Mannequins in Motion

Mannequins in Motions
Take a good look at these three beautiful women.
They are Bianca Duval, Holly Saint Copperfield and Diva Alexander. Together this dynamic trio is professionally known as “Mannequins in Motion” and can be seen performing each week at public night clubs and hotels
in Barbados.

Diva and Bianca knew each other as young adults, but became friends at the onetime competition “Miss Island Girl.” It was Diva's idea to showcase their talents, develop stage material and seek out working contracts. Since 1995 these gals have been putting on
a great show and this show comes with a complete package. They are responsible for managing their contracts, designing and making their costumes and purchasing their
make-up, music and stage props. This duo became complete as a trio with the inclusion of Holly. “As a trio we are better, we are really one group with three different personalities and we keep it real, compliment each other and would not change a thing.”

And real is the word that best describes these rich performances. Besides their good looks and fit bodies, their larger than life stage presence makes you gasp. Bianca is the shortest at a natural height of 5 foot 11 inches, Holly follows second at an even 6 foot and Diva stands 6 foot 4 inches tall. And by the time they are in their full costumes accentuated with six inch heeled shoes and teased tresses, they dominate the stage and tower over the tallest male in any audience.

Though they perform songs from a variety of female musicians, these divas can sing and dance like no other. This is not some girly karaoke mime with nice dresses and pretty faces. Once the lights are dimmed and they take to the stage, you are transformed into a different world of magic and illusion. Between an average of eight complete costume changes per individual, Bianca interacts with the audience and this is where they completely separate themselves from any other professional girl group. The dialogue is original, witty, intelligent and direct. Looking around the room, it is hard to imagine the quality of performance directly in front of you, that is, until one of them is in your face and challenges you to step-up to the stage. “We are professionals and do what it takes to put on good show.”- Bianca says with her well recognised chuckle.

They have been featured in their local press, local Tourism Guide the Sun Searcher and on British television. In addition they performed in London and described this experience as a very well managed, advertised and accommodated for.

For me the most remarkable factor is that their stage presence extends into their daily lives. Once the show ends you meet their true personalities and even without the costumes, hair and make-up, each presents a committed and self assured character. And in fact this is no special wonder because to do what they do, live in their shoes and be who they are requires a magnitude of inner strength, hardened skins and ballsy nature.

They state that the local Barbadian is their most challenging audience -“We have to work harder for the locals and give 125%. If your high kicks are at an average 45 degrees, you have to take them to a defying 80 degrees. Most of the locals simply want to see you fail.
And this described angst does not only exist in their minds or by the things they do say,
it can also get physical, sometimes violent.”

During the development of this article, it was reported that one such a attack occurred after one of their shows. The location was at a Gas station pump where some young local men first verbally assaulted and then pulled out a gun and shot four times at Diva. Fortunately the cowards missed their target and were subsequently arrested. The matter is now in the hands of the Police, Lawyers and the Court, for Mannequins are staying true to form and have pressed legal charges. The case begins its hearings this July.

On a final note on this subject, it is worthy to recognise that Mannequins in Motion are a force to be reckoned with not only on but equally off stage. For they, without batting their 1 inch eyelashes have continued to perform without disruption - “There are no tears here, this is our life and we have commitments and work to do.”

On a happier note their love for their work is reinforced by the praises they receive each week. Though they state that the grand reward is obtained by being well paid, their success is measured by seeing the audience laugh and smile; seeing people come back and changing the way they think about others.

Mannequins will be on Tour in the UK in July '04. When asked if they will ever tour our region, Bianca quickly flashes an eager smile, chuckles and says –“If the money is good honey, we'll be there in a flash!”

Truly an experience not to miss.
Catch them throughout the year in Barbados at:

Raggamuffins – every Sunday at 09.00 pm
Crocodile Den – every Saturday at 10.00 pm
Sugar Sugar – every Wednesday at 10.00 pm
Escape Hotel – every other Tuesday and Thursday at 10.00 pm

Contact Mannequins in Motion:
Diva Alexander
Tel: 1 (246) 427 1012

Email: diva_alexander@hotmail.com