Music Mondays - Katy Perry EMA 2009 Medley

While searching for videos of the 2011 Grammy Awards performances, I somehow stumbled onto this video from the 2009 European Music Awards. Katy Perry opened the awards program with a medley of all the "Best Song" nominees: I Gotta Feeling, When Love Takes Over, Use Somebody, Halo, and Poker Face.

If you're wondering what all that "Katy Kat Club" business is and why they turned 'Halo' into a polka, then hold on tight - the 2009 EMAs were held in Berlin. Why is that relevant? Because Berlin is the setting of the iconic film, "Cabaret". Observe:




Liza Minnelli - Mein Herr
Uploaded by djoik. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Ta-da! Just another case of modern artists inspired by the work of the great Bob Fosse, who choreographed and directed "Cabaret". Though the medley itself was a bit off-putting, I think Perry did a good job with the movement, and the choreography was true to Fosse without being a complete rip-off.

What do you think?
Nostalgically Yours

Post Script: Because of my move back to the city, I now have many more responsibilities than I did living in New Orleans. This means that posting every day will be impossible for me. Instead I've decided to post between two and three times a week (more if time allows), so you'll hear from me on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from now on. Thanks for sticking with me!

Photo Credits
Katy Perry: Just Jared
Liza Minnelli: City Lights: A Film Blog

Beyoncé and Fosse

What do and international R&B superstar and the deceased Broadway Director/Choreographer have in common? Quite a lot, actually. Aside from the fact that they are both often referred to using one name, Beyoncé has been inspired more than once by the work of this iconic Broadway master.

Just another reason why the past is always relevant - it's an unparalleled source of inspiration!






If you haven't seen the video to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies", I've included it above (where were you in 2008, exactly?). Anyway, here is the video of the Bob Fosse dance that inspired the choreography for the "Single Ladies" video. You can watch it with or without the sound; it isn't the original soundtrack.
Update, MAY 2012: This is the original soundtrack but has humorous subtitles added:

Unfortunately, the video with the original audio does not exist on Youtube - if you appreciate good music, for the love of all that is good and holy DON'T CLICK ON ANYTHING WITH "Walk it out" IN THE TITLE. It's some fool parody of the video that has taken off enough to have a group of three women actually remake the "Walk it Out" version of the dance. If you have any self-respect you won't waste your time by giving them any more views. Update MAY 2012: The original soundtrack exists, but only in the subtitled version.

Anyway, Beyoncé has admitted to using this Fosse choreography in her "Single Ladies" video, and has exalted Fosse for the genius that he was. However, I, being the insufferable theater/film/Broadway nerd that I am, spotted some moves in "There's Gotta be Something Better Than This" from "Sweet Charity" that are clearly used in "Single Ladies":

Take that as your Lagniappe courtesy of Nostalgically Yours!

Here is Beyoncé's lesser-known "Get me Bodied": Anyone who's seen "Sweet Charity" recently will probably notice the similarities to the "Rich Man's Frug" sequence and to "Think Pink", the opening number of the classic film "Funny Face". Both are featured below:

(This version of the number doesn't include the "Who is it" sequence referenced in "Get Me Bodied". You'll have to rent the movie to see that, but it's worth it!)





I'm (pardon the expression) tickled pink that Beyoncé is doing this! She and artists like her are making the past relevant again, even if teenager don't fully appreciate that it's happening.


You'll definitely be hearing more about this!

Nostalgically Yours

For more on Beyoncé, see this post.