A Smash Hit!

Anna Bailey was born in Brooklyn and made the trek across the county as one of twenty-seven young Black dancers to arrive in Las Vegas to perform at the newly-constructed Moulin Rouge in March 1955.  

 Celebrated African-American choreographer Clarence Robinson, of Stormy Weather and Cotton Club Revue fame, designed the dazzling dance numbers for the Moulin Rouge. Bailey felt that they worked well together and, as a result of prior collaborations with him, was fortunate to have a “choice spot” in the chorus line – “right smack-dab in the center, in the front".

Despite the early promise of the Moulin Rouge, it closed only six months after it opened, the reasons never fully understood.  

Several months after the closing, local and state government officials, Black leaders, the NAACP and hotel owners came together at the shuttered hotel to hash out the landmark Moulin Rouge Agreement which officially desegregated Strip and Fremont Street casino-hotels.  However, it did not bring an end to racism in the audition process or on showroom stages. 

Bailey continued to dance after she left the Moulin Rouge, and would become part of an all African-American touring dance company that would appear at the Dunes Hotel in the late 1950s. 

 In the early 1960s, she became the first Black woman to work as a dancer on the Las Vegas Strip, at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino.

She also returned to work with her old friend, singer Pearl Bailey (no relation), during her frequent appearances at the hotel.

She and her husband then went on to open successful clubs.

  Anna's resilience in the face of racial indignities, and her determination to continue her work as a professional dancer and reach for the ultimate prize of performing on the Las Vegas Strip, show her to be a true trailblazer in every sense of the word.

Note: Portions of this biography are  © AAIHS 

Lou Anne Chessik’s preparation for her career as a Showgirl/Dancer in the stage show spectaculars began with ballet lessons at age six in Bellingham Washington. 

She danced with Tacoma City Ballet as a teenager, and received a full dance scholarship and Liberal Arts Degree from Stephens College.

Chessik performed on some of the largest showroom stages in the world with a career spanning from 1979 to 1991.  She danced in four stage show spectaculars in Las Vegas; "Hallelujah Hollywood" at the MGM Grand, "Jubilee"at Bally’s Las Vegas, and the "Lido de Paris" and "Enter the Night" at the Stardust Hotel. 

Lou Anne also performed in "Hello Hollywood Hello" at the MGM Grand in Reno, Nevada and "Las Vegas by Night" at the Mikado Theatre in Tokyo, Japan.

Chessik is the Founder and President of the Showgirl Legacy Foundation. The mission is to preserve the historic significance of the iconic showgirl as a performing artist through educational programs and exhibits in schools, museums, conventions and other venues.
 

Cindy Doumani and her family are truly Las Vegas royalty.

Now 90 years young, Cindy performed as a Showgirl and dancer at the Thunderbird Hotel with Dale Robertson and June Havoc (Gypsy Rose Lee's sister), as well as in her own shows in Japan and Hawaii.

She is a long time Vegas resident, philanthropist, businesswoman and  one of the former owners of the once famed Tropicana Hotel and Casino, El Morocco and LaConcha Motel on the Las Vegas Strip.  

Her continuous support of the city's cultural events, projects and priorities has become part of her legacy and has helped make Las Vegas the "Entertainment Capital of the World".

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Born and raised in Hawaii, Marla moved to Las Vegas to pursue her career in show business.

Her performing credits include Bal du Moulin Rouge at the Reno Hilton and Las Vegas Hilton, Lido de Paris at the legendary Stardust, The Siegfried and Roy World Tour at the Mirage, City Lights at the Flamingo Hilton, Jubilee at Bally's, and Crazy Girls at the famed Riviera Hotel and Casino.

FOLLIES is honored to have Marla as one of the legendary Showgirls in this inaugural production of FOLLIES in Las Vegas.

  Suzanne is a professional dancer and entertainer who lives in Las Vegas.  

She has been performing for over three decades in many different styles and venues, and is trained in classic jazz, theatrical dance, Broadway style, tap dance, and as a showgirl.  

Suzanne performed across the Las Vegas Strip at countless historic hotels including the Silver Slipper, the Dunes, Vegas World and Planet Hollywood. She also shared the stage with Donald O’Connor, Mickey Rooney, the DeCastro sisters and with Wes Winters as one of his showgirls. 

Her television performances include the Jay Leno Show, Current Affair, Morning Blend and as a Showgirl in Disney’s 2 Men & a Baby.

She also took part in the trio Fine Wine and danced in Jubilee dancer/choreographer’s Rich Rizzo’s The Las Vegas Follies, with whom she also partnered professionally for a dozen years.

