Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a city built on spectacle and self-expression. For dancer Kyle Tanguay, who performs in the breathtaking show Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas, the city is also a vibrant hub of diversity and acceptance. From his own journey into performance to his favorite local spots, Tanguay shares his unique perspective on what makes Las Vegas a genuinely inclusive and welcoming destination.
The Journey to the Stage
A Performer’s Passion
Kyle Tanguay’s love for performance began at a very young age. He recalls, “I remember wanting to perform as young as the age of four.” His childhood was filled with acting out roles from The Wizard of Oz and eventually musical theater classes, where he discovered his number one passion: dance. “It was here that I discovered dance, and it quickly became my number one passion,” he says. This early exploration was key to his development as an artist and as a person. “It was where I started to find myself, and performance art started to become a fun, new piece of my identity,” Tanguay explains. Originally from Rochester, New Hampshire, he was inspired to move to Las Vegas in the summer of 2021 after attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Exploring the City’s Diverse Offerings
Tanguay’s favorite thing about living in Las Vegas is the city’s “extreme range of diversity.” He appreciates how people from all over the world come to the city to pursue their dreams, creating a community rich with different interests and cultures. He says there’s “always something to do or see, and it keeps every day feeling new and exciting.” For dinner recommendations, Tanguay suggests the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio, which he says, “really sets this place apart, ” with the live performances by several different artists throughout the night.” On his days off, he likes to keep active at TruFusion, a fitness studio offering various classes, or escape to the cooler temperatures of Mount Charleston. For a thrilling experience, he recommends the rides at the top of The Strat, which he says are “some of the highest in the world!”
A Celebration of the LGBTQIA+ Community
The Power of Performance and Public Spaces
When it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community, Tanguay feels the city’s performance spaces are particularly special. “Every theater, every show – both small scale and larger scale – feels like they are fueled, supported and celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community,” he says. He highlights the Arts District as a key area where “queer people are particularly celebrated,” mentioning the monthly First Friday event as a place where artists express themselves freely. Another important event is Choreographers Carnival, which showcases the work of both local and visiting choreographers and is a celebration of dance within the queer community.
Tanguay believes the visibility of LGBTQIA+ performers on Las Vegas stages contributes significantly to a more inclusive environment. “I feel this is a powerful moment for people of the LGBTQ+ community to showcase strength, and the power that comes from sharing our art, as well as our stories,” he explains. He is particularly proud that his role in Awakening allows him to express himself and “break barriers in terms of social norms via our exciting, fashion-forward costumes and choreography.” He sees this as a unique opportunity to influence how people celebrate each other, adding that it is “quite special” to see performers uplifted by huge corporations to share their authentic selves with thousands of people every week.
