For Jordan, Vegas is Fantasy Land

Stephanie Jordan

Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008 | 12:46 p.m.

“You were born and raised in Vegas?... But where did you really grow up?” If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it ... Well, 777 times. I was born and raised in Vegas ... Apparently, if most are to be believed, I’m the only one. I know, as a matter of fact, that many have been born, raised and have managed to become fine upstanding citizens of Las Vegas. I have two children of my own that fit that description … I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Born and raised in Vegas, 1968 on a perfect Tuesday morning. I’m not certain this qualifies me into the status of luxurious beginnings, but it’s been a helluva ride.

I will stand on my “one-armed soapbox” at anytime to shout the love I have for my neon home-town: Vegas is the best place on earth! However, that was not always the song I was singing … at one time, I couldn’t wait to get the **** out. I grew up in Vegas, the youngest of 7. We have since grown to well over 40 in my immediate family. My parents are still married after umpteen-bajillion years. How they managed all 7 of us, I will never know. I studied dance most of my life and had the “need” to follow my dream, off to L.A. to become a star … not so much. It turns out that as odd as it appears to others that people are from Vegas … it is an equally odd realization to leave my sequined bubble and see how you all live “on the outside.” No thank you!

I lived for a brief moment in New York. Long enough to fall for the Yankees and realize that it’s too damn cold. So, tail between my legs, I came running back home vowing never to leave again, and I haven’t. My children are 13 and 19. Ben is autistic and Shelby … Well, she just owns the world! It’s the perfect place to raise kids.

In Vegas, I have attended PTA meetings with an Elvis impersonator, shopped for groceries with a drag queen in full slap and had a pharmacist that danced topless at night; none of which got a second glance. In Vegas, entertainment is an industry just like any other … just another job.

I began working in shows when I was 17. Although I have always been a covered dancer, most of my dance experience has been in topless shows. Inevitably, that always put me in the back. I think it just made me work harder. I opened Enter The Night, Country Tonight, Alakazaam, Abracadabra, Legends, At the Copa with David Cassidy. It was amazing. I’m 5-foot-8 and when I started dancing, that was considered average to short …. Now I’m a giant. Once hip-hop entered the scene, covered dancers got more “front” time and feathers became less prevalent. Once, a producer asked the cast who could sing. I was the only one who raised a hand. It was not necessary, especially in the 80’s, for anyone to be a triple threat; that was for L.A dancers. Here, you sang or danced The two never mixed. I faked through the singing in the beginning. Having mostly to convince myself! As time went on, I realized singers made more money and worked a lot less. A singer was born!

I am the lead (and only) singer in the show Fantasy at the Luxor, the hottest property on Las Vegas Boulevard! (That one is for Felix.) The show began as Midnight Fantasy over eight years ago. Perhaps it was not the strongest piece of art running, but it was a solid show. With the addition of Cris Judd and MGM to an already amazing producer (Emmy Award-winning Anita Mann). It has since become the sexiest show on the Strip. Felix Rappaport (Luxor president and COO) and Tom McCartney (Luxor Exec. Vice president), worked closely with Anita to put a modern spin on the Vegas showgirl.

Having started out as a dancer, it was easy to appreciate how hard the dancers worked and was happy to be a part of an ensemble show. It has evolved quite a bit since it’s ----- beginnings……certainly, my costumes have! I have grown as a singer and performer. Our comedian/impersonator/and all-around kitchen sink is Sean Cooper) an amazing talent in every realm. I always tell everyone, as funny as he is on stage (and he is hysterical) he is even funnier backstage. He keeps us laughing and gives us our nightly pep talk.

Choreography by Cris and music by … Oh yeah, ME! I have been given the opportunity to write and perform two of the songs I sing in the show (“Sexy Thing” and “Goin’ To Vegas”) and the finale song for Midnight Fantasy. That, in itself, is a rarity, unless you’re Toni Braxton or Celine!

We just finished shooting our 2009 calendar. This the 3rd year for our “bigger” calendars. They have been crazy successful. Since the beginning, some “leaked” pics from passers-by have popped up on websites overseas. It has been quite a ride. Our new calendar launches this month. So much is happening with the new bars (Liquidity, Flight), restaurants (Tender, T&T’s) clubs (LAX, Cathouse) and shows (Believe with Criss Angel) opening at Luxor.

Fantasy has television projects developing that should keep us busy for some time. When I do get a moment, I find time to play (the House of Blues. I have played my original music, (written with my brother, Rico Sanchez) at the Palms and the House of Blues (here is Rico's Web site: www.stephsanchez.com) or my Myspace page(www.myspace.com/singerjordan). Because the show is seven nights a week, I have to finish that set and make it to sound check for Fantasy. I love it!

I never like to slow down. Life is for Living! I have a new tattoo from my nephew, Bo! Bad Apple Tattoo–

The beautiful, both inside and out, cast I work with now is by far the most talented, as well as stunning, cast I have ever had the pleasure with which to work. The caliber of the choreography and our production team (Anita Mann, producer) is among the best in town. We truly are friends and have become quite close. Although we run seven nights a week, we still manage to find time to have plenty of fun together. With so many from out of town, we have formed an interesting little family. The “adventures” that we’ve had together have only made us closer. Especially with [my co-worker] Dar! Between the road trips and hotel events. The security cameras on property could certainly tell the stories than we never could -- but that’s another article!

So many of the entertainers I’ve worked with from other places were skeptical at first; what kind job can they have but still stay “true to their art” -- topless or covered, lounge or production show, originals or covers. But soon you figure out, it simply doesn’t matter. After the show, you go home to your home (yes, most of us own them) pets, children, significant others and just be happy that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, in the best place on Earth, my home town (of Las Vegas).