Change happens slowly at Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease. The dancers like working there under the auspices of founder Anita Mann, the gig itself is a dream job for trained dancers, and the performers form bonds that last long after their lives move in different directions.
Eventually it’s time to change, though, and Mann decided that Fantasy was ready for some new dance numbers to go along with new faces. Fans of alluring Abby, statuesque Ashton and magnetic Mariah can rest assured many of their favorite dancers are still part of the show, although zesty Yesi has moved on up to helm another dance-involving show.
That made room for some amazing new talent. Aerial silks artist Jenyne Butterfly performed a gravity-defying number to “Feeling Good” at the 25th anniversary performance in October set to The Pussycat Dolls’ “Buttons” and choreographed by Sierra Leone. Pole dancer Yuliia Trushnya made mid-air magic during “I Put a Spell on You,” a vocal highlight by emcee Lorena Peril. Shealagh, the newest cast member, is a graceful and gracious featured solo dancer, trained aerialist and gymnast from Massachusetts who was Showgirl of the Month in August.
“Spell” has been part of the show for a while now, but half of the production is now new. “It’s been a big undertaking,” says Mann. “Normally every year I change a number. We just want to keep the show kind of fresh and do whatever we can, but this year I said ‘Guys, are you ready?’”
They were, pulling double duty performing nightly while learning new numbers. The more iconic ones remain but have been refreshed from scratch, according to Mann. It’s not time to replace the act that features three ladies in one bed cavorting to Vanity 6’s “Nasty Girl,” cowgirl number “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” or red-light fantasy “Roxanne,” for which Peril’s pipes go full throttle.
Mann enlisted choreographer Mandy Moore to create new opening and closing numbers. “She choreographed La La Land,” says Mann. “She just choreographed the Eras Tour. She’s Taylor Swift’s choreographer and director. She did that fun number on the Oscars, ‘I’m Just Ken.’ She’s a really talented person and we’ve known each other for years working together in other capacities.”
Other contributors include Cris Judd, Tiger Martina and Yesi, who directed the steps during country number “Here for the Party.” Mann herself collaborated with Peril for salsa-flavored “Hips Don’t Lie,” in which Brazilian singer-guitarist Thiago Gusi participated via jumbo screen during Fantasy’s 25th anniversary party.
“We’ve been busy,” says Mann. “I haven’t really sat down and thought about every single change, but the good news is we’re still keeping our brand (consistent) and dance is the key. Dance, entertainment, fun, party all night … just have an interactive, audience-friendly show. We’ve kept all that and, I think, made it more fun. The dancing is great, and we really are excited about it.”
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