JASMINE Bard’s “amazing whirlwind” of a journey from the Hunter to the Moulin Rouge has reached its pinnacle, after she made her debut in the world’s most famous cabaret as one of its acclaimed showgirls.
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“My first show was one of the most amazing, unforgettable nights of my life,” Ms Bard, 19, told the Herald from Paris.
“When the music started I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my body.
“Once the curtain opened and the lights filled the stage, I saw the full house theatre and from that moment I knew I was going to love every minute that I spent on the Moulin Rouge stage.
“I feel so lucky and privileged – I am still pinching myself that it is my job. It truly is a dream come true.”
The Herald reported last December that Ms Bard had received a contract to join the company, 16 months after an audition in the middle of her Higher School Certificate year at Hunter School of the Performing Arts.
She started dancing when she was four and completed a Diploma in Elite Dance Performance in 2017.
Moulin Rouge artistic director Janet Pharaoh told the Herald last year Ms Bard “immediately attracted” her attention at the audition “because of her impeccable dance technique”.
“Along with her great dancing, a fabulous figure, bonny face and lovely personality she shone throughout the audition and has been at the top of my list since, I just had to wait for her to finish school but finally she is coming to join us in Paris.”
Ms Bard flew to France’s snowy capital on February 1 and said she couldn’t believe how beautiful – and cold – it was.
“When I first started rehearsals [six days a week for a month] my body had never been so sore,” she said.
“The routines are very physically demanding and technically challenging especially the can can.
“Very different from the ballet and contemporary that I am used to.
“But with the amazing guidance and training from the ballet master and dance captain, the three new girls and I were ready to dance on the stage as showgirls.”
Ms Bard said joining the cabaret was like “being part of a whole new world”.
“The costumes are breath-taking, the environment backstage is very professional and the people are all so beautiful.
“Everyone really looks out for each other and I have already made some great friendships.”
Ms Bard performs six nights a week, including two shows on both Friday and Saturday nights. Soon she will be performing in two shows every night.
“Along the way I have found it challenging and tiring as I get to sleep most nights at 4am because I find it hard to wind down from such a high,” she said.
“But it is all worth it and I have loved every minute.
“There is nothing more exciting than performing every night to a packed audience.”
Ms Bard said she has relished exploring Paris and will travel to London for the first time this weekend.
She plans to visit Milan in April, will host her family later this year and is determined to improve her French.
“I have definitely made the right decision!” she said.
“I couldn’t be more happy than to be here and doing what I love.”