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.
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A rare glimpse behind the curtain
Offered exclusively on Airbnb, this unique experience opens the doors to the world of Paris’s most iconic cabaret. Go beyond the stage and discover what gives Crazy Horse Paris dancers their unmistakable allure.
For over 70 years, the cabaret has been celebrating femininity through a powerful fusion of elegance, sensuality, and confidence. As Andrée Deissenberg, Chief Creative and Brand Officer and the vision behind the brand puts it: “Crazy Horse Paris is more than a show — it’s a mindset, an attitude.”
Ready to embody it?
Have you ever dreamed of walking with grace, commanding attention with a glance, or radiating confidence without saying a word? Then Crazy Attitude is for you.
Your journey begins with a private behind-the-scenes tour of the cabaret, including the dancers’ official rehearsal studio — the very place where grace, confidence, and individuality are shaped.
Discover your own « je-ne-sais-quoi »
The class starts with a guided warm-up and body awareness session led by your dancer host. Then, moving to the beat of a signature Crazy playlist, you’ll explore the fundamentals of the “Crazy Attitude”:
posture, breathwork, walking technique, eye contact, sway, and presence — all the elements that make the Crazy signature so unforgettable.
Step into the spotlight
Next, you’ll learn a short piece of choreography, with gentle, personalized coaching to help you shine in your own way. Capture your transformation on video — to treasure, or to share.
To toast the experience, enjoy a glass of champagne (or a refreshing alternative) and celebrate your new Crazy Attitude. Whether on stage, at work, or in everyday life — you’re ready to own it.
Available exclusively on weekends and public holidays. Open to everyone aged 14 and up.
Dress code: Anything form-fitting that you feel good and comfortable in. Heels and red lipstick are optional — your attitude is the real star.
Practical information & booking
Find out more about the world of cabaret
The secret of Crazy Horse Paris' longevity?
As a house of boundless creativity, the cabaret continues to fascinate, move, and inspire its audience.
Today, we continue to honor this legacy with Totally Crazy, a dazzling, unclassifiable, captivating, all unforgettable show!
Boundless creativity, renowned collaborations, and above all, the joy of constantly surprising and reinventing itself to better captivate.
We thank our cast and crew, along with our team and audience, for keeping the spirit of Crazy Horse Paris alive and shining around the world!
Hundreds of talented dancers since 1951
From top to bottom, left to right: Sunny Rockstar, Bibi Acoustic, Gypsy Jane, Cinda Pellicula, Santa Stiletto, Polly Underground, Elvie Varsovie, Miko Miku, Venus Oceane, Capsula Popo, Leni Panorama, Funny Cumulus, Sassy A La Mode, Miss Candida, Uma Wanderlust, Diana Sensation, Zora Moonshine, Greta Farenheit, Zelda Showtime, Kiki Zanzibar, Tina Tobago, Chelsea Badminton, Prima Analytic, Monika Distingo, Paz Picaflor and many more! Discover the troupe currently on stage here.
Prestigious collaborations
Since 2006, Crazy Horse Paris has opened its doors to exceptional artists for exclusive and extraordinary performances. Dita Von Teese, the ultimate glamour icon and international burlesque diva, was the first Guest Star in the history of the Parisian cabaret. In 2023, it was Lisa (Blackpink)'s turn to set the Crazy Horse Paris stage on fire with several unique performances. A long-time fan of Crazy Horse Paris and its unique style, Lisa became part of the show and the distinctive world of the cabaret, transforming into a "Crazy Girl" herself. Violet Chachki, a true icon of the drag scene, is the latest "Guest Star" to grace the Crazy Horse Paris stage, with 10 performances in June 2024.
A look back at the event organized especially for our anniversary
Photos credit: Crazy Horse Paris archives, Yves Riquet, RĂ©mi Desclaux, LĂ©on Prost, Paul-Henri Pesquet, Mark Davies, Cheyne Tillier DalyÂ
Totally Crazy: a unique and unforgettable show
Totally Crazy: a unique and unforgettable show
This year, surprise your mother and treat her to an exceptional evening at the cabaret. Iconic, glamorous and resolutely modern, Crazy Horse Paris is the obvious choice for a timeless and amazing experience.Â
Highly colorful and sparkling, the Totally Crazy show offers a hypnotic ballet that embodies the very essence of Crazy Horse Paris: unclassifiable, captivating but above all unforgettable. For an evening show or dinner show, our gift vouchers make it easy: just choose the offer that suits you best and off you go!
Products selected for her
Please your mom with products that embody the Crazy Horse Paris' spirit: elegance, audacity and femininity. You're sure to find something to suit you!
House of creation
Crazy Horse Paris pays tribute to this timeless art form at every performance, where dance explores the lines of the body with uniquely exacting choreography.
