The desolation of Las Vegas

As you know, if you have been seeing my tweets for the last two weeks, I have been on the move in my corvette exploring the great city of Las Vegas. On a normal night before this happened to all of us, like you, I too had a social life and loved getting dressed up and going to my favorite spots around the city. But, now we are all told to stay home or do this social distance thingy. Well, I decided since the Las Vegas Strip is always congested with traffic I, would take this time to finally see the Vegas I have missed. Even though, I live very close to the 24 hour action of the Strip, I rarely get the opportunity to drive it. Now, back in the olden days, we could drive down the Strip no problem. Just lately in the last 10 years its gotten very congested with cars and tourists.

The first time out I just drove up to the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd where the City Center is located. It was daylight and just seemed very quiet. I saw the presence of police, barriers at all the hotel entrances and road work starting to begin. It was just odd not seeing any cars or people, and this was the second day of the shut down.

The next night, I wanted to take a walk on the Strip to get the "real" feeling of the shutdown. I started out about 7 pm and took a power walk from Paradise Road to corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd. There were a few scattered people about, mostly with cameras and everyone said hello or have a nice night. I assume they were locals being curious like myself. When I got close to the Cromwell and Bally's, I was in total shock. I am one of those old school folks who still loves Bally's. Seeing it so dark and empty was very sad. I have had many great moments at this property. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

I kept walking and took a look down the Strip. Saw a few cars and lots of police. Seemed that most of the properties had about 50% of their lights on, the only thing that was completely dark were the hotel rooms. Usually when you look up at a hotel, you will see flickering lights everywhere coming from the many guest rooms, not tonight. I wanted to see as much as I could as it was quite chilly out, so I found the stairs for the walkway over the Strip to Caesars Palace. The escalators were closed and the only option were the stairs. Very steep stairs I might add! 5 years ago I wouldn't have been able to climb the stairs as I was recovering from two total hip replacement surgeries. So, I'm super grateful for the strength I have. I can now conquer stairs.

At the top of the stairs I saw one girl who also said she was checking out the Strip and getting some much needed exercise. Other than that I saw no one.

I have had many nights exploring and I'm happy to say I am grateful for the time, but I am saddened by the loss of jobs and tourism. I welcome everyone to come back and enjoy our city at its finest once this shut down is over. We will over-come and be stronger as humans and a society.  I truly believe that. Faith, Love and Courage. My three favorite words I live by.

The Audition Part 3 Folies Bergere

As we all stood facing the theater from the stage, the woman speaking to us from the house microphone was a petite ginger haired lady with a sweet face. She introduced herself as 'Laura' the head dance captain for the entire show and gave us a rundown as to how the audition would proceed. She would show us step by step the dance number we were to learn, a series of multiple high kicks and a showgirl walk from one end of the stage to the other. The audition would take about 4 hours with eliminations, groups of 10 each performing the dance number and 5 at a time executing the high kicks. Seemed easy enough except I did not know what a ' Showgirl Walk' was? I would later learn by watching all the other dancers and emulating what they did. I was very nervous but very confident. Confident? Yes, in a way, I knew what I was capable of and I would make it look effortless.

The audition began. I stood up front in my lime green two piece leotard and watched closely as Laura showed us the routine. She explained that the routine was the opening extravaganza number in the show. It was the dance number with the golden staircase where all the dancers would cascade down at a high rate of speed, wearing 4ft headdresses, 3.5 in heels and tons of feathers and rhinestones. It was fast paced with lots of turns and high kicks.

We would randomly move the lines back and forth so the dancers in the back could get a chance to be seen. Within the first hour there were eliminations. Sitting in the house theater observing us was the producer and entertainment director Mr Lee, a few others I did not know and my handsome mafia man who I will later reveal. I would not be at this audition if it wasn't for him.

Eliminations were now down to 30 dancers as I think we started out with way over 50. I was not eliminated. The remaining dancers that I stood  with, all had their hair teased high on their heads, glossy red lips, outrageous fake eyelashes and fake smiles. I was not one of them. I hoped to be different and stand out. Stand out I did.. fresh from the dance studio to the stage. I heard one dancer comment "Shes so young."

 We all took a breather from the hour long dance routine and moved to the side stage left. It was time for the famous "Showgirl Walk" from stage left to stage right and back.

My most challenging moment.

The Audition Part 2 Folies Bergere

 I arrived at the Tropicana Hotel close to the 2pm audition time. The Tropicana was so impressive and absolutely stunning as a structure. Walking in, the overhead stainless glass canopy over the gaming area is more impressive then anything I have ever seen in Las Vegas. I proceeded to the Tiffany Theater and there was a security guard checking to see why I was there. He accepted my response and let me into the theater. I had been to see Les Folies Bergere twice but I had I never seen it like this, all empty seats except for the stage. The stage was full of girls stretching and performing numerous tricks. I slowly walked towards the stage. I could see all the seasoned dancers and showgirls warming up. I felt totally out of place. I was 18 and never been Ito an audition in Las Vegas.

As I walked onto the stage from the theater, I noticed the dancers were all in very skimpy outfits and tights that had holes(fishnets). I found a spot on the stage and proceeded to stretch. I felt very out of my element with all these glamorous dancers.
All
The dancers wore g-strings and tops that were barely visible to the nipple. I knew the audition was for covered and nude dancers so I could see why some were dressed this way. I did not have a g-string and never even knew what it was until today. I felt completely out of place. The only thing I had was my training. I knew I was a well trained dancer and I could do this.

Minutes went by then a lady's voice from the theater stopped all of us, she said " All dancers move to the front of the stage and move your bags to the side stage." We all scampered and got focused, moved to front of the stage.

