FROM CAN-CAN TO CAN-DO

IMAGINE you are 18-year-old Palm Beach dancer Cleo Lewis (above) and three months ago you realised your dream by flying to Paris to take up a contract at the famous Moulin Rouge. Having had a chance to settle into her new life, we asked Cleo for some of her thoughts.

“Moulin has been a dream come true,” she says. “I’m feeling really settled into the shows and confident, which makes it more fun as well.

“I’ve met some amazing girls here and made some really incredible friends. I work six nights a week, two shows a night, so I usually finish up around 1.45am. It is a demanding profession physically, especially the Can-can, but I love it.”

Living and working in Paris has been a culture shock, but Cleo has adapted quickly: “It took a while to appreciate how they enjoy small moments in the day. It is more of a work to live and enjoying little luxuries, which is very appealing.

“I make a point of going out every day to discover something new about the city. Also, when I finish work there are lots of places open if I want to unwind over a meal or coffee.

“The language is a bit tough but I have this weird little alliance with my local coffee shops where I speak French and they speak English so we can all practise. It always ends in giggles but I get by,” she laughed.

“The big thing I miss, besides family and friends, is the beach. We are so blessed to live so close to such a beautiful place. However, I’ve just moved into my own apartment and I feel so blessed to be living

such an awesome life.

“I told myself at 14 that I wanted to be a Moulin girl and I couldn’t be happier. If you think you can Can-can you most definitely can Can Can.”