More recently, Suzanne has performed as a solo artist.  She continues to grow by continuing her dance training and delving into her latest pursuit, singing.  

Suzanne says that what she really loves is to bring smiles to the audience by sharing her passion for dance.  

Sheri is originally from Houston, Texas.  She ultimately moved to Las Vegas to work in the esteemed production of Folies Bergere at The Tropicana Hotel and Casino, where she performed the lead female adagio dancer role.

Sheri excels in ballet, jazz, tap, Flamenco and adagio dance, and over her career has worked with Donald O’Connor, Tommy Tune, Gregory Hines, Lou Rawls, Joan Rivers, and many others. 

A versatile performer, Sheri toured with the Argentinean Gauchos and has been a featured performer in many revues and musicals in Las Vegas including Casino De Paris, Pinups, and Folies de Paris. 

  Terry had her first exposure to Las Vegas while working in Elvis' concession booth at the Las Vegas Hilton selling teddy bears and pencils for Colonel Tom Parker. 

After seeing Nevada Ballet Theatre perform, she became inspired to become a dancer.  From sitting on the showroom steps watching Elvis at the Hilton, she would go on to perform in many Las Vegas production shows during her long career. 

Terry performed in numerous productions at the Holiday Casino and Harrah's including "Keep Smiling America", "The Roaring Twenties", and "The Wild World of Burlesque".   Her credits as both a dancer and singer include Jerry Jackson's "Pin-ups" revues and Rich Little's "Sahara Girls," both at the Sahara Hotel.  

Terry also performed as back-up singer and choreographer while touring with the "Winchester Cathedral" and was featured in Penny France's "Naughty Ladies," as well as the "Bourbon Street Revue".  She was also featured in the Steve Allen comedy special filmed at the Sahara, winning the title of "Unofficial Showgirl Pageant". 

Terry’s career lasted well into the 1990's as she created her own Reba McIntyre impersonator act and toured with Legends in Concert. She has always been known for her fabulous artwork, which she started to create while painting backstage between numbers. 

She went on to document the Showgirl genre with an extensive series of paintings from the iconic "Folies Bergere" at the Tropicana Hotel.   Her work is now seen by tourists from all over the world who experience the golden era of Las Vegas showgirls in her fifty foot mural of the "Folies Bergere" entitled "Folies in Flight" at the Harry Reid International Airport.

In addition to touring around the country, Joni Sailon had an astounding 25 year career as a Las Vegas Showgirl in some of the Strip's biggest and most exciting productions.

Born in Long Beach, she got her first gig dancing on tour with the incomparable fan dancer, Sally Rand, at the young age of 14.  She went on to perform with Rand again at the Silver Slipper when she was 16.

At age 17, Joni toured with Gypsy Rose Lee, rooming with another Las Vegas Showgirl icon, Cindy Doumani, closely mirroring the fictional lives of the two main female characters in FOLLIES!

Once officially living in Las Vegas, Joni danced in shows at the Riviera with Red Skelton and George Gobel, at the Desert Inn with Jane Powell, Peggy Lee and Tony Martin, and at the Tropicana with Jane Mansfield and Carol Channing, among others.

Joni also performed in Guys and Dolls at the Dunes with Betty Grable and Dan Dailey, and in Viva Les Girls and Casino de Paris.  Never having previously ice skated, she learned to and did so at the Flamingo in Playgirls on Ice, followed by Razzle Dazzle.

Joni has two sons that she raised with her husband, who was a classical violinist.  She has also appeared in a number of annual Golden Rainbow productions in the years since officially retiring from her incredible Showgirl career.

 Ramona started dancing at the age of six in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She trained in ballet, modern, jazz and tap plus piano and voice which prepared her for her eventual move to Las Vegas, Nevada.

She received two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatre and Dance from the University of Minnesota and UNLV.  Ramona was also awarded a Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in dance. For her thesis project, “Inochi To Ai”, she wrote her own music, choreographed, costumed and performed in it.

Ramona’s dancing career in Las Vegas began in 1976 and continued until 1991. During that time, she danced in two stage show spectaculars: “Hallelujah Hollywood” at the original MGM Grand and “Jubilee” at Bally’s Las Vegas.

While working in the shows, Ramona was also in the films “Rocky IV” and “Looking To Get Out”.

She also sings in two choirs in Las Vegas,The Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society which performs with Andrea Bocelli when he is town and The Myron Heaton Chorale. She has also worked with Dave Brubeck, Aaron Copland and Dominic Argento and at Carnegie Hall.

Ramona is thrilled to be a part of this production of FOLLIES in Las Vegas. 

  Before practicing law as an entertainment and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Traurig, Lauri spent 21 years performing as a dancer, singer, actress, model and spokesperson.

