Anita Mann Champions National Showgirl Day in Las Vegas

News Summary

Anita Mann, a prominent figure in Las Vegas entertainment, is leading the push to establish May 24 as National Showgirl Day. This initiative coincides with the opening anniversary of the Moulin Rouge, the first integrated hotel-casino in the city. A recent event celebrated showgirls from various generations, highlighting their cultural impact. Mann aims to honor this legacy through a new production that reflects on the evolution of showgirls in entertainment, emphasizing their significance in Las Vegas’s history and future.

Las Vegas – Anita Mann, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and producer with a significant legacy in Las Vegas entertainment, is spearheading a movement to establish May 24 as National Showgirl Day. This date coincides with the anniversary of the opening of the Moulin Rouge in 1955, which was the first integrated hotel-casino in Las Vegas.

The petition, directed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., aims to recognize the vital role of showgirls in the history of Las Vegas. On May 24, the city will also celebrate Showgirl Day, a designation made by Clark County to honor the legacy of these iconic performers. A celebratory event was recently held, gathering several generations of showgirls and cast members from popular shows such as “Fantasy,” “X Burlesque,” “X Country,” and “X Rocks.” The event featured notable figures from the showgirl community, including legends Teri Thorndike and Cindy Doumani.

As Mann reflects on the showgirl legacy, she has expressed her desire to create a large-scale production that revisits the history and evolution of showgirls. This project, tentatively titled “Fantasy”, would incorporate video footage and narratives celebrating the impactful journey of showgirls in the entertainment industry.

Mann’s dedication to this cause is further emphasized as she approaches the 10th anniversary of the closing of “Jubilee” at Bally’s, a historic Las Vegas show that contributed significantly to the city’s entertainment reputation. With a career spanning over two decades, Mann’s experience includes directing the “Solid Gold Dancers” and performing alongside Elvis Presley. Throughout her career, she has focused on evolving dance styles while honoring traditional showgirl aesthetics, ensuring that her work remains relevant in a changing entertainment landscape.

The show “Fantasy,” which Mann created, has made a comeback post-COVID, albeit with a scaled-back audience and new content designed to present a contemporary take on the classic showgirl motif. Mann’s ambition to integrate modern choreography and dance styles into her productions reflects her understanding of the need to adapt to current trends while paying tribute to the past.

The Las Vegas entertainment scene continues to evolve, posing challenges and opportunities for shows like “Fantasy.” With rumors of Jeff Beacher’s plans to expand and revive his production “Beacher’s Madhouse” following a successful return in Los Angeles, the competitive landscape is shifting rapidly. Beacher has notably transformed his fitness journey and now incorporates healthy lifestyle events into his performances.

In addition to Mann’s efforts to honor the showgirl legacy, significant milestones are being recognized within the Las Vegas community this year. These formal designations highlight the cultural impact that showgirls have had in shaping the entertainment scene in Las Vegas.

The celebration on May 24 will serve not only as a recognition of past showgirls but also as a platform for contemporary interpretations of their spirit. Mann’s extensive background and life experiences have greatly influenced her approach to choreography, emphasizing the need to keep the essence of showgirls alive while allowing for creative diversity.

The initiative for National Showgirl Day aims to encapsulate the rich tradition and remarkable history of showgirls in Las Vegas, advocating for their continued relevance in modern entertainment. As Mann’s theatrical vision comes to fruition, the future looks promising for the legacy of showgirls and their significant contributions to Las Vegas culture.

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Additional Resources

• 8 News Now: National Showgirl Day
• GJ Sentinel: Living Her Fantasy with Vegas Revue
• Star Tribune: Living Showbiz Dreams as a Vegas Showgirl
• Haute Living: Anita Mann, Choreographer
• Las Vegas Magazine: Fantasy Strips’ Sexiest Tease
• Wikipedia: Showgirl