Lou Anne Chessik
Founder/President/Showgirl
Showgirl Legacy Foundation
Hello,
I am interested in your enrichment lecturer position. I have lived in Las Vegas for over 40 years and had the opportunity to be part of our unique entertainment history as a dancer/showgirl in the stage show spectaculars. The showgirl became the icon of our great city when she first came to town in 1958, and continues to be today even though the last big stage show, “Jubilee!” closed in 2016.
Enrichment lecture brief outline:
My presentation is very interactive. I ask questions that engages the audience.
I begin with the history that inspired the Las Vegas Stage show Spectaculars, and weave in my history dancing in the shows from 1979-1991.
For example: We were in rehearsals and 3 weeks out from opening the stage show spectacular “Jubilee!” when the MGM fire struck killing 87 people and injuring 700. It’s still the largest disaster in Las Vegas History.
I would talk about my personal connections with the mob, but they are still alive…
I talk briefly about the Showgirl Legacy Foundation programs that include showgirls, costumes and art.
I include authentic costumes for the audience to try on for photo opportunities, and teach them the showgirl walk. Two of the headpieces are from the Las Vegas Tropicana “Folies Bergere” that lasted nearly 50 years. The hotel is being imploded in late 2024 to make way for a baseball stadium.
I am friendly, outgoing, and personable.
I tailor my presentations to the audience.
Lou Anne Chessik’s bio:
Lou Anne Chessik’s preparation for her career as a Showgirl/Dancer in the stage show spectaculars began with ballet lessons at age 6 in Bellingham Washington. She danced with Tacoma City Ballet as a teenager, studied in New York City, and was recruited and received a full dance scholarship and Liberal Arts Degree from Stephens College.
Chessik’s career spanned from 1979 to 1991, she performed in Las Vegas Nevada in; "Hallelujah Hollywood" at the MGM Grand, "Jubilee" at Bally’s Las Vegas, "Lido De Paris" and "Enter the Night" at the Stardust Resort & Casino. She also performed in "Hello Hollywood Hello" at the MGM Grand Hotel in Reno Nevada and "Las Vegas by Night" at the Mikado Theatre in Tokyo, Japan.
Chessik founded the Showgirl Legacy Foundation in 2007, and the vision is to preserve the historic significance of the iconic showgirl as a performing artist through lectures, educational programs, art and costume exhibits in schools, museums, art galleries, conventions and other venues.
A few groups I’ve lectured to:
* Joe W. Brown Luncheon
National Automobile Dealers Association (women’s luncheon)
National Business Aviation Association (women’s luncheon)
Southern Nevada Woman’s History Project
The Las Vegas Academy Of the Arts curriculum based educational program since 2007
Art Schools Network conference
Red Hat Society
Las Vegas Towne Club
Westside Newcomers Club
Las Ventana’s at Summerlin
Atria Seville Retirement center
Other relatable skills:
Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway Musical “Folies”: Legendary Showgirl and costumes.
Toastmaster for 8 years: bronze communicator and bonze leader.
Las Vegas Springs Preserve:
As a tour guide my topics included history, sustainability, and exhibits.
My role as a volunteer coordinator was to recruit, educate, and train tour guides.
Southern Nevada Water Authority:
Organized and assisted with tours of the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility for international delegates coming to study Colorado river water rights.
Dancer and chorus singer for eleven years.
Presentation video:
* Link to Joe W Brown Luncheon presentation: (45 minutes, April 2024)
Luann 2024 Ver02.mp4 - Google Drive
Presentation photos:
Four marketing presentation introductions:
Presentation #1: Showgirls! The Legacy of Glitz & Glam
Join Lou Anne Harrison, iconic Las Vegas showgirl, and Founder & President of the Showgirl Legacy Foundation. She will captivate you with stories about the showgirl and larger-than-life stage show spectaculars that captivated Las Vegas audiences for six decades. She brings with her authentic costumes made of exotic feathers, Swarovski crystals, and jewels to indulge your imagination in the world of Las Vegas entertainment.
Presentation #2: The MGM Musicals and Stage Show Spectaculars
Join Lou Anne Harrison, iconic Las Vegas showgirl, and the Founder & President of the Showgirl Legacy Foundation. She will entertain you with the history of the magical MGM musical era that transformed the film industry and inspired the creation of the stage show spectaculars. She brings with her authentic costumes made of exotic feathers, Swarovski crystals, and jewels to indulge your imagination in the world of Las Vegas entertainment.
Presentation #3: The Last Real Showgirl, A Show and Tell All!
Join Diane Christiansen, iconic showgirl, owner of the #1 acting school in Hollywood for 33 years, and author of The Last Real Showgirl, A Show and Tell All. This book has it all! Sex, Drugs and kick ball change. She will dazzle you with stories about the world of French Cabaret via Las Vegas, Paris, Montreal, NYC, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.
Presentation #4: Let us entertain you!
Join Diane Christiansen and Lou Anne Harrison as they entertain you with their stories of living the dream as dancers in the stage show spectaculars back in the day when the shows were main stream in the world of entertainment. They bring with them authentic costumes made of exotic feathers, Swarovski crystals, and jewels to indulge your imagination in the world of Las Vegas entertainment.
I look forward to discussing possible opportunities with you,
Lou Anne H. Chessik
Showgirl Legacy Foundation
Founder/President/Showgirl
1930 Village Center Circle 3-822
Las Vegas, NV. 89134
702 630-5399
Facebook: Showgirl Legacy
Two documentaries:
Vegas PBS documents the Showgirl Legacy Foundations educational approach that inspires and challenges art students with unique Las Vegas entertainment history. (interviewee)
