in partnership with MAISON BURLESQUE

WELCOME TO THE BURLESQUE TOP 50 2025 VOTING SEASON

As I write this – with the world on fire, concern for the vitality and endurance of our art form is tied up in a greater, immediate fear for the rights, freedoms and safety of ourselves, our colleagues and loved ones. We have become not merely controversial, but subversive to those in power – and in that we continue a grand and vital tradition. Speaking truth to power, punching up on those who would tread us down, calling out corruption and hypocrisy with satire and storytelling, drowning their darkness in cleverness, crystals, and naked, kaleidoscopic joy. So, as we gather together for the seventeenth time to cast our votes, let them be another act of collective subversion. A vote for visibility. For diversity. For resistance.

If you are new to this process, I warmly invite you to join the thousands of other readers, fans and peers who vote every year and celebrate the people who keep our art form and communities alive – in so many different ways.

Even if you vote every year, please check out the Essential Info below for everything you need to know – including dates and important rules. ***A seguito di numerose richeste, e’ ora disponibile la guida tradotta in italiano.***

Vote and share with integrity.

Holli (EIC).

DON'T MISS THE LATEST RESULTS...

with thanks to lead sponsor: MELBOURNE FESTIVAL OF TEASE

ESSENTIAL INFO:

VOTING OPENS: Monday OCT 6 2025

VOTING CLOSES: Sunday NOV 30 2025

How is the TOP 50 decided?: The annual TOP 50 chart is determined by an open, public vote, NOT by 21st Century Burlesque.

Who can vote?: Industry members – performing and non-performing (56% in 2024), plus readers and fans (43.5% in 2024).

Who can I vote for?: Anyone involved in Burlesque, including performers (solo or group), producers, costumiers, photographers, educators, creative and tech, etc. Remember, you’re voting with 2025 in mind, not for all-time favourites.

Can I ask people to vote for me?: Yes, but there’s a (largely) observed etiquette about how you do it, because we monitor anything that tips into spamming, canvassing, pressuring, persuading or mass organising for votes. A few always do it despite the warnings and it is SO easy to spot when the data is reviewed (plus the tipoffs/evidence of said behaviour). This includes campaigning for someone else.

A good example of how to post about it: “Voting is now open for the Burlesque TOP 50 2025. If you have enjoyed my [performance/events/work/contributions] to burlesque this year, I hope you will consider nominating me.” You can also simply share this page and encourage your local or national scene to participate without naming names – this is encouraged so the poll is as inclusive as possible.

When do we find out the results?: Results run in stages between Christmas and New Year 2025.