Before the Curtain

035 Sarah Sutter: Preserving the Las Vegas Showgirl Legacy

Sarah Sutter shares her journey from a small Colorado town to the stages of Jubilee and Crazy Girls, performing with top artists and teaching the next generation. She discusses the glamour, mystery, and history of the Las Vegas showgirl, her work preserving costumes and stories, and her mission to keep arts education alive. This episode explores behind-the-scenes life in Vegas, costume craftsmanship, collaborations with Dita Von Teese, and the importance of supporting youth arts and cultural preservation. Follow Sarah on Socials: @sarahsutter_vegas @sarahsuttercreative @sarahsutter_choreography Connect with Sarah through her website: Sarahsuttercreative.biz [http://sarahsutter.biz]

034 Megan Wilson: The Last Show

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Megan Wilson — dancer, creative producer, and life coach — to trace her journey from Las Vegas performer to co-founder of Libra Productions and creative producer of The Last Show. They discuss Megan’s early career on the Strip, the nervous-system work that shifted her life, and how real performer stories inspired a new musical born backstage in Vegas. The episode covers the show’s collaborators, workshops, and readings at the Smith Center, plans for a concept album and limited runs, and practical somatic tools Megan shares for performers to manage nerves and reclaim their power. Follow The Last Show on Instagram: @LastShow – A New Musical Support The Last Show:  thelastshowmusical.com [http://thelastshowmusical.com/] Follow Megan on Instagram: @The_Megan_Wilson Connect with Megan: https://www.themeganwilson.com/ [https://www.themeganwilson.com/] Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

033 Michael Radiff: The Iron Jaw and Biting into a World Record

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with aerialist and acrobat Michael Raddiff to explore his journey from cruise-ship dancer to Iron Jaw specialist and Guinness World Record holder for supporting three aerialists by teeth (409 lbs). He discusses his training, performance credits in Las Vegas and abroad, and the unique challenges of Iron Jaw and other circus arts. The episode also covers his creative projects like the queer-themed show Alphabet Mafia, his teaching and body-care routines, and the resilience required to create and sustain a daring career in the performing arts. Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_iron_jaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/the_iron_jaw/] Follow Michael on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_iron_jaw?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc [https://www.tiktok.com/@the_iron_jaw?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to Michael's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BroSisSynopsis [https://www.youtube.com/@BroSisSynopsis]   Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

032 Dani Elizabeth: Unlocking your Girl Magic

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Dani Elizabeth, a former Las Vegas showgirl, dancer, and choreographer who has reinvented her performance career as a comedy magician. Dani shares her journey from dancing alongside stars like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears to learning magic with her husband and mentor, touring, and appearing on Masters of Illusion Season 12. She discusses blending aerial and dance elements into her illusions, the challenges of learning sleight of hand, and her passion for inspiring young female performers through her "Girl Magic" brand. Dani's Website: https://danielizabeth.com/ Follow Dani on Instagram: DaniShowgirl & ShowgirlMagic Facebook: Dani Elizabeth TikTok: DaniElizabeth7 Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain

031 Ferly Prado: Discipline with Heart

Host Abbie Campbell sits down with Brazilian-born dancer and choreographer Ferly Prado to trace her path from early ballet training in São Paulo to performing and choreographing for A-list artists and major productions. Ferly shares candid stories about training, overcoming eating disorders, influential teachers, and pivotal career moments with Tina Turner and Dita Von Teese. The episode explores Ferly’s approach to choreography, the importance of studying dance history and culture, audience service, and practical advice for working dancers about professionalism, resilience, and advocacy in the industry.   Follow Ferly on Insragram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: @FERLYPRADO Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/BeforetheCurtain