For the first time, the legendary cabaret will hold auditions in the United States to cast three girls in the Parisian dance troupe. To be a Crazy Horse dancer is a much sought-after position both in France and in America. To perform a Crazy Horse routine, the dancer must have formal dance training, a certain body type and a natural sophistication.

To become a member of the renowned dance troupe is to become a part of its history. Since its inception in 1951 in Paris, Crazy Horse has been a cultural phenomenon offering unique shows that engage the eye as much as the imagination. Crazy Horse shows rely on raw body talent and beauty rather than technology and combine sensuous choreography with various luminary and projection effects to create a moving canvas of skin, where reflections and images meet in a kaleidoscope of colors and textured designs. With the success of the Crazy Horse in Paris, the creators decided to open a second show in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, in June 2001.

"The Crazy Horse in Paris has been the home to the world's most sensual and elite showgirls since 1951," said Von Teese. "I am so honored to be a part of choosing new talent for the show, and I am thrilled at the idea of an American girl having this chance to become one of the Crazy Horse stars, with her place in showgirl history!"

The audition process will last four days. Concluding the open casting call, 12 finalists will be selected and invited on to the MGM Grand's Crazy Horse cabaret for the remaining audition process. All candidates will perform a freestyle piece as well as a choreographed piece prepared by the panel of Crazy Horse Paris judges. After the intense process has ended, the judges will narrow the finalists down to three.

The winners will be announced at Tabu Ultra Lounge Thursday, March 6 at a public party hosted by Von Teese. After the celebration, the winners will be flown to Paris, France, where they will receive formal training for two months before joining the dance troupe.

Dancers are required to attend the auditions with their resumes and fit the following criteria to be considered for a spot on the Crazy Horse Paris roster.

-- Be a height between 5'4" and 5'8"
-- Be between the ages of 21 to 30 years old
-- Must have natural physical beauty and an uplifting personality
-- Required to have formal dance training
-- Required to have a valid I.D. and the ability to obtain a passport

The open casting call will take place on Monday, March 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Dick Foster Productions, 6260 Stevenson Way, Las Vegas, NV 89120.

For additional information about the auditions, dancers should email crazyhorseparis@lv.mgmgrand.com or call (702) 334-4518.

MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris performs nightly at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., dark Tuesdays. Guests must be at least 18 years of age to attend the show. Ticket prices begin at $49 including tax and can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at (702) 891-7777 or online at http://www.mgmgrand.com/. For more information on Dita Von Teese, please go to http://www.dita.net/.