Everything you need to know about Hot Honey Rag

On Saturday 8th February we are hosting our next Musicals Masterclass, and we could not be more excited for this one because Chicago is coming to Hove! In this two-hour workshop, you will be able put on your finest 1920s Glad-Rags and channel your inner Velma Kelly as you master the iconic routine that is ‘Hot Honey Rag!’

Click this link to secure your place!

Want to find out more? Read on to discover why this routine is loved and celebrated by so many. Why this routine hit the theatres by storm; making it quintessential to the world of Broadway!

Now, we all know that Chicago is one of the most iconic and enduring musicals of all time. Its dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs, and sharp portrayal of crime, fame, and corruption continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Among the standout moments in Chicago is the sizzling "Hot Honey Rag," a show-stopping number that has become a symbol of the musical’s energy and flair. Let's take a closer look at the history and cultural impact of this routine.

Watch our very own routine of ‘Hot Honey Rag’ based on 2002 musical. Choreography by Rob Marshall.

The Origins of "Hot Honey Rag"

"Hot Honey Rag" first graced the stage of Broadway in Chicago, which opened in 1975. Written by John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics), the musical is set in 1920s Chicago and tells the story of Roxie Hart, a vaudeville performer who finds herself on trial for murder. Chicago’s sleek and jazzy score pays homage to the Vaudeville and Jazz Age, and "Hot Honey Rag" is one of its standout musical numbers.

The number features a high-energy combination of music and dance that captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties; a time of excess, freedom, and rebellion. Originally, the routine was choreographed by Bob Fosse, whose signature style has gone on to define much of Chicago’s aesthetic. Fosse is known for his attention to detail and his choreography for ‘Hot Honey Rag’ is a blend of Jazz, burlesque, and vaudeville; combining quick footwork, sharp isolations, and suggestive movements in which exude sensuality and confidence. which were seen as highly provocative and daring for the time. In the production of Chicago, these moves translate into a routine that is at once, flirty and intense, and seductive and humorous; therefore upholding the power to captivate audiences around the globe!

Watch Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera perform the 1975 choreography from the musical.

The Song and Its Power

"Hot Honey Rag" is performed in the second act of Chicago and serves as a pivotal moment in the show. Roxie Hart, having gained fame from her murder trial, joins Velma Kelly for the performance. The song itself is a catchy, jazzy tune with playful lyrics about a woman’s desire and the irresistible allure of the “Hot Honey Rag” dance, which provides the perfect backdrop for the choreography to shine!

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Since its debut, Chicago and the "Hot Honey Rag" number have left an indelible mark on musical theatre. The number has become a hallmark of Broadway and beyond, influencing the way subsequent musical theatre productions use choreography to tell a story. The incorporation of female empowerment and feminism within a musical was groundbreaking, and it has paved the way for other shows to explore similar ideals.

In a larger cultural sense, "Hot Honey Rag" is part of a greater conversation about women's agency, the commodification of fame, and the complex relationship between power and seduction. The number’s provocative energy invites us to consider the fine line between performance and reality, and glamour and the darker truths lurking beneath the surface.

As a result, it is clear that ‘Hot Honey Rag’ is more than just a routine from a musical; it is the cultural touchstone that represents the intersection of art, entertainment, and societal expectations; placing influential feminism at the heart of the performance- what more could you ask for?

Now you’ve read the history, and watched the routine what are you waiting for? Click the link or visit www.mycharlestondance.com and secure your place in being able to dance one of the most empowering routines in history!

Location: Open Space Studios, Hove

Dressing up is encouraged!

By: Eleanor O’Donnell