For many dancers, performing at the Moulin Rouge is the ultimate dream. In April 2026, Australians Isabella Gardner and Sarah White made that dream a reality, joining the world-famous Parisian cabaret after the recent Australian auditions, and completing rehearsals in France. They spoke about their journeys to the iconic stage, the challenges of adapting to life in Paris, and the excitement of becoming part of Moulin Rouge history.
What kind of training or performance background did you come from before auditioning for the Moulin Rouge?
Isabella Gardner
“I have been dancing since I was three years old and grew up training at the Queensland College of Dance, where I trained across all genres for 16 years. I began in their after-school programs before progressing into full-time training, dedicating myself to dance from a very young age. Before auditioning for the Moulin Rouge, I gained a wide range of performance experience, from performing with Queensland Ballet and working as an NBL cheerleader to performing with, and becoming a senior company member of, the contemporary theatre company, Merge Dance Theatre.”
Sarah White
“Before starting at the Moulin Rouge, I trained in Sydney, Australia, at ED5 International in North Strathfield. I completed the full-time performing arts course in 2021, where I was guided by William A Forsythe and Elena De Cinque. We were taught all styles of dance, as well as singing and acting, which really expanded my skills. After graduating, I secured contracts in Macau, China, Hong Kong and in Sydney. These contracts were mostly cabarets, showgirl-style shows.”
What made you decide to audition for the Moulin Rouge?
Gardner
“Being one of the taller girls growing up, the Moulin Rouge was always a dream of mine. From a young age, I knew it was something I wanted to work towards, and after years of training and performing in a variety of environments, I finally felt ready to audition. It felt like the right time to challenge myself, take the opportunity to perform overseas, and become part of such an iconic and world-renowned show.”
White
“During full-time, Moulin was one of those jobs that I thought would never be achievable, as it was all the way in Paris, and is the best of the best. But then I thought, what have I got to lose, and I told my mum that I was going. I knew I would definitely learn some new things in the audition, and it would be a great experience.”
What do you remember most vividly about the audition process?
Gardner
“What I remember most vividly about the audition process was doing the can-can kicks and cartwheels across the room. Being in that audition space and learning such iconic movements, ones I had researched and watched so many times beforehand, felt incredibly surreal. In that moment, I realised just how special it was to be there, and it truly felt like everything I had worked towards was coming together.”
White
“Honestly, I enjoyed being surrounded by like-minded dancers who shared the same dreams and passions as I did. It was a very long audition that day, but I still remember having a smile on my face the whole time. I kept reminding myself to be present in the room and to take in the feedback the panel was giving out.”
Was there a moment during the audition when you thought, ‘I really want this’?
Gardner
“There was definitely a moment during the audition when I thought, ‘I really want this.’ I remember being in the room learning all the different combos from the Moulin Rouge dancers and just thinking there is no way I’m actually here. While learning the choreography and watching the girls, I just remember feeling like I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
White
“During the process of the audition, I kept imagining myself on the stage, in the beautiful costumes, putting on my makeup, getting ready backstage. This thought made me believe that this is actually achievable, that all the performers in the show have been through this same process and that it happened to them, so why not me. I had the confidence in myself and knew that I had the skills and training to back me up.”
How surreal did it feel arriving in Paris knowing you were about to start working, and perform at the Moulin Rouge?
Gardner
“Arriving in Paris and pulling up outside the Moulin Rouge with my suitcases felt incredibly surreal. It was the moment everything I had dreamt about for so long finally became a reality. I remember meeting Jo – the Artistic Administrator – out the front and instantly feeling welcomed, as though I had already become part of the Moulin Rouge family. One memory that will always stay with me is trying to carry all my suitcases up three flights of stairs. There were plenty of laughs along the way, but in that moment, I realised I was stepping into such a warm, supportive, and special community.”
White
“It was very exciting. The 26-hour journey from Sydney to Paris felt very surreal. As I landed in Paris, it had popped into my mind that this is actually happening, and that I had got the job. My dream had now become a reality. I was getting teary-eyed in the taxi on the way to Moulin. I was eager to learn the show and get going; I couldn’t wait. I had dreamt of this moment, walking into Moulin for the first time and starting rehearsals. Having this be the normal, I was overwhelmed with joy.”
