Moulin Rouge facts for kids
The Moulin Rouge (which means Red Windmill) is a very famous cabaret and nightclub in Paris, France. It first opened its doors in 1889. You can find it on Boulevard de Clichy, in a part of the city called the 18th arrondissement (or district). This area is close to Montmartre and a lively neighborhood known as Pigalle. It's easy to spot the Moulin Rouge because it has a big, bright red windmill on its roof!
The Moulin Rouge is known for its exciting cabaret shows that happen every day. It's the place where the world-famous French dance, the Can-can, was first performed. Many famous artists and writers have visited the Moulin Rouge over the years. One of the most well-known was Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, an artist who designed many posters for the cabaret. Because he loved the place so much, the management always saved a special table for him so he could enjoy a meal and watch the show.
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The Story of the Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge became popular for several reasons. It had a special design that allowed the stage decorations to change quickly. This made the shows very exciting! Everyone, no matter who they were, could mix and have fun together.
Fun Evenings and the Can-can
The Moulin Rouge was famous for its lively evenings filled with champagne and entertainment. There were always new and funny acts to watch. One of the biggest reasons for its success was a new dance. This dance was inspired by an older dance called the quadrille, but it became much more energetic and popular. This new dance was the Can-can! Dancers performed it with incredible speed and wore special costumes that added to the excitement.
Famous Dancers and Artists
Many dancers became famous at the Moulin Rouge. Some of the most remembered names include La Goulue, Jane Avril, la Môme Fromage, Grille d'Egout, Nini Pattes en l'Air, and Yvette Guilbert. These dancers helped make the Moulin Rouge a legend.
Artists also loved the Moulin Rouge. Toulouse-Lautrec was perhaps the most important artist connected to the cabaret. His amazing posters and paintings helped the Moulin Rouge become famous not just in Paris, but all around the world.
Moulin Rouge in Movies
The exciting story of the Moulin Rouge has been told in several movies. One of the most recent and well-known films is Moulin Rouge!, directed by Baz Luhrmann. Another famous director, Jean Renoir, also made a movie about the Moulin Rouge. These films help people around the world learn about this special place.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Bal au Moulin Rouge, Place Blanche, poster by Jules Chéret, 1889
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Zidler's assistant and Moulin-Rouge manager, Tremolada, pointing at Jules Chéret's 1889 poster, Bal du Moulin Rouge with Toulouse-Lautrec, Place Blanche, Paris, 1892
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Moulin Rouge: La Goulue by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1891
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At the Moulin Rouge, La Goulue and her Sister (Au Moulin Rouge, La Goulue et sa sœur) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1892
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Vu, issue N°77, Wednesday, 4 September 1929, front cover, with Adelaide Hall star of Blackbirds at the Moulin Rouge, titled "Au revoir Black Birds !", saying farewell after a production run of four months
See also
In Spanish: Moulin Rouge para niños