Blond Ambition dancer introduced Truth Or Dare screening in LA
MadonnaTribe community member Mini_Me has just returned from the screening of Truth or Dare at the ArcLight in Los Angeles and wants to talk about the experience with fellow Tribers.
“I was only 12 when this movie came out, so my parents did not let me see it in the theatres. I’ve seen it as an adult, but it is AMAZING how different it is when viewed on the big screen. The concert footage, in brilliant color, makes you feel like you’re actually there. I found it interesting that Express Yourself in the movie was dubbed with the album version vocals… I guess she didn’t like her live voice on that song.
There was a special guest to introduce the movie… Luis Camacho, one of the more visible backup dancers on the Blonde Ambition tour, as well as in the Vogue video. I remember seeing him in Truth or Dare years ago and feeling alienated by how flamboyant he was about his sexuality. I must say he has improved greatly with age… he was very attractive and well-spoken. He didn’t seem to have scripted his introduction… he just spoke from the heart about his experiences on the tour. He told of how he and his friends made a home-movie showing their dance moves, including Vogue-ing, which was popular in gay clubs at the time. His best friend’s boyfriend was somehow connected to Debi Mazar, who got the video to Madonna. He said she saw it, loved it, and called him personally as soon as she’d seen it. He had a contract to perform in some other show, but she didn’t want to wait for him to be available, so she bought him out of the contract and flew him immediately out to LA to start rehearsals for the tour.
He said he still keeps in touch with her, but it is sporadic because she is so busy now. He is often asked if she was a bitch.
He says that at that point in her career she had alot to prove. She had never undertaken such a huge project before, and with this tour she wanted the best costumes, the best sets, the best choreography. He says she acted like an extremely driven person who knew what she wanted, and if that seemed like a bitch, then so be it. But, he also mentioned what a hard worker she was. She would get up before any of the dancers and after rehearsal, she’d head to band practice or other activities. He says she went to bed long after the rest of the crew was asleep. I really appreciated what he had to say, and it was a great surprise that he was there for the screening.
On a more personal note, he mentioned how self-centered he was back when the movie was originally released and how he was more concerned about fitting into his Valentino cat suit than inviting his mother to the premiere. He flew his mom and some other family members all the way from New York to be present for the screening tonight, as a way of making up to them that they didn’t attend the premiere. That seemed very meaningful and moving. He then went on to thank a million of his friends for his success… kind of like those rambling Oscars acceptance speeches that are so awkward because you don’t know anyone they’re thanking and don’t really care.
After the movie, Amoeba records hosted a Madonna karaoke. There were some amazing performers (and some lousy ones as well). There an open bar, which made the lousy karaoke singers more bearable. What a fun night!!!
I’ve enclosed a pic I took of the screen, that although blurry still turned out cool. I also attached a pic of Luis, myself (on the left) and my friend Raoul (on the right). Thanks for letting me share!”
Thanks to Mini_me for the nice report and for sharing it with The Tribe