The Corkettes
The Las Vegas Corkettes were a high-kicking chorus line of dancers known for their synchronized routines, precision dancing, and glamorous appearance. Often dressed in elaborate costumes, they were featured in some of the biggest revue shows in Las Vegas. While they may not have had the same global recognition as other famous Las Vegas dance troupes like the Lido de Paris or Folies Bergère showgirls, the Corkettes were an integral part of the entertainment fabric of the city.
​
The troupe’s name, "Corkettes," is likely a playful reference to the "Corkscrew" dance moves or to a specific show that they may have been a part of, though details about the origin of the name are not well-documented.
​

During the mid-20th century, Las Vegas was becoming a major entertainment hub, with casinos and hotels constantly competing to offer the most dazzling and spectacular shows. The Corkettes performed in many of these revue-style performances, which were popular attractions for tourists.
​
Revue shows were grand productions that combined music, dance, comedy, and elaborate set designs. Showgirls, including the Corkettes, were a central feature of these revues, often performing intricate, choreographed dance numbers alongside headline acts like singers, comedians, and magicians. The shows were famous for their extravagant costumes — often featuring feathers, sequins, and headpieces — as well as for the beautiful, statuesque dancers who performed in them.
​
While the showgirl era of Las Vegas entertainment has largely faded in modern times, the legacy of troupes like the Corkettes lives on in the city’s cultural memory. Las Vegas in the 1950s and 1960s was defined by its opulent, high-production-value shows, and the Corkettes were a part of that scene, helping to define the city’s iconic blend of glamour, dance, and spectacle.
