Born in Messina, Sicily, but based in Milan for over twenty years, Ella Bottom Rouge brings her Mediterranean roots and sharp queer sensibility to the stage. With an acting background, she’s been…
Around the World…
Elyse Elaine began performing burlesque professionally in San Francisco 2011 and is now successfully established in Las Vegas since 2016. She’s co-produced Womanopoly with Sgt. Die Wies since 2012, and other credits…
Kitty Obsidian is a proud Australian First Nations performer specialising in sideshow and fetish burlesque. Voted LGBTQIA+ Person of the Year at the Victorian NAIDOC Awards 2022, Kitty is a public speaker…
With over eight years in Burlesque and a lifelong foundation in dance and theater, La Reina is a dynamic creator and weaver of stories. Born and raised in California, but based in…
Donna Poderosa has been spreading her love for performance across the UK and beyond since 2022. A proud alumni of the Soho School of Burlesque and the Black Burlesque School, her credits…
Brooklyn-bred, ‘nerdy connoisseur of Blackness’ Queerly Femmetastic is inspired by Black shake-dancers, strippers, and hoochie-coochie girls across generations. She’s picked up numerous titles and awards since her debut in 2018, including Silver…
Portia Favro is a professional dancer who jetéd into Burlesque eleven years ago. An award-winning choreographer and performer, Portia led (quite literally in fact) her troupe Pin-Up Posse to victory as Best…
Debuting at the Orlando Burlesque Conservatory in 2022, Emma Jewel was awarded Hollywood Starlet at the 2024 Hollywood Burlesque Festival, and debuted internationally in November 2024 at the Black Burlesque Festival in…
Early 2024, with the Burlesque TOP 50 wrapped up for another year, I heard a name dropped respectfully in passing conversation. A month later I heard it again – someone raving about…
Fou Fou Kaboom is an award-winning London-based burlesque performer, specialising in “high-concept silliness”. Winner of Burlesque Idol 2022, Fou Fou has appeared everywhere from prestigious burlesque festivals and glittering cabarets to bowling…
Combining her background and training as a musical theatre performer, Serafina Hart is a multi-award-winning burlesque artist who, in 2024 alone, debuted in the Burlesque TOP 50 , won the ‘World Audience…
‘What did you think of the Burlesque musical?’ my inbox clamours, primed for righteous outrage after fifteen years of pushback against a movie which was Burlesque in name only (Cabaret, while more…
Originally from Newport, Arkansas, Jake Dupree made their burlesque debut in Dita Von Teese’ Von Follies show performing her martini glass act, and went on to headline shows at the Musée Des…
On April 29 this year, I met Jessabelle Thunder for a customary outing to the V&A museum. She visits London as often as she can, keen to make a second home here…
Award-winning burlesque performer, historian and teacher Alyssa Kitt Hanley began her career in Brisbane, Australia in 2007. She is currently undertaking her PhD in theatre and performance at City University New York,…
Ariana Amour is a “transgender provocateur, ecdysiast, chanteuse, raconteur, and all around good time gal” who “utilizes burlesque as a medium to shine a light on the beauty of femininity across the…
Nami Flare is a performer, educator and ‘art enthusiast’, earning a BFA in Dance from Ohio State University in 2020. Once lured into the world of burlesque, she swiftly won Mx Ebony…
Dancing from a young age, Margo Mayhem is a Broadway darling turned burlesque dancer with an impressive string of accolades to her name. At the Burlesque Hall of Fame Tournament of Tease…
Dainty Smith, ‘The Church Lady Gone Bad’, is a Toronto based burlesque performer, curator, actress and writer. In 2010 she founded Les Femmes Fatales, ‘Canada’s first burlesque troupe for Black women and…
Agent Wednesday is an Asian-American burlesque performer, illustrator, and costume designer. Currently based in NYC and a regular feature at The Red Pavilion in Brooklyn, she is from Honolulu, HI and graduated…
‘Sapphic Sensation’ Raven Rose is an award winning Afro-Indigenous dancer known for her grace, glamour, and grind. She’s produced variety shows The Raven’s Nest and Max-TEASE since 2016, and is the 2025…
