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The Beatgirls has its roots in 1996, the year that guitarist and band leader Billy Watkins landed a regular spot at New Zealand’s hottest venue. He decided on a twist: “It was a Beatles tribute show… but with three girls doing vocals.”
The lead singer – Andrea Sanders – was also a dancer and choreographer, and the show quickly transformed. “Once Andrea brought dance and costumes into the show it was obvious the audiences wanted it.” The repertoire expanded into girl-bands from the 1960s (Crystals, Shirelles, Ronettes etc.) and then into disco, which brought bigger costumes, more dance moves and wilder wigs.
Word spread about this tight, foot-tapping show and Watkins & Sanders formed a management company called Total Entertainment to deal with the corporate bookings. The show would eventually reach from The Andrews Sisters to J-Lo, using hi-tech music tracks pre-recorded in major studios. These days a Beatgirls’ show is a professionally-produced blend of cabaret and rock concert which performs all over the world.