Janet Pharaoh, a pivotal figure in the Moulin Rouge, left an indelible mark on the legendary Parisian cabaret over the past 30 years. A former dancer turned creative director, she played a crucial role in its revival and global reputation. Her passing leaves a profound void in the cabaret world.
Cabaret dancers, both past and present, gathered on Tuesday to bid farewell to Janet Pharaoh, the longtime creative director of the Moulin Rouge, who played a key role in revitalizing the iconic Parisian cabaret over the last 30 years.
Pharaoh, who grew up in northern England, passed away suddenly last week after battling an illness. She was 65.
Mourners attended her funeral service on Tuesday morning at the American Cathedral in Paris, where dancers from the current 90-member Moulin Rouge troupe carried her coffin.
"She was like a mother to all of us," said Ernesto Martinez, a 41-year-old dancer from Cuba. "The Moulin Rouge is like a big family, and she was the heart of it."
Pharaoh took over as "ballet mistress" at the Moulin Rouge in 1997, ending her own stage career to manage the performers during a challenging financial period for the venue.
The company declared bankruptcy that same year. However, alongside her partner Jean-Jacques Clerico—a member of the family that has owned the birthplace of the can-can since 1955—she played a crucial role in turning the cabaret’s fortunes around.
New management, an updated show, and the success of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film Moulin Rouge! helped modernize the image of the Montmartre landmark, cementing its place as one of Paris's most famous tourist attractions.
"Loved a Smile"
Working behind the scenes, Pharaoh was responsible for recruiting dancers from around the world, selecting performers with the ideal height, physique, and stage presence for the demanding routines.
"She undoubtedly raised the standard for dancers at the Moulin Rouge. She loved energetic, hardworking performers," said Shay Stafford, author of Memoirs of a Showgirl, speaking from Australia.
"And she always used to say, 'I love a good smile,'" she added.
Moulin Rouge spokeswoman Fanny Rabasse, who worked with Pharaoh for nearly 30 years, highlighted her ability to spot talent.
"She would say, ‘She’s a chrysalis, and she’ll become a butterfly,’ and she truly knew how to guide young dancers in their careers," Rabasse said.
Stafford recalled Pharaoh helping her rehearse La Vie en Rose when she first arrived in Paris, translating the lyrics line by line while using a hairbrush as a microphone.
"Quite British"
As creative director for the last decade, Pharaoh remained a daily presence at the cabaret, attending performances each evening. The Belle Époque dance hall, with its iconic red windmill, was like a second home to her.
A devoted mentor, she closely monitored performances, ensuring that the famous "Doriss Girls" were executing their high kicks to perfection and maintaining the Moulin Rouge’s signature style.
Her instructions were given in a thick Yorkshire accent or heavily accented French, often sprinkled with English expressions.
"She remained very British despite living in France for years," Rabasse noted.
One of Pharaoh’s final projects was choreographing a dance routine for French television at the Arc de Triomphe on New Year’s Eve, part of an ongoing effort to expand the Moulin Rouge’s presence beyond its Parisian stage.
Last year, the Moulin Rouge was featured in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. However, Pharaoh was reportedly disheartened by the performance, as rain made the stage slippery and affected the dancers’ execution.
With her sudden passing, the show must go on, as tourists continue to queue for the venue’s prime-time 7:00 PM dinner and dance experience, which starts at €255 ($280) per person.
"As soon as she walked into a room, she had this energy that lit up the place—you could just feel her presence," said Jasmine Bard, a 26-year-old Australian dancer at the Moulin Rouge. "She will be deeply missed."
With AFP
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