Dance Floor Diaries: Sunday Night at MoonShadow Theater

VENUE ~ MoonShadow Theater

I never meant to become a dance reporter. I run a theater I don’t write about them. This wasn’t on the plan and I didn’t have a press badge. After running into Samuel today and him netnioning that empty slot he had on his staff it was enough to trigger my inner journalist from decades ago so I said sure, why not?

Stage Door Diaries is that behind-the-scenes world of Second Life dance entertainment: the rehearsals, the styling, the set designs, the friendships, the frustrations, and the magic that happens when the curtain rises. I’m not the star of this story. I’m just the person who keeps showing up, listening, and writing it down… and sometimes dancing!

In this first post, I’m sharing the show that accidentally started everything, the first dancer I interviewed, and what I’m hoping to uncover as I keep walking through the stage door again and again.

Tonight we start my adventure into information with a stop at Moonshadow Theater. This theater always has held a special place in my dance heart. Owners Jo (JMB Balough) and Queenie (Queenie Acacia).. tonight’s show was hosted by Beebs with Cael running the music.

I did find time to talk to the owners Jo and Queenie and find out about their theater.

1. What’s the story behind MoonShadow how did it come to exist, and what inspired its name and style?
   MoonShadow came to be when the theater we all were dancing at wasn’t working out. Jo and I had no intention of opening a theater but it seemed like the next logical step to keep us together and have a place to call our own to dance.
   The theater was built rather quickly by our friend, Jag. We decorated and opened within a month I believe. We liked the Arabian theme we had at the other club but wanted it to be different and our own. I designed the logo and came up with the name when we were looking for one. It all just seemed to fit. The rest is history.
2. What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own dance venue in Second Life?
   Don’t lol. Find a niche, something a little different than what is already out there and run with it. Choose your day of the week to dance carefully, make sure there are not too many venues dancing at the same time. Remember time zones too. Matinees are great to have from time to time to get your European friends in to see a show at a normal time for them. Also, know what you want, what you expect from the beginning, rules, ideas, themes etc.
3. What’s the biggest challenge you face running a dance venue in Second Life?
   Getting the choreographers to sign up two times a month. Most of them dance all over the grid and we are one more theater in a long list of places to dance. We love them all and appreciate every time they choose MoonShadow. They are incredibly talented choreographers and dancers. We are fortunate to have them.
4. Do you have any particularly memorable nights or acts over the years?
   There have been many memorable shows but if I had to choose, our opening night and our 1st year anniversary are two that stand out to me.
5. How has running this venue changed your own involvement in the Second Life dance scene?
   It gave me an owner title but it also brought me some amazing friends. I have met some of the nicest people through dance. Although they all are special, I would like to mention our friend Winnie who passed shortly after we opened. She was a big inspiration and quiet push to open the theater. She was one of the most wonderful people I have met in SL and I think of her often and miss her terribly. To Winnie, may you have all the oreos and no drama llamas!

MoonShadow Theater at Kilikobo Resort

Beebs welcoming everyone

Que (Queenie Acacia) with Melli, Lina, Jo, Corri, Chrissy, Akiko, Jilley, Beebs,, Rory, Cael and Zach
Song; Dancing in the street – The Struts

Kira with Melli and Jo
Song: Manifested Dreams – I Am Not An Option

Taema
with Jo
Song: Days of Experience/Roberto Cacciapaglia

Melli
with Cael, Kira and Jilley
Song: The Hawaiian Lei Song

Chrissy
with Cassie and Akiko
Song: Nine Inch Nails – Hurt

Jo
with Jilley, Queenie, Taema and Melli
Song: Amarantine

Lina
Song: Madness Ruelle

1. Jilley
   solo
   Song: Black or white remix

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ Lina Nightfire
Co- owner of the Burlesque Dolls and Legends Theater. Come and see our talented choreographers and dancers from all over Second Life as we gather every month to bring our inner most visions to reality.
First Fridays: Variety Shows 7:30 PM SLT
Third Fridays: Burlesque 7:30 PM SLT
Fourth Saturdays: Burlesque 12 PM SLT

Legends Theater-Home of the Burlesque Dolls

Dance Blogger for SLInsiderGuide

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