It's also a day to salute the exceptional work of our iconic dancers, true artists of movement, whose every gesture is the result of unfailing discipline and passion. Through their performances, they embody the essence of Crazy Horse Paris: audacity, power and freedom. And let's not forget the cabaret teams who work alongside them to put on an unforgettable show every night.
Why not celebrate dance by (re)discovering the Totally Crazy show, currently on stage?
Dance lovers, we have a selection of products to accompany you in your daily life.
Even outside the studio: show off your Crazy Attitude! Water bottle, sports bag, t-shirt... our products embody the unique spirit of Crazy Horse Paris and accompany you on every move, combining style and glamour.
"Tous danseurs" podcast
Dive into the fascinating world of dance and watch the video of "Tous Danseurs" podcast, in which Andrée Deissenberg, Creative and Brand General Manager of Crazy Horse Paris, and Lolita Kiss Curl, dancer captain, share their vision of movement and what goes on behind the scenes at the cabaret.
Whether you're having a drink with friends, going away for the weekend, or adding a touch of Crazy to your home or everyday life, discover our favorite spring products. Available in our e-boutique, it's time to treat yourself!
A few Crazy figures: over 600 applications were received, and following pre-selection, 70 dancers were auditioned per day! A big thank you to all the applicants for your participation, enthusiasm and desire to join Crazy Horse Paris and its iconic troupe.
Did you know?
A few months ago, Sunny Rockstar and Gypsy Jane made cabaret history. Find out more about their interviews!
So Crazy !
Unexpected and immersive, the Crazy Experience has many surprise in store for you!
Guiding you along VIP booths and discreet lounges, the dancer will reveal the venue’s fascinating history and some of its most extraordinary anecdotes.
After this surprise-filled and immersive experience, you will see the show through the eyes of an insider. It’s now up to you to keep these secrets to yourself…
An exceptional experience right at the heart of Glamour
Another hour and a half before the curtain is drawn. You enter through the powdery pink entrance hall, tread on the plush, red and kiss-spangled carpet and, sparkling mirrors on either side, descend steps to the Crazy Horse’s antechamber. The Crazy Experience is about to start with one of the iconic dancer. Surprises galore: Ring ring, that phone booth intrigues you! Peek-a-boo, this peeping wall is hiding hitherto unseen videos! Your curiosity piqued, you dive into the vibrant and crimson atmosphere of the small venue. From the lip-shaped seats, to the private Lova-Lova and Rita Cadillac alcoves, or the Polly Underground bar, your imagination will abound with the history of the most glamorous cabaret of the French capital.
You will savor the opportunity to have the entire place all to yourself for this very special moment. During your visit your special guide will reveal everything you’ve always wanted to know: what a day in the life of a dancer looks like, how they are recruited, how big the stage is, if the dancers can see the audience during the show… you’ll see, she’s passionate about sharing “her” Crazy Horse with you!
Mika Do, dancer: “The Crazy Experience is an original way of connecting us to the audience and of unleashing its imagination before the show.”
Behind the scenes chic at Crazy Horse Paris
Hidden from view behind the bar, a door leads backstage where delicious amuse-bouches and exceptional champagne await! You are in the former office of the Crazy Horse’s founder, the “Salon Bernardin”, covered in mirrors, red velvet and echoes from the past. It is here that the most emblematic acts were conceived and legends crossed paths.
The show starts in fifteen minutes! It’s time for your special guide to vanish from sight, only to reappear again later on stage. In a moment, in an instant, she will be there, dressed in light… will you be able to recognize her? In the meantime, you will be brought to your VIP seat where a half bottle of champagne awaits. Your mind replete with golden bubbles and giddy musings, it’s time for the "Totally Crazy" show to begin!
Svetlana Konstantinova, stage and production manager: “The Crazy Experience provides depth and understanding. Those who have experienced it will see the show with completely new eyes!”
Crazy Expérience in vidéo
For the 8pm show, the visit starts at 6:30pm
For the 7pm show, the visit starts at 5:30pm
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VIP welcome for groups of up to 14 people)Guided tour of the cabaret by one of the dancers followed by 2 glasses of champagne, as well as a selection of amuse-bouche)
VIP seats and a ½ bottle of champagne and a Crazy gift!
Our “Crazy Experience” available in French every Friday and Saturday, every Thursday and Sunday in English.
Sparkling artist with a unique scenic presence, we followed Etta d'Amour throughout her last day at Crazy Horse Paris: between final preparations and emotions, discover exclusives images!
"I love so much Crazy Horse Paris' stage...I will miss it"
Photos: Cheyne Tillier-Daly, Paul-Henri Pesquet, Antoine Poupel, RĂ©mi Desclaux
Can you guess what passion or activity the dancers pursue outside the cabaret?
Some clues...
