Hairdressers Journal Interview

All the Right Moves

Expert guidance on putting a top-notch show together comes in the cool, collected (yet cuddly) form of fashion show choreographer/director Robert Blake. Nicky Pope reports on what makes him so desirable.

Robert Blake is a showbiz godfather. The Al Pacino Mr Fixit who calmly and coolly makes things happen. You wanna four minute, mind blowing hair show to wow your audience and build media and public awareness of your salon? Mr Blake knows how it's done. His job title is choreographer/director; his profession is putting your ideas on hair together with the models, dancers, music and stage production to create a stunning presentation.

Whether it's the full monty posing and dancing, fabulous costumes, lighting, back video screens and top-notch sound of the Salon International live theatre, or a short guest presentation of models as part of a local show, Blake can bring your ideas alive. "A lot of people do not have the time needed to dedicate to designing and producing a show so they bring in someone like me," says Blake. "I dedicate my time so they don't have to. Instead, they can get on with their business so it doesn't suffer for the sake of a one off show.

This is understating the case - Blake brings a lot more to a project. An ex-dancer, he has a knowledge of choreography. A music buff, he has a vast library of show music and knows how to mix a mean groove. Technically au fait with amps, speakers and audio-visual equipment, he owns his own recording facility and has recently added a video editing suite. Oh yes he also knows about engines! Fresh out of school, Blake started work as an apprentice diesel fitter at British Rail Engineering Ltd and spent his spare time playing football.

Team Player? Yes, his history of engineering and team sports means that today he fully exploits his awareness of the power of team building and his technical background for project work.

"I want everyone in the show, on and offstage to feel comfortable and above all not be embarrassed. My aim is to put shows together that people want to be part of."

After being given an assignment it's time for Blake to bring a little vision to the proceedings. He seeks out a potential cast of models and dancers depending on the show and submits a shortlist for the client to organise a final choice. "At this stage we can start putting the music and choreography together, then go to rehearsals and finalise the cast." At the venue he works with the production company to add stage directions, lighting and give a technical brief.

With showtime looming, dress rehearsals take place. "You need to live the show, see it over and over in your head to know exactly what's happening in the music, lighting and choreography to make a show - a sort of recipe including exact directions and requirements for all aspects of the production, from microphones to make up." Blake believes that there should be a great emphasis on music.

"The music accompanying the images created by the stylists can make the images incredibly striking because you are satisfying more than one sense. Quite often you see a show that's visually stimulating but if the soundtrack isn't there then it's disappointing." He goes on to talk about the importance of the models, styling, dressers and having a good technical crew to work with.

It's clear that while he may enjoy the reputation Mr Fixit, Blake's philosophy is anything but a quick fix. He firmly believes you can't skimp on the time and effort needed to put a show together, whatever the material or the budget.

And if you don't believe it look at his impressive record within the industry: Salon 97, the Gold Shows, The Power, Rock 'N' Rollers, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing and roadshows for leading manufacturers. Robert Blake is a creative force with a businesslike approach, rather like a godfather with a briefcase of ideas.

(Interview conducted by Nicky Pope for Hairdressers Journal)