Behind The Scenes At France’s Most Famous Cabaret | Still Standing | Insider Business

The Moulin Rouge in Paris opened in 1889 in Paris’ Montmarte district as a place where people from all walks of life could come to mingle and enjoy music, dance, and comedy. It is credited for making the cancan dance famous, which is still performed over 130 years later. In the 20th century, the venue survived a fire, two world wars, and its share of criticism for the cancan dance. Despite it all, the Parisian theater remained an important cultural hub and has inspired Hollywood films and Broadway musicals. Their current show Féerie cost 8 million euros to create, and half of that went only to the costumes. The dancers wear 1,000 outfits adorned with feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. Féerie runs 365 days a year with 2 shows every night.
For more information visit moulinrouge.fr
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Why The Moulin Rouge Spent $4 Billion In Costumes | Still Standing | Insider Business

[@yvaincallipso84]

The thing about the can can is that its the dance equivalent of sprinting. I dont doubt that other dances may be "harder". But not many require you to do all the moves with the same technical precision at breakneck speed with only periodic breaks for HOURS

[@pcbassoon3892]

It lasts for hours? That can't be right.

[@yvaincallipso84]

@@pcbassoon3892 If you account for the fact that it's the same dancers for multiple dances with only 5 minute breaks in between if that then yeah, that's hours a night.

[@KateandBree]

@@pcbassoon3892 Each show is 2 hours long. Multiply by 2 shows. That’s 4 hours every night.

[@diceman199]

@@KateandBree Most of it is not the cancan though. There were numerous acts ranging from acrobats, magicians, singers etc. I'm not saying it's not a high energy and difficult dance but the can can itself only lasts a few minutes.

[@KateandBree]

@@diceman199 The Moulin Rouge isn't just about to tell you each and individual dance that makes up 2 hours, 4 acts and over 1000 costumes. There is more than one can can. I did years of dancing and the precision needed just in ballet (which I did) is darn near incredible. I don't know how Rockettes and Moulin Rouge dancers do it. I do English Equestrian sports now. I was once watching day two of the Olympic Eventing competition (Cross Country, abbreviated to XR) which is purposefully set up to test stamina and endurance. The sportscaster was explaining those new to the sport how hard XR is. He said, "Grab the biggest medicine ball you have and squat against a wall with the medicine ball in between your legs. See if you can hold the position for 8,9 minutes. This is the challenge of XR, only these riders are on top of horses galloping and going over jumps." This has NEVER left me as a rider who competes in English Equitation and Dressage...where I get to sit. This is also the challenge of dancers who dance with very few breaks and are doing high energy acts. It's all about endurance and stamina. It's all about thinking about you, as a layman, holding that squat for 8 minutes.

[@thedorkone1516]

Left out of the history bit for... i suppose obvious reasons: when the canncan first became a thing, women's underwear looked VERY different. Specifically, it was a long pantaloon that was NOT sewen shut at the crotch, allowing the wearer to to make use of the toilet or chamber pot without having to struggle out of them. It wasn't the ankle or leg people were getting a flash of with all those kicks and skirt raising.

[@user-du9tc1uk6g]

It was amazing to see this glimpse again of the Moulin Rouge. I also was a showgirl in Las Vegas for many years and the work involved is arduous. But I was very fortunate to have been a dancer at the Moulin Rouge in 70’s, and it brought back such amazing memories of the show and life in Paris for an English dancer.

[@kwong6884]

My family took my siblings and I to the Moulin Rouge for a dinner show when we all just became adults. It was such a great show and the professionalism by everyone from the dancers, the costumes and to the waiters made this an incredible experience.

[@OofusTwillip]

The real reason why the Can-Can was scandalous: When it was invented, underwear had no centre seam; it was open-crotch. Wardobe mistresses stood in the wings, and checked that each dancer's underwear was safely pinned shut before going onstage. But as soon as the dancers were onstage, they removed the straight-pins. The dancers knew that flashing the audience earned bigger tips!

[@fonjadidi]

Omg are you serious!!! Haha that's hilarious

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

Finally someone telling the truth. I don't understand what they get out of pretending it was about seeing an ankle. They don't want to be seen as "strippers" but "professional dancers" is the ONLY reason i can imagine for re-telling that lie like they do.

