La Danse Apache
Paris, France - 1908
The evening was shattered
as Mistinguette and Max
danced an act of violent attacks
between a prostitute and pimp.
Her clothes were tattered
in disarray, some torn away
as to expose a breast
and her “million-dollar” legs
Her face appeared battered
bruised and bloodied
He walked with a limp
carried a fistful of money.
He was her pimp
and she was his honey
but he treated her like dirt.
All could see that she was hurt.
The scene began
with the music “Valse Chaloupee”
and she was tossed to the floor.
He told her to leave
but she wanted more.
She grabbed for the money
but he slapped her face
then he pulled her in
and held her in his embrace.
She tried again, and this time
he twisted her around his waist
several times, then raised her on high
only to let her go
and she fell to the floor.
The scene continued with
extreme acts of staged violence
humiliation, and subjugation
requiring great strength and balance.
It ended when she used a knife
from her garter to cut his throat.
The dance called Apache was born that night.
The reception and applause were huge
the night Mistinguette and Max
danced Apache at the Moulon Rouge.