A showgirl is a female performer in a theatrical revue who wears an exotic and revealing costume and in some shows may appear topless. Showgirls are usually dancers, sometimes performing as chorus girls, burlesque dancers, or fan dancers, and many are classically trained with skills in ballet. The term showgirl is also sometimes used by strippers, and some strip clubs use it as part of their business name. Showgirls are not burlesque dancers and do not traditionally dance in bawdy or vulgar ways while topless.
The history of showgirls dates back to the 1800s when women performed in elaborate performances designed to showcase ludicrous costumes along with singing and dancing skills. Showgirls as we now understand them date from the late 1800s in Parisian music halls and cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge, Le Lido, and the Folies Bergère, which first featured a nude showgirl in 1918.
Real showgirls are trained in ballet and other classical dance, and to achieve the graceful elegance required for this level of pageantry, most of the girls have had to put together an impressive dance pedigree, starting with classical ballet technique. Many showgirls also sing, providing backup for musical productions and sometimes singing solos as well.
Being a showgirl is a demanding job that requires a lot of physical and mental effort. The cons of being a showgirl include wearing boots that can be hard on your feet and legs, dealing with rude customers and harassment, and working outdoors in harsh weather conditions. However, being a showgirl can also be a rewarding experience that changes ones perspective on how hardworking and amazing Vegas is.
