How did you get your stage name?
I discovered my stage name five minutes before my debut on stage! I was too nervous to pay attention to the reasons behind it, but when I heard “Elvie Varsovie”, I immediately thought “yes”! The name resonated with me, because it’s a nod to my Polish origins, and therefore to my family. My family has always understood and supported me, and is very important to me.
How did you get into dance?
When they were younger, both of my parents were great athletes: my father was a professional football player, and my mother a dedicated dancer. This passion for sport must be in my DNA because even as a child, I insisted on learning ballet. When I was seven, I joined the Lille Conservatory and followed the sport-studies curriculum in school. I danced ten to fifteen hours a week and was over the moon! My dance teacher saw that I had what it took to become a professional dancer, so when I was fourteen, my parents let me go to Paris to join the European Dance Center, the school run by Jennifer Goubé, former star of the Paris Opéra.
In Paris, I lived in a hostel with several other budding artists and athletes. We shared our passions. Although it was an amazing experience for me, it was financially difficult for my parents. That is when I had a stroke of luck: through my dance school, I met a very wealthy Russian-American family who kindly allowed me to live with them in exchange for French lessons. Thanks to this arrangement, I was able to stay in Paris until I was 18. I then enrolled at the Institut Stanlowa and landed my first contract at the Opéra de Paris for The Marriage of Figaro. I was extremely proud to be in this corps de ballet, but after two years I felt frustrated. I felt something was burning inside me, like it was going to explode. I left the Opéra de Paris for the Orléans cabaret. Then when I auditioned for Crazy Horse Paris, I was selected. I still can’t believe it. It was my dream come true.
How do you feel when you’re on stage at Crazy Horse Paris?
When I’m on stage at Crazy Horse Paris, I’m not afraid of anything. I am completely myself and am not shy anymore – whereas in my everyday life, I’m very reserved. In the beginning, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. Over time, I discovered different aspects of my personality and learned to play with my performance on stage. At Crazy Horse Paris, every solo is a self-exploration. I’m only twenty-two, so the possibilities seem infinite; I can’t wait to continue this journey!
What do you love about this passionate profession?
Through dance, I’m able to express things physically that I don’t want to, can’t or struggle to express in words. The only way I can express my emotions is with my body. For me, dance is my outlet, my refuge and my therapy. When I’m not feeling well, I dance. For me, dance is a vital form of expression.
Do you have a little personal ritual before you go on stage?
I send a message to my mother before every show, and I know that her reply will bring me luck. And I massage my feet! Always!
What’s the difference between a cabaret dancer and a Crazy Girl?
Authenticity. As a cabaret dancer, you’re asked to rehearse and perform the same way over and over again. This makes for somewhat superficial shows. At Crazy Horse Paris, we’re asked to interpret every performance. Crazy Horse Paris encourages individual expression. As a result, there is a certain intimacy created during each show: eye to eye with the audience, we share our emotions and personalities.
Do you have a Crazy Horse anecdote you’d like to share?
Not long ago, I accidentally sent my wig flying into the audience when I did a grand battement movement during my improvisation in Scanner! I didn’t even realize it at the time. The audience didn’t want to give it back! Although unexpected, in the end it was a funny experience that I’ll remember for a long time!
Which act of the Totally Crazy! show do you think is most mesmerizing?
My favorite act is Lay Laser Lay. For me, it is transcendent. It captures a mixture of fragility and strength that I find very moving. It’s hard for me to explain why, but it touches me deeply.
Photos: Léon Prost
