Ooh La La: Le Crazy Horse

Image by Riccardo Tinelli 

The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Le Crazy Horse. Though a cabaret may not be an obvious option for your first trip to Paris, Le Crazy Horse is in a league of its own.

Founded in 1951 by Alain Bernadin, the show fuses artistic impulse with incredible design, shaped by cultural influences. A Parisian institution, standing pride of place on Avenue George V, the cabaret has played host to all manner of extraordinary "Guest Creatures" including Dita Von Teese and Beyoncé (she filmed the promo for 'Partition' there, don'tcha know). Choreographed and styled to perfection, each and every show is a masterpiece.
Whether you're enjoying a romantic mini-break or a girly weekend, a night at Le Crazy Horse cannot be beaten. A dazzling display from start to finish, the show consists of several incredible performances, ranging from quirky teases to exquisite acrobatics. All lipstick red seating and Champagne bottles left, right, and centre, it's the definition of old Parisian glamour.

Image by Antoine Poupel

The outfits are breathtaking. A beautiful array of scarlet-soled Louboutins and luxurious lingerie, every costume is concocted to complement the lighting, music and masterful projections. Continually inspired by multi-faceted femininity, Le Crazy Horse Paris is a rather fabulous celebration of women.

It comes as no surprise that Le Crazy Horse troupe inspires photographers and fashion designers alike. The aforementioned Christian Louboutin is the cabaret's first Guest Creator, crafting incredible footwear for dedicated routines. "I am interested in all things that celebrate and enhance the female form. The language of legs can express any and every feeling, and without giving too much away," explains the iconic Parisian of the project.

The most avant-garde act in Paris, the show is empowering and inspiring. The bodies of the dancers are strong, not skinny; all smooth curves and abs to kill. Though this level of honing and toning is a full-time job, there is something refreshing about seeing a healthy variety of shapes and sizes. Having struggled with weight, I personally found the show incredibly uplifting. Can I join the troupe? There's only around 500 applications per year so if I quit my job, overhaul my body entirely and train for a good ten years, I am definitely in with a shot.

Image by Riccardo Tinelli

I shan't give too much away, but I can't recommend Le Crazy Horse enough. My boyfriend and I visited on our first night and were taken aback by the polished performances, captivating costumes and proximity to the twinkling Eiffel Tower ("Elliot does it always sparkle like that or is it just for us?!").

Ladies and gents: dress to impress, pop the cork, sit back and enjoy the show.

Find out more and find tickets here.