Las Vegas Showgirls
The concept of showgirls can be traced back to the early 20th century in Paris, particularly the Folies Bergère and the Moulin Rouge. These venues featured glamorous, elaborately costumed women who performed in theatrical revues. The influence of these Parisian shows eventually reached the US.
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Showgirls made their debut in Las Vegas in the 1940s, a time when the city was starting to grow as a destination for gambling and entertainment. The El Rancho Vegas, the city's first major resort, opened in 1941 and featured floor shows that included glamorous female performers.
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​In 1958, the Stardust Hotel introduced the "Lido de Paris," a French-style revue that brought authentic showgirl glamour to Las Vegas. The show featured stunning costumes, elaborate sets, and beautiful showgirls, setting a high standard for future productions. Another iconic show, "Folies Bergère," opened at the Tropicana Hotel in 1959. Like the Lido, it drew inspiration from Parisian cabaret and featured high-kicking dancers, extravagant costumes, and intricate choreography.
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As Las Vegas continued to grow, so did the scale of its productions. The 1970s and 1980s saw even more extravagant shows with larger casts, more elaborate sets, and increasingly intricate costumes. Opened in 1981 at Bally's Hotel and Casino, "Jubilee!" was one of the most famous and longest-running shows in Las Vegas history. Known for its grandiose production values, it featured showgirls in stunning costumes designed by legendary designer Bob Mackie.
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The history of showgirls in Las Vegas is a testament to the city's ability to blend tradition with innovation. From the early days of Parisian-inspired revues to the golden age of glamorous productions and the modern era of diverse entertainment, showgirls have been a central and enduring part of Las Vegas's identity. They symbolize the city's commitment to spectacle, luxury, and the art of performance.