Musical theatre trained and with over a decade in burlesque, Didi Derriere is prolific on the London circuit, with regular performances at The MAINE Mayfair, Black Cat Cabaret, Gin House Burlesque, Phoenix…
From a family of dancers, Bettie Bombshell stumbled upon Burlesque Bar in Melbourne, Australia in 2013 and attended a call-out for budding burlesque performers to join their ‘Debut Darlings’ Thursday night show.…
What makes a burlesque headliner – the top-billing, top-of-the-poster big draw that brings star power and house-down finales to any show or festival? A passion project born in Brisbane Australia aims to…
This Thursday, a resplendent cavalcade of talent arrives to deliver three thrilling nights of classic striptease, nerdlesque, boylesque, and draglesque at the iconic Triple Door in Seattle, USA. Welcome to Fatlesque –…
Neo-Burlesque veteran Peekaboo Pointe is an interdisciplinary performer, artist and choreographer, with a MFA in Performance and Interactive Media Art from Brooklyn College. In addition to being a proud stripper and burlesque…
As the aftershock of the COVID pandemic continues to affect the entertainment industry, burlesque producers across the world are trying – and frequently struggling – to sell viable numbers of tickets to…
Cherry OnTop has been a burlesque performer for over twenty years and a renowned instructor for twelve, namely as the owner and director of the Vancouver Burlesque Co. In 2003 she co-founded…
Drawing her name from her Portuguese heritage, Força’s enigmatic stage presence has ignited some of the most prestigious burlesque stages in the world, most recently at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend…
Spanish siren Ruby Monroe has certainly made her enigmatic presence felt on the international burlesque circuit, winning the Miss Viva Las Vegas title in 2022 and following it with a stratospheric Top…
Dinah Might began her career in the early 90s as a Feature Entertainer in gentlemen’s clubs in Canada, and has performed across four continents in every genre of striptease. She has appeared…
Classically trained at the Conservatoire de Versailles for 10 years, Clea de Velours started performing burlesque at 20 years old. A regular London fixture at The Windmill, The Maine and Brasserie Zedel,…
One of the precious few Italians to make the Burlesque TOP 50, Ginevra Joyce creates ‘glamorous and explosive’ acts, winning ‘Most Classic’ at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2023. Crowned Miss…
Cadbury Parfait is an award-winning performer serving classic burlesque with a generous side order of tongue-in-cheek British humour. After several years performing and teaching at Shimmy Shake School of Burlesque in Berlin,…
Spookey, ‘The Tiny Titan of Burlesque’, began his career in 2011 with traveling burlesque shows in the metropolitan area of the US. An acrobatic stripping specialist, Spookey’s credits include the prestigious Le…
Joy Rider is an award winning burlesque performer who just won Best Debut at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. Based in Montreal, Canada she is also the co-founder of AMPLIFY BIPOC…
Everybody is talking about Cleopantha – the exciting British rising star who combines a high energy dance style with burlesque striptease and hip-hop. In 2020 she debuted at 29 on the Burlesque…
‘2020 was going to be a big year for me,’ Eliza DeLite says. ‘This time last year I had two international tours booked in, and when I wasn’t on tour I was…
In the face of personal tragedy and a rampant global pandemic, veteran show pony Lola Van Ella has never been the type to sit on her jazz hands. After the sudden and…
How do you juggle a burlesque teaching business, hoards of students, newborn babies, and manage to stay sane in a global pandemic? One Canadian burlesque company and its three intrepid directors is…
In the somewhat early days of lockdown, when life had abruptly ground to a halt the world over and the realization was settling in that it might stay that way, I spoke…
This powerful cabaret show is decolonising Australia, detangling presumptions and assumptions, and setting straight lingering stereotypes.
