But she's slowly getting used to the idea.

In Wollongong yesterday, on a three-week visit to catch up with family, Ms Watchorn said that after a year with the celebrated Parisian cabaret show and training to become a principal dancer, she had just been promoted to the underwater python sequence.

"There's a big fish tank that rises up from the bottom of the stage and then I dive into the tank and there are about five snakes in the water," she said.

"I flip around and do tricks and wrap them around my body and spin around.

"They are about 60kg each - really big snakes, giant pythons, quite heavy and really long. It's a little bit scary and daunting but I am okay now.

"I didn't think I liked snakes but I have warmed to them."

The former St Mary Star of the Sea College student studied dance in Wollongong before joining the Moulin Rouge and settling in Montmartre 14 months ago.

There she joined many fellow Australians, who make up most of the Moulin Rouge dance troupe because of their height, fitness and dancing skills.

"The Moulin Rouge is so famous and that style of dancing, the cabaret, is something I have always wanted to pursue," she said.

"Of course, it's nice to have feathers and beads and beautiful costumes - it's a dream come true."