Wearing the infamous “forbidden” costume.

There is a particular costume that I’ve always wanted to wear at one of our large venue shows and for one reason or another I never get to wear. This particular is a piece worn by Michael Jackson during the Dangerous tour during the first ¼ of the show.  It’s the gold bodysuit he wears over his pants. I think he wore that over the pants to draw more emphasis on the crotch area but that's just my guess. What better way to make those movements  more pronounced than with a costume like this! 

There are several reasons why I have not gotten to wear this piece (or got banned from doing so...).

    1. Let’s face it, I have lost a lot of weight since a couple of years back and there is   NO WAY I could have pulled it off. PERIOD. Even today, when I did the fitting for it I was very hesitant but I think all things considered, it will look good- lets hope (lol).

2. My stage manager has always opposed it because of the nature of its “visual message”.  She thinks it’s a bit on the “riskay” side for the younger audiences. This costume has a faint but very present gender-bending look about it. I can understand her concern. 

3.  In the past, the setlist has not been favorable to wear this costume; this costume is VERY hard to get in and out of in less than 42 seconds (which is the average costume change time). Getting out of it is extremely hard especially because you have to watch the makeup and hair; it's got funky angles and loops. This time, the setlist is perfect and it’s a done deal!

I understand the risks that come from wearing this costume. It’s one that may be found comical to some and “too much” to others. The truth is, it’s what MJ wore and my job is to try to duplicate not only the dance and movement but also the appearance; including costumes. It’s a risk I’m taking in honor of Michael and what I do. If I don't take what I do seriously, there is not point of doing it. Taking this job seriously requires making daring moves and risking some ridicule quite frankly. I'm willing to do it. 

High Velocity Fans

Another thing we’re having this time around is fans to propel fog/haze upward and sideways onto the stage for some numbers. The fans being used are not those you can find at your local hardware mom and pop shop. These are industrial fans designed to blow your panties off you when you walk by. HAHAHAHA…. These things are HUGE!  The last time we had these in our show was in 2002.  It will be interesting to have these back! Not to mention the heaven-sent moments of cool-down after spending a long time under hot stage lighting, layers of costumes, makeup and wigs.

There will be so much to see, no doubt!!!  

-LC