She Does the City recently had the pleasure of attending the ultra-sexy Love Letters Cabaret “The Bacchanal” at Lula Lounge presented by Pastel Supernova Enterprises.

As soon as I arrived, I was entranced by characters from The Bacchanal ensemble, who mingled and flirted with guests. Paying homage to Bacchus/Dionysus the Greek God of wine, theatre, and revelry the stunning cast of talented dancers and musicians relived the riotous festivity of the ancient, mythical Bacchanal through sensual dancing, live singing, and nostalgic instrumental interludes in fabulous burlesque getups.

Who is the powerhouse behind Pastel Supernova Enterprises’ Love Letters Cabaret?

Recognized by Flare Magazine as one of Canada’s 30 most influential women, Pastel fills various roles, including dancer, model, choreographer, and actress. Classically trained in ballet and modern dance, Pastel entered the commercial entertainment industry by touring international stages with Nelly Furtado.

Pastel’s love for pin-ups inspired her to launch Pastel Supernova Enterprises, promoting and producing artistic projects created for lovers of the “ultra-feminine.” Through her company, Pastel provides consultations on style and poise, including Heels@Home a lesson in confidence through what she calls “the art of walking in high heels.”

SDTC had the opportunity to chat with Pastel to learn about the meaning behind her work and the Love Letters Cabaret.

SDTC: As Director and Choreographer of the Love Letters Cabaret, where do you draw your inspiration?

Pastel: I’m inspired by everything and everyone around me. Ideas for my stories are propelled by myth, magic beauty and history… The motivation to get it all done comes when I think about my mother.

SDTC: How does your choreography free audiences from their inhibitions to enjoy the subtleties of seduction?

“The Bacchanal” explores decadence, primal instincts, and romance. I always look to create bold images that either make audience members run away or, ideally, accept them and take them in. Beyond the shock value of certain moments within the show, I am very conscientious about creating an environment that is free judgment, where upon entering the venue, it is safe to feel whatever one feels. This is initiated by leading a strong and confident ensemble that stands proud and full of love for our guests… I call it the Care Bear Stare from our Naughty Bits.

SDTC: You describe the Love Letters Cabaret as an ensemble of dancers and musicians with a liberal modern day mentality in love with aesthetics of the past. How does “The Bacchanal” explore this love for beauty of the past through costume and music selection?

Pastel: I am a modern girl who is heavily influenced by the past, looking to create odes to what I revere. The Bacchanal story itself is ancient and sharing my version of it is my way of paying homage to the past… Having said that, I do a lot of research! I devoured all kinds of mythical stories about Bacchus/Dionysus, the dancers who have depicted him in the past. I traced the old maps with the routes the Bacchantes were said to have walked and looked into the styling and dancing that those communities preferred as well. I chose music that either depicted my story lyrically or helped tell my tale with a melody. When I gave KJ McKnight (professional dancer/choreographer of Love Letters Cabaret) two numbers to choreograph, we talked a lot about the storyline and how the characters would be dressed according to history before modifying the looks to our taste. After learning as much as I could about the real deal I let it all go and let the present day help me dream up a new story.

SDTC: “The Bacchanal” engages the audience to unwind and interact with your ensemble of dancers throughout the show. Has there been an audience member who responded particularly well to this part of their cabaret experience in the past?

Pastel: Our audience members feed us from their plates, pour us wine, they get up and dance, sing, and develop relationships with our characters that keep them communicating throughout the show. Love Letters is a wild and primal world where the extraordinary is the norm.

SDTC: What is on the horizon for Love Letters Cabaret in the coming months?

Pastel: December 20th I’ll be presenting The Naughty Nutcracker at Lula Lounge and February 13th & 14th Love Letters Cabaret will present another new full-length Valentine’s Special at Lula Lounge. Stay tuned for event details: loveletters.pastelsupernova.com

SDTC: Where can SDTC readers take your classes (Heels@Home, Dance Up a Sweat, Sultry Swagger, and PinUp Posing)?

Pastel: I mainly teach downtown Toronto Sultry Swagger (burlesque & chair choreography) is at Brass Vixens & you can get a serious workout from me in Dance Up a Sweat at Goddess in Motion.

For more info on Pastel’s upcoming shows, pop-up workshops, and classes for your next Girls Night Out and upcoming bachelorette parties: pastelsupernova.com

Follow Pastel Supernova: @pastelsupernova

~ Krys Stefanski