A Day In The Life Of A Sydney Showgirl

Showgirl fever is set to sweep the globe next month and we predict this new obsession will capture the hearts of young and old and everyone in between. How can we be so sure? Because we’ve had showgirl fever since 1987! 

Our Showboat Follies, as they affectionately call themselves, embody glamour, grace and professionalism. Their hard work and dedication as classically trained dancers earned them a prized role in Australia’s longest running cabaret show, and night after night, they dazzle audiences aboard Sydney’s famous Showboat Dinner Cruises.  

Sydney Showboats welcomes dancers at every stage of their journey — some are returning home after performing in international shows like Moulin Rouge and Palazzo, or from high-sea adventures travelling on cruise ships. Others join us fresh from full-time dance studies. 

The selection process is rigorous and the competition is tough, with talented dancers from all around Australia, and sometimes even further ashore, auditioning against 60-100 dancers and singers, with just four positions generally filled per audition.   

The demanding rehearsal schedule over the next two-months perfects the fast-paced choreography that is packed with spins, leaps and high-kicks. Then they are ready to adorn their sequins and feathers and take to the stage to perform a Voyage of Love. 

So, what does it take to become a real-life showgirl (or showboy!)? We sat down with a few of our cast members to find out… 

What made you start performing? 

Amelea: I've always been into dance. I started with my sister when I was little, initially with ballet, then discovered the showgirl world and fell in love with it. 

Megan: When I was young, I used to watch The Wizard of Oz on repeat. I loved Judy Garland so much and I said, I want to be like her. I want to sing.  

Charlotte: I've been dancing my whole life - I started when I was three. I loved it so much that I wanted to do it as a career, so I did it full time and have been doing it professionally for about two years now.  

Have there been struggles on your road to becoming a showgirl? 

Amelea: Yes, it's difficult with auditions and constantly competing against other people, but if it's something you want to do, you should make it happen.  

Megan: It has not been easy. There is a lot of rejection but you learn to build thick skin and remind yourself that sometimes rejection is not personal but due to factors out of your control, like costume fit or height for set pieces. You have to keep working hard and not give up. 

Charlotte: There are always struggles like injuries and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication to make it happen.  

Cameron: It's definitely a lot easier being a boy in the performing arts because there are fewer male dancers overall, so compared to some of the girls, it's been a slightly easier journey in that way.  

What advice do you have for aspiring performers? 

Amelea: Never give up, always keep going, there's always something for you and you just have to go out there and find it. 

Megan: Work hard, don't give up. It will happen eventually but everyone's journey is different. Don't compare yourself to others and just be yourself.

Cameron: Don't give up and give it your all. I auditioned for Showboat three times before I got the job, so you never know when the right day will be your day. 

What do you enjoy most about performing on stage? 

Amelea: I love putting on the costumes, makeup, performing on stage with the lighting, and how it all comes together.

Megan: It's so electric being on stage. I still get nervous for about five to seven seconds and then it melts away and it feels like home.

Charlotte: I love being on stage because I feel free and it's a good way to express yourself. Even if I start in a bad mood, I always come out happier.

What is your favourite moment performing in the Voyage of Love show?  

Amelea: Ay Caramba is my favourite because it's a very fun number with lots of acting and audience involvement.

Megan: My favourite moment is when I sing No Regrets in French. It builds emotionally at the end and you can feel the whole room going with you on that big note. It's really special.

Charlotte: It's hard to pick a favourite, but my favourite show ever was New Year's last year. I love all the shows.

Cameron: One of my favourite parts is towards the end when the singers sing 'I Still Call Australia Home' as we go under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, which feels special being born and raised in Sydney.

Whatever their path, our Sydney Showgirls are a tight-knit family who are supportive of each other and professional both on and off the stage. Being a Showboat Folly is a connection that stays with them for a lifetime.  Find out more about the Sydney Showboats cast.