Even some female tourists sunbathe topless at hotel pools. But, in time, Vegas became much racier than the 'Folies.' Cirque du Soleil performers disrobe in 'Zumanity.' In the show 'Bite,' vampires bare fangs and breasts. When it opened on Christmas Eve 1959, the Tropicana's topless revue embodied all that was naughty and daring in Vegas. It helped cement the showgirl as Sin City ambassador - the mayor often appears with one on each arm - and as pop culture shorthand for glittery, sexy Las Vegas.īut months shy of its 50th year, 'Les Folies Bergere' will soon close, a victim of slumping revenue and changing tastes. Reporting from Las Vegas - It outlasted Elvis, the Rat Pack, the mob, the Atomic Age and the Stardust, Dunes and Sands casinos. Ashley Powers at the Los Angeles Times has a great article about the history of the Folies and highlights a few of the showgirls from the long-running show:
