A world-renowned cabaret known for its sultry blend of artistry, glamour, and seductive performances, Crazy Horse Paris has dazzled audiences with its unique mix of burlesque, contemporary dance and avant-garde lighting since 1951, all set in a ch...
Also Known As
Le Crazy
Founded On
1951
Founded By
Alain Bernardin
Did you know?
Crazy Horse dancers use a signature makeup called The Crazy Rouge—a bold red lipstick that highlights their expressions and adds to the cabaret’s hypnotic allure.
Each performer adopts a unique stage name, like “Hippy Bang Bang” or “Etta d’Amour,” adding an air of mystery and glamour to their persona on stage.
The dancers’ movements are choreographed with near-military precision—down to the millimeter! Every step, sway, and pose is perfectly timed to create breathtaking optical illusions that leave audiences spellbound.
On May 19, 1951, a visionary named Alain Bernardin opened the doors to Crazy Horse Paris at 12 Avenue George V. His goal was simple but bold: to celebrate the female form through performances that were as artistic as they were sensual. Inspired by movements like New Wave, Neo-Realism, and Pop Art, Bernardin created a unique blend of cabaret and art.
As times changed, so did Crazy Horse. The cabaret embraced the artistic energy of the era, incorporating bold, modern visuals and synchronized choreography into its performances. The use of innovative lighting became a signature touch, transforming the dancers’ bodies into living canvases.
By the 1970s, Crazy Horse was on the map as one of Paris's must-see attractions. In 1977, a documentary called Crazy-Horse, Paris-France brought the cabaret to international audiences, showcasing its blend of artistry, glamour, and provocative charm.
After decades at the helm, Alain Bernardin passed away in 1994, leaving Crazy Horse to his children. They carried on his legacy, ensuring the cabaret continued to honor its founder’s vision while adapting to a changing world.
For its 50th anniversary, Crazy Horse took a bold step: it expanded outside Paris, opening a second venue in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. This marked a new chapter, bringing Parisian glamour to the glitzy heart of the entertainment world.
Crazy Horse entered a new era in 2005 when it was sold to Belgian entrepreneur Philippe Lhomme. A new management team, led by Andrée Deissenberg, revitalized the brand, blending fresh ideas with the cabaret’s timeless allure.
Crazy Horse teamed up with renowned choreographer Philippe Decouflé to create Désirs, a stunning new show. It was a game-changer, combining cutting-edge choreography with the cabaret’s signature style, earning critical acclaim and drawing new audiences.
In 2012, Crazy Horse introduced its first-ever guest creator, none other than iconic fashion designer Christian Louboutin. He brought his flair for design to the cabaret, crafting mesmerizing new tableaux that bridged the worlds of high fashion and performing arts.
Today, Crazy Horse Paris remains as dazzling as ever. Its shows continue to push boundaries, blending artistic innovation with the timeless elegance that has defined it for over seven decades– a little something you can’t miss while in Paris.
Lighting is not just a tool but an essential feature of the show. Instead of traditional costumes, dancers are often "dressed" in projections of light, which change dynamically to enhance the choreography. This approach creates mesmerizing optical illusions, making their movements appear sculpted and fluid.
By using cutting-edge technology, Crazy Horse transforms the stage into a living canvas. The interplay of light, shadow, and color elevates the performances, creating a surreal visual experience for the audience.
Dancers at Crazy Horse are rigorously trained to ensure precision and synchronicity. Their performances emphasize grace, rhythm, and alignment, contributing to the seamless integration of movement with lighting.
Each routine is designed to tell a story or evoke emotion. The choreography combines elements of classic burlesque with avant-garde styles, making every performance both visually striking and conceptually rich.
You can't imagine Crazy Horse Paris without its dancers and the magic they weave on stage. Let’s delve deeper into all that makes the cabaret what it is.
Rigorous selection
Joining the ranks of Crazy Horse dancers is no small feat. The audition process is famously meticulous, requiring candidates to meet specific physical criteria, such as height (1.68 to 1.72 meters) and body proportions. But the demands extend beyond appearance. Aspiring dancers must have a strong foundation in classical ballet, jazz, or contemporary dance.
Mastering the craft
For those who make the cut, the journey has just begun. New dancers undergo three to five months of intensive training designed to refine their dance skills and immerse them in the signature Crazy Horse style. This preparation includes mastering choreography that demands precision and fluidity, often performed in high Christian Louboutin heels.
Over the years, Crazy Horse has collaborated with global icons, adding star power to its already dazzling roster, like:
Dita Von Teese, the queen of burlesque, whose sultry performances perfectly align with Crazy Horse’s aesthetic.
Beyoncé, who brought her unmatched energy and flair to the stage.
Lisa from BLACKPINK, whose appearances blended the world of K-pop with Parisian cabaret.
Upon entering Crazy Horse Paris, you’ll be immediately welcomed in an atmosphere of luxury and intimacy. The space features rich red velvet seating, mirrors, and sparkling disco balls, setting the tone for a captivating evening. The venue’s design creates an elegant, sensual environment where every detail—from the lighting to the furnishings—adds to the overall experience. The entrance, marked by large red lips, serves as an alluring introduction to what awaits inside.
Crazy Horse’s impact isn’t limited to Paris. Over the decades, its shows have toured across Europe and Asia, introducing international audiences to its unique blend of art and entertainment.
Beyond its tours, Crazy Horse has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior. These partnerships elevated cabaret to the level of high art, proving that performance and haute couture could share the same stage.
Yes, iconic acts like "God Save Our Bareskin" and "Upside Down" have become synonymous with Crazy Horse Paris. These performances highlight the precision, creativity, and artistic direction that define the cabaret's unique style.
A typical show features around a dozen dancers, each selected for their exceptional talent, charisma, and ability to embody the cabaret's ethos of elegance and sensuality.
While there are no formal meet-and-greet options, Crazy Horse Paris occasionally offers exclusive VIP experiences that may include interactions with the creative team or performers.
The music at Crazy Horse Paris is a carefully curated blend of original compositions and Parisian-inspired tunes. Each piece complements the choreography and elevates the storytelling.
While the Moulin Rouge focuses on grand, theatrical productions with a lively ambiance, Crazy Horse Paris offers a more intimate and artistic experience. Its performances emphasize sensuality and precision, appealing to those seeking a sophisticated night out.
Yes, several documentaries and interviews provide behind-the-scenes insights. Notably, "Crazy Horse" by Frederick Wiseman offers an in-depth look at the cabaret’s inner workings, from choreography to costume design.
The cabaret employs cutting-edge projection mapping, LED technology, and surround sound systems to create an immersive experience. These tools allow for seamless synchronization between dancers and visual effects.