The Enduring Allure of the Showgirl: From Paris to Las Vegas and Taylor Swift
The iconic showgirl, a symbol of glamour, spectacle, and Las Vegas history, is experiencing a resurgence in popular culture. From the archives of UNLV University Libraries Special Collections & Archives to the recent album by Taylor Swift, "The Life of a Showgirl," the legacy of these performers continues to captivate audiences.
Beginnings in Paris
The history of the showgirl can be traced back to Parisian cabarets and music halls of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gaby Deslys, a French superstar, popularized the image of the feathered showgirl during World War I. Her extravagant costumes and performances offered a sense of triumph and French aesthetics during a time of conflict. The Lido de Paris revue, which opened in 1946, further cemented the showgirl's association with glamour and spectacle.
These Parisian revues combined dancing, singing, gymnastics, and elaborate costumes. Productions such as the Folies Bergère, dating back to 1869, also played a significant role in shaping the showgirl aesthetic. The concept was then brought to the Las Vegas Strip, influencing the city’s entertainment landscape.
The Las Vegas Showgirl Emerges
In 1958, the Lido de Paris production arrived at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, marking a turning point in the city's entertainment history. Soon after, Follies Bergère opened at the Tropicana in 1959 and Casino de Paris at the Dunes in 1963. These shows established the showgirl as an iconic symbol of Las Vegas.
According to Su Kim Chung, head of Special Collections Public Services at UNLV, the original showgirls in Las Vegas were often topless, creating a sensation. The performers were carefully categorized. Over time, the categories of performers evolved. By the early 1970s, there were dancers, dancing nudes, and showgirls.
Evolution and Key Figures
The role of the showgirl evolved from being "beautiful moving scenery" to incorporating elements of dance and performance. Costumes and elaborate headdresses were essential elements, often restricting movement but contributing to the overall spectacle.
Key figures like Jerry Jackson, who produced and directed Folies-Bergère for 36 years, and Donn Arden, known for his large-scale productions like Lido de Paris and Jubilee!, shaped the aesthetic of Las Vegas showgirl entertainment. Arden was known as “the master of disaster” for his mastery of large numbers of women and dramatic sets.
The Life Behind the Glamour
While the showgirl image is often associated with glamour, the reality could be demanding. Costumes, especially headpieces, could be heavy and uncomfortable. Showgirls often worked long hours, performing multiple shows per night, sometimes six or seven days a week. Bob Mackie also created designs for showgirls.
Despite the challenges, the Las Vegas productions offered performers stable employment, a rare opportunity compared to touring. The spectacle created an enduring emblem of glamor, turning the scenery, costumes, and women into a star.
The Showgirl's Legacy and Taylor Swift
Although the last showgirl production in Las Vegas closed in 2016, the legacy of the showgirl lives on. Now, through Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl," and stars like Pamela Anderson, these glamorous performers' influence is felt.
Swift's embrace of the showgirl aesthetic highlights the enduring appeal of this cultural icon. The album cover features Swift wearing an original Bob Mackie costume from "Jubilee!", further solidifying the connection between the showgirl and contemporary pop culture. Other artists who draw on the legacy include Dita Von Teese who wears costumes from Jubilee!, and Beyonce who has been inspired by the designs of Thierry Mugler.
The Showgirl's Influence on Fashion
The showgirl aesthetic has also influenced fashion, with designers incorporating elements such as feathers, sequins, and rhinestones into their runway collections. Designers like Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler, and Jean Paul Gaultier have all drawn inspiration from the world of showgirls, creating spectacular and memorable looks.
From classic couture to modern interpretations, the showgirl's style continues to inspire and captivate, demonstrating the enduring power of glamour and spectacle.
Iconic Showgirls in History
- Mistinguett: A French sensation known for her performances at the Moulin Rouge and Folies-Bergère.
- The Dolly Sisters: Identical twins who dominated stages in America and Europe.
- Josephine Baker: A Jazz Age icon who brought her unique style to France and contributed to the war effort.
- Lola Falana: Known as the "Queen of Las Vegas" for her dazzling shows in the 1970s and '80s.
- Dolores: A Ziegfeld showgirl known for her statuesque presence and influence on runway culture.
Modern Interpretations
The showgirl spirit is maintained even as Vegas reinvents itself. Showgirl elements can be found on runways today.
The showgirl has evolved into a cultural icon that lives on in fashion, art, and entertainment. In many ways, the showgirl embodies what Las Vegas has always promised: escapism, fantasy and a celebration of the spectacular.
To learn more, visit the UNLV University Libraries Special Collections & Archives or consult the digital portal.
