The showgirls of the hit Vegas show “FANTASY” know how to bring the heat. Mariah Nieslanik, who’s been a standout performer in the long-running show for many years, credits her sense of empowerment to experience, self-expression, and embracing who she is “unapologetically.” That true confidence shines through on and off the stage.
Mariah recently shared some insight into what makes her feel sexy and how she brings that energy to the stage night after night in Sin City with The Blast exclusively.
Feeling Sexy During ‘FANTASY’ Performances And Modeling Shoots
Mariah, who’s been part of “FANTASY” at Luxor Las Vegas for several years, shared some insight into what it takes to tap into that feeling of sexy and empowered during performances or modeling shoots.
“For me, confidence comes from experience, self-expression, and fully owning who you are. When I’m modeling or performing, I try to focus on energy and presence rather than perfection,” she told The Blast. “Feeling sexy and empowered starts from within, and I think the most confident people are the ones who are unapologetically themselves.”
Mariah Shifts Into ‘Performance Mode’ Before Stepping On Stage In ‘FANTASY’
Just before getting ready to perform for a full showroom of visitors to Las Vegas, Mariah enjoys a “calm moment” to herself with some music to help get her into the “right mindset.”
“I usually spend a few minutes mentally shifting from ‘real life mode’ into ‘performance mode.’ I also think preparation creates confidence,” she said. “When you feel prepared, rested, and organized, it’s much easier to relax and have fun in front of the camera.”
Something that lingerie or swimsuit models must do is balance vulnerability with confidence to get that perfect shot. Mariah said that “confidence doesn’t mean feeling perfect.”
“I think vulnerability and confidence actually go hand in hand,” she said. “It means allowing yourself to be seen anyway. Some of the most beautiful photos happen when you stop overthinking and just allow yourself to be present.”
Mariah’s advice to everyone is to “stop comparing yourself to everyone else and focus on what makes you uniquely beautiful.” She added that the “more comfortable you become with yourself, the more naturally that confidence comes through.”
A Common Misconception About Being A Showgirl In Las Vegas
Not every moment behind the feathers, heels, and spotlight are filled with glam and sparkle.
There’s a misconception that being a showgirl in Las Vegas is easy or just pure glamour, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mariah pulled back that curtain to share that so much more goes into being a showgirl than just looking the part.
“Being a Las Vegas showgirl requires an incredible amount of discipline, athleticism, professionalism, and dedication,” Mariah told The Blast. “There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes like long rehearsals, maintaining your physical health, performing consistently at a high level, and still bringing energy and positivity to every show. It’s truly an art form and a career that demands a lot of passion and commitment.”
Feel Sexy Like The ‘FANTASY’ Showgirls With Their Lingerie Line
“FANTASY” recently launched their “Lingerie by FANTASY: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease” so everyone can find that feeling of beauty, confidence, and empowerment while looking the part.
Anita Mann, producer of “FANTASY,” shared how the lingerie line came to be when she spoke with The Blast back in October 2025.
“We have a bustier and a corset that we’ve been wearing in the show in different numbers and after shows, we’ve always got people saying they want that corset. I said to myself one day, okay, we can do it and extend the brand and tell the customers, okay, you can get one,” Mann told The Blast exclusively. “We wear lingerie in the show in a number, actually two, and I thought, let’s do our own lingerie.”
More About ‘FANTASY’ In Las Vegas
“FANTASY: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease” has been setting the gold standard for seductive entertainment on the Strip for more than 26 years. Since its debut at Luxor’s Atrium Showroom in 1999, the show has collected multiple honors and has been named “Best Production,” “Best Bachelorette Party,” “Best Bachelor Party,” and “All-Time Best Female Revue,” by Las Vegas Weekly.
The show includes 15-high energy numbers set to iconic hits, as well songs from lead singer Lorena Peril, who was named “Best Local Entertainer” by Silver State Awards.
Fans of “FANTASY” can also enjoy seeing the dancers daily in the show’s annual calendar.
“Modeling is fun for them [the dancers] and they have a really great day [shooting the calendar],” Mann told The Blast. “They get their makeup done and they get to be glamorous. It’s always a joy, and this year’s calendar is very classy, it’s romantic.”
For more information on “FANTASY,” visit the website and Instagram page.