Delecia has danced in ‘Fantasy’ for 13 years
It’s an extraordinary achievement: Next Thursday, the topless temptresses of “Fantasy” at The Luxor celebrate their 7,000th performance. In a day and age when shows come and go at a rapid rate, it’s refreshing to see longevity.
The longest-running shows on the Strip are “Legends in Concert,” now at Flamingo Las Vegas and still going strong heading into its 35th year; “Frank Marino’s Divas,” now at The Linq Hotel, is 31 years old; and “Crazy Girls,” now at Planet Hollywood and produced by Norbert Aleman, is about to celebrate its 30th year in September.
Seven is a lucky number for Las Vegas players and visitors, so when you hit 7,000, it’s only natural that I put seven questions apiece (ahem, grouped together) to “Fantasy” producer Anita Mann and dancer Delecia, who is still there after 13 years as the longest-running performer.
“Fantasy” premiered Nov. 1, 1999, and Delecia’s opening night was July 1, 2004. First up is Delecia, who also is this month’s “Fantasy” calendar girl.
Go back to your opening night. Was it the first time you went topless? Did you have nervousness and fears? What was that first-night audience reaction like?
I was not there for the beginning. However, I have been in the show the longest out of all the beautiful dancers in the show now and maybe out of all the dancers who have ever been in the show. Back then it was called “Midnight Fantasy,” and it was my first topless show. I was nervous, scared, and I may have cried.
Thinking of how the audience was going to perceive me made me want to be sick, but I realized that after the first number, the nervousness about being topless goes away because you start seeing how much the audience is enjoying your performance.
Did you ever think that you would make 7,000 shows? It’s your birthday the same night, so how will you and the other girls celebrate the milestone?
I always thought “Fantasy” could make the magic number of 7,000, but no way did I think I would make it to this many! Since it falls on my birthday, I will be celebrating with wine and cake (don’t tell my boss about the cake!). I’m pretty sure that we will come up with something fun to celebrate “Fantasy’s” 7,000th show.
What’s a day like in the life of a “Fantasy” dancer? Is it as glamorous offstage? Can you be a wife and mom if you’re in a topless show? Do you get recognized at the supermarket?
It’s not that different from any other normal life if you can call our lives normal! I wake up at 9 a.m. to work out. After that, it depends on the day. Some days it’s a trip to the chiropractor or a massage. Some days I work out, then come home and clean, which is the worst thing ever. So, yes, my life is pretty normal.
Onstage, you get to become someone else. It’s like you are playing a different version of yourself, so when I’m at home, I love that I can be normal. Some of the girls are married and have children. That’s the beauty of this job. You can have a family and be glamorous. Sexy comes in all forms! I never get spotted outside the show; I look totally different.
What does it take to star in a successful show for all these years? As the longest-serving dancer and lead dancer, what are your responsibilities? You are as sexy as Day 1, so what are your secrets?
This job, like any other job, is about professionalism. You have to respect yourself and your boss. It’s not easy to stay with a show for so long. It’s hard work to keep in shape and yourself presentable. I love Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Unfortunately, I can’t eat them all the time. I do feel like I have a little bit of responsibility being the dancer who’s been here the longest.
I feel responsible for showing everyone that you can do this as long as you want to by having passion for what you are doing and respecting the job. Anita Mann gave me such an awesome compliment the other day: She said I have not changed since Day 1. I will give credit to God and my parents for my amazing genes. However, happiness is key. The best medicine is laughter.
What advice did Anita give you on your first night? What’s your advice to a would-be Las Vegas showgirl?
Anita was not there for my first show, which showed me that she had confidence in me. She just wants us to go out there and have a good time. We have so much fun onstage. My advice to a would-be showgirl is to have passion. Passion always shines. Whatever you want to go out for … show them your passion. They will not want to take their eyes off you.
Do you have a highlight from all your shows? Was there ever an embarrassing moment, and did you ever get a marriage proposal from somebody in the audience?
Two personal highpoints during the “Fantasy” run for me would be the fact that I’ve made it to nearly that many shows and that people tell me I haven’t changed since I’ve started the show. Embarrassing moments for me would be forgetting choreography.
My most amusing one was my ponytail falling off onstage. Did I ever receive any marriage proposals? No, but a couple in the audience did give me their room number!
How much longer do you want to be a “Fantasy” girl? What does it do for you physically, mentally and emotionally? Will you be back for the 14,000th show?
How much longer can I do this? Well, Anita has always told me to do it as long as I can. To never stop dancing. Mentally and emotionally, I could keep going for 7,000 more. Physically … not to 7,000!