[@sackettfamily4685]

Which explains why the early footage was showing way more than an ankle...or thigh! And everyone is tempted to rewrite history, they're only one of many.

[@dragonclaws9367]

Was it straight pins? That would definitely be scary with all that kicking!

[@RealAngelOfMusic]

@@dragonclaws9367yes! They were generally safe when put in correctly but they can poke you if you’re unlucky

[@saritshull3909]

The ankles thing is actually a myth. But ladies were wearing split drawers and maybe seamed drawers So it was scandalous because you were showing your drawers and possibly a bit more depending

[@gusmonster59]

They often wore no drawers performing the can-can. And the skilled dancers could kick a hat off of a male audience member.

[@hovi8050]

at the Berlin Comedy Oper, they have a segment of the Can Can in one of the operas where under the dancer's skirts were crystallized penises for the men and the women had crytallized vulvas instead of ruffles! so fun haha.

[@RealAngelOfMusic]

@@gusmonster59they were definitely wearing them but they were split in the crotch

[@likegirlidk]

I mean, the dance was probably considered provocative because for most of that time period, women didn't really wear pants or panties, just the foundational shift dress, the petticoat, and the skirt. So if they start lifting and shaking their skirts like that, they could be showing a LOT more than just some ankle. Foundational layers with pants did start being worn in the later parts of the 1800s, but before then, well...

[@ZeLeninovoMasoveRizoto]

Drawers actually became a thing for western women at the start of 1800s, but they'd be... Open in the middle until the early 1900s regardless

[@saritshull3909]

@@ZeLeninovoMasoveRizoto split drawers only came in about midway through the 1800s

[@pcbassoon3892]

Read the description, it opened in 1889.

[@likegirlidk]

@@pcbassoon3892 Sure. But as far as I'm aware, they did not invent the cancan upon said opening, which is what my comment is about.

[@tomemeornottomeme1864]

@@pcbassoon3892 Underwear was still open-crotched until WW1/into the 1920s.

[@kittykat717]

Was recently at the moulin rouge and the show was fabulous. You are crowded close together and if any incident happened it would be a disaster for those people watching the show.

[@dylanpyle6500]

they are quite stretchy,but otherwise I can't see the appeal

[@nouvel0001]

So where & how do they source the feathers ? Seems that's the biggest requirement for the costumes

[@Vizible21]

​@@nouvel0001 from birds why does that matter? Where do you source your burger patties? And if you're a vegetarian. You know plants are considered as "living beings" too right?

[@nouvel0001]

@@Vizible21 My question was very straightforward. Anyways, do plants have brains like birds, animals & humans do ?

[@My1Appy]

@@nouvel0001 From white domestic turkeys raised for meat. A wide variety of feather sizes/types, that are easy to dye.

[@joymcguire]

Tour guides will tell you to pass on Moulin Rouge, but I say, definitely go. It's history!

[@user-rv9um5xc3r]

Really, why would they say that?

[@rachael501]

@@user-rv9um5xc3r because it's an expensive tourist trap and you can have as much fun at a lower price elsewhere

[@AyAReI00]

​@@rachael501do they have other houses with beautiful outfits and dance ?

[@RealAngelOfMusic]

@@rachael501it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Maybe a bit expensive but so worth it

[@TheNashNetwork]

​@@rachael501it's not a tourist trap, it's a quality show with quality food. If you're tour guide is good, they'll get tickets at a discount. That's how I got to see the show.

[@marisa768]

Romane was just promoted to a principal role over the summer!

[@xoltacueponi]

I remember when my aunt got back from her Paris trip, she told me that she and her friends ditched the tour group when they went to Moulin Rogue, stating she had "no interest" in seeing or going there. I was shocked, even at 15. I went to El Molino in Barcelona at the same age and it was magical. I think she was just weirded out because of how prudish and puritan the US is...A shame!! She would have loved to see something like this :)

[@piplup10203854]

I love the Moulin Rouge and this was so cool to hear and see ☺ that is so impressive to hear about how many costumes they go through and the repairs and all that.

[@A_Clark]

Ah, the nights we used to linger over brandy while being enchanted by Fartomaniac.

[@OofusTwillip]

Mel Brooks' character in his movie "Blazing Saddles" was Governor LePetomaine.

[@_D-9341]

C'est génial que ça persiste encore, avec les nouvelles générations! Quel travail, excellent.

