I was curious on age limits, as I thought they had some, and the Moulin Rouge website says only that children under 6 are not allowed. I think it used to be under 13, I wonder why they changed it. Part of this really is what they are selling -- they are selling an adult evening out. The ticket includes champagne, for instance, and it is true that adults don't always want to be around children when out late at night. It just creates a different atmosphere to be dressed up, out for an adult event, and sipping champagne at your table and then sitting next to some young child with a Shirley Temple and the general conversation etc. that consists of. I saw one website selling a package that wouldn't allow chldren under 13 to that show, and said they didn't recommend it for children under 16.

I do agree it's not the same as a strip club, though, and there are other places in Paris that have shows more sexually provocative and that would be really inappropriate (ie, Crazy Horse).

I've only been to a Las Vegas show once (with "showgirls", the equivalent thing), and I don't remember 8 year olds in the audience there. I know some of those std. LV shows have age limits of 18 now.

It must be due to France's having a different perspective on what's considered appropriate for minors. For example, the legal drinking age is 16 in France. Again that Moulin Rouge show is totally different from a true strip club act. Because MA mentions that her niece is 'worldly' doesn't mean to say she drank alcohol. Sometimes on US TV they broadcast documentaries or newsstories about clubs that offer stripping, lap dancing, etc. Now that's disgusting. If the MR show was like that it would be a different story in my opinion.

I honestly don't think this has anything to do with what 'France' feels is appropriate for minors, since very few of the attendees at the MR, from what I understand, are French.

I live in New York and back a couple of decades, the sex show "O Calcutta" ran for many many years, based on the tourist trade.
English was not required in order to understand the gist.

I read this thread when it was posted, but didn't want to comment as I hadn't seen the show. Well - now I have and, to be honest, I think it's perfectly acceptable for an 8 year old. Personally, I wouldn't bring a child to it without having vetted it myself, but I saw nothing that would put me off bringing a child at all. The dancing was fun - full of glitz & glamour. Great costumes and music that an 8 year old would probably appreciate more than an adult! The interval acts - the acrobats, juggler, girl swimming with snakes - would all be highly entertaining for a child. In fact, there's very little nudity at all in the show and it's totally incidental. It doesn't seem to be there for "entertainment" purposes, and in a lot of cases you'd hardly notice!

I think Elaine's comment is typical of someone who hasn't seen the show but apparently "knows" all about it.

<<there's very little nudity at all in the show and it's totally incidental. It doesn't seem to be there for "entertainment" purposes>>

Why else do you think it is there? For intellectual reasons? The whole show IS entertainment, that's what it is so the entire show is for entertainment purposes.

AnthonyGA - I'm assuming you don't have an eight year old daughter. I do and you'd be suprised. They don't remember everything from day to day but if something makes an impression it sticks.

Jimjim - As a parent I believe that it is my job to determine to the best of my ability the things to which my daughter is exposed. I realize that it is increasingly difficult to shield children from suggestive to explicit images but that doesn't give me the right to give up the good fight. And no my child is not completely out of touch with reality. I am simply trying to keep her in the part of reality I hope she someday chooses to live in. And now I can add to my thank you prayers that I don't live in the state of Massachusetts.

MaddieAstrid - I am sure your intentions were good and you blunder accidental. The fact that you don't see it as a blunder I find sad.

Would I take an 8 yr-old, not, but then I have no desire to go myself. Not because of the content, just no interest.

Do I think it was inappropriate becuase it is an adult venue. Not inappropriate per se for that reason. There are pleanty of adult places that come children can and shoudl visit depending on the child (not stip clubs, but say week night opera, nice resturants, etc.).

Do I think some on here are over reacting. Certainly.

Never mind what was on stage, wasn't it past her bedtime?

But who am I to talk, my parents took me to see The Pajama Game when I was around 8 or 9, and I don't think I'm too maladjusted. You might say it was my "Once A Year Day".

I am going on a Europe trip w/12 gr-son & I am taking him to this! It is my b-day also so should be fine. Considering what they watch & play at home this should not be a shock . Video games are way worse! Just saying

It's a nice show, but it includes nude women. In some countries (I won't name names), all forms of nudity seem to induce hysteria, and parents from these countries (but not necessarily their kids) may be shocked to see it in the show. Since nudity is routine even on broadcast television in France, its presence in the Moulin Rouge show is a non-event.

I don;t have an issue with the nudity. But frankly, this type of show is ancient - and I would be amazed it he's not bored to death. Make sure he brings a gameboy or similar with him.