In my opinion, the Debut Category was possibly the most difficult to judge this year. The acts were SO varied, and consistantly creative and well thought out – such a bewilderingly high standard to judge!
But I did have a strange instinct about one young lady during her act, and as it turned out, I was correct; Melody Mangler would flutter above the rest of the competition and take the debut title.
But there were so many other highlights in this category that deserve our attention and praise – I will attempt to relate these to those of you that could not be with us…
The debut category was first in the programme, and it fell to Finland’s Sugar Kane (Click here for short sample of her performance) to be not only the first debut contender to perform, but the first in the entire pageant. But, like a true professional, Sugar showed no sign of nerves or discomfort as she strode onto the stage, Sugar chose possibly her most well known, Carmen Miranda inspired act – perhaps choosing to go with a polished and established routine rather than a brand new one. She was energetic and graceful – a strong start with a dazzling smile…
Then on to something completely different!
Vicky Sin, from Chicago, thrilled the crowd with a saucy jailbait number; swinging her ball and chain to great applause – clearly popular.
Next, it was Melody’s turn (click here for small sample of her performance) – and again, the performance completely contrasted with the two previous routines. Her act was entitled ‘Venus in Spring’; a classical, utterly charming number. Her costume was beautifully conceived and put together, topped with an exquisite clamshell bonnet and matching bra – and against her flame orange hair it was all so striking and distinct. The act had a coquetteish beginning and a sensual, fluid ending, as a breeze sent silk flowing against her and she held classic Venus poses. Stunning.
NewYorker, Madame Rosebud was next on stage (sample); both psychadelic and ethereal in flowing multicoloured fabrics with a fluffy tutu beneath. She remained en-pointe and, at the same time, kept her face expressive and her movements engaging. Very endearing and skillful; and I particularly loved her flowing pink fans – a lovely touch.
Then it was time for the truly dynamic presence of Miss Dinah Might (sample) – a performer with such natural command and charisma. Dinah presented a ‘pussy cat’ act with her own unique twist. Beginning in a long, concealing overcoat, she teased us with a kitty cat hand puppet before a voiceover asked if we ”wanted to see a real pussy… cat?” At which, the dynamite ignited and the fur flew off! Dinah is such an expressive performer, and with an incredible, sensual body to match. So many people said they felt she was a future star to look out for…
Dinah was followed by a fellow Vancouver performer, Rita Star (sample). Rita chose a fiery rock-matador number; feistily ripping off the panels on her costume to reveal a flowing red skirt beneath, and ending with a tassel twirling finale that had all our heads spinning!
Next, Shanghai from Seattle. The Shanghai Pearl is a renowned burlesque beauty, but, in this instance, she chose to hide it beneath a giant gorilla costume, only to peel it away to reveal rubber teat pasties and pink gloves, before a finale of primate-mastication. Who knew wolfing down a whole banana could be sexy viewing?!
Then, finally, it was the turn of my fellow Londoner, Trixee Sparkle. Trixee strode out in full patriotic regalia; a regal burlesque britannic monarch, complete with crown and sceptre. After much enjoyable pomp and circumstance, Trixee launched into an anarchic segment of sensuous anti-establishment rebellion; singing along into her sceptre and writhing playfully on her throne. The costume was just brilliant in all its detail – a wonderfull end to such an impressive category.
Imagine what these women could come back with if they enter the top category next year…!