Paris, France, 1991 - Backstage with Crazy Horse Saloon owner, Alain Bernardin, and company.

​GIFT SHOP
BACKSTAGE PARIS CABARETS
COLLECTION

This is the most exclusive story I have ever photographed. 

No one, absolutely no one, had ever been permitted to wander freely backstage at the Crazy Horse Saloon since it opened in 1951. "No photos" signs are posted on every wall in the public audience areas. 

Sure, there are times set aside for the press. In the afternoon, by appointment they are welcome to stage shots with the set designer and art director, who stand nearby to offer help or watch for any indiscretions.

But every photographer living in Paris knew, or assumed to know, that working alone "carte blanche" to take pictures as I wanted to do would be impossible.

And after almost 40 years, I was the first and only one ever allowed to take candid shots backstage because I earned the trust of "Le Boss," Mr. Bernardin. 

And once word got out that the Crazy Horse permitted me to take pictures, several other clubs - Paradis Latin, Alcazar, Moulin Rouge, Folies Bergere, and Lido - welcomed me as well.