Tributes to Moulin Rouge artistic director Janet Pharaoh

Tributes have been paid to a Yorkshire-born dancer who became artistic director of the world-famous Moulin Rouge in Paris, following her death aged 65.

Janet Pharaoh, who was originally from Leeds, joined the cabaret venue in 1980, before becoming its ballet mistress in 1997 and later its artistic director.

The Moulin Rouge said it was “deeply saddened” to announce Ms Pharaoh’s death.

“She has discovered, trained and accompanied thousands of artists recruited from all over the world, passing on to them her love of dance and the stage,” it said.

Born in Rothwell, Ms Pharaoh took up her passion at a Morley dance school at the age of five and spent much of her life in the French capital after being recruited by the Moulin Rouge.

Founded in 1889, the venue is famed for being the birthplace of the can-can and for its colourful shows performed by dancers from around the world.

It was brought to the big screen in 2001, when Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor starred in Baz Luhrmann’s colourful musical Moulin Rouge!

Ms Pharaoh’s career took her to exotic locations across Europe, including Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post in 2022 about her childhood, Ms Pharaoh said it was her mother who had encouraged her to be a dancer.

She said: “I didn’t go to a full-time dance or stage school.

“I did my normal schooling at Rothwell Grammar School and then I’d get the bus to the Mullen Dance Academy in Leeds after school and then back home to do my homework.

“We did the same exams as those boarding schools, but in many ways it is harder as you have to get transport.”

In the same interview, Ms Pharaoh rejected the idea that the Moulin Rouge had become “outdated”, saying it had “modernised” but kept its historical “essence”.

In its tribute, the Moulin Rouge said: “Her unwavering commitment to the artists and teams around her, her kindness and her passion will leave an indelible mark on us forever.

“Her artistic team will continue her creative vision to honour her artistic legacy.”

Ms Pharaoh’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at the American Cathedral in Paris, the venue said.