Glendene Rout (24), speaking from France, said she had the ''best job in the world'' performing at Moulin Rogue in Paris.
''It's an absolute pleasure.''
The company had 70 dancers, including 40 women, from 14 countries.
Her first performance at the cabaret was on May 8.
''It was a little bit nerve-racking, but I got through, and I had a smile on my face the whole time.''
She auditioned for the position in Sydney in July last year.
To be considered for an audition, women had to be at least 175cm tall, and have a ''beautiful figure, be athletic, muscular and have the training and the technique''.
Miss Rout was born and raised in Dunedin and educated at Arthur Street School, Balmacewen Intermediate and Otago Girls' High School.
She trained at the Bennett School of Ballet and Jazz in Dunedin, under director Shona Bennett.
''She had me at those ages where it was make or break,'' Miss Rout said.
Miss Rout knew she wanted to be a professional dancer since the age of 15.
In Paris, she performed 12 times a week, over six nights, to up to 2000 people.
The two-hour show had about 1000 costumes, some featuring feathers, rhinestones and sequins.
The costumes were ''absolutely divine'' and ''overwhelming''.
''You feel like a princess when you put them on.''
The secret to performing the high-energy dance, the cancan, was to warm up the hamstrings before starting.
''It's an amazing piece and it's been in the show since it opened in 1889. You feel the history when you're dancing.''
Miss Rout signed a one-year contract with the ''amazing company'', which she hoped would be extended.
''The history behind the company is phenomenal - It is the biggest honour to dance for a company you've looked up to for so long.''