[@norainnoflowers1551]

this is what happens when passionate people are allowed to do what they love. Romane is amazing! I hope she gets to be lead dancer someday and fulfill her dream! 🎉

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

A little bit of art history, the artist mentioned here, Henry tullus, spend a lot of time there, he died of syphilis. If you ever visit this area, Montmartre is best to discover by foot. The famous french movie by Audrey toutute "AMELIE" was filmed in this area, tourist can visit the actual cafe from the movie. It still has the memorabilia at the cafe.

[@mailen7341]

I am certain that these typoes are due to the auto corrector so i just put the correct spelling here: Henri de Toulouse Lautrec Audrey Tautou just another little note Amélie is a Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s film with Audrey Tautou

[@bipolartorecovery1485]

It was scandalous in the past because the underwear back then was split in the middle unlike today with panties/briefs that are sewn closed so nothing is shown when the costume works properly.

[@thana5372]

Tu as l'air hyper passionnée, ça fait plaisir à voir. Bon courage pour les performances !

[@willieweeseArt]

Love Moulin Rouge! Hope it stays open infinitely!

[@hannahmandryk8645]

I was going to come here and explain why the ankle thing is a myth, but so many other people covered it already.

[@mza2195]

Bucket list for sure.

[@Samir-qi1uy]

Yes, finally something educative to see

[@keelyjohnson462]

1016 thank you for the beautiful show and congratulations on all the beautiful times we'd love to have the new facilities everywhere so we can have all of our runs to go easily around visiting!! Dab carts real

[@user-qr4ke4lo9z]

Vous en avez de la chance ! C’était mon rêve mais on m’en a empêchée !

[@wesssavorn9018]

If I ever get to Paris I will be going !! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Montmartre is my favorite area in Paris. Have you seen the French movies Paris Je'taine? One of the stories took place in Montmartre. There were all the different districts of Paris created in short stories in one film West Anderson directed the story by the tomb of Oscar Wilde 😊

[@volumen1y2]

Men should show skin and their muscles too

[@jadedragon806]

I took one look at the title and thought of the musical

[@renae9365]

Been there and seen it! The building is old and crusty, but the dancers are AMAZING!!!

[@arfriedman4577]

In 1995, we were fortunate to see this show.

[@EM2theBee]

In the beginning the Can Can was very scandalous because women's pantaloons (underwear) were open at the crotch to allow a woman to use a chamber pot. When the dancer's kicked and lifted their skirts men would get a brief peek at full undercarriage. This stage show is tame by those standards. 😅

[@pcbassoon3892]

So it's $4 million, not $4 billion.

[@user-rv9um5xc3r]

Yes, I was hoping to see some diamond encrusted jetpacks, but anyway...

[@louisazraels7072]

4 billions over 130 years

[@_baert]

@@louisazraels7072 But still how? even if 8 million x 130 years is STILL not even 4 billion. it is barely 1 billion.

[@kitkatgal37]

The audio of the video seems to say "8 million euros" were spent on the show, half on costuming. Am I hearing that wrong, or is there a big typo in the title??? (It currently states "4 Billion in Costumes".)

[@joeskirock]

It’s still an amazing show

[@CorpusSans]

Initially thought it was a "So Expensive" segment because of the title lmao

[@truegrit7697]

I LOVE this. I used to be a showgirl in Las Vegas (when there were showgirls). Cirque du Soleil has taken over all of the shows in Las Vegas. The only "showgirls" you'll see are short girls who would never make the height cut, wandering aimlessly in feathers through various casinos.

[@larsvontrash]

how do the people sat at tables facing away from the stage manage to eat and watch the show at the same time?

[@biancasnc]

anyone else wondering how they keep the odor from their costumes at bay seeing most of it is very detailed?

[@lucyl4603]

I am interested. Maybe steam closets? Like LG styler, but bigger? Claims to kill bacteria and all

[@TrappedinSLC]

@@lucyl4603 Usually for stage costumes they just spray everything with alcohol. (Like rubbing alcohol, not like brandy. :D ) It helps kill the bacteria but doesn't get the costume too wet.

[@lucyl4603]

@@TrappedinSLC Thanks for letting me know! Doesn’t it damage the dyes though?

