How did you get your stage name?

“Uma” is a reference to the iconic actress Uma Thurman, known for her intense roles in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. It was at odds with the very soft, happy worlds I’d worked in up to that point. I took it as an invitation to explore a new side of my personality. “Wanderlust” is a nod to my many travels around the world.

How did you get into dance?

I come from Saint-Albert, a small town in the province of Alberta, Canada. My life always revolved around dance competitions. When I was eighteen, I moved to Oklahoma City to join a dance training program. There I realized that I didn’t want to study dance anymore, I wanted to dance professionally. So I started working for Disney Cruise Line, and danced on a cruise ship for several months. This intense experience was brought to a screeching halt by the Covid19 pandemic. I returned home to Canada almost burnt out. I had lost my taste for dance and was beginning to consider other career options when I received a new contract offer from Disney. A few months later, Paris came knocking at my door! Le Moulin Rouge contacted me following an audition I had done in 2019. I traded in my princess dresses for rhinestones and feathers and flew to France. I was twenty-two and it was a dream come true to live in Paris! I danced at Le Moulin Rouge for two years. It was a wonderful experience, but Crazy Horse Paris was always on my mind. One day, my boyfriend gave me tickets to see Totally Crazy. One week after I’d seen this incredible show which I had loved, Crazy Horse Paris announced auditions. I took it as a sign, my destiny. I auditioned and was accepted! To be here in Paris and part of such an iconic company is truly a dream come true. A few years ago, I’d never have imagined that I would be part of such a prestigious, international world.

What kind of a woman are you when you are dancing on stage at Crazy Horse Paris?

When I’m on stage at Crazy Horse Paris, I finally become the person I’ve always wanted to be. Every night I explore new aspects of myself! I try to embody elegance and my “femme fatale” side. Although I’m naturally very smiley, I like to dive into more complex and mysterious characters. My friends at the Moulin Rouge say that I’ve “come out of my shell” since I became a Crazy Girl.

As a woman and a dancer at Crazy Horse Paris, what is your relationship with your body?

When you’re a dancer, you’re in tune with your body from an early age. But at Crazy Horse Paris, I’ve learned to really listen to my body. I know it better than ever. I know what my body needs and take great care of it. I’ve experienced injuries, especially to my knees, since the age of 14. So now I do everything I can to take care of myself, because I’d like to have a long career. As a woman, it’s sometimes hard not to compare myself to the other dancers: at Crazy Horse Paris, they’re just magnificent. But what makes this place beautiful is that every woman is celebrated for who she is. The show makes our bodies truly sublime. That has helped me to accept myself as I am.

Which women inspire you as a female artist?

I’m inspired by the stars of Hollywood’s golden age, like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Marilyn has always fascinated me. She was able to break with convention and embody a daring sensuality for her time.

What do you think is the source of Crazy Horse Paris magic that has endured for more than 70 years?

Crazy Horse Paris is a completely immersive experience. From the moment you walk into the cabaret, you’re plunged into a world that celebrates the female body. Everything here is glamorous and artistic. What makes this company unique is the importance it gives to individuality: the dancers are soloists, which is extremely rare! For me, that’s where the magic of Crazy Horse Paris lies. You are given the freedom to reveal yourself as an artist and as a woman.

Do you have any rituals before you go on stage?

I always put a touch of glitter at the corner of my eyes, it’s my own little ritual that I never forget.

What message would you like to communicate to the audience when you dance?

Whether the people in the audience are visiting Paris or live here, I want to make sure that they each have an unforgettable experience! I want them to leave here feeling happy and amazed!

Which act of the Totally Crazy! show do you think is most mesmerizing?

I love God save our bareskin, the opening number inspired by the iconic British Royal Guard! It’s an incredible moment when the curtain opens, and you hear the audience’s reaction! I also love But I am a good Girl. It’s a fun act that’s perfect for showing off your dancing skills. In my case, I’ve always interpreted characters with a joyful energy, so being able to navigate a wide range of emotions from one act to the next is a new experience.

Photos: Léon Prost