What is HOTLEGS?
HOTLEGS Manila's premiere jazz dance ensemble is a group comprised of highly trained, professional dancers and choreographers. The company graces most of Manila's finest performances, and covers a range of media from the live concert stage to television to corporate events all over the Philippines and internationally.
This company has been around for over 20 years, starting and maintaining a tradition that is distinctly professional in its approach. It boasts of quality dancing- energetic and refined moves that mold into every show's theme. Its range is diverse, covering dances from the learned classical ballet to the earthiest styles. Its performances breathe with a rhythm that makes everything come to life.
Its commitment to the craft, however, extends farther than just what goes on onstage. These people carry the titles, choreographer and dancer, with an obvious pride. Their training has extended from the best dance education available in Manila to some of the best abroad. As for the performances, they go an extra mile to make every detail just perfect. They prepare for every show as though it were always the last-rehearsals taking as long as they need to perfect each piece. And together with the commitment of shows is the responsibility to keep in optimum shape, a duty these individuals do not take lightly.
As a result, HOTLEGS has become a name synonymous to first class dancing in Manila's entertainment scene. These full time professionals are an act to watch out for in every show they do.
A Brief History
HOTLEGS began as a break away group from the Metropolitan Ballet, a classical and modern ballet company headed by Tony Fabella, in 1981. This unusual group of dancers wanted to try out other forms of expression that appealed to a wider audience without losing its dedication or discipline that they had for ballet. So they changed their focus to jazz and other related contemporary dances and replaced their tights and pointed shoes with skin-toned stockings and high heels.
To top it all off, they went for a very "risqué" name, HOTLEGS, which was, in a sense, a rebellion against the ballet tradition they stemmed from. With the full support of Johnny and Tats Manahan, they made their debut at an international performance for the King of Morocco. Since then, their performances moved on from the more established theater performances to the concert stage, television and other commercial venues.
This group of dancers began a tradition that has since been a standard linked with the name, HOTLEGS. Not only did they support many featured artists, but they were also considered an act in itself. With extra detail and care put into their styling and costuming, these dancers caught one's attention almost immediately onstage. Moreover, they performed with a noticeable passion and love for what they do. The result is an act that is a feast for one's senses, a true pleasure to watch.
Initially choreographed by Douglas Nierras and the late Cecile Santos, the group has become a breeding ground for fresh and innovative choreographers. It has also produced some of the finest dancers that Manila's commercial dance scene has seen through the years.
To this date, the tradition and standards set by the very first generation of HOTLEGS has been carefully maintained. Under the leadership of its present managing and artistic director, Christine Blando, this company continues to impress audiences not only in the Philippines, but everywhere else in the world.