Her dancing career included Nevada Ballet Theatre, a 13-year run as the principal adagio act in Les Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Hotel, two years in a starring role in a television comedy series called GLOW, and the Royal Variety Command Performance for Hm. Queen Elizabeth II. 

Lauri has experience in television, film, music, commercials and live stage production, and was co-owner of a production company. 

All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances.

And one man in his time plays many parts.

- William Shakespeare

Lauri is looking forward to playing her next part and is thrilled it is in the Las Vegas production of FOLLIES.

Teri Thorndike was born and raised in Texas and has performed as a dancer in many exciting Las Vegas shows over her multi-year career.  

After working for Disney, she signed on to perform in Las Vegas at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in the Folies Bergere. She has also performed in Paris, France at the fabulous Moulin Rouge, and in Casino de Paris in Las Vegas.

Teri also performed in many lounge shows on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bare Touch of Vegas and Sassy Class, to name a few.  She also appeared on The Mike Douglas Show and played a cameo role in Vegas, the television series.

Among the noted choreographers with whom Teri has worked over her career are David Winters (West Side Story), Ron Lewis, Nick Navarro, Michael Darrin, Walter Painter, and Jerry Jackson.

She now owns and operates Vegas Twins Productions with her twin sister (also in this production of FOLLIES), Sheri Mirault.

  A Las Vegas native and former showgirl, Diane Michelle Varney graced the stages of iconic Lido de Paris, Folies Bergère and Hallelujah Hollywood.

 Diane complimented her dance career with high fashion modeling for Saks Fifth Avenue and numerous iconic designers including Mr. Blackwell and Edith Head, where she modeled original costumes worn by celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardener.  

Perhaps a bit ahead of her time, Diane’s passion for the healing arts and culture subsequently took her worldwide, studying with indigenous wellness Masters and centuries-old therapies that have become increasingly ever popular in today’s health culture. She also oversaw the opening of Bellagio Spa as the Lead Therapist and Trainer, where she was known best for her extensive repertoire and star-studded clientele.  

A lover of beauty and the finer things in life, Diane eventually launched her current career in high-end real estate where she is ranked in the Top 1% globally.  She holds the title of Associate Vice President and is the Top Producing Gold Medalist for Coldwell Banker Premier Realty. Diane has received a coveted lifetime achievement award from the firm, as published by the Las Vegas Review Journal, which regularly features her and the properties she represents.  

Being a creative individual, Diane is inspired by music, painting, long walks, nature, yoga, culture, entertainment, spirituality, and travel. 

Enjoying a lifelong commitment to the arts, Varney’s philanthropic interests include The Showgirl Legacy Foundation, The Andrea Bocelli Foundation, The Smith Center and UNLV. 

Formerly Diane Duckworth, with “Ducky” as her stage name, she resides in Summerlin and has two sons, Shane Paul and Beau Jared, and one granddaughter, Rylee Jade.

Brooke Brown grew up in Iowa and attended Oklahoma City University, a performing arts college.  

After she graduated, she moved to Las Vegas and was cast in Jubilee! That is where she met her husband, Anthony Brown, who was the first African American Principal Dancer in the production, ultimately going on to dance in the show for 23 years. They have two beautiful little girls.

While dancing in the show, Brooke earned a degree in Economics, graduating magna cum laude. 

She then went on to dance as a Vegas Golden Knights Showgirl, in Lido de Paris, Vegas! The Show, and has been showcasing her craft for over 20 years now, including appearing as a Showgirl in Cee Lo Green’s music video entitled “I Want You,” and as a dancer and Showgirl Consultant for J Lo’s Fashion Rocks Concert.

 Alejandro is an AEA actor, dancer and choreographer born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

In his early professional career, he was part of the European Tour of the Latin Musical Baracatun, and a dancer with the Neoclassical Ballet of Buenos Aires. He has also performed at the renowned "Fetes de Nuit 2006” in the Chateau du Versailles (France), and sailed the high seas working for Royal Caribbean, where he met his beautiful wife, Sarah Le Clear. 

Since moving to Las Vegas in 2012, Alejandro has been seen in shows like Donn Arden’s Jubilee, Cirque du Soleil’s One Night for One Drop, Zombie Burlesque, Vegas! The show (Dance captain) and Donny & Marie. 

Alejandro also works as choreographer for companies like Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Lines.  

 Hailing from Gloucestershire England, Becs graduated with a BA in theatre dance from the prestigious London Studio Centre. 

Some of her UK credits include the inaugural cast at the Empire casino, Leicester Square, working as a featured dancer in the 10 part series “Justin Lee Collins, Good Times," in Classical Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall, for Rihanna at the MTV Video Music Awards, and on the P&O and NCL Cruise Lines.

