All over the world, Parisian cabarets are synonymous with extravagance, enchantment, sensuality, and glamour. These places of wonder would not exist without all the artists who give their heart and soul to each performance. But what is the life of a cabaret performer like? A glimpse into the daily life of these multi-talented entertainment professionals who have a job like no other.
The hectic lifestyle of cabaret performers
Six days a week, dancers, singers, and other artists put on a show at the Paradis Latin, one of the largest and most prestigious Parisian cabarets. Dancing, singing, acting, making people laugh, moving them, surprising them, and marveling at them: giving their all on stage to entertain the audience is surely the best part of the lives of cabaret performers in Paris. But, aside from the glitz and glamour, their schedules are packed!
Being a cabaret artist is a daily job that requires performing on stage almost daily, and sometimes even twice in the same day. In addition to these performances, there are rehearsals for the show or for various events (Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, etc.) with the rest of the troupe. The frequency and duration of these rehearsals vary: they take place once or several times a week and can sometimes last several hours.
Before each performance, cabaret artists also need several dozen minutes to prepare for their stage appearance. Warm-ups, makeup, and hairstyling: although these take time, these are special moments of sharing that ultimately create strong bonds. At Paradis Latin, the artists form a big family. They enjoy getting together before and after work, despite the hectic pace of daily life.
This frenetic pace also requires cabaret artists to know how to manage pressure and maintain a minimum level of discipline in their daily lives. Because outside of rehearsal, preparation, and performance time, you need to take time off, while still taking care to stay in shape, maintain your body, and continue to perfect your craft! Dance classes, the gym, swimming, yoga, Pilates, running: everyone has their favorite physical activity and manages their training as they see fit.
Beyond this already busy schedule, cabaret performers still find time to indulge in other activities! Yes, performing on stage isn’t the only activity that fills their daily lives. At Paradis Latin, some, for example, study or train as actors alongside their cabaret work. Others practice modeling, design jewelry, compose music, get their driver’s license, dance the rola bola, or even teach English.
In the world of entertainment, balancing professional and personal life requires regularity and a certain discipline. Yet, when thunderous applause erupts in the audience at the end of each show, cabaret artists know that their work will never be in vain: the audience’s appreciation and wonder are worth all the effort and investment in the world.
