Published on: October 23, 2024, 11:15h. 

Last updated on: October 23, 2024, 11:18h.

Nipples and ice don’t generally mix well, especially in public. However, there was a time when topless female ice skaters gracefully glided across the icy stage at the Aladdin and later at the Plaza in 1988.

Despite its name, “Nudes on Ice” had some false advertising. Full nudity is prohibited in Nevada establishments where alcohol is served, which includes nearly all places in Nevada. The show only included two segments with topless ice skating, while the rest featured skaters with their tops on.

Despite this, there were no complaints about a lack of titillation.

The show was a collaboration between British former dancer Bill Moore and George Arnold, an ice skater known as “Fred Astaire on Ice” due to his top hat and tails attire and tap-dance style. Arnold initially performed at the El Cortez in the 1950s before joining Moore in their venture.

The ‘…On Ice’ Era

The duo’s first production, “Rhythm on Ice,” premiered at the El Cortez in 1960. Two years later, they decided to capitalize on the talent available in Vegas and launched “Ecstasy on Ice” at the Thunderbird, featuring the first topless ice-skaters.

While some performers were professional skaters, many were not, but this distinction seemed irrelevant to the audience who enjoyed the spectacle.

The pair later ventured into a variety show with “Rome Swings” featuring Andy Williams at Caesars Palace’s Circus Maximum showroom in 1966.

However, in 1968, Moore and Arnold returned to their specialty with “Nudes on Ice” at the Aladdin’s Bagdad Theatre, a one-year show that left a lasting impression.

Continued Success

Following the success of “Nudes on Ice,” Moore and Arnold produced several other shows, including “Fantasy on Ice” at the Hacienda Hotel and “Spice on Ice.” They also created the variety show “City Lites” at the Flamingo Hilton from 1980 to 1994, which also featured topless ice skaters.

In addition, they produced “Bal du Moulin Rouge” at the Las Vegas Hilton, showcasing musical acts with headliners like Charo and Suzanne Somers from 1982 onwards.

However, none of their shows matched the popularity of “Nudes on Ice.” Thus, in 1988, they revived the show at the Plaza (then called the Union Plaza).

Twenty years after its original inception, “Nudes on Ice” gained even more recognition. It was referenced in sitcoms like “Murphy Brown” and “Alf,” and David Letterman playfully inquired about the show with female guests on his late-night talk show. The production, initially planned for 12 weeks, extended to 18 months at the Plaza.

Today, “Nudes on Ice” is largely forgotten, with search engines even suggesting links to adult content sites when looking up the show’s name.

But for us, the memory remains.

“Lost Vegas” is a series by Casino.org that delves into the forgotten history of Las Vegas. Explore other stories in the series by clicking here. Have a compelling Las Vegas tale lost to history? Share it with us at [email protected].