Chic-a-Go-Go Does Beijing With Punk Dance Lessons for Children, Nov 10

The Beijingers | Nov 9, 2017 5:30 pm | Add a comment | 1041 reads

There are two possible reactions to seeing Chic-a-Go-Go show for the first time: "How is that not viral?" and "How is this even allowed?" The music show for all ages (which translates to being tailored for youngsters, but suitable for all) combines worlds with seemingly impossible differences. Chic-a-Go-Go is a music and dance show with live performances, interviews, and free dancing to recorded music as well. The audience and participants range from just-out-of-diapers toddlers to young adults and the musical guests play some serious underground punk, rock, and rap pieces. If you've never seen a crowd of kids rocking out to David Bowie or Nobunny, Chic-a-Go-Go is a place to witness that.

The hosts of the long-standing show are Miss Mia (Mia Park) and Ratso, who is a puppet rat. Having taped more than 1,000 shows already, Miss Mia and Ratso now come to Beijing's School Bar to gather local live music to teach kids how to dance to the punk of SUBS, Gum Bleed, and The Sino Hearts, Nov 10.

While I still struggle to wrap my head around it, the only way to decide if it's the best idea ever or a misunderstanding is to see them live. I talked to Miss Mia before the upcoming gig and tried to understand the roots of the show better.

I must say, it takes time to wrap my head around your show. It's dancing, it's live music, it's underground acts, and kids? How did this mix come into existence in your head?
Great question. I happened to be a dancer on the very first episode that Chic-a-Go-Go creator and producer Jake Austen taped. And let me tell you a secret, shhhhhh: Jake is also Ratso, my rat puppet co-host. So, when I began hosting the show 18 months later, I was already a member of this strange and all-inclusive family. Growing up watching American Bandstand and another dance show from Philadelphia called Dancin' On Air, I already understood the in-studio dance format. Since Chic-a-Go-Go is a cable access show, we're weirder than those other dance shows. They were shows that people tried to be cool enough to dance or play music on. Our show is the opposite in that we're cool because of the eclectic, fun-loving dancers and lip-synching bands.

Your show has been on TV for many years, and the acts you choose vary from rap to punk and rock. What guidelines do you use to choose the artists who take part in your show?
Our only guidelines are that they have a kid-friendly, clean version of their song that is pre-recorded, and that they're respectful during filming, meaning that they're not drunk or mean to the kids. Otherwise, have fun!

So who has been your best guest?
Personally, my favorites are Andrew W.K. for being totally open-minded and the kindest to L'il Ratso, Alan Moore for being the most cosmically sincere about being a professional karaoke singer, and the Mexican wrestling chickens and baby chick from Lucha Vavoom. The chicken's interview is hysterical – I still crack up when I see it.

About Beijing: Chic-a-Go-Go is a TV show, so how will the Beijing gig look? Are we expecting kids or adults in the audience?
Part of our performances are in bars, so I don't anticipate kiddos in Beijing. We say the show is for "kids of all ages."

What artists are you watching closely in the Beijing scene, or China in general?
I have to say that my favorite Chinese band is Round Eye! These Western rockers are unique in their sound and super energetic in their live show. I love watching them play. They embody the spirit of music in the same way Chic-a-Go-Go does: love music with your heart and soul, let music affect you deeply, don't care how you look while showing your love of music, and have fun.