This article first appeared in the Mar/Apr 2010 issue of World Gaming magazine.
Renowned choreographer Keith Hawley
The Sands Angels are the resident dance troop at the Sands casino in Macau. They are an international dance troop that entertains casino guests six days a week during the 15 hours of live entertainment at the Sands every day. The girls work under the guidance of internationally renowned choreographer Keith Hawley and his dancers are winning the hearts and souls of all that see them dance.
Las Vegas was built on imagery. Some of these images were true and accurate and others were more to do with fiction than fact. One of the enduring images that helped create the Las Vegas brand was the showgirls. The glitzy, sequin-covered, long-legged beauties kicked their legs into the air and stole the hearts of many a sturdy gambler. They put on shows that left the very best French cabaret dancers blushing in their wake. Much of the Vegas showgirl romance and glitter has given way to Burger King, frozen margaritas and buffets but in casinos like Bally’s a few shows remain that pay homage to the past.
Macau is not yet an entertainment destination like Las Vegas. One could argue at the moment it doesn’t have to be, as enough people are cramming into the casinos to gamble and don’t have time to care about shows, entertainment and a more wholistic holiday experience. This will change in the future, however, as the market matures and competition gets tougher and more diverse.
The Venetian has the finest venue in this part of the world for big name acts like Lady Gaga and Linkin Park but it is also a treat to see old school casino entertainment that is live, right in front of your face and something different to what you will see anywhere outside of a casino. The Sands provides up to 15 hours of live, continuous entertainment, right in the heart of their casino, every day!
The Sands has a mix of bands, entertainers and other wonderful acts from all over the globe. The man behind many of the Sands’ shows and events is Keith Andrew Hawley. Keith is a Creative Director and Choreographer and is the Senior Manager of Dance and Entertainment at the Sands and the Venetian. Prior to that Keith was one of Australia’s finest performers and dancers and specialised in live music and dance. He has shared the stage with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Kylie Minogue. He has choreographed big budget stage shows and worked on academy award winning movies. Macau is very lucky to have a man of his talents.
“I was very excited to come to Macau and work with such an innovative company. My aim is to create a versatile group of international dancers that will showcase all types of dance. I am proud of the team we have created and we look forward to entertaining visitors to Macau in the years to come”, Keith said.
Probably the most well known of the ongoing acts at the Sands is the Sands Angels. From midday onwards you can go to the Sands and enjoy a wide range of dancing that will both entertain and excite. There is a huge variety of dancers that perform all styles including cabaret, musical numbers, and contemporary rock. It is performed on a huge main stage behind the bar in the main gaming floor, and there are three giant big-screened televisions that form a back drop for the stage so you can take in the excitement from nearly anywhere on the floor.
You don’t even have to stop playing to enjoy the show so you can still ride your luck on the tables or a slot machine and be entertained at the same time. This is a nice touch and it combines many of the most enjoyable things about being in a casino all at the one time.
Let’s meet a couple of the Angels:
Flo
Jas
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Flo
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Date of birth:
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21 March 1989
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Place of birth:
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Macau
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Nationality:
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Chinese
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Language:
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English, Cantonese, Mandarin
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Training:
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Macau Conservatory, School of Dance
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Why do you love dancing?
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“I am still very passionate about dancing. Some people spend their whole life searching for something that is right for them. I am glad that I have found it at such a young age. Dancing is like magic to me; never stop living, never stop dancing, life is amazing!”
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Why the Angels?
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“As a local, I am really glad that I have a chance to work with girls from different places. The girls are all very lovely and talented. Since I am the dance captain I try to take care of all the girls. It’s worth it when I see how much the audiences love the shows.”
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Jas
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Date of birth:
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22 May 1988
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Place of birth:
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Sydney, Australia
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Nationality:
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Australian (originally from the Philippines)
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Language:
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English, Tagalog
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Training:
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Arts College in Sydney
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Why do you love dancing?
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“Dancing is my only true passion. I began when I was four years old. My brother is a dancer too, he is my salsa partner. It is amazing that my family has given me so much support. I also starred in season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance?, a hit dance show in Australia where I made it to the top 80.”
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Why the Angels?
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“This is my very first job after graduation. Sands Angels is like a family. We share with each other and care about each other. It is an honour to work with Keith Hawley, he is such an amazing choreographer.”
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| Angels’ message to World Gaming readers |
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We are performing at the Sands six days a week, six sets a day. We would love to share our happiness with you and show you our talent. The more you enjoy our dancing, the more energy we will give back to you the audience. We bring on the best, because you are the best. We look forward to seeing you, dear readers. – Sands Angels |
