MIMI PAROLE

What is your story with dance?

I come from Italy and began my dance training at the La Scala Ballet School in Milan. Dance has always been my Plan A. There was never a Plan B. At twelve, I left the family home to attend the Rosella Hightower National Higher Dance School in Cannes as a boarding student. That was when I realized I wanted to make my profession dance. I dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina…

But when I arrived in Paris at seventeen, I discovered another world: cabaret, musical theatre, and heels classes… I had stars in my eyes! It was around that time that I first saw Totally Crazy… and it was a revelation. From that moment on, my dream was to join Crazy Horse Paris. I tried my luck two years later and was selected.

Can you tell us about your Crazy Horse Paris audition?

The first time I saw the Crazy Horse Paris show, I knew that I wanted to become part of the company. It became a very clear goal. On the day of the audition, I was extremely nervous. The stakes felt enormous to me: if I failed, my dream might slip away. But when I danced on that iconic stage, beneath the lights and facing the auditorium, I felt something incredible—as though it were simply meant to be. And here I am today: Mimi Parole, a Crazy Horse Paris dancer!

What is the story behind your stage name?

I am the youngest member of the company, so “Mimi” came naturally, like a sweet and affectionate nickname. “Parole” is pronounced in the Italian way because I come from Milan. It was chosen because I always have a thousand things to say, as well as being a nod to Dalida’s song.

How did you feel the first time you saw a Crazy Horse Paris show?

I was seventeen. I cried during every act because I found the show so extraordinary. The dancers seemed so beautiful, powerful, and inspiring… I was deeply moved.

The Crazy Horse Paris theatre is intimate, allowing the dancers to be close to the audience and interact with them. They look us straight in the eye. We feel every emotion they convey; it is a genuine moment of connection.

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

I always want to celebrate women. I want women to feel what I experience on stage: strength, independence, feminine power, but also sensitivity. To me, these two worlds are not opposite; they complement one another. When a woman sees me and feels stronger, more beautiful, and more confident, then I have succeeded. I also want to inspire dreams by sharing a little of my own.

What has created the magic of Crazy Horse Paris for the past seventy-five years?

The acts are timeless. Every night, they are reborn. The lights come back on, the dancers step onto the stage, and everything comes alive again. Here, creativity, freedom of expression, and the art of movement come together. There is something both mysterious and mythical about Crazy Horse Paris, something that allows it to transcend time without ever growing old. To me, that is the very definition of genius.

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

Joining Crazy Horse Paris at nineteen and seeing my dream come true so early is an immense source of personal pride, because this milestone in my career reflects the determination I have always had. My mother was a cabaret dancer at the Moulin Rouge and the Lido. She passed on her love of the stage but also taught me about the realities of the profession: hard work, discipline, and high standards. My family has always supported me, but I was fully aware that this career choice would demand courage and unwavering determination. I never gave up. I am proud to have followed my dreams all the way to the Crazy Horse Paris stage.

Does creating dreams for others require tremendous personal discipline?

Discipline is part of a dancer’s life. Yes, there is a routine: work, exercise, nutrition, and rehearsals. But it is not a sacrifice. It is a way of life that we adopt from a very young age. And when you are living your dream, discipline becomes natural.

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

I do not distinguish between the woman and the dancer. My body is the same on the street as it is on stage. Of course, it is also my working instrument, so I take care of it. At the slightest sign of pain, I seek treatment and avoid unnecessary risks so that I do not injure myself. I have a peaceful relationship with my body and feel comfortable in it. On stage, beneath the lights and wearing costumes, I feel even more beautiful.

What would you say today to the little dancer you once were?

Keep the stars in your eyes! Never give up, even in moments of doubt. When you truly want something, you can achieve it. You have to believe in yourself and listen to those who believe in you.

Which act in The Dubai Edition amazes you the most?

It is Lay Laser Lay. It is striking from the very beginning! The staging, with the wheel, the smoke, the lights, and the music that touches you deep inside, makes it a spectacular and incomparable act. The dancer appears both vulnerable and superior. Her sensuality and fragility overwhelm me with emotion every time I watch it.