The REAL Moulin Rouge
Here are some facts about The Moulin Rouge
> It opened on October 5, 1889 in Montmarte.
> The Large red windmill (which still rotates today) with all its illuminated splendor instantly became the night clubs trademark.
> It was a combined dance hall cabaret. Inside there was a large dance floor surrounded by mirrored walls and a large illuminated gallery.
> Outside was the large garden as seen in the film with a humongous wooden elephant and an outdoor stage.
> The elephant had stairs inside of it that led to an enclosed room at the top that housed tame monkeys. The richest were "entertained" in this room.
> There were also donkeys that the women would ride through the garden.....brace yourself.....WITHOUGHT STOCKINGS!!!
> On Saturdays and Wednesdays there were masked balls.
> The music played had a brassy sound....but took on many variations to accompany the new and scandalous dance....the Can - Can.
> The Can - Can was originally called the Chahut and the can - can dancers were called Chahuteuses.
> There was a "moral police" on hand to make sure the can - can dancers were wearing underware.
> The most famous Can - Can dancers at the Moulin Rouge were Jane Avril and La Goulue.
A Post card of the Moulin Rouge.