[@TrappedinSLC]

@@lucyl4603 Depending on the item and how colorfast it is, they try to be careful to only do the areas that REALLY need to be done (like armpits) if there's any major concern about damage. Usually in this sort of situation they have (or can get) swatches of the materials used to test out before spraying any of the costumes, too. So they'll know which items can handle a more casual spritz and which need careful application to minimize damage?

[@MoonLitChild]

Febreeze was my go to when I did musical theater

[@antidoteify]

looks lovely

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

Love the boots.

[@MultiWeb23]

How often do cartoon characters invade the stage and end up being part of the can can dance by mistake?

[@sosure]

transported back to the sixties when topless cabarets were very popular

[@jaguarenduda]

she is fantastical

[@peachdreams2290]

It all could be a dream come true for me, but im only 5,7

[@purplecouch4767]

So their dancing intensively right? Seems like quite the workout. Hope they have breaks when they need to. I'd be exhausted lol. But maybe that's just me.

[@daniellozano8057]

I WANNA GO!!

[@atzonaftaniel4798]

2:25 his name is Joseph Pujol

[@LambentOrt]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@nyxshecate-2jeipews]

this is like the Rockets in America which dance in the winter season.

[@pcbassoon3892]

You can tell from these clips that they aren't as good as the Rockettes.

[@TheGwennyGreen]

It’s 4 million, not 4 billion. Please correct the title

[@pcbassoon3892]

It bothers me that they are never quite together.

[@LazloVimes]

Im more curious how the women are ‘still standing’ wearing those heals.

[@fintanbeirne7261]

7.18 that light is upside down

[@BBBrasil]

OK, my bucket list got a few items longer 🙂

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

This area is Montmartre, best for walking, it was where all the famous artists hangout in during the Impressionist art period, Picasso, Renoir, Degas etc. The artist mentioned here, Henry tullus basically live near the Mullein Rouch , he died of syphilis 😅

[@TheBarbour]

Is there any possible way that we can get an inside look on how marine corps helicopter pilots train or jets? I feel like a lot of people would like this. The training is long multiple stages. It be great if y'all could do so .🤙🤙🤙

[@PaigeDWinter]

It would be a miracle to get permission.

[@dorianlopez-garza5000]

WOWWWW THE MOVIE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND THE ORIGINAL MOULIN ROUGE!!!

[@mollywackrow8247]

Phenonema.. I think she meant phenomena 😂😂😂

[@destinyjones9286]

This is def... different

[@theunknowndude1159]

👍

[@SkepticalChris]

No mention at all about the beautiful male dancers?

[@melodyparra2960]

Where do they get their feathers

[@MoonLitChild]

Some synthetic, some farmed from my experience as a costumer. Feathers are a lot more ethically sourced these days than they used to be

[@addilyngreene9835]

The house Fartomaniac built.

[@geofferychang8713]

11:06 so... we're not talking about this crazy hot guy? ☺️

[@_baert]

6'3" for men?! wow that must REALLY narrow down the field of men.

[@bigbob1699]

What does a ticket cost?

[@KL005]

BOOM

[@Dan-B]

What’s the reason that most of the dancers and from U.K./AUS?

[@user-du9tc1uk6g]

Having been a dancer at the Moulin Rouge it’s because the training that we do in the UK/AUS is more in depth than here in the US. We have built a reputation because of that.

[@stepahead5944]

​@@user-du9tc1uk6gThe US? There's no connection. Wouldn't it make more sense to compare this to France as that's where this is?

[@mathildaandersson1341]

1:59 going into the comments to see how many people will point out split crotch drawers.

[@Yzavy]

I wonder where they get that many real feathers ..

[@ShinichiKudoQatnip]

you said half of 8M but written 4B?

[@maishi]

the historian avoided the underwear talk

[@Valesteria1783]

Where's all my soul sistas, let me hear y'all flow sistas

[@user-gk3qg9ln5e]

THEY ALL HAVE NICE CANS

[@fuckugplus]

6,3 damn

[@annejeppesen160]

So they’ve had the same show for 24 years????? Clearly it works but darn I would find that tedious

[@ajveronikawanderlust4522]

No, show is changing every year. New dance programm and choreo

[@OofusTwillip]

The show is the same, but some of the choreography gets updated, and the guest cabaret acts in between the dance numbers are changed. And, of course, most dancers only stay with the show for a couple of years.

