The Last Real Showgirl

During the 1970s, showgirls represented the pinnacle of club and resort entertainment. In the modern age, very few shows left in Las Vegas, the resorts, or Paris feature showgirls at all. This memoir presents in her own words the life of Diane Christiansen, the last real showgirl.
As a teenager, desperate to get out of Illinois and into the glittering world of professional dance, Diane visits Montreal and discovers the electrifying world of French Cabaret. This kicks off a chain of events which finds her, before long, in Paris, dancing with a giant Seahorse on her head at the world-renowned Lido de Paris. From opium dens in Paris to comedy clubs in the Bahamas, the arc of Diane’s dazzling career spans the globe, all before she is 28. This insider perspective on the industry presents the singular life of the last real showgirl, while also capturing the swansong of a thrilling era in stage entertainment.

Diane Christiansen’s career has spanned five decades as an actress, dancer, author, director, producer, writer, costume designer, and studio owner. She is an acting coach to many acclaimed actors on television shows like The Penguin, American Primeval, Euphoria, This is Us, Dickinson, Stranger Things, Sandman, Quantum Leap and countless other well-known and popular TV shows and movies.

Diane Christiansen
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 268
Bibliographic Info: 39 photos, index
Copyright Date: 2025
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9793-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5570-3
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments       vi
Foreword       1
Preface       3

 1. Rockettes or Bust, 1969       5
 2. The Waiting Game, 1969       13
 3. Meet My Mom and Dad, 1950–’60s       17
 4. Getting Out of Dodge, 1969       22
 5. Conceived and Directed by Tibor Rudas, 1970       35
 6. And 5, 6, 7, 8, 1970       37
 7. Guardian Angels Arrive, 1970       41
 8. Sexy Psychedelics, 1970       44
 9. Beauty and the Beast, 1970       58
10. Meeting the Legendary Barbara Beverly, 1970       62
11. Enduring Paradise, 1970       71
12. Insomnia, 1971       77
13. Success, 1971       84
14. Birds with Broken Wings Can Fly, 1971       89
15. Elvis, Carolee and Me, 1971       96
16. Making the Most of Island Life, 1971       105
17. When You Least Expect It, 1971       110
18. We Were Pioneers, 1972       113
19. Lido de Paris, France, 1972       118
20. La Vie Parisienne, 1973       126
21. Recovery and Romance, 1973       137
22. Recapturing Lost Youth, 1974       144
23. The Land of Milk and Honey, 1976       148
24. Island of Tropical Breezes, 1976       153
25. My Comeback, 1976       159
26. Transforming My Life, 1976       165
27. Extra Spicy, 1976       172
28. Manifesting Love, 1976       177
29. Start Spreading the News, 1977       183
30. An Eye for an Eye, 1977       192
31. The Wild West, 1979       197
32. Let the Games Begin, 1979       206
33. Viva Las Vegas, 1979       213
34. Win-Win, 1979       218
35. Living Large in Sin City, 1979       221
36. Cha-Ching, 1980       228
37. The Big Apple or Lala Land?, 1981       235
38. The Big Move, 1981       241

Epilogue       246
Index       251

• “For many years, Diane has been a teacher, mentor, and friend to me. I’ve always admired her free spirit and tenacity for life. Her stories, shared over the years, have left me both curious and inspired, revealing Diane as a true trailblazer. Reading this memoir has been a pleasure, offering deeper insight into the life of a woman with a great heart who has truly lived life to the fullest. The Last Real Showgirl is a funny, honest, thoughtful, and heartwarming retelling of Diane’s journey as a dancer. It not only explores her vibrant career but also reveals the highs and lows of being a performer, and what it means to grow up feeling called to walk—or dance—to the beat of your own drum. There is something for everyone in this book. It’s not just about a young woman from Illinois who dreamed big; it’s about a true creative who pursued those dreams with incredible courage, in an era when that took real guts. Through Diane’s story, readers will learn what it means to get knocked down and rise again, always with flair. The Last Real Showgirl traverses different landscapes and adventures, sharing the raw honesty of a bold woman who isn’t afraid to show how she not only succeeded but also failed—and how she kept moving forward. At its core, this memoir is also a tale of unbreakable friendship, reminding us that nothing in life is ever an accident. This is unlike any story I’ve read. Despite how well I thought I knew this remarkable woman, I learned so much through these pages. It kept me laughing, feeling understood, and inspired to continue my own journey with resilience, humor, and jazz hands—just like Diane.”—Barrett D. Carroll, author of The Acorn’s Journey

