A fun-filled and enthusiastic exclusive conversation with choreographer BROOKE LIPTON discussing her Emmy-nominated work in AppleTV’s smash hit, PALM ROYALE, and the series big dance number “Havana Nights” in episode four, “Maxine Rolls the Dice.”
SYNOPSIS: PALM ROYALE is a true underdog story that follows the ambitious Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she schemes to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive table: Palm Beach high society circa 1969. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots, PALM ROYALE asks the same question that still baffles us today: “How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?” Set during the powder keg year of 1969, PALM ROYALE is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to belong.
Created by Abe Sylvia with episodes directed by Sylvia, Tate Taylor, Stephanie Liang, and Claire Scanlon, PALM ROYALE stars Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Julia Duffy, Leslie Bibb, Laura Dern, Mindy Cohn, and Carol Burnett, to name just a few of this star-studded cast.
Among the highlights of the PALM ROYALE series are the three galas that are held – the Fib Ball, Havana Nights, and the Beach Ball, with the Havana Nights ball in episode four being the series-stealing standout and easy to see why Brooke submitted that episode for Emmy consideration; obviously, a wise decision as it garnered her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming.
Already known for her work on the tv series “Glee” as well as her Emmy-nominated work on “Lucifer”, PALM ROYALE took Brooke’s talents and skills to a new level. Described by Brooke as “one of the most special things I think I’ve ever worked on and the most unique project, there’s nothing that I’ve ever done on that large of a scale with the complications and the magic of it.”
And magic it is as we watch approximately 100 people (if not more), principals and background players included, whirl and twirl with rumbas, conga lines, and showgirls around a ballroom complete with a sunken pool and gilded bridge. Choreographing to cover the spaciousness and scale of the ballroom itself (the legendary Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles which allowed production designer Jon Carlos to build a pool inside the ballroom), and working with cinematographer Todd McMullen for placement of dancers and the expanse of individual dance segments to accommodate camera and lighting placement, the result is nothing short of dazzling while telling a key element of the story and the comedic pursuit of a ruby necklace through dance.
In this exclusive conversation, Emmy Nominee BROOKE LIPTON breaks it all down for us as she discusses, among others:
- the importance of dance fitting the storyline
- choreographing dance movement for tv series versus stage or big screen
- her overall creative process
- collaborating with cinematographer Todd McMullen and camera crew “on the day of” and setting up each shot together versus blocking in advance
- choreographing without music
- using dialogue to guide the dance movements
- creating movement sequences for the dancers with phrases and vocabulary to give them choreography, particularly with the background dancers filling “quadrants” within the room; there is dance movement everywhere you look during this sequence be it foreground or background
- allowing background dancers and principal players to add their own adjustments and interpretations to their movements while also considering placement in the scene; adds a naturalness and ease
- working with actors and dancers to create movement and timing
- creating dance numbers for a party scene (and there was no bigger party than “Havana Nights”)
- incorporating some slapstick elements within the dance, notably with the pairing of Julia Duffy and Kristen Wiig, and the comedic stylings and fun of Josh Lucas
- working with core groups of dancers who might “fill in” for actors as the dance takes us around the room
- the importance of this particular scene within the series
- fluidity and connectivity with music and dance serving as a “connective tissue” with story elements
- challenges of coordinating elaborate dance routines, musical numbers, and set pieces, particularly within the series final episode and the Beach Ball
- the value of bringing joy and passion to the work
- and more!
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 07/26/2024
PALM ROYALE is now streaming on AppleTV+.