[@ItsMzPhoenix]

Not that I'm interested in auditioning, but why the height requirement?

[@Thrivinginthespotlight]

A taller performer may have a larger than life presence perfect for the drama and theatrics of the show

[@Evitaschannel]

"They need to be tall, at least 5'8" if you're a woman" So below the average height? lol

[@booksinbed]

What? A quick look at Wikipedia said the average height for French women is 5'4". 5'8" is definitely tall here in the US, too.

[@Camilleillustrates]

Do they mean $4 million? Not billion?

[@justinwilliams7290]

Most definitely lol

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

TBF, it's less risque now than it was then... the women wear underwear or spankies now rather than split crotch drawers where you might catch a glimpse of... yeah.

[@yokedgirth]

Your title and actual info contradict yourself..

[@maureencrawford2275]

Aster, just thinking f you a(d your costuming as I warch this. Did you happen to go there when you were in Paris?

[@astaridjatmiko8187]

it looks fun ❤ i want to join them, but my fat ass won't let me pass the audition 😂

[@OofusTwillip]

La Goulue (The Glutton) was a very famous Moulin Rouge dancer, in the early days.

[@javaks]

I am surprised the guy didn’t set his butt on fire farting on candles.

[@ianray8823]

🎵Started from the Coyote Ugly now we're here🎵

[@youtubewatcher4603]

So that's billion with an M?

[@alpaydemir4345]

…and how much is the ticket?

[@adelmouhous3795]

87 euros

[@alpaydemir4345]

So , you can exclude dinner then.

[@andaddplus]

first

[@Ms.fortune_cookie]

I thought it was the musical tf 😭

[@EvergreenMatCha]

so much costumes that are flammables and lighting = hazard so maybe it was an issue back then

[@keritochan]

its a great show! if you visit Paris the Moulin Rouge is a must!

[@pdroe]

Moulin Rouge it's kind boring, expensive and a tourist trap... For a real cabaret you can try Madame Arthur almost in the same block... Or Michou.

[@lucasquattrucci4122]

i worked as electrician in 2010's there, the smell of feet in backstage mixed with perfume and hairspray is no joke.

[@JeramieRoberts-is1yt]

Requirement only : white tall and skinny only!

[@user-jg4pj9ox3k]

87€ für 24 von den Mii-Portionen? Scheissdreck

[@jorgetinoco4257]

Was there last week and the show looks so outdated

[@lucasquattrucci4122]

i worked as electrician in 2010's there, the smell of feet in backstage mixed with perfume and hairspray is no joke.

[@Liusila]

I went to the moulin rouge in Paris in 2022 and it felt like a stale outdated affair. We got squeezed onto a table with an equally unexpecting couple and had to watch the show turned 90 degrees sideways. The girls just couldn’t get into sync and apart from a few individual performances, it felt like a boring and outdated show. I can only hope everyone in the building was hungover that day.

[@bevwilkinson2853]

We went 5 years ago and I was very disappointed with the show

[@lucasquattrucci4122]

​@@bevwilkinson2853i worked as electrician in 2010's there, the smell of feet in backstage mixed with perfume and hairspray is no joke.

[@helloaloe5217]

As a former dancer myself, I was not impressed at all with MR show in 2018. Choreography was poor and simple, no synchronization among dancers, singing was very basic. Seating here is terrible! Not worth the money as for me, completely overpriced. Dinner was not tasty.

[@lucasquattrucci4122]

i worked as electrician in 2010's there, the smell of feet in backstage mixed with perfume and hairspray is no joke.

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

That old lady knows good and well it wasn't "ankle" flashes. So why lie? I hate when people do that and try to make something from the past that was about public nudity/prostitution/ pornography into "they didn't want women to show their ankles 😮" Stop it. Get help.

[@mgithaiga1]

I would like to attend the Moulin Rouge show

[@mgithaiga1]

@@vijay20 can you pay for me?

[@Motomamiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Then why does the title say billion??? I hate this Chanel now

[@jessicahawks3223]

Ok..i am a bit disappointed that the original history was about working class women having fun and entertaining and making extra cash...now its professional elitist only the "best of the best" make it on stage .. its only about money for the rich that own the place now..its not the same

[@phlarrdboi]

umm, a building doesn't 'make its debut'. Someone please tell whoever is suppost to be leading the writing team. poor.