As Parisian as it could get, the Moulin Rouge cabaret celebrated its 125th anniversary in October with fanfare. Immortalised by painter Toulouse-lautrec, the iconic red neon windmill in the heart of Pigalle red-light district is still pulling in the crowds. According to the spokesperson, the Moulin Rouge is doing well for itself — it is sold out every night for its two two-hour shows, seven nights a week, 365 days in a year. With 600,000 guests a year and 450 staff generating a turnover of 65 million Euros, this is at its best possible shape. Deebashree Mohanty talked to prinicpal players to bring you a report
‘Million dollar costumes, travel across the world, meet celebrities and get paid for this job’
Jolene Slater
(Principal dancer)
For how long have you been associated with the troupeIJ
I arrived to join the cast in April 2002 and have been dancing with the troupe ever since.
Tell us more about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small country town in Victoria, Australia. I started dancing at a young age then decided to follow my passion and study dance and performing arts full time at The Dance Factory in Melbourne. After completing my studies on a scholarship, I worked professionally in the entertainment business. From musical theatre to cabaret and teaching, I enjoyed all different facets of dance and modelling before arriving at the Moulin Rouge in 2002. Today, I am lucky enough to be one of the principal dancers. It’s such an honour to lead the cast and to be involved in such an amazing cabaret show.
How did Moulin Rouge happen to you.
I auditioned in Sydney Australia in 2001. It was an audition that lasted all day and at the end I was chosen to stay. Three months after the audition I received a call from Paris offering me a place in the cast. Unfortunately, I had other commitments at the time and couldn’t accept the contract. Fortunately, six months later I received another call to see if I was available and interested and this time I accepted the contract.
Why did you want to take it upIJ
First, the Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret music hall you can ever get the opportunity to dance with. It’s also situated in the most beautiful city in the world. Also to dance the famous French cancan on the same stage where it originated is an opportunity you just can’t give up.
How has your experience beenIJ
I have had a lot of highs and lows throughout my twelve years here. The lows are definitely being so far away from home and missing special family moments. The highs have been learning another language and discovering a new culture. Wandering the Parisian streets and getting lost in this magical city. Traveling throughout Europe and most of all having the chance to dance on one of the most famous mystical stages in the world. Not too many people get to dress up in million dollar costumes, live day to day their childhood dreams and call it their job. What more could a girl ask for!
What has changed over the yearsIJ
Today is a lot different from when I started back in 2002. Being able to speak the language really helps you integrate and communicate with the French people. At work, I have definitely evolved as a dancer.
Your best and most memorable performance was....
One of the best performances was when Beyoncé watched the show. Being a huge fan, I was so excited to be performing in front of her. I got to meet her after the show backstage and she was truly one of the most elegant, classy down-to-earth celebrities I have ever met.
Is there a worst performance that you can recallIJ
Not really. Doing the same show six days a week two shows a night is very demanding though.
What according to you is the USP of this showIJ
The French cancan is the unique selling point. People recognise the French cancan music straight away and identify it with the Moulin Rouge. I would also have to say the history of the Moulin Rouge is very unique. Being situated in Montmartre where so many iconic artist immortalised the Moulin Rouge and certain performers.
How do you keep yourself fit to be a performerIJ
Doing the two shows is already a lot but besides that I like to do Pilates and from time to time a dance class. I love doing ballroom classes too.
How strenuous is itIJ
It’s very demanding physically as well as mentally. Twelve show a week is strenuous on the body, so you need to eat well, get enough sleep and try to avoid injuries. Also try to be stress free at all times.
‘Dancers need to be in good shape always’
Fanny RABASSE
spokesperson
It has been 125 years to this great performance. How has the journey beenIJ
The success and the longevity of the Moulin Rouge is to have been capable to adapt its shows throughout different eras. To give to people what they expected at different times. The Moulin Rouge had a lot of success all through its 125 years, thanks to the performers who knew how to put on a nice show for the public.
Tell us more about the selection of your performers. Where are they fromIJ
Our dancers come from 14 different nationalities (Australia, the UK and some from France). They are all professional dancers with a ballet training background. Miss Janet (the ballet mistress) holds auditions in Paris and in the world (Australia, UK, Canada, Scandinavia among others) to select them. They need to be very good dancers and have a nice figure. The personality is also very important. They need to have a lot of energy as the dancers will be performing 12 shows a week.
How do you train your performersIJ Do they have to maintain a strict dance routineIJ
When they get a contract for the Moulin Rouge, they have a one month rehearsal, 6 days a week to learn all the choreography of the show. Then, when they are performing, they have between 1 and 2 rehearsals per month.
They are required to do a lot of gyming as well to keep fit. But performing 2 shows a day (about 1h 45 minutes duration) helps them to stay in a good shape anyways.
Why do you think the Moulin Rouge is so popularIJ
Because of its longevity, history and the quality of the show. It is also a very French show in the tradition of the French ‘music-hall’.
‘In love with Paris, totally’
Rhiannah Isard (Dancer)
Why Moulin RougeIJ
It is such a world renowned and prestigious company. With beautiful sets, costumes and of course the dancers themselves. It is a spectacle that every dancer dreams to be apart of.
Have you been a dancer since childhoodIJ
I began commercial dancing at the age of four at my local studio. It was here that my teachers recognised my talent and encouraged me to audition for a full time professional progamme. Throughout my studies I have trained at some of Australia’s top institutions including the Australian ballet school and The West Australian academy of Performing Arts.
Tell us more about yourself. What do you doIJ
Coming from Australia, I indulge in a lot of outdoor activities. In my spare time, I hit the beaches to do yoga. Paris has some really beautiful parks where I now spend a lot of my spare time, reading books and drinking coffee and of course I love to shop considering I now live in the fashion capital of the world.
What attracted you towards Moulin RougeIJ
Apart from moving to one of the most beautiful cities in the worldIJ As a student I had seen and heard so much about the Moulin Rouge. I saw numerous videos and pictures of the beautiful dancers and knew that one day that was where I aspired to be. There are dancers in the company that I remember watching and whom I idolised. It is such a wonderful feeling and a honour to be able to dance beside them on the stage.
How do you handle the pressure of performanceIJ
For me, performing is an absolute passion. As a young girl at the ballet school, I was constantly told ‘stop performing and concentrate on your technique’, so it’s hard to say that performing makes me feel pressured as such. There are certain things in the industry, however, that creates pressure. Things like a body image or looking glamourous at all times of the day. Of course, I can get nervous, but once I take to the stage, I let myself loose and completely forget where I am.
