[2][3] The Tropicana Las Vegas hosted the progeny production by emulating the original Folies Bergere of Paris’ successful formula of featuring topless, statuesque showgirls, chorus line dancers, elaborate stage sets, with interludes of comedy, magic, acrobats, and animal acts.

The main components of the show incorporated ornate costumes with immense headpieces adorned with exotic bird feathers and expertly crafted rhinestones, expansive and elaborate scenery, original music performed by live orchestras, and imaginative interpretations of historic periods with the respective dance styles of the era.

To this day, showgirls define present-day Las Vegas and their influence can be seen in public artwork, marketing campaigns, and sidewalk impressionists.

[7] The Tropicana produced the extravaganza, Folies Bergere, in an age when casinos invested in unprofitable shows to attract tourists and encourage gambling on their gaming floor.

Over the years, as corporations took over ownership of casinos and resorts, everything from entertainment, lodging, restaurants, and even parking had become independent cost centers that were expected to be self-funded.

The over-the-top, expensive showgirl revues had become a historical phenomena, viewable in museum exhibits, and kept alive in the hearts and memories of longtime Las Vegas visitors.

Gyarmathy recruited female talent to perform in the company along with the acrobats, magicians, singers, tightrope walkers, circus animals, and other cabaret acts that provided variation to the nude main attraction.

"[9] Mary Leo, showgirl and line captain for Folies Bergere, shared her experiences during an oral history interview for the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Special Collections.

They tended to be more transient and were attracted to the glamor of Las Vegas, wanted to encounter movie stars, and desired to betroth a wealthy man.

[10] Showgirls had a reputation for lacking intelligence, acting immorally, and not being interested in the more traditional long term goals of more stable careers and/or marriage.

However, this perception may not have always been true, and in fact this persona was likely perpetuated by the show management's request that showgirls "mix" or mingle with guests after the performance.

In fact, former showgirls were generally young when they started performing, and following their Folies Bergere tenure, many pursued university education, obtained professional employment in various fields, and engaged in long-term relationships.

Showgirls needed to have both a dancer's gracefulness and athlete's strength as they showcased their poise by descending the grand staircases and circumnavigating the stage effortlessly with an alluring smile.

The costumes, sets, and dance styles were researched using museum exhibits along with consultations with experts in garment design and construction techniques.

[2] Jerry Jackson, Folies Bergere director, donated costume sketches, original music compositions, newspaper clippings, photographs and other memorabilia to the UNLV Special Collections that are cited in this article and are available for public viewing on request.

[21] "The Trop," as it was affectionately known, was considered the "Tiffany of the Strip," drawing in celebrities like Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

[27] Some dancers remembered the Rolls Royce as being an occupational hazard as it leaked oil, causing the floor surface to be tenuous for dance routines.

The Las Vegas campaign targeted the family demographic supported by attractions such as the live pirate ship performance at Treasure Island, the hourly volcano eruption at the Mirage, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and high-powered water cannons choreographed to match accompanying music at the Fountains of Bellagio.

Tropicana was purchased and reorganized under new ownership in 2009, leaving no financial resources to subsidize Folies Bergere and subsequently issue termination notices.

Many buskers mimic showgirl feather and sequin attire, posing for pictures with tourists for gratuities, or distributing pamphlets for time-share promotions.

Terry Ritter, former Las Vegas show entertainer turned artist immortalized showgirls in this mural honoring and celebrating their accomplishments and grandeur.

Presented at the Alexis Park Resort, the revue is directed and produced by Cari Byers utilizing her experience as a showgirl with Folies Bergere from 1998 to 2009.

[43] The 1964 movie Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, includes a scene filmed in the Tropicana's Fountain Theatre with the Folies Bergere cast.