Becs moved to Las Vegas in 2012 where she quickly gained a spot as the Featured Dancer in Donn Arden’s Jubilee! After two years she moved to Vegas! The Show at Planet Hollywood where she became the leading “Lady Luck” and occasionally appeared as a swing dancer at Zombie Burlesque and Fantasy at Luxor.

As well as being a performer, Becs is a successful choreographer with clients including Snoop Dogg, Benny Benassi, Kaskade, Galantis, DJ Khaled, LMFAO, Tao Group and the Linq Las Vegas.

In 2019, she started her own collective entertainment company named City Katz where she produces shows, events and corporate productions.

She is so excited to don her showgirl attire and be back onstage as a Showgirl in FOLLIES.

 Jennifer hails from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where her passion and love for the stage first began. 

After receiving her B.S. in Health Science and performing with the Clemson University Rally Cats, Jennifer decided to pursue a professional career in dance. That opportunity arrived when she went to work at sea for Carnival Cruise Line. 

Since then, she has toured with Spirit Productions, performed for Calvin Gilmore Productions at The Carolina Opry, and Holland America Line with Stiletto Entertainment. 

Jennifer and her husband, Joshua, moved to Las Vegas in 2016 and she has since dedicated her talents to corporate events, Vegas! The Show, BurlesQ, Disco Divas, and more. 

She currently channels her passion into event production with Entertainment Plus Productions as an Entertainment Coordinator.

John Marr hails from Dallas, Texas, where he began training and pursuing his love for dance. 

He spent five years dancing aboard Carnival Cruise Lines, traveling to Australia, Canada, the Bahamas and the Mexican Rivera. 

Since living in Las Vegas, John has performed in Legends in Concert, WOW, Aussie Heat, Vegas the Show, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!

John is honored and excited to be a part of the FOLLIES! 

Eric Michael Morgan originally hails from Pennsylvania where he studied dance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. 

Before Eric moved to Las Vegas, he spent time at sea working for Royal Caribbean International, and in Japan working at Tokyo DisneySea.

In Las Vegas, Eric performed in Donn Arden’s Jubilee!, under the management of the late legend Fluff LeCoque, before assuming the role of Dance Captain and Male Dance Swing at David Saxe’s Vegas! the Show. 

Eric also originated the role of The White Knight in the underground steampunk rock opera, Alice.

He is thrilled to be a part of this cast and this production of FOLLIES! 

@eric_michael_morgan

 Alyssa is an exquisitely skilled dancer from Orange County, CA, who embarked on her ballet journey at the age of three.

Growing up in her studio, she showcased her talents in classics such as Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and the ever so timeless, The Nutcracker. 

During high school, Alyssa competed across California, Hawaii, and New York, securing numerous state titles with her dance team.

Later, she enchanted audiences in Disneyland parades and at Harry Potter World in Universal Studios Hollywood. Exploring the TV and film world in Los Angeles, Alyssa is featured in numerous music videos, commercials, and TV shows.

Recently venturing to Las Vegas, she embraced the spotlight as a Golden Belle Showgirl for the Vegas Golden Knights, earning a Stanley Cup for the 22-23 season. 

Alongside freelance events, performances at iconic nightclubs around town, and runway appearances, Alyssa is thrilled to grace the FOLLIES stage, promising to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent.

The incredibly talented Avree Walker began his early training at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, under the direction of Dr. Marcia Robinson.  

Mr. Walker is an alumnus of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, and attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas, representing the dance department in South Korea, Canada, Europe, and throughout the U.S. 

Mr. Walker became an artist with the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre (Contemporary West Dance Theatre) touring and performing works by Alvin Ailey, Ulysses Dove, Elisa Monte, Rennie Harris, Milton Myers, Zane Booker, Hope Boykin, Tommie Waheed Evans, Donald Byrd, Don Bellamy, and others. 

His regional credits include Dreamgirls, Once on This Island, The Color Purple, Black Nativity (Las Vegas and Atlanta), The Music Man, Spamalot, The Wiz, Cinderella, Matilda the Musical (regional premiere), and The Prince of Egypt the Musical (Dreamworks). 

Mr. Walker performed in Donn Arden’s Jubilee! and Extravaganza at Bally's/Horseshoe, and is currently a dancer in Vegas! The Show at Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip. 

Mr. Walker served as Resident Choreographer for Contemporary West Dance Theatre and Program Artistic Director of the CWDT Conservatory & Pre-Professional Program. 

In 2019, he joined the dance faculty of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts as the first full-time African American dance instructor in the school’s history.