“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…
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…
Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière has been crowned ‘Queen of Burlesque’ at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival, in a classic burlesque contest where competitors perform accompanied by a live band. Routines…
London burlesque heavyweights Betsy Rose, Missy Fatale and Jolie Papillon have conjured immersive magic at The King’s Head members club with Gin House Burlesque, a heady evening of tease, tipples and prohibition…
Like many wild imaginings that have materialized into full scale performances, such as the annual Land of the Sweets and Through the Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice in Wonderland, Lily Verlaine’s new…
Le Bouge Neon, a “disco drama” created by Moulin Rouge dancer Fallon Dee and comedian Chris Fitchew which claims to “celebrate women, art and tease”, is one of a pleasing number of…
[wp-review id=”28184″] The Folly Mixtures put on quite a show last year in the London Wonderground Spiegeltent, performing to an adoring crowd of family, friends and fans. They, and the fanclub, are…
I was delighted to attend the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend at Easter for a second year. Audrey Deluxe curates a sensational Burlesque Showcase on Friday night, famed for its world class…
The F-word has been front and center throughout the world and at the forefront of discussion within the burlesque community of late. With ‘Nasty Women’ and ‘Bad Feminists’ globally speaking out…
Alyssa Kitt‘s epic Australian Burlesque Festival 2016 report continues in Byron Bay and Brisbane. Read Part One here. Read Part Two here. Read Part Three here. Australian Burlesque Festival: Byron Bay We boarded the…
Raven Noir, gothic mistress of northern Burlesque in the UK, sits down with Ivy Wilde to discuss her stage persona, opulent costumes, inspirations and renowned annual Blackpool show Burlesque Noir. After stumbling…
“The Cocoa Butter Club gives a voice to The Other. We exist to promote the fact that performers of colour are creating in a multitude of mediums, and whilst our cabaret may…
Egypt Blaque Knyle seems to have come out of nowhere to dominate nearly every major burlesque competition. In three years, she has amassed over twenty titles, earning the No.38 spot on the…
Alyssa Kitt‘s epic Australian Burlesque Festival 2016 report continues in Adelaide and Darwin. Read Part One here. Read Part Two here. Australian Burlesque Festival: Adelaide Adelaide is known as the city of…
One of La Soiree’s brightest, hottest and jaw-droppingly fabulous stars is boylesque acrobat Hamish McCann, and we spoke to him about his iconic, roof-raising pole routine, which you can catch in London for the next few weeks…
![Jett Adore on stage at the Burlesque Hall fo Fame Weekend 2013. ©Derek Jackson [Stage Door Johnnies Post-BHoF Recap]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jett-derek.jpg?resize=650%2C425&ssl=1)
Now in its fifth year, the award-winning Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival returns in 2017 on April 27 – 30 with a full rosta of some of the biggest names from the world…
In a new interview series, celebrated burlesque performers answer twenty questions which document their career to date and their thoughts on contemporary burlesque, present and future. Blaze, The Red Rose of Texas is…
Alyssa Kitt‘s epic Australian Burlesque Festival 2016 report continues in Canberra and Sydney. Read Part One here… Australian Burlesque Festival: Canberra Our next stop is Canberra, which is Australia’s capital city…
Burlesque Noir, an annual burlesque and cabaret spectacular, hosted sixteen burlesque stars on October 8th at the dazzling Blackpool Tower Ballroom, including New York burlesque headliners Jo Weldon and Medianoche. Jo Weldon…
The Australian Burlesque Festival 2016: twelve shows, eight cities, a bunch of flights, and a few long drives. The Blue Mountains, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Byron Bay, and Brisbane. Cue a…
21st Century Burlesque fondly remembers watching Folly Mixtures-to-be Ooh La Lou and Liberty Sweet perform almost a decade ago at the Leicester Square Theatre alongside fellow London veterans Polly Rae, Laurie Hagen…
The array of dazzling divas taking the stage at the Sheffield Burlesque and Cabaret Extravaganza this month are a sumptuous feast for the eyes, captured exquisitely here by some of the finest…
