Male performers in Steamboat for ‘Ultimate Girls’ Night Out’
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — There are only so many questions that seem appropriate for an interview that centers on somebody’s construction worker alter ego.
So while speaking with Rich Ocampo, the former producer and performer of Chippendales, the male burlesque troupe that formed in 1979, my curiosity led me to inquire, “What separates these burlesque performers from the other guy gyrating for $1?”
“It’s an art form in entertaining women that involves knowing what women want,” said Ocampo, who graduated college with an engineering degree and went on to start his own show, California Bad Boyz, that took Los Angeles by storm.
The Chief Theater will host that show at 7 p.m. Sunday, featuring four of the group’s dancers, Tyler, 29, Ahkeli, 22, Deontae, 28, and Leo, 21.
According to Ashley Waters, event director for the Chief Theater, this is the first show of its kind and it’s being billed as an “Ultimate Girl’s Night Out” birthday celebration for Ann Ross and Waters, who has attended a Chippendale’s show in Las Vegas.
“As a dancer being on stage, it’s like walking along the beach in a pair of shorts in the summertime,” Ocampo said. “There is a double standard, but when it comes to male dancers, people know about it based on Chippendale’s performances, and they know what to expect.”
Ocampo said the Bad Boyz practice healthy habits — going to the gym every day, eating healthy food and limiting themselves to two drinks during parties and special occasions.
“Chippendale’s took something that was a need for women, it was a novelty for them,” Ocampo said. “They would, and still do, flock to these shows to let their hair down and have a great time.”
“I believe there is a misconception with male dancers,” Waters said. “It’s important to note there is a clear distinction when it comes to female performers between strip clubs and burlesque shows. With male performers in this type of show, some people may misunderstand and think it is male strippers, when it’s actually a performance by a dance troupe.”
With misconceptions and caveats aside, Waters said it’s meant to be a fun evening.
“The shows are an absolute blast,” Waters said. “It’s a thoroughly entertaining performance with fun music and choreographed dancing by engaging performers. You can’t help but enjoy yourself. Plus, it’s such a great time with friends.”
“At first, I got a little nervous about having a show like this, because there’s a 50-year span of age difference, but then I thought, ‘What the heck, I might as well do it and have fun.’ If people don’t like it, they don’t have to go. All the boys can have their magazines and everything,” Ross said. “Why can’t we just have some silly thing like this, and have fun with it?”
When it comes to this year’s birthday, Ross said she intends to enjoy every minute and live life as a celebration.
“My motto is: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well-preserved body but rather to slide in sideways thoroughly used up totally wasted and screaming out loud, Woo-Hoo what a ride.”
The show is for ages 21 and older. Tickets, available online at chieftheater.com or at All That, are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show available.
To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@steamboattoday.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1.
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