Moulin Rouge auditions bring a little slice of Paris to town

Australia has proven to be a fertile hunting ground for the Moulin Rouge company, who have spent the week scouting in Australia.

Auditions for the Moulin Rouge in Sydney. Source: SBS

It's one of the most successful cabaret venues in the world, drawing audiences and talent from afar.

Now, Moulin Rouge has returned to Australia to hold auditions in major cities across the country on the hunt for new talent for the venue's famous shows.

The final stop was Sydney, where around 140 dancers displayed their skills under pressure after years of preparation for a place in one of the world's most famous cabarets.

Erikka MacPherson is one of those hoping to get to a place in the Moulin Rouge company.

"I definitely want to be showgirl and the Moulin is the cream of the crop. Really, it's the ultimate dream."

This is Ms MacPherson's second audition - her last was in 2014.

Ms MacPherson trains with former Moulin Rouge dancer Rachelle Parkes who now runs a dance studio in Sydney's south.

Ms Parkes says it's now easier than ever for Australian dancers to audition for the famous cabaret.

"Maybe 20 years ago, if you wanted to dance in Paris you had to fly to Paris and audition there. So the fact that they actually come out to Australia now and cover so many areas, really gives a good opportunity to Australians."

The company held a nationwide search for dancers who fit the Moulin Rouge's strict height and size criteria 175cm for women, 185cm for men.

And while the company recruits from around the world, Australian dance schools are considered to be some of the best in the world.

"Australia, you could say, is my hunting ground. The largest one with the most amount of candidates," Associate Artistic Director of the Moulin Rouge, Janet Pharaoh, said.

Former Moulin Rouge dancer Shikye Smith, spent two years with the company.

She says performing twice a night, six days a week can take a toll.

"You really do have to take care of your body to make sure that you avoid any injuries."

The Moulin Rouge opened its doors in 1889 and now attracts more than 600,000 visitors a year.