The 2000s saw the rise of a number of hugely-popular pop groups, but none hit the heights in such unique fashion as The Pussycat Dolls. Despite having six members, the group quickly became better known as “Nicole Scherzinger and friends” due to the increased emphasis on Nicole over the others and the group as we know them eventually split in 2010 after a heap of bad blood spilled out.
But with the group now officially reuniting for a tour, now’s the time to take a look back at the Pussycat Dolls’ history and what better way to do that than to go all the way back to when the group were *checks notes* a burlesque troupe.
Choreographer Robin Antin began the Pussycat Dolls as a burlesque troupe way back in 1995 and initially made a name for themselves by performing popular 1950s and 60s tunes while dressed in lingerie or old pin-up costumes.
This eventually resulted in a residency at a Los Angeles nightclub from 1995 to 2001. During this period, the Pussycat Dolls roster was constantly changing as guest vocalists and dancers came and went, many of whom were or went on to become big stars in their own right.
In fact, one of the earliest names to join the group was none other than Christina Applegate, who Antin said was a surprisingly great singer and dancer.
As the buzz over the Pussycat Dolls increased, so did the celebrity level of its members. Some of the many high-profile names to join the group for their sexy burlesque shows included Charlize Theron, Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Osbourne, P!nk, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Carmen Electra, who was the group’s lead performer for a stint.
2003 turned out to be a turning point for the Pussycat Dolls as they were getting some serious press and exposure courtesy of magazine appearances, TV specials, ad campaigns and even a cameo in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.
Big-name music producers Jimmy Iovine and Ron Fair soon became involved with the group and the pair, along with Antin, decided to have the Pussycat Dolls pivot from popular burleqsue act to a full-blown pop group.
Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Kimberly Wyatt were among the few original burlesque troupe members who remained in the group after the big flex. Once Nicole Scherzinger, Melody Thornton and Kaya Jones were added following an audition process, the Pussycat Dolls as we know them now were born.
While the pop group went on to do crazy things, the burlesque arm of the Pussycat Dolls is still kicking along with Antin staging a number of revue performances around the world.
Seeing as how the pop group have reunited, perhaps now’s the time to re-introduce a bit of burlesque into their act. Seriously, there’s no better way to usher in a new era of the Pussycat Dolls than to honour the group’s original burlesque roots.
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