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The Evolution and History of the Showgirl
from elitecasinoevent.com
howgirls are magical women that are known for their bold Lido. These dancers became known as the “Bluebell Girls,”
and colorful costumes. Some sing and dance while others and while based in Paris, they had permanent troupes in Las
Sact as the original arm candy for hosts. Regardless of their Vegas and even in other countries. Others suggest that it was
role, they have a fascinating past- and it’s impressive to see how the casinos themselves who wanted to “outdo” their rivals with
far they have come! over-the-top revues. Extravagant props were created as well as
Showgirls were introduced to the world in the mid-1800s. They the birth of the modern-day showgirl costume- including large
were first spotted in the cabarets of France, namely Paris. The headpieces, feathers, and garments to elongate the legs happened
Moulin Rouge and Follies Bergere were among the places that at the Lido de Paris at the Stardust. The Copa Girls at the Sands
these lovely ladies could be discovered. The can-can dances, and the Follies at the Dessert Inn also began featuring showgirls.
popular in the day, were quite literally, the step forward that This drove attendance and attraction to the nightly shows in Las
these ladies needed to gain notoriety. In their lovely dresses, Vegas and has been synonymous with Sin City ever since.
incorporated with feathered accents, they became an instant
attraction.
Showgirls were introduced to the United States by Florenz
Ziegfeld. You have perhaps heard of the Ziegfeld Follies? This
revue was elaborately produced in New York and gained
significant traction in the early 1900s. Inspired by what he
had seen in France, Mr. Florenz would create “over the top”
productions that included elaborately dressed women. These
women became the Ziegfeld Girls and were adorned in clothing
by some of the most important designers of their day. Capitalizing
upon their popularity, they began appearing in silent films. This
film exposure would ultimately lead them to Las Vegas.
The association between showgirls and Las Vegas began in the
mid-1900s. There is general disagreement between who brought
them to Las Vegas. Some claim it was Margaret Kelly Liebovici,
a young dancer who had established a dance troupe at the Paris
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