Center stage I took a front spot. I needed to be seen

My first audition for the Tropicana Hotel 1987: Part 1 Folies Bergere

Las Vegas  September 1987

Here I am just chilling in my dorm room at UNLV, studying and stretching. I have been in Las Vegas on my own for two weeks since my parents helped me move into Tonopah Hall on the UNLV campus. Im finally feeling free and inspired. I do have a silly room-mate Loreal who is from upstate NY and she always has some random guy in her bed. I don't mind as I'm rarely in the room except to sleep and sometimes study. I prefer to be in the dance studio or library where I have a part time job as an assistant to the librarian. But today, I got word that there is to be an audition next week for one of the biggest shows on the Strip at the Tropicana Hotel! Its for the 'Les Folies Bergere.' The first Las Vegas show I attended at 16 years old with my sisters wedding party. So, I am pretty ramped up! I know I'm only 18 years old with no experience as a Showgirl, but I'm going to give it my best! I have less then a week to prepare.

Being a dancer from Los Angeles and going to auditions with most of my clothes on, I had no idea what surprises I would see when I walked into the showroom at the Tropicana Hotel. I was in for a bit of a shock, even though I knew that part of the show was topless. There were 4 different lines for the dancers and showgirls. The acrobats, short covered dancers, short nude dancers and tall nude showgirls. Plus the boys also had two lines; acrobats and tall male show-boys. It was a huge cast of over 60 dancers! I was auditioning for either a short covered or short nude.

Audition day arrives! I thought I was so cool as I borrowed my friends two piece lime green top and bottom, beige ballet tights, black legwarmers and black dancing heels(borrowed from my Mother). I will tell ya it was a sight to see. Total 80's regalia with a super tight hair bun, black smokey eyes and red glossy lips. I didn't know what fake eyelashes were at the time, so none of that, but Id soon find out!

I took a cab from the campus and arrived at the Tropicana in less then 5 minutes. I proudly walked up the stairs and entered into the casino. I knew this was a special day as I had been dreaming of auditioning for the show since I was 16. And, today I was here!

I have been reading posts from those that are upset over the hotel fees. First off, its not 1999. Get over it. What is your problem with the hotel fees? You weren't here in the early days, so dont get your ruffles in a mess

Las Vegas is now a metropolitan city on the global map. You weren't here during the 'hey days'. Not your fault, you just weren't. There are no longer comps for rooms because you play a $10 slot for one hour.

Stop complaining!

This is a city of change, with stadiums, concert venues, massive gaming floors and endless food options.

 Get over it or dont come if you're that upset over the fees and lack of comps.

Heartbeat

As I continue on this path, I am understanding the true meaning of writing a non-fiction. It is forever on my mind. I rarely sleep with quotes and things I want to write. Maybe, its just left where its at? Thats why no one has done this before. About the true grit and glamour of Las Vegas?

I look back at what my chapters offer, and I realize its not something I should write nor should I be telling these secrets.

Im at a standstill.

I wish I had a 'ghost writer'

I believe that what I have is important, but not necessarily what I should share? Do writers always question their work? I feel I question more then I share?

I would love for an accomplished writer to comment or add advice.

I do believe what I have is a bestseller. Is belief enough? Do we all really love our past? Even if it is from a city of intrigue and mystique?

Las Vegas is a city of true grit and vibration. A heartbeat unlike anywhere else.

Our Las Vegas Homeless

I drive my beautiful car that I paid off in 2012, I live in a nice apartment with power, AC and food, I go to my gym daily to stay active, I have internet access and friends. All of this seems like alot to those who are without.

In my daily travels throughout my city of Las Vegas, I encounter many peddlers constantly asking for my money and then there are those that never ask for a dime. I rarely give to those who beg. I do see a few that I have become friendly with and we are now friends. We are not friends because I give to them, we are friends because I care who they are and why they are homeless. 

No one wants to be homeless. Ok, some dont give two shits, but the ones I encounter generally are not comfortable where they are. They have either gone through the devastating financial crisis of 2008, lost a partner or have gotten to old to continue in the employment industry.

Kathy is homeless with two small dogs that live in a cart with a small shield to help with the over-powering sun rays. Kathy sits on the stoop with a liter of warm water and cans of food in a small bag. She has never approached me, yet I have seen her sit outside with her babies. I frequent the store where she sits. She never asks for anything. But, when I saw her two dogs in the cart a few weeks ago, I became sympathetic. The dogs have no choice and she clearly loves them both. When I first saw them, I gave a few bucks, but knew that was chump change to the well being of them all.

Today, I saw her sitting far away from the store that I entered. After leaving the store, I took myself over to where she was parked, under a partially shaded tree and I could see her dogs under the shield. I said hi to her before I approached and she was so happy to see me. Now, I have never really given her anything. But, she remembered me as I did her. She is not much older then me, but looks 20 years her age. Tired, worn out, sad and wishes she could care for her two dogs.

I asked her what she needed for her dogs. She said a bag of ice. She puts the bag of ice under the blankets to cool the dogs off. One of the dogs was so happy to see me and peeked his head out to say hello. I went back to the store and bought a 10lb bag of ice and some dog food.

Kathy was so grateful, but I just want to say that I did it to help them all, it wasnt selfish. Now, Im thinking ways I can help when I see them again.

Las Vegas...Is there any solution to helping those that are homeless? You build massive stadiums and convention spaces, but what about maybe putting some money into building a center to help those that need assistance and work opportunity for future? Our shelters are run down and only house a select few. They dont all want to be on the street. I was homeless in 2017 and I was lucky I had friends that lent me a hand, without them, I dont know what I would have done. Not everyone has friends.

Lets come together and help those who seriously want and need it.