Showgirl Storytime

Las Vegas was glamorous and decadent. In the 1980's it was a world that only those that experienced its glory can relate. A celebration of a time past.

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.

Safe Las Vegas

Hi. I know I have been quiet since this shutdown. I have my reasons. This is not something I like talking about and neither do you.

Resort fees. Resort fees are not going away. You can complain all over social media about it, but its here to stay. Yes its now free parking and some hotels offer limited valet(check beforehand).
Resort fees are for your enjoyment of the pool, gym salon and yes the Casino floor. The fees are for the external maintenance of the property. You dont like it, but you want to have it at your disposal. How do you explain that? This is not 1980! Its 2020. Things have changed and if you cannot accept than dont visit our great city.

If you love Las Vegas, we have much to offer! We are open and ready to open the doors for you and your friends, family.

If you listen and read social media, most are discouraging and wrong about our city. We are safe, mask and social distancing. We locals love our city. Visit anytime and have the best time of your life!

Do you?

I understand that most people are afraid to walk among the homeless and destitute. I am not. I am a confident woman and when I engage with these folks they trust me. At all hours of the night since I was in my early teen's. I do not fear the homeless. Yes, they have mental issues, but all they need is a kind hand and a hello. They need love too.

When I venture out at night to get some fresh air, I encounter many characters. Some lost, some needing a hello and some needing water or a bit of food. No one ever asks me for anything. I am the one that always offers. I never carry much cash, but enough for water or a few items they may need.

When I stop by my neighborhood 7 Eleven, they know I am buying stuff for the needy. They always say,  "Scarlett what are you buying tonight"? They know I care and do what they can to offer help. I wont say because they have a job to protect. But we are in this together. We are not wealthy but we help one another on an even plane. So many folks suffering as well as animals.

My heart is with humanity and all the animals no matter what species they are.

I look around my city and I see sadness. Its not just the shutdown, but everyday since 1987. Even when I lived in Santa Monica for a few years, I gave a cashmere blanket to a homeless woman. I saw her shivering one night and I told my boyfriend to hurry home. I went into house and grabbed that blanket. He took me back to where she was and I covered her in a doorway and put a hundred dollar bill under her arm. She whispered, "Thank you". She is forever in my heart, never saw her again, and its ok. I gave her warmth for one night. Thats all I care about.

How Selfish are you today? Look at yourself and see? Do you care about other people? No, really? Do you?

7/2/2020

How do I write a marvelous story about the way Las Vegas used to be, when all I see is disdain. Its hard to wrap my intelligent brain around all this nonsense. Im glad there is no reason to be young anymore. Whatever I write is an expression of who I am today.

I see anger all around. People are out of work, more homeless, businesses going out of business, no money, no quality of life. If you think quality of life is walking around the grocery store in a mask, than I am not on your side. And who can go to the gym and have a solid workout if you're breathing is reduced by 60% because your face is covered by a disgusting mask? Well, most Americans dont workout, thats a fact, so they could care less about those of us that are healthy and make a life based around the gym with healthy outlooks. Leave the gyms alone! We are not part of a fear-based society. We dont eat processed crap or hoard canned goods. WE prefer the produce aisle which are always stocked and rarely busy.

All of a sudden people are worried about their immune system being compromised? Really? Did you think of that when you decided to disregard going to the gym or having physical exercise as part of your life? Thats when you disregard your own health. Its not our fault that you are unable to maintain proper health standards. Selfish. Now you think everyone should protect your unhealthy lifestyle? Not my problem or anyone else who is fit and healthy. You made that choice. Now you will deal with the circumstances. I will not, as I have always maintained a healthy life. Yes, I drink alcohol, eat bad food, but I do it in moderation. I always find myself in the produce aisle not the processed aisle. Where are you at in the grocery store? Where are you with your physicality? Ask yourself, before you judge others.

I am not your keeper. If I do or do not wear a mask, it is not for you to say. Stay in your own lane.

>>>Unhealthy non exercise people stay in your lane.
***Healthy people, we know who we are, we dont wear masks.

Enough

So, we all prayed for our city to open. Yet, tonight you went to the Strip and terrorized our police and looted our city streets. Good job. Those of you who did, will probably never read my blog because you are not intelligent enough to know the difference between right and wrong.

I understand peaceful protests and I understand police brutality, but I condemn those that feel it is their right to go and destroy cities that they live in. Good, go destroy your local Target and Auto Zone. Now you have nowhere to shop for essentials for your family or car. Go destroy and loot our beautiful Las Vegas Strip and terrorize the men and women who defend and look out for us. You are not Las Vegas and I have no respect for you. If you happen to read this, challenge me. I defend my city of Las Vegas and hold it in the highest regard. Your petty criminal actions do not define Las Vegas. You should move elsewhere. Not tolerated here.

Las Vegas Is a Big and Beautiful City! Magical and I refuse to let you destroy what we have built for 100 years. Leave if you dont like it, we dont want you here.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas.

I will direct this to the people who claim they know about our city. You know Nothing! Go walk the streets and see the devastation.  Its not just about the casinos, but about our people. People are suffering, with job losses all around. Everyone is suffering. The rich are sitting in their homes and not giving a fuck. Mayor Goodman has been tireless with her time and we should be grateful. The Gov is a total idiot and leaving our people with nothing.

Our city is the Casino industry. This is what we were built on. You shut a city down for a fear based virus? I dont agree. Its all fear based. All Political. Now you sit in your place wondering if you can pay rent or mortgage? What the fuck is that? You like that?

I dont follow the masses. I dont live in Fear. I live. Open America. We have a solid president who cares. You might not like him but he is the only one who does care and hes telling States to OPEN!

OPEN AMERICA OPEN NEVADA
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Dear Mother

Dear Mother,

Thank you. Thank you for all you gave to me and my sisters. Growing up in L.A. in a beautiful home with you and Daddy was the best childhood I could ever have known. Your love and compassion is a true grace that set you apart. You loved us all equally and never a day has gone by in my 50 years on this earth that I didn't know how much you love me.

Your passion for art, dance, music, animals and beauty has always amazed me. You inspired me to dance at an early age when you would take me to your 'Disco Dance'  class.

Thank you for loving Dad for 53 years and I know you miss him everyday. A love story for the books!

Happy Mothers Day to all the ladies of the world! I love you Mother.