GOLDIE GALORE

What is your story with dance?

I was born in Essex, near London, and for as long as I can remember, I grew up dancing! I began ballet at the age of three, before going on to study jazz, tap, and contemporary dance.

When the time came to pursue my studies, the prestigious Urdang Academy in London caught my attention, both because it was supported by Brian Friedman and because it offered heels classes, a discipline that already interested me greatly. I therefore joined the Urdang Academy at nineteen and studied there for four years. At the end of my training, I began to have doubts. I felt that I had not yet found my path as a dancer and was considering changing careers. Then a friend sent me an audition notice for a famous Parisian cabaret, the Paradis Latin.

I thought, “All right, I’ll try. Just one audition. And if it does not work out, I’ll stop.” I attended the audition and was hired that very day. When I discovered cabaret dance, an entirely new world opened up before me, and I finally found my own path.

What is the story behind your stage name?

My real first name is Honor, after the actress Honor Blackman, who was a James Bond girl. She played Pussy Galore in Goldfinger in 1965. Knowing that story, the idea came naturally: Goldie Galore, a nod to both Goldfinger and Pussy Galore.

Who is Goldie Galore?

I am still discovering her… But I can say that she is extremely confident and seductive. Goldie Galore is a version of me transported into an unreal, marvellous, and fantastical world.

What was your Crazy Horse Paris audition like?

Completely improbable! Deep down, I was certain that I belonged at Crazy Horse Paris, while also believing it could only ever happen in my dreams. So I never dared to apply, a friend did it for me. I then received an invitation to audition, but I had not replied in time to reserve a slot. There was no way I was going to let it end there. On the day of the audition, I showed up anyway, fully made up, with my hair done, and completely determined. I insisted and refused to give up. After spending four hours waiting and walking around the neighborhood, they finally called me back. I was able to audition and was selected.

Looking back, everything seemed to be working against me… and yet everything fell into place. I first saw the show on my twenty-third birthday, and I began rehearsals on my twenty-fifth birthday. There were so many signs… It was as though the universe had helped me find my place and now, here I am.

At times a femme fatale, at others playful and mischievous, or even deep and dramatic… how do you approach the different roles in the show The Dubai Edition?

I am naturally cheerful and playful, so I am fascinated by dancers who master a more serious form of seduction, one rooted in depth and restraint. Nuancing our natural personality, enriching it with different textures and colors, and sometimes combining opposites is what makes a performance truly captivating. Personally, I work a great deal on intensity and mystery. I am also learning that sometimes less is more: a spark passing through the eyes, like an elusive secret, can contain the full power of a performance.

What do you want to convey to the audience when you dance on the Crazy Horse Paris stage?

The show The Dubai Edition is a waking dream. It is an invitation to leave reality behind and enter a parallel world where everything is beautiful, perfect, and carefree. On stage, we embody that illusion of perfection, a suspended moment beyond everyday life. I would like the audience to feel uplifted and untouchable while immersed in this dreamlike universe.

In your opinion, what is the most important quality of a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

The ability to seduce and play, of course, but above all, to express an extraordinary amount through the smallest details. Excellence of movement is one of the defining qualities of Crazy Horse Paris. The way you move your hands, arms, or neck can convey softness, strength, vulnerability, and seduction all at once. It is extremely nuanced and complex… and so fascinating for a dancer.

What is the atmosphere like in the dressing rooms before the curtain rises: totally crazy or intensely focused?

It is different every day, but it is always a moment I love! The atmosphere is incredibly supportive, almost like a family. We encourage one another, make one another laugh, and offer support. Backstage, we watch the solos on the video monitors. There is a real sense of mutual admiration. To me, every dancer is a source of inspiration that helps Goldie Galore continue to grow.

What makes you particularly proud as a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

Whether I look around me on stage or at the wall displaying the names of the dancers who have contributed to the reputation of Crazy Horse Paris since 1951, I see artists of immense talent. When I realise that I am now one of them and that I have become part of this history, I feel an enormous sense of pride.

As a dancer, how would you describe your relationship with your body?

As a dancer, I see my relationship with my body as an ongoing journey, with every day offering an opportunity to learn more about myself. Listening to your body helps you understand how to nourish it, prevent injuries, and recognize whether working on flexibility, endurance, or interpretation will take you to the next level. I believe the key is to know your body completely, and that takes time.

Which female icons inspire you in life?

My mother inspires me so much… I truly believe she is one of the most extraordinary people in the world.

What did you discover about yourself when you became a Crazy Horse Paris dancer?

I discovered just how demanding I could be with myself. At Crazy Horse Paris, the make-up, hair, costumes, and every gesture and glance are considered down to the smallest detail. Nothing is left to chance. Crazy Horse Paris is built on unity and perfection. I learned to carry those same high standards into every aspect of my life, both on stage and off.

Which act in The Dubai Edition amazes you the most?

Rougir de Désir. This act moves me to tears. The music, the sublime silhouette, the quality of the movement…everything about it is deeply moving. Without hesitation, it is my favorite act.