Between stage and silence: Gypsy’s rehearsal rituals in focus 

Words and photographs by Rian Cope, Paris 2025.

Inside the legendary halls of Crazy Horse Paris, rehearsals are typically a private ritual—an intimate act of preparation rarely seen by anyone beyond the troupe. I had the privilege of going behind the scenes to document the journey of one of their newest recruits: Gypsy Jane.

This photo series follows Gypsy Jane through two parallel spaces: the sacred stage of Crazy Horse Paris, where she rehearses a new solo performance, and a quiet studio across town where she moves entirely for herself. No makeup. No mirrors. Just intuition, instinct, and the rhythm of her breath. 

“The first time I stepped onto the Crazy Horse Paris stage, I felt a rollercoaster of emotions,” Gypsy told me.

“All the years of hard work and sacrifices I had spent on my craft had led me to that moment. I just remember trying to be as present as possible to truly soak in every second.”

These photographs are not just about dance—they’re about the process of becoming. The solitude before the spotlight. The internal rehearsal that builds the confidence we see on stage. 

“I think a challenging aspect of being a performer is showing up on the days you feel like you have nothing to give,” she shares.

“But every night there is a new audience that deserves the best. That’s what being a professional is truly about. You leave everything else outside and dive into your stage presence.” 

In Crazy Horse Paris' rehearsal space, Gypsy Jane works through the bones of her new solo—exploring nuance, power, and rhythm with a mix of grace and grit. On another day, she returns to her private studio, barefoot and alone, dancing purely for herself. The energy shifts from performance to meditation. 

“Cabaret has allowed me to realise the multifaceted aspects of sensuality and empowerment,” Gypsy reflects.

“The importance of both strength and vulnerability must be displayed on stage in order to convey the entire character in its power and emotion.” 

She credits her Australian upbringing for the grounded energy she brings to the Parisian stage. 

“My upbringing was one of relaxed, playful energy. I try to bring that into my performances. To remember the little Aussie girl from the Central Coast who is now dancing at Crazy Horse Paris—overwhelmed by gratitude and letting my personality shine through.”

These photographs reveal a dancer in motion, but also in evolution. Through repetition, stillness, and soul-searching, Piper shapes not only her choreography—but her identity as a Crazy Horse Paris woman. 

“You’re placed next to dancers who’ve been performing for 15 years,” she says. “You watch them. Learn from them. But you also have to back yourself and stay grounded in who you are. That’s the magic of Crazy—it’s both legacy and reinvention.” 

This story is a quiet tribute to those fleeting moments before the curtain rises. A glimpse into the layers of vulnerability and strength that make a Crazy Horse Paris dancer unforgettable—even when no one is watching. 

Author’s Note: 

As a photographer, my work has often taken me to remote corners of the world, where I’ve captured the pulse of humanity in extreme conditions. But within the storied walls of Crazy Horse Paris, I found a different kind of intensity—one defined by ritual, discipline, and creative collaboration. This series is an intimate glimpse into the unseen side of the world-renowned cabaret: the rehearsals, the backstage moments, the quiet human connection that makes the show possible. Through these black-and-white images, I hope to convey the dedication, passion, and resilience that defines the women of Crazy Horse Paris.