The guests aren’t allowed to touch us: Moulin Rouge

On their maiden visit to India, three Moulin Rouge dancers tell us what it’s like to be part of the world’s most famous cabaret
Every man in the hall cheered on lustily and every woman wanted a body like theirs, as the Moulin Rouge girls did their risque and very seductive can-can act on stage in Delhi recently. Of course, not the whole act, as they couldn’t possibly have gotten the horses and pythons and all to India, but nevertheless, the half hour performance left most breathless, and the dancers laughing.
“This is routine stuff, actually we also sometimes go without tops,” says Axelle Lamarque, one of the dancers of the legendary Parisian cabaret troupe. Well, that would’ve created a furore for sure! Axelle laughs at this as she adds, “Actually, what we do is not sleazy at all – we don’t see it that way. We’re can-can dancers, and it’s an art. We feel happy to share this with the audience – we’re doing something to make them happy, and so, it makes us feel great.” And quite nonchalantly they let us know that they have also done performances for everyone from H-wood stars to British royalty.
Talking about the movie, Moulin Rouge, Megan says, “I have a fiance, Axelle is married and is a mommy too. It isn’t like it was shown in the Nicole Kidman movie – we don’t live in the mill.” Emma Rigby from England joins in the conversation, “Actually, the movie wasn’t the real portrayal of Moulin Rouge. Many movies have been made on us. And also, the movies got famous because of our troupe’s legendary fame. Not the other way round. I am from London, and I, too, cleared tough auditions to be part of this team. The rules are strict – girls have to be of a certain weight, and not shorter than five feet nine. And the ballet mistress demands total dedication. Like for example, we’re 60 odd girls in all, and we do three foreign tours every year. And only the A-graders, the best performers, who’ve worked hard and have got the ballet mistress’ approval, can get to go on these tours.
And for all the girls, this is their first visit to India. “We did a Bollywood dance for a TV channel a day ago – and loved it. The moves were very different, but we learnt it fast,” says Emma. Axelle loved her shopping spree here. “I bought Pashmina shawls for my people. And some bracelets and jewellery – Indian jewellery is very beautiful,” she says. “I loved the henna tattoo the women here were getting done. I’ve also bought jewellery, and some typically Indian outfits. Delhi, from the little I have seen, has a very old world look about it – I love the trees, and heritage sites nestled in between tall buildings and flyovers, much like the Moulin Rouge salon back in Paris – where the decor is very old world,” adds Megan.
“And we’re used to, and love, all the appreciative glances,” adds Megan Pinnell, another dancer. Megan’s from Australia, and proudly told us how she was one of the three selected from a Moulin Rouge audition in their country, which saw over 400 girls vying for the job. “And it’s hard work. We do 12 shows, six days week. And sometimes work Sundays too. We need to keep fit, take care of ourselves, and yes, it’s a great job.” Axelle adds, “Keeping fit – that’s a regimen we can’t miss. We do a bit of gymnastics. But most of the girls do yoga to keep fit and flexible. And we practice our dance moves – can-can is an energetic routine, and needs stamina.” They also tell us how Moulin Rouge has a 123-year history behind it, and why it has managed to stay above anything even hinting at murky – something that’s usually associated with cabarets. “We’re protected. When we perform in Paris, no one is allowed to touch us, or come near us. The audience never comes into contact with us.
Sometimes, there are autograph seekers waiting outside, but that’s it. And once we’re done for the day, like any other working woman, we hail a taxi, and go home to a normal life,” Megan says.