Presenting: The Toronto Burlesque Festival with Kitten ‘N’ Lou (aka: Poutine and Pool Lounging, eh?) Can we talk about the Canadians? WHAT MAKES THEM SO NICE AND PLEASANT?! Is it their socialised…
To see Perle Noire is to be instantly dazzled. You can tell she’s a rock star simply by the way she enters the stage. She combines her natural talent with relentless hard…
[wp-review id=”26829″] BARBU, performed by quirky Quebec circus troupe Cirque Alfonse, is a sexy explosion of bombastic, beardy brilliance at London Wonderground 2016. Limber, lusty lumberjacks, mystical mayhem, folklore and live folk…
Having recently celebrated their fifth birthday in the venue where it all began, the Hundred Watt Club is showing no sign of slowing down. Ivy Wilde caught up with Lena Mae to…
Aurora Galore: Glamorous Weirdo is pitched as ‘performance art, avant-garde circus and theatrical annihilation’, but in truth it is none of those things. And it is interesting that Aurora Galore does not…
21st Century Burlesque Magazine thoroughly enjoyed Gin House Burlesque at The King’s Head – a spectacular, hidden jewel box in East London, commandeered by sparkling showgirls and a swarm of stylish revellers.…
Jennifer Taylor explains how a new taste for tease has shaped the face of London burlesque… Things are getting raunchier in London’s burlesque scene. A new sexual revolution has helped fuel the…
While I had every intention of conducting a very earnest, professional and polite interview with Julie Atlas Muz, one half of the headlining husband (Mat Fraser) and wife team at the upcoming…
In 2007 a chance chat via a MySpace page brought Sarah and Mark Bell together. Eight weeks later Mark moved to Devon from Wales and a month later Kinky & Quirky was…
Renowned for her exquisite wardrobe, sublime hostess Lili La Scala made a modest four changes during the glittering Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival Gala last year. She takes us through her costume changes,…
The Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival Gala 2015 was certainly a night to remember, in no small part due to the mesmerising performances from British burlesque icon Vicky Butterfly. Enjoy a gallery of…
For more than a decade, Michelle L’amour – Miss Exotic World, Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2005 – has been bringing Chicago the “Hottest Night of Winter” with amazing Valentine’s Day productions. And…
I am thrilled to present this special feature about sensational showgirl Claudine Van Den Bergh, who I had the pleasure of interviewing backstage at the legendary Moulin Rouge, Paris. After passing through a hidden door and…
In the second of three interviews, sensational British burlesque newcomer Cece Sinclair is interviewed by Ivy Wilde… Performing for just over 18 months, Cece Sinclair is taking the UK by storm. Moving…
Felicity Furore is the first of three outstanding newcomers to British burlesque we would like to introduce to the international community. Ivy Wilde interviewed her recently in London… 24 year old Felicity…
It all came full circle when I got the invitation e-mail from Michelle L’amour. I’ve always wanted to participate in Stripper’s Holiday, ever since I wanted to pursue burlesque. Not many people…
Take ten minutes out of your evening to watch this brave video from Jeez Loueez, outlining some of her concerns after participating in the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. The following is an introduction…
[wp-review] When it was announced at the beginning of the year that Burlesque Noir 2015 would be held at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom my heart skipped a beat. When the announcement of Tempest…
I am a member of the New York City burlesque community. I started performing nearly four years ago, jumping into the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of shows shortly following my debut and graduation from the…
J. Von Stratton was recently crowned ‘Queen of the Roses’ at the annual Oregon Burlesque Festival. The festival is a three day burlesque art exhibition with over seventy performances featuring artists from across the…
Between the Sheets: An Intimate Cabaret brings burlesque bang up to date with flair, authenticity and intelligence in a scene often plagued with complacency and a lack of creativity and willingness to…