What has been the biggest adjustment – culturally, personally, or professionally?
Gardner
“The biggest adjustment for me has definitely been being away from my family, partner, and close friends back home. Even from across the world, I still feel their constant support, which has meant so much during this transition. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to build a strong support system here in Paris. From the very beginning, I’ve been surrounded by people who made me feel welcomed, comfortable, and at home, which has made settling into this new chapter much easier.”
White
“Adjusting to French culture has been a big change — learning the language, the streets and lifestyle of Paris. Also adapting to the show times. Coming from Australia, the culture of waking up very early at 7/8am to make the most of the day is a big thing. Here, the shows are much later, so I’m waking up at 11am/12pm then heading to work at 7pm for a 9pm show.”
What was the biggest challenge in adapting to the Moulin Rouge style?
Gardner
“One of the biggest challenges in adapting to the Moulin Rouge style was learning their specific techniques, especially the way they bevel, how they walk, and the different key movements. It was really interesting to see how detailed and stylised their method is, and although it took time to get used to, I really enjoyed the process of learning it and bringing it into my own performance.”
White
“The biggest challenge has probably been the iconic can-can. It’s so specific and very different to what I thought it was. It’s high energy, packed with kicks and cartwheels on both sides and physically demanding, which I struggled with at the start of rehearsals. Everything we learned, all the little tricks and tips actually made it much easier to do. Everything is choreographed — for example, what count you need to plié on for your kicks, what count you jump split on, and when you step for your cartwheels. This makes all the performers on stage in sync, as every step is to a count and is specifically planned out so that everyone is in the right position. Now that I’ve learnt it and have been doing it twice a night now, it’s very fulfilling to complete every night. As soon as we come out in our beautiful dresses and the music starts playing, it’s instantly recognisable and the audience loves it.”
And what have you loved the most so far?
Gardner
“I’ve honestly loved everything so far. Performing on stage every night has been the biggest highlight for me, especially doing the can-can and just being on stage is such an amazing feeling. I’ve also really enjoyed being in the rehearsal room, working in a building with so much history like the Moulin Rouge, and meeting all the girls. Having new friends I can rely on here has made the experience even more special, and I’ve loved every part of it.”
White
“The people I’ve met here have been the kindest and most welcoming I’ve worked with in this industry. We’re all a team coming in here every night, working together, and the atmosphere backstage is very supportive and encouraging.”
Describe the experience of your first performance.
Gardner
“No words can truly describe the amount of joy and gratitude I felt performing on that stage for the first time. From the audition, to rehearsals, and then finally stepping onto that stage, it all felt so surreal. Knowing that a goal I had worked so hard and strived for had actually come true was incredible. I felt so grateful in that moment, just taking everything in and appreciating every second of being there.”
White
“I loved it! The energy from the audience, the costumes, the makeup, lights, everything was amazing. I remember crying after Can Can, in a good way. Making eye contact with the other girls on stage is also really special. I still couldn’t believe that this is my life now. Not many people say that they achieved their dream, and I’m so proud of myself that I’ve come this far.”
Looking back now, what would you tell the version of yourself who walked into that Australian audition?
Gardner
“Looking back now, I would tell the version of myself who walked into that audition to trust the process, and believe that everything really does happen for a reason. To stay calm, enjoy every moment, and not doubt what’s ahead, because if you put in the hard work and push yourself every day towards your goals, it will take you exactly where you’re meant to be. I’d also say to keep going, trust yourself, and have confidence in the journey, even when it feels uncertain.”
White
“I would say, keep that smile on your face and enjoy every second of it. You’ve come so far! You’ll get 100 nos, and that one yes will make it all worth it.”
From Australian dance studios to one of the world’s most famous stages, Gardner and White have turned years of hard work into an extraordinary career milestone. Their stories are a reminder that persistence, confidence and a willingness to take opportunities can lead to remarkable places – even all the way to the Moulin Rouge.
Australia auditions for Moulin Rouge are this July! Perth (5 July), Melbourne (8 July), Sydney (12 July), Brisbane (16 July), Gold Coast (19 July), and Sydney (23 July). For more information, click here.
By Linda Badger of Dance Informa.
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