Rockhampton local Taliah Edwards living her dream at Moulin Rouge
A Rockhampton dancer was just 10 when her teacher uttered the prophetic words that would fuel a lifelong dream to perform at the Moulin Rouge.
Rockhampton
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Fourteen years ago, a young Rockhampton girl dreamt of dancing on the world stage, one in particular, the renowned Le Moulin Rouge.
Today, aged 24, Taliah Edwards is kicking up her bright heels in sparkly outfits as she lives her dream at the iconic entertainment venue in Paris.
“The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in the world,” she said.
“Working for the Moulin Rouge was a dream of mine since I was around 10 years old.”
Taliah, who was raised in Rockhampton, is no stranger to performing in front of a large audience and has been a dancer since the age of five when her mother bought her lessons as a birthday present.
According to Taliah, her dance teacher had a premonition of her future.
“I first heard of the Moulin Rouge at around 10 years old when my dance teacher said to my mum ‘she would be perfect for the Moulin Rouge’,” Taliah said.
After graduating high school, Taliah worked as a performer on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for roughly six years, performing and travelling around the world.
At the start of 2025, she travelled to Paris to take part in an international audition for the Moulin Rouge, as well as audition for other venues in the City of Lights.
“The opportunity to audition felt like an once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Taliah said.
“The audition process was intense but inspiring.
“It included a full day of dancing as well as height and flexibility assessments.
“The standards are extremely high, and there were hundreds of people in the room.”
According to Taliah’s mother, Janelle Edwards, along with the eventual contract with Moulin Rouge, her daughter was also offered contracts with other venues which she subsequently turned down.
“She got it into her head that she wanted to end up there (Moulin Rouge) one day,” Mrs Edwards said.
“It’s pretty cool that she made it to the top.”
Taliah’s premier performance was on May 13 and her acts includes the iconic French can-can, as well as stylised showgirl routines.
Though it may have been her dream, performing at the Moulin Rouge is an incredibly tough gig which has kept Taliah busy.
“We perform two shows per night, six nights a week,” she said.
“It’s a demanding schedule, but the energy of the audience and the adrenaline of performing keep it exciting.
“I arrive at work at 7.30pm then perform two shows at 9 and 11pm, finishing the second show around 1am.
“It’s a late finish and hard to get to sleep after having so much adrenaline.”
It’s not just the schedule which is tough but also the physically demanding nature of the job.
“The physical demands of the show are definitely one of the hardest parts,” Taliah said.
“Maintaining strength, flexibility, and stamina for so many shows a week is intense.
“There’s also the constant need to be at your best; precision, presentation, and presence are all expected every single night.”
In between performances and rehearsals, Taliah is also takes French classes which are provided by the Moulin Rouge.
Despite the demanding nature of performing at the most famous cabaret in the world, it is clear that the former Rockhampton local wouldn’t have it any other way.
“For me the best part is being a part of something so iconic and historic,” she said.
“Walking into the theatre each night and knowing I’m now a part of the history is surreal.”
Taliah has a one-year contract with Moulin Rouge, with the option to renew or opt out after the contract ends.
In her limited free time, she spends her time settling into the eclectic Parisian lifestyle, a transition which she has described as big but exciting.
“The city is beautiful and full of life,” Taliah said.
Luckily for her, Moulin Rouge also provides her and her fellow performers with accommodation onsite to ease them into settling down.
According to Mrs Edwards both she and Taliah’s father couldn’t be either prouder or happier for her.
“We’re incredibly proud of our daughter Taliah,” Mrs Edwards said.
“Knowing she’s performing at the Moulin Rouge an iconic venue with such a rich history in the world of dance and performance — is both surreal and deeply gratifying.
“She’s worked so hard to reach this level, and it’s inspiring to see her passion, dedication, and talent recognised on such a prestigious stage.
“As parents, there’s a unique blend of pride, excitement, and even a touch of awe in seeing your child live their dream in such a legendary setting. It’s not just about the glamour; it’s about the discipline, the artistry, and the courage it takes to perform night after night.”
With Rockhampton roughly 16,033km away from Paris, it is safe to say that Taliah’s parents just can’t pop over to visit anytime.
However, Mrs Edwards said she and her husband plan to see their daughter perform later this year.
“Watching her on stage at the Moulin Rouge will be such a meaningful moment for us — not just as a holiday, but as parents witnessing a milestone in our daughter’s journey,” Mrs Edwards said.
Taliah’s boyfriend is also set to make the trip.
As for Taliah, it is clear she appreciates the position she is in.
“To me, Moulin Rouge represents the pinnacle of showgirl glamour, legacy, and passion,” she said.
“It’s a symbol of artistry and timeless Parisian elegance.”
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