Aussie Moulin Rouge dancer Jasmine Bard takes us inside the life of a showgirl
Moulin Rouge is the world's most iconic cabaret, having its doors open for nearly 140 years. In that time, it has seen many dancers come and go, with one of the latest being Aussie dancer Jasmine Bard.
She joined Today Extra on Monday to share what the life of a showgirl is really like.
Bard's journey began in the Hunter Valley, with the 27-year-old training her entire life to be a dancer, dabbling in classical training, contemporary dance, jazz dancing, musical theatre, and even attending the Newcastle Ballet Theatre.
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Jasmine Bard, a dancer for Le Moulin Rouge, appeared on The Today Show. Today Extra
She auditioned for the institution in Sydney and was soon on her way to live her dreams in Paris, where she spends time with hundreds of other dancers, along with 28 other Aussies – the biggest nationality of foreigners making up the dancers in the company.
"The audition is where I fell in love with the Moulin Rouge," she told hosts Belinda Russell and David Campbell. "then I was like, 'OK, this is where I want to go.'"
Since then, she has been performing the high-energy show twice a night for eight years.
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The routines require stamina Today Extra
The Moulin Rouge is nearly 140 years old. Today Extra
"It requires a lot of stamina, a lot of flexibility, a lot of training," she said, "And our costumes, they're incredible. This costume itself is 200 metres of frill."
Requiring 12 to 14 costume changes a night, "sometimes our quick changes are 30 seconds."
Contrary to the organised chaos on stage, Bard says backstage is unexpectedly calmer.
There are certain requirements of dancers. Instagram/@theaussieshowgirl
Jasmine Bard has been with the company for eight years. Instagram/@theaussieshowgirl
"Backstage, it is quite relaxed and calm because we have dresses there to help us. And also there's adrenaline. There are a little bit of nerves," she admits.
Even after eight years of performing the show, the dancer shared, "Sometimes when I'm performing a featured role or a principal role, I get little bit nervous.
"But it's good, it's good stuff. There's a lot of singing, and dancing, and performing, and acrobats. It's just – [you] do it all."
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