“National Showgirl Day” Shines a Spotlight on One of Las Vegas’ Most Enduring Icons

 Las Vegas honored one of its most timeless and dazzling icons yesterday as showgirls, past and present, came together to celebrate the inaugural “National Showgirl Day,” officially recognized by the National Day Archives and designated as May 24. The date commemorates the anniversary of showgirls performing at the Moulin Rouge, the first racially integrated casino in the United States, in Las Vegas in 1955.

Emmy Award-winning choreographer and director Anita Mann, the producer and director of the acclaimed FANTASY female revue, now in its 25th year at Luxor Hotel & Casino, led the charge to establish National Showgirl Day as a way to honor the lasting cultural impact of showgirls in Las Vegas.

Held on the stage of the Atrium Showroom at Luxor Hotel & Casino, the celebration was emceed by esteemed Las Vegas entertainment journalist and Las Vegas insider, John Katsilometes and brought together iconic dancers of past shows and the talents who continue the tradition today. They included Teri Thorndike of Folies Bergère, Casino de Paris, and Moulin Rouge; and Sheri Mirault of Folies Bergère and Jubilee!. These legacy performers brought pieces of their original costuming, a vibrant and moving tribute to their days of gracing the Las Vegas stage.

Also present were current FANTASY cast members, including co-producer Mariah Nieslanik and performance director Ashton Bray; former FANTASY performers such as Yesi Burgess, now resident director at Voltaire; and cast members from other celebrated Las Vegas shows, including X Burlesque, X Country, and X Rocks. During the event, a representative from the Board of Clark County Commissioners presented an official proclamation, declaring May 24 as “Showgirl Day” in Clark County, further honoring the invaluable role these performers have played in shaping the city’s cultural and entertainment legacy.

“When I was a young dancer working at the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood, I recall watching the showgirls arrive for their shows,” said Mann. “They were stunning, talented and deeply committed to their art. Those women inspired my love for Las Vegas, and I’ve always felt they deserve recognition for shaping what it truly means to be a Las Vegas performer. They are the heart of this city’s entertainment legacy.”

The Las Vegas showgirl exploded into the cultural spotlight throughout the 1950s and beyond. In 1952, the Sands Hotel debuted what would become known as the Copa Girls, showcasing an elite cast backed by a massive entertainment budget. In 1957, Minsky’s Follies became the first topless show in Las Vegas history. Just one year later, the Lido de Paris opened at the Stardust Hotel, revolutionizing the art form by blending topless dancers with lavish, large-scale production and original French costuming. The Lido was also the first Vegas production treated as a headline event—not just a diversion for gamblers—and it ushered in a new era of entertainment on the Strip. In 1959, the Folies Bergère was imported directly from Paris to the Tropicana, reinforcing the city’s new identity as a global stage. Then in 1981, Jubilee! launched its iconic 35-year run, setting a gold standard for production shows and further cementing the legend of the Las Vegas showgirl.

From feathered headdresses to high kicks and sequins, the Las Vegas showgirl became a global symbol of spectacle. Over the decades, her image evolved—from statuesque and ethereal to empowered and commanding—but her cultural significance has never faded.

Today, the legacy of the Las Vegas showgirl lives on through world-class productions that continue to dazzle audiences nightly, such as FANTASY, the Strip’s longest-running still-active female revue. Now in its 25th year, FANTASY has earned numerous accolades and is a living tribute to the artistry, elegance and power of the modern showgirl. FANTASY continues to embody the spirit of the showgirl through dynamic choreography, live vocal performances and a cast of talented dancers who redefine the genre for a new generation. The production remains a cornerstone of Las Vegas nightlife, celebrating sensuality, confidence and world-class entertainment.

National Showgirl Day will serve not only as a nod to the city’s storied past but as a celebration of the performers who continue to keep its dazzling traditions alive.

Established through the National Day Archives, National Showgirl Day is an annual recognition of the cultural impact of the Las Vegas showgirl on May 24, commemorating the debut of showgirls at the Moulin Rouge, the first racially integrated casino in the United States. At the heart of National Showgirl Day is Las Vegas, the city that gave rise to this enduring icon in the United States. Bold, glamorous, and fearless, the showgirl quickly became an icon—not just of Las Vegas, but of performance art across the United States. Productions like Folies Bergère and Jubilee! turned these women into stars, drawing visitors from around the world and elevating Las Vegas into the Entertainment Capital of the World. Behind the sparkle, showgirls were fiercely talented, highly trained, and endlessly charismatic, commanding the stage with strength, poise and unmatched presence. The influence of the showgirl reaches far beyond the Strip, visible in everything from high-fashion runways to pop concerts and Broadway choreography. And she continues to evolve. Today, the showgirl shines through a modern lens in various production shows, including the current longest-running female revue, Fantasy, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

For over 25 unforgettable years, FANTASY: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease has set the gold standard for seductive entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip. Created by Anita Mann Productions, the award-winning revue is ever-evolving for a show that is hotter, bolder and more exhilarating than ever. With unmatched charisma, dynamic lead singer Lorena Peril, named “Best Local Entertainer” by the Silver State Awards, delivers powerhouse vocals alongside FANTASY’s stunning dancers, captivating audiences nightly with 15 high-energy, mesmerizing numbers set to iconic hits. Since its debut at Luxor’s Atrium Showroom in 1999, FANTASY has earned dozens of awards, including its sixth consecutive gold and ninth consecutive award for “Best Female Revue” in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 2024 “Best of Las Vegas” awards, alongside accolades for “Best Production,” “Best Bachelor Party” and Best Bachelorette Party.” Las Vegas Weekly has also honored FANTASY with the coveted title of “All-Time Best Female Revue” and “Best Production Show,” while Las Vegas Magazine cemented its legacy in the Hall of Fame.

Follow @fantasyluxor on Instagram and X, or like FANTASY on Facebook here for more information. Shows are nightly at 10:30 p.m., with an additional 8 p.m. show on Sundays. Tickets start at $39.95, excluding taxes, with a limited number of $25 tickets available in celebration of FANTASY’s 25th Anniversary. Pre-show private VIP  tours are also available on select nights, for $65. All tickets include a post-show meet and greet and are available at the Luxor box office, online at fantasyluxor.com, or by calling (702) 262.4400.

One of the most iconic hotels on The Strip, the Luxor Pyramid invites curiosity and discovery while the inside rewards visitors with equal parts excitement and intrigue. The resort features a wide variety of entertainment including the international phenomenon Blue Man Group, the hilarious comedy of Carrot Top, the provocative adult revue FANTASY, the ultimate competition gaming and entertainment venue HyperX Esports Arena and bar and entertainment destination Play Playground. Three of Las Vegas’ most dynamic attractions – Discovering King Tut’s Tomb, Titanic, The Artifact Exhibition and Bodies…The Exhibition – make their homes at Luxor. Luxor is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit Luxor.com, call toll-free at (877) 386-4658, or find us on Instagram, Facebook and X.