Champagne Hand for Every Dancer’s Toolkit

Make it Sparkle Video with Antonette Cohen
Broadway Dance Captain

2:09 (runtime)

Director’s Notes

Broadway Dance Captain, Antonette Cohen, describes a key movement motif used in the show ‘Wicked,’ termed as the "champagne hand"—which is a deviation from the traditional dance or ‘port de bras’ shape.

• This movement, named by an old school choreographer, is used repeatedly throughout the performance and is characterized by relaxed fingers, mimicking the grip one would have while holding a cigarette or a glass of champagne.

• The concept behind the champagne hand is to avoid a tight grip, as it would break a real glass of champagne. It embodies a wrist-up, bent, relaxed shape.

• Cohen's friend and fellow dance captain likens the champagne hand to screwing in a light bulb, emphasizing its casual, nonchalant nature, which aligns with the overall movement energy of the show.

• She also relates the champagne hand to the character Fiero from 'Wicked', who is defined by his carefree attitude, and believes this movement effectively encapsulates that ethos.

More About Antonette

Broadway: Wicked. National Tours: Wicked. Regional: West Side Story (Fulton Opera House), Footloose (Marriott Theatre) and Hot Mikado (Westchester Broadway Theatre), among others. Proud Northwestern graduate. Love and thanks to Jeremy and family.