Elizabeth Berkley is dancing through the pain, and into the spotlight once again.
At a 30th anniversary screening of Showgirls in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 9, the 53-year-old actor delighted fans by breaking into dance, channeling her iconic Nomi Malone moves in a moment that blended humor and healing.
The clip, now circulating online, shows Berkley twirling with a grin and clearly enjoying herself, a full-circle moment for the star who once took what she calls a “beating” from critics after the film’s 1995 debut.
A Full-Circle Moment
“It was not fun for a little while,” Berkley told the crowd during a post-screening Q&A. “I’m not going to lie. It was painful. I was isolated. I felt abandoned by the very people I collaborated with.”
Nearly three decades later, Berkley has reclaimed both the film and her place within it. Her onstage dance wasn’t just a nod to Nomi, it was a celebration of resilience and the loyal fan base that helped Showgirls evolve from industry punchline to cult classic.
“I’m not a victim,” she said. “Because of your love and your embrace of this film, we’re standing here sharing this meaningful evening together.”
From Bayside to Burlesque
Berkley’s journey to Showgirls began after her breakout role as Jessie Spano on Saved by the Bell. Transitioning from Saturday morning TV to an NC-17 drama was a daring move, and one that cost her dearly in the ’90s Hollywood ecosystem.
Despite the fallout, Berkley says her Saved by the Bell co-stars stood by her. “We were close and still are. They’re like siblings to me,” she said. “When I got the role, they were happy for me. We all wanted to branch out and try new things.”
“I Stopped at Nothing”
At the event, Berkley also reflected on the determination it took to land the part. “I was reading Variety voraciously at that time because I was looking for my break,” she said. When she saw Verhoeven, fresh off Basic Instinct, was directing, she refused to back down despite being told the role would go to a bigger name.
“I stopped at nothing to go after it,” she said. “And I’m sure some of you have had someone tell you it wasn’t possible. I hope you showed them what was possible. And if you haven’t yet, it’s not too late.”
Finding Joy After the Backlash
In a 2020 interview with People, Berkley admitted the experience changed her. “It was a life moment,” she said. “I’d be a different person had I not gone through what it taught me.”
The dance she shared with fans in Austin wasn’t just playful nostalgia, it was proof of endurance. Showgirls may have once defined her career’s lowest point, but three decades later, Berkley has reclaimed it as her victory lap.
