then into a bed of fresh sheets.
Do you have a favourite spa treatment?
I love a good massage. I recently needed a course of physio on a few muscles that I had over worked and it was gorge. Even though I wanted to punch my physio at times (when it hurt) it was gloriously, painfully fabs! (Does that make sense?) When your muscles are knotted and your getting the knot worked out, it’s relaxingly, torturely, amazey! Do I sound weird? I also like a jacuzzi. I was in Cuba earlier this year and ended up in one with a bottle of champers (not all to myself I might add).
What makes you feel body confident?
I feel good after I have had a good dance session or a good workout on my legs, bums and tums! (It’s not just woman who love a good LBT). Then topped off with a fierce outfit – that makes me feel at my most body confident and ready to WERK!! *clicks fingers and whips weave*
Leave a Reply