August was a special time for Christina Godwin, owner of Christina’s Dance World on St. Simons Island. She enjoyed a long weekend at the Mirage Hotel for her 20 year reunion with the famous German-American illusionists Siegfried and Roy and 150 cast and crew members she calls family. The gathering in Las Vegas was filled with sparks of joy, shared stories that evoked much laughter, and nostalgic memories that prompted loving tears over and through each cast member. Like a golden thread weaving everyone back together, this reunion spoke volumes about their time with the show: that it was indeed a very unique and privileged experience.
Christina says it was breathtaking and surreal when Siegfried and Roy appeared at “The Secret Garden” at the Mirage hotel. This is where you can find Siegfried most days, shaking hands of guests and fans of this gracious man. They made a date with the alumnus of the Siegfried and Roy Show, delivering a tearful and heartfelt speech. Siegfried told the assembled guests, “I want to say thank you. Because of you the Siegfried and Roy show was the most successful in Las Vegas history! We are excited to see you all here today with such happy faces and because of you the Siegfried and Roy show lives on.” Christina shares that Siegfried then approached and greeted her by saying, “My little butterfly!” She says he was extremely happy to see her and remembered their bond with him as her mentor and her the “graceful and social butterfly.”
Christina Godwin Siegfried and Roy Show Reunion
Siegfried and Roy had the most successful and highest grossing show in Las Vegas for 40 years. Christina was a lead dancer and an illusionists’ assistant in the popular family show from 1994-1999, reporting to the Mirage theatre six days a week for two shows a night. They entertained 2,000 people per performance and there was never an empty seat. She says these memories placed a footprint on her heart that can never be forgotten or covered up.
The lifestyle of a dedicated showgirl was hard work, Christina recalls. It was enjoyable and thrilling, but to be successful, it took talent, skill and a strong work ethic. Christina says, “Being in the Siegfried and Roy show required the same training and discipline you’d receive by attending The Citadel military college in Charleston!” Thankful for the lifestyle, education and memories from her years of experience in professional showbiz, Christina will always have these qualities instilled her heart. She also shares them in her style of teaching in classes at Christina’s Dance World, the local dance studio she established after returning home from Las Vegas in 1999. That is where Roy’s little butterfly spread her wings.
