Performer Kyle Efthemes from the Las Vegas area Chippendales performing group spoke to Greek Reporter recently about the new interactive virtual experience called “Chippendales@Home,” which is available for healthcare workers and first responders for free for a limited time.
“We are making the most out of the situation that we are in,” the performer says.
The American dancer has a Greek background and heritage, belying his stage name, which has been shortened for ease of pronunciation. “My real last name is Efthemeopulas,” he notes. “People tell me all the time that I have a Greek nose. I acknowledge it and I am very proud of it,” he says with a laugh.
Efthemes also spoke about “Chippendales@Home,” an all-new interactive virtual experience. The brand has made the bold move to launch online experiences since people have not been allowed to congregate due to the COVID-19 quarantine.
Recent digital offerings include at-home workouts with Chippendales cast member Ryan Worley, Instagram Live chats with alumni of the Chippendales, and light-hearted digital content such as one of its current cast members performing a lap dance for a 12-pack of toilet paper.
“The virtual parties are really cool,” Efthemes says. “It is thirty minutes long, so that’s a lengthy time to have with us,” he notes.
For a limited time, the Chippendales organization is offering this service for free as a “thank you” to all first responders and healthcare workers as well as any ticket purchaser who was unable to attend one of their postponed shows. “That is very exciting, especially since it is helping out the first responders and healthcare workers that are working tirelessly during this pandemic,” the dancer points out.
In addition, Chippendales has been offering its fans and followers “Cameos” online via the Cameo website. “The cameos are really cool too,” he said. “They are a nice way to be personable with the fans.”
During the break occasioned by the pandemic, Efthemes has been keeping himself busy with home improvement projects, including painting cabinets, as well as landscaping his backyard. “I have been keeping myself very busy,” he adds, and then notes that he has been doing “Insanity” workouts at home also, to keep in top shape.
Efthemes recalls that one of the most memorable moments in his career was when veteran comedian Lisa Lampanelli paid a special guest visit to their show. “That was so cool. She is hilarious. She was a pistol up on stage. She was a lot of fun. Her facial reactions were simply priceless. Lisa was so great,” he says.
In speaking about his personal life, the razor-thin dancer shared that he has been fully vegan for the past six years. “Vegan food is pretty good,” he admits, putting the lie to the prevailing sentiment that it might not be too tasty.
When asked what might be a good title for the current chapter of his life, Efthemes says with a laugh, “COVID-19.” However, he says with resignation, “It is almost comforting since everybody is in this situation together.”
Efthemes noted that every moment in his career as a dancer and performer has helped define him into the person and entertainer that he is today. “You learn from every moment and you get better. Even as a perfectionist, I always look for ways to improve myself,” he said.
He noted that his current stint with The Chippendales performing group is a full-circle moment for him. “I started out with The Chippendales and now I have been back with them for four years.” For Efthemes, the word “success” can be likened to a revolving door. “Sometimes, success has a ‘money’ ring to it, sometimes, it has more of a ‘happiness’ ring to it. Right now, success is happiness,” he says.
The dancer enjoys attending Greek festivals in Las Vegas with his family members, and he thanked his Greek-American fans and supporters for “being on this journey” with him. “I would love to someday change my last name back to Efthemeopulas.”
“Come to Las Vegas and see the show. We will be back and we will probably be one of the first shows open. Come and have a good time with us, since we are anxious to be back performing again. Our show is amazing and we have a great host,” Efthemes concludes.
For more information on the virtual Chippendales experiences, and for schedules for future shows, check out the official Chippendales website here.
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