Burlesque: The State of Things
When I was asked by the editor of this illustrious publication to write a piece about the state of burlesque, I hesitated. My twelve years in the industry have witnessed huge changes and they are not all ones I feel positive about. I wondered if I was alone in feeling some things had gone awry, […]
Burlesque Festivals: A History
Burlesque Festivals! They are the structure behind our scene, the canvas against which we can most fully display our artistry. They give us stages big enough for our most elaborate props, our fanciest choreography and our biggest costumes. We are well lit, photographed and filmed, feted by the audience and noticed by our peers. This […]
Review: Best Boylesque and Groups – Burlesque Hall of Fame 2019
Matt Finish, Best Boylesque winner in 2015, guides us through the group and boylesque categories at the 2019 Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender. Please check out our Burlesque Hall of Fame coverage sponsors Small Groups The Small Group category is always interesting. When the piece is limited to a duo (like all the small groups […]
Camille 2000: Aggressive Art from a Lionheart
Sparkly Devil Scholarship recipient Precious Ephemera writes in tribute to burlesque legend Camille 2000 to mark her passing after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Camille 2000, ‘the Girl for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow’, is an unapologetic woman with a particular kink for racking up legendary stories and experiences. No one could describe her […]
Review: Best Debut – Burlesque Hall of Fame 2019
Maxi Millions reviews the Best Debut category at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2019. Images courtesy of MC Newman. I find it fitting to begin the dive into the five hour plus Tournament of Tease marathon with the category of Best Debut. It is always bursting with the kind of fresh energy that immediately […]
Results: Burlesque Hall of Fame Tournament of Tease 2019
Live Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend results from the 2019 Tournament of Tease, including the title of Miss Exotic World, Reigning Queen of Burlesque; Best Debut; Best Boylesque; and Best Groups. Stay tuned for photos and further reports. Miss Exotic World, Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2019 Frankie Fictitious First Runner-Up: RedBone […]
Queen INGA
In 2011 I saw Inga Ingenue, a five foot revelation in pink and black stripes, perform her iconic Minnie the Moocher act at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. It remains – after 14 years in burlesque – one of my absolute favourite acts, and INGA, as she is now known, is one of my […]
She’s Back! Miss Astrid Opens her Mystery Box
“Legendary deadpan dominatrix” emcee Miss Astrid – aka comedian Kate Valentine – has been tearing strips off unsuspecting audience members in over 1000 shows since 1997. After a number of years out of the spotlight, “focusing on other things and raising my excellent kids,” she’s back onstage next week in Miss Astrid’s Mystery Box a […]
Crescent City Burlesque: The Real New Orleans
In November I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Crescent City Burlesque Weekender, a three-day celebration of New Orleans burlesque. The festival, produced by AJay Strong and Bella Blue, was held at the small, cavernous Allways Lounge in the Bywater (well removed from the Bourbon Street mayhem). Headliners Jeez Loueez, Darlinda Just Darlinda and […]
Cultural Appropriation in Burlesque: What is Harmful, and Why?
Hello readers. My name is La Viola Vixen, an Australian burlesque performer based in Berlin. I am writing this from the perspective of an individual who represents the majority of the burlesque community because I am white, privileged, young, female and able-bodied. Those words and their truths reflect that we have a lot of work […]
Is This the End of the Burlesque Top 50?
The Editor of 21st Century Burlesque Magazine, Holli Mae Johnson, addresses rumours that the Burlesque Top 50 – the annual event when burlesque professionals, peers and fans vote for their most influential industry figures of the past year – will come to an end after this year’s poll. As years go, 2018 has been […]