The endless neon lights...Showgirls in every casino! I was grateful to be one of them!
Being a Les Folies Bergere' girl at the Tropicana Hotel in the 80's was a privilege. We were considered royalty in Las Vegas. Even though I was barely 18, I had the honor of being part of history that will forever be in the archives of Las Vegas. At the time I did not understand what being a 'Showgirl' meant to the city. Thirty Three later I see that now. The city has changed and nothing will ever have the allure of days gone by.
Even though I was under the age of 21, I was never carded or asked my age. Each dancer was given two drink tickets a night from the producer. They wanted us to mingle in between shows. So, we would get dressed up in between shows and go hang at the center bar at the Tropicana. Some girls chose not to participate, but I was always up for a nice cocktail! We would sit and laugh about the escapades of the show, who we were dating and where we would go after the show. It was always a party! Then we would head backstage and get ready for the second show. A bit tipsy, but we all had fun.
On a particular night, one of the showgirls got a little bit drunk and had a huge spill into the orchestra pit. The stage at the Tropicana had a 'passerelle' (bridge) that extended out and into the the audience via a ramp that encircled the orchestra pit. Opening showcase of the show and of course we were always told never to look down. Because the headdresses were so heavy and awkward that one look down and you would lose your step. Well, she missed a step and stepped right down into the orchestra pit right in the middle of the dance number. She basically had to stay there for the first part of the show. We all laughed as she sat there and watched us continue on with the show. She was so miserable, but we all thought it was funny because she never had a chance to climb out until the magician had his 12 minute routine and she safely crawled out with the help of the stagehands! It was quite entertaining! Im sure the audience had a good laugh as well.
Just another night being a Folies girl at the Tropicana Hotel. There was never a dull moment.
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