INTERVIEW: Miss Polly Rae
Over the past five years, my regard for Polly Rae has progressed from awareness, to interest, to hesitation, to respect, to a growing friendship and affection. I first saw Polly and the Hurly Burly Girlys in action at the Soho Revue Bar in 2007, but it was when I spent time with them backstage at [...]
Forever Crazy (Review)
Every time that ringer sounds and the Bareskin soundtrack begins, I still experience a happy tingle of anticipation. Forever Crazy is a standalone collection of classic and recent numbers from the Crazy Horse Paris show, designed as a tribute to founder Alain Bernardin, and part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations. The show is entertaining London [...]
INTERVIEW: Michelle L’amour and Franky Vivid (Partnerships Series)
When I planned out my Partnerships Series, this couple were always a priority for me. Spending time with Michelle and Franky is a joy, and their partnership is truly inspiring. Together they have put Chicago firmly and proudly on the burlesque map, and have created a series of exceptional shows and events. I’m constantly moved [...]
INTERVIEW: Dita von Teese and Catherine D’Lish (Partnerships Series)
Introducing the first online interview in my new ‘Perfect Partnerships’ series. When I sat down to think about the burlesque partnerships that I wanted to examine and celebrate, two exceptional women were at the top of the list, and when Dita suggested the interview herself a short time afterwards I couldn’t wait to get started. [...]
WINNERS INTERVIEW: Imogen Kelly, Reigning Queen of Burlesque, 2012.
Presenting our new Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World, 2012 – Imogen Kelly! I am so pleased that Imogen has been recognised and rewarded for a fantastic performance; a performance that symbolises her incredible talent, creativity, dedication, vision, and years of hard work and contributions as a contemporary pioneer in Australia. Her victory has [...]
BHoF 2012: An Interview with Dustin Wax
In December 2011, Laura Herbert, after years of invaluable service, stepped down from her role as Acting Executive Director of the Burlesque Hall of Fame, and was succeeded by Curatorial Director, Dustin Wax. Laura remains the President of the Board of Directors, and has expressed her high regard for Dustin and his abilities. I have [...]
The return of Tease-O-Rama
“…I knew that I wasn’t alone, and more than that, I knew that burlesque was more than a fluke; it was a true revolution and we were the generals of this new army…” Dirty Martini Tease-O-Rama is, in many ways, the reason you are reading this right now, on this website. I decided to create [...]
Girls on Film: Frederick Wiseman’s ‘Crazy Horse’ (Review)
‘Frederick Wiseman spent ten weeks with his camera exploring one of the most mythic places dedicated to women: The Crazy Horse. Over the years this legendary Parisian cabaret club, founded in 1951 by Alain Bernardin, has become the Parisian nightlife ‘must’ for any visitors, ranking alongside the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.’ As a long [...]
The Chicago Starlets
The Chicago Starlets – Michelle L’amour’s burlesque supergroup; a captivating chorus line of bright, beautiful women who each began by attending and advancing through the classes at Studio L’amour. They regularly perform in long running, L’amour-produced shows in Chicago, and have repeatedly entertained the audience at The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, winning ‘Best Group’ [...]
INTERVIEW: Roxi DLite
I am pleased to present a long and interesting conversation with a young lady that seemed to appear from nowhere a few years ago and joined the ranks of burlesque royalty with astonishing speed. In what seemed like no time at all she was on stage at The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in 2009 [...]