Footage has emerged of dancers dressed in bondage gear and thongs performing handstands in front of babies and parents at an ‘absolutely abhorrent’ event.
The CabaBabaRave show brands itself as a ‘little slice of afternoon delight’ that intersperses cabaret with ‘captivating baby sensory moments’ before ‘ending in a rave’.
Footage showed one dancer dressed in bondage gear while performing acrobatic sequences from straps dangling from the ceiling as babies and their parents watched.
The video, believed to have been taken during an event at the Honor Oak Pub in south-east London, also shows another act performing a handstand on a chair while wearing nothing but stilettos and a thong.
The show was slammed as ‘absolutely abhorrent’ and ‘sickening’ after the footage went viral on social media.
But organisers defended it, insisting it was carefully curated and suggesting the babies would not understand what was being performed.
Footage showed one dancer dressed in bondage gear while performing acrobatic sequences from straps dangling from the ceiling as babies and their parents watched
Another act performed a handstand on a chair while wearing nothing but stilettos and a thong
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington even waded in on the debate, tweeting: ‘I lost quite a few followers for saying that a semi-naked man in thigh high boots dancing in a highly sexualised way shouldn’t be performing in front of babies and it tells me everything I need to know about where society is heading. How do you not agree with me on this????’
Another critic said: ‘Absolutely sickening. What kind of parent would take their child to that?’
A third added: ‘Why would anyone think it appropriate to take their kids to one of these events?’
One commentator said: ‘More concerned that the parents think that sort of thing is appropriate and took their babies there in the first place.’
CabaBabaRave brands itself as a ‘little slice of afternoon delight’ that intersperses cabaret with ‘captivating baby sensory moments’ before ‘ending in a rave’
Expressing disbelief, a Twitter user said: ‘What parent (if we can call them that) in their right mind would subject ANY child to this.
‘What damage is being done to this young minds; parents are there to protect children from this type of behaviour. Why is this being allowed to continue????’
Advertising for the show at one pub describes how the cabaret was created by two mothers who ‘were constantly looking to be entertained whilst holding a baby in one hand and a pint in the other’.
The promo for a Christmas show at the Fox and Firkin, Lewisham, adds: ‘We wanted to create the type of event we ourselves as Mums would want to go to. There’s only so many times you can listen to the f****** Wheels on the Bus.
‘We wanted to give parents the experience of a “big London night out”.. cabaret, drinks and dancing.. but one you can bring your baby to and still be home for bedtime.’
CabaBabaRave has a sold out show at The Vaults in Waterloo, south-east London, on March 11, while further events are due to take place through to the end of May.
The event’s organisers said in a statement: ‘Just to let our followers know – we have turned our profile to private for a while. We have been subject to a pretty horrific trolling attack.. and it just keeps coming.
‘As mothers with young toddlers and one of us heavily pregnant this has become more stress than we are able to deal with right now. These trolls specifically have a problem with drag artists and non binary performers performing for children.. which is exceptionally sad, as those who have been to our event will know how much joy, love and happiness our shows bring.
‘As cabaret professionals each of our shows are specifically curated to the audiences advertised. Shows for the very young babies – are more aimed at the parents – new mums on maternity leave – providing a much needed “night out during the day”. Shows for the slightly older children (0-5yrs) feature performers who are carefully selected with family friendly performances and costumes in mind.
‘It’s come to our attention that people are sharing particular images and videos of one of our events that was specifically curated for the very young babies and parents.. not for “children of all ages” as implied.
‘Cinemas all over the country have “parent and baby showings” on a weekly basis of movies of all ratings.. there are many other “adult led events” designed to simply bring your baby along to – as.. it should go without saying babies of a young age aren’t able to grasp the plot of an intricate thought provoking movie.. or comment on the latest exhibition at the national portrait gallery.
‘Cabaret is a fantastic medium to showcase a diverse and inclusive array of performance talent – a cabaret without drag, trans and non binary performers is not a true portrayal of the art form and it’s incredible history.’
