Inside the life of actual showgirls

Showgirl -era loading. With Taylor Swift’s “Life on a showgirl” When we release October 3, we are ready to withdraw the curtain and get a deeper look at the real showgirl lifestyle. Fans have already seen Swift’s elaborate suits, looked at her 3.5-hour performances and possibly heard of Her recovery set. But what else happens under glitter and glam?

Light spoiler, but the life of a showgirl is not just about glittering ensembles and spring heads; It is a profession that takes enormous strength and endurance. To gain a better understanding, we asked two real showgirls about their heights and the lowness from Moulin Rouge in Paris, and the other from Spiegelworld in Las Vegas. Read on for their sincere thoughts, including details about their training routines, backstage discoveries and the importance of their costumes. Sure, it’s not all fun and games. . . But it’s showbiz, baby.

Fitness routine for a showgirl

As a showgirl comes strength and endurance first. Allie GoodbunA showgirl on Moulin Rouge, says her fitness routine is about balance and helps her prepare for two shows per night, six days per week. “In the day I love to cycle around Paris and do a light body exercise two to three times a week,” she says pop. “Before nightly performances, I make a full body distance to ensure that my body feels warm and mobile, ready to dance.”

Goodbun must also maintain its flexibility, which means consistent stretch and strengthening exercises. “The French may require high kicks and jump shares, so I always make sure I warm up properly before every show,” she says. “Taking care of my muscles also plays a huge role in maintaining good flexibility.”

Alanna BerangerA showgirl with Spiegelworld in Las Vegas, has a similar approach, even though she performs more acrobatics with swing poles and an airbar. “The strength comes into play when I hold, balances, throws or captures another artist during trios,” she tells PopSugar. “For swinging poles, core strength is essential – not only to avoid pain in other areas, but also to remain adapted while pressing Poland where it needs to go.”

Consequently, Belanger prioritizes Strength training Above all else. In addition to her weekly show schedule she lifts the weight four times a week and strives for on average 10,000 steps per day. “I focus more on strength over volume. I lift heavy with lower repetition, and I think that’s what my body does very well,” she says. But despite their disciplined fitness regimes, both artists agree to take time for rest and recovery is crucial. “Travel days are as decisive as lifting days, although I have always found that it is the most difficult part,” says Beranger. Baths can also be useful recovery tools (Belarans like ice, while Goodbun prefers salt).

Preparing for a show

On the truthGoodbun prepares for show by repeating with the right shoes and props. “Practicing in full costume and on the stage itself is always very helpful,” she says. This is partly because showgirl enemies are a bit of a workout in themselves. “They usually involve large headgear, 1000’s of rhinestones and several pieces of costume, which can make them very heavy, often weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds,” says Goodbun. “Preparing for a new performance can be stressful, but when practiced with all elements, including our dramatic head pieces and suits, it always helps me feel properly prepared.”

For Beranger, who works in a group team, much of her preparation is dependent on the people around her. “If one of the girls takes a day off, we often don’t go into the job, so your frame of mind switches,” she explains. A free day can mean that she can go harder in the gym, because she does not have a performance at night. Otherwise, Belanger focuses on stretching her back, shoulders and divisions and using her morning training as a way to check in with her body before a performance. “It also allows me to notice any twinges, pain or pain early and become aware of what condition my body is in,” she says. “All these factors prepare me physically and mentally before each performance.”

Misconceptions about a showgirl

“Something that many people assume is that a showgirl’s life is very glamorous, day and night, when it is definitely not,” says Goodbun. Although it takes a lot to get in full showgirl mode, there is also plenty that is going on behind the stage (and that is not all image-Perfect). “It’s very different from what people think,” confirms Beranger. Employees can be on their phones, watch movies or have a quick nap. “You turn on the five minutes on stage, you come back and you are like” OK, I can cool, “she explains.” People move around, we play games. ”

In addition to the backstage vibes, Goodbun adds that the real life of showgirl is not the competitive, cut environment it is often made. “My experience as a showgirl is quite literally the opposite,” she says. “It really feels like a sisterhood. We support each other and cheer on backstage, and also just in life. Sharing the scene with women who lift me up and make me feel my best every day on stage is something so special.”

Chandler Plante (She/her) is a social producer and personnel writer for the health and fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, who previously worked as an editorial assistant for People Magazine, a social media manager for Millie Magazine and a contributor to Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in newspaper journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.