Dancers and cabaret artists bring the dinner shows to life every evening and animate the stage. As soon as they enter the stage, they awaken the dormant childhood souls of the audience. But who are they really?
Coralie Appaix agreed to be interviewed to reveal the behind-the-scenes of a cabaret artist’s life.
Who are you?
My name is Coralie Appaix, I am originally from Franche-Comté, I am 30 years old, and I have been working as a professional dancer since 2012. I reside in the Paris region. I am part of the Cabaret de Licques dance team as a principal dancer, which means I occupy the central position on stage.
What are your training and professional background?
After being in a Sports Studies program in high school, I completed an EAT training program. The EAT program allows you to deepen your knowledge in classical, jazz, and contemporary dance.
Then at the age of 19, I auditioned to be a dancer at the Paradis Latin. I passed successfully and immediately joined the dance troupe as a permanent dancer. After 4 years, I wanted to open myself to new opportunities, so I worked for 3 years as a freelance replacement dancer. This allowed me to continue working at the Paradis Latin but also to discover other worlds such as the Cirque Bouglione.
In 2020, I joined the Cabaret de Licques dance team, but the health crisis forced the venue to close for several months and led to the cancellation of numerous performances. At the same time, I also work as an entertainer for the show “N’oubliez-pas les paroles” on France 2.
Coralie on the Cabaret de Licques stage [/caption]
How did you come to be a dancer and artist at Cabaret de Licques and why?
I was contacted by Timothé, the choreographer who created the new show “Fantastic.” The show is rich in acts with varied tableaux and the costumes are magnificent. The managers of Cabaret de Licques showcase the artists and I immediately embraced the project.
What made you want to be a dancer and cabaret artist?
I started classical dance at 4 years old and I dreamed of becoming a dance teacher.
At 16, I had a revelation when I went to see a Moulin Rouge show with my family. It was an explosion of feathers and rhinestones, and I had “sparkles in my eyes.” I was fascinated by the costumes and the different dances, and especially by the French cancan. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a cabaret dancer.
What qualities do you need to be a dancer and artist?
You need to have a lot of rigor and discipline. It is important to have a strict lifestyle with daily sports practice and a healthy diet. You also need to listen to your body to avoid injuries.
What do you love most about your profession?
I am proud to perform the traditional French Cancan, a dance known worldwide, and to present it to French and foreign audiences. I am passionate about dance and I am happy to make a living from my passion. I love seeing the happy faces of people in the audience because I feel like I am giving them joy.
Do you have other passions?
In addition to dance, I am passionate about singing. I also practice sewing to make show costumes.
How is a dancer's, a cabaret artist's daily life organized?
My days are structured around daily sports practice and strength training exercises. I do numerous stretches to maintain flexibility. I also take dance classes at the Centre de Danse du Marais in Paris. When there have been no performances for several weeks, I watch videos of the show to keep the details, gestures, postures, and placements in mind.
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