• “The Last Real Showgirl is an emotional tour-de-force into the passionate life of dancing artist, actress, and acting coach, Diane Christiansen. It is the kick-ass journey of a girl who navigates into womanhood starting from her cloistered and chaotic Midwest upbringing into the world of being an international dancing sensation, a New York City Rockette, and eventually, the number one acting coach in Hollywood. The Last Real Showgirl is a story of heartbreak, perseverance, love, and most of all, loyalty. I’d read one chapter then asked myself, ‘what’s next?’ It is the phenomenal story of a woman who had it all, lost it all, then had it again. When one disappointment took her down she grabbed the next opportunity that was waiting for her around the corner. This memoir is a behind-the-scenes narrative and deep dive into a world we can only dream of having. Diane did more than dream her colorful life. She lived it.”—Stacey Powells, author of Empty Cupboards

• “Diane Christiansen’s captivating memoir, The Last Real Showgirl skillfully intertwines the rich tapestry of entertainment history with her heartfelt and honest ‘Show and Tell All’ stories that transport us into the glamorous world of iconic showgirls. Christiansen learned at a young age to navigate the dance world of ongoing training and auditions, she fearlessly embraced competition, and performed in numerous stage show spectaculars on a worldwide scale that established her as one of the great Showgirls of her time. Along the way, she forged lifelong relationships and encountered captivating personalities, learning valuable lessons about talent, fame, and the importance of moral integrity. Through her experiences on tour, she discovered a love for her craft that transcended mere admiration for her talented peers, leading her to a deeper understanding of her own artistic journey. The insights and wisdom that she shares with readers reflect the profound growth and transformation she underwent, preparing herself for the inevitable transitions that all professional dancers must face in their careers. Currently named the number one acting teacher in the competitive Los Angeles market, Christiansen’s book is a must-read that captivates from start to finish. With its engaging narrative and relatable themes, The Last Real Showgirl is a compelling literary work that resonates with readers long after the final page is turned.”—Lou Anne Chessik, Showgirl Legacy Foundation founder, president & showgirl

• “Diane takes us with her on a sexy glamorous ‘Gypsy’ dancer journey into a behind the scenes look at a tits and feathers world few have the joyous, outrageous privilege of experiencing! Enjoy the ride!”—Heidi Bright, showgirl, producer, screenwriter

• “Diane Christiansen takes us on an excursion to the old school, triple eyelash, sparkly pasties world of the international showgirl. She was a driven teenager when her journey began and ultimately traversed the world of dance in Paris, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Montreal, NYC and Las Vegas. Thank you, Diane, for the fascinating read.”—Marilyn Kentz, The Mommies TV series

• “Step into Diane Christiansen’s life in this engaging memoir. Many referred to her as ‘the last real showgirl.’ Diane takes you on a journey that reveals the challenges and extraordinary experiences that made her who she is today. Diane shares her many transformations, from dancer to showgirl to girlfriend and wife and much more in between. Diane offers a rare glimpse into an era many have only heard about with her enchanting storytelling. The Last Real Showgirl is a celebration of courage, perseverance, and love. Through her heart of gold and captivating talent, Diane danced her way into her place in this world.”—Juliette Townsend, editor and author

• “A dazzling, heartfelt memoir that takes readers behind the velvet curtain of old Vegas glamour and other such clubs around the world, including Paris, Montreal, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and New York. With charm, wit, and vulnerability, Christiansen recounts her journey from a small Illinois town girl to a star showgirl in the golden age of Las Vegas-like entertainment. Her voice is unapologetically authentic, brimming with the confidence of a woman who knows she lived a life few could imagine…. Christiansen manages to capture the sparkle and grit of showbiz. She doesn’t shy away from the sacrifices and pressures that came with the spotlight, nor does she downplay the camaraderie, artistry, and pride of being part of a now-vanishing world. Her stories are vivid and entertaining, painting a portrait not just of herself but of a bygone era where beauty, discipline, and performance reigned. Overall, The Last Real Showgirl is a celebration of resilience and self-definition. Diane Christiansen’s story is a love letter to showgirls past and present—a reminder that strength can be found in sequins, and history can be told through high kicks and hard work. A captivating read, it’s recommended for readers intrigued by performance, identity, and the magic of old Las Vegas.”—SA Examiner