**Allie Goodbun: A Canadian Dancer’s Journey at Paris’ Iconic Moulin Rouge**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Allie-Goodbun-Moulin-Rouge-061826-1-741e8e52ab274589b0f58f1465712ceb.jpg)
Allie Goodbun, a talented dancer hailing from Canada, has been captivating audiences at the legendary Moulin Rouge in Paris since 2021. Goodbun’s transition from life in Toronto to the bustling artistic landscape of the City of Light has offered both challenges and rewards, as she navigates the demanding rhythm of performance life combined with her roles as a business owner and content creator.
Since her arrival in Paris, Goodbun has had to adapt to a noticeably different pace of life compared to her native Canada. In Toronto, she describes an environment characterised by urgency: “Everybody’s got their coffee on the go, and they’re on the metro at 7:30 a.m. to get to their job at 8,” she reveals. This contrasts starkly with the more relaxed hustle she has found in Paris. “It’s a different kind of hustle here,” the 27-year-old assures, reflecting on her experiences in this vibrant city.

Adjusting to Parisian culture has not simply been about the city’s charm; it has also involved practical challenges, such as securing accommodation, obtaining a local phone number, and mastering a new and complex dance routine. Now, her life is shaped by a novel daily schedule that peaks in the evening, starkly different from a conventional workday. “I need to have my peak energy at 9:00 p.m. every single night, if not, maybe even later,” Goodbun explains, pointing to how her routine evolved since her arrival.
Balancing her responsibilities has required Goodbun to be strategic, especially with her daytime hours. Initially, she was enthusiastic about her newfound freedom during the day but soon realised the need to conserve energy for her evening performances. “I had to find that happy medium of having a day to yourself but not doing too much so you still have energy at nighttime,” she shares.

Now, Goodbun starts her day around 1 p.m., having prioritised sufficient rest. She enjoys coffee with friends at a local café before returning home for a meal. By late afternoon, she dedicates time to her work as a business owner and content creator, before preparing for her evening routine. Around 7 p.m., she makes her way to the theatre, where she engages in warm-ups and prepares for the performances ahead. Goodbun can now complete her hair and makeup in just under 20 minutes, efficiently managing the time between both shows at the Moulin Rouge, which feature a multitude of performers.
Each show typically lasts between an hour and 45 minutes to two hours, with short intermissions where meticulous preparation must occur. Goodbun describes how they reset costumes and makeup during these brief breaks, carefully managing their time before the curtain rises again for the late show. The schedule may be unconventional—many would deem it ‘backward’—but Goodbun insists that this routine is what works best for her.
Reflecting on the experience of performing at the Moulin Rouge, Goodbun expresses her pride in being part of such an illustrious show. “It’s the most famous cabaret in the world,” she states, emphasising the spectacular elements of the performance. With more than 65 artists gracing the stage each night, the vibrant costumes and breathtaking choreography leave audiences in awe. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime show, and if you are in Paris, it’s the must-do thing for sure,” she passionately asserts.
Goodbun’s journey has inspired many aspiring dancers who follow her on social media, prompting them to inquire about how they might join prestigious casts like that of the Moulin Rouge. Goodbun advises them to seize every opportunity, even going so far as to create their own chances where needed. Her own story is a testament to this principle: when auditioning for the Moulin Rouge, she flew across Canada to pursue her dream at a crucial moment amidst her university commitments.
This drive to chase opportunities rather than wait for them has been a crucial part of Goodbun’s ethos. “You have to make sure that opportunity works… it’s better to know that you tried than to wonder what might have been,” she urges, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
In addition to her encouragement to pursue opportunities, Goodbun stresses the significance of diverse training in multiple dance styles. She believes that a versatile skill set is essential for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of dance, reinforcing the notion that growth and continuous learning are vital components of a successful career.
As Goodbun continues to flourish in her role at the Moulin Rouge, her story stands as a source of motivation for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike in the world of dance. Her journey affirms that passion and resilience can lead to extraordinary experiences amidst the enchanting backdrop of Paris.