[wp-review] Back in London for the fourth time and enjoying an extended run at London Wonderground’s delicious Spiegeltent, Briefs – an all-male Australian revue fusing circus, burlesque and drag – certainly delivers…
Crystal Tassels describes House of Verlaine’s latest production in Seattle, starring Lily Verlaine, Perle Noire, Indigo Blue and Paris Original… Lily Verlaine recently curated an evening of haute burlesque that made the…
Glitter crash is real. And it is devastating. One delayed flight home and a rehearsal later, I’m collapsed on my couch for the first time after my weekend at the Snake Oil…
[wp-review] Before its annual trek up to Edinburgh Fringe, Another Fucking Variety Show stopped by the London Wonderground Spiegeltent to wow the crowds with an enviable, ever-changing line-up of cabaret stars. Headlining…
[wp-review] Miss Polly Rae’s Between the Sheets goes big at London Wonderground for a second year, and while last year’s show lacked overall cohesion and confidence, history will remember it as a…
Texas is one of the largest states in the US and its burlesque scene is growing to match it every day. With a growing reputation for innovation and an enthusiastic fan base,…
Evie Red presents an Aussie take on the Texas Burlesque Festival! #evietakestexas In early April, this little showgirl packed her most sparkly G-string and lampshade headpiece into a suitcase and travelled 8,800 miles…
[wp-review] The Double R Club is a dark and disturbing spectacle of Lynch inspired nightmares. Away from its usual setting at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, The Double R grows into something…
Enjoy Part Two of an epic 2nd Annual Caput Mundi International Burlesque Award Diary by Grace Gotham. You can now apply for the 2015 Caput Mundi International Burlesque Award here. Saturday October 18, 2014 On…
Click the link below to tell your burlesque story… I know most people outside Finland usually find out about me through my Mata Hari signature act, and tend to think I’m the…
[wp-review] Nocturne, Black Cat Cabaret’s latest London Wonderground production, concerns a weary London commuter who nods off on the tube and embarks on a journey through his troubled subconscious, led by “queen…
Enjoy this epic two-part 2nd Annual Caput Mundi International Burlesque Award Diary by Grace Gotham. You can now apply for the 2015 Caput Mundi International Burlesque Award here. I first met Albadoro Gala (Producer…
Read on to find out more about a fabulous burlesque exhibition in Milwaukee, US, which is open until July 5th, 2015 and includes items contributed by The Burlesque Hall of Fame… “More on…
Kitten ‘N’ Lou do Viva Las Vegas! When we first got the email from the gorgeous Audrey Deluxe asking us to perform at Viva Las Vegas Weekend 18, our first thought was:…
Veronica Blacklace is the resplendent ringmistress of a cabaret gem at Brighton Fringe 2015. [wp-review] Cabaret Boheme, holding court in a mid-size Spiegeltent at Brighton Fringe 2015, promised “an unforgettable evening … with…
[wp-review] If there are two things we like at 21st Century Burlesque Magazine it’s infectious toe tapping jazz matched up with stonkingly good circus. Scotch and Soda, a marriage of the two, in…
Click the link below to tell your burlesque story… My signature fire act ‘Thunder Goddess’ was born in 2010. It has changed a lot since. I absolutely love performing it, however it…
Australian Queen of Burlesque Imogen Kelly is a woman with a very special cause… If I have a file at The Australian Council of The Arts I am sure they have branded…
Now in its fourth spectacular year, London Wonderground 2015 invites you to eat, drink and be merry in its festive fairground on London’s South Bank and enjoy evenings of entertainment inside the twinkling 1920s Spiegeltent. Once…
Martina Naccari – aka Tina Topago – who has worked with Italian burlesque agency Voodoo De Luxe since 2013, shares her tips for becoming a sought after stage kitten… I wasn’t born…
“Everybody give a cheer!” Gypsy has returned to the West End after forty years. A period spectacular from the golden age of musicals sees the showbiz mother of your nightmares drag her…
With their billowing gowns, bustles and jewelled tiaras, princesses have come to embody a sort of ultra-femininity that Western culture reserves for little girls and brides. In the burlesque world, however, we…
Every spring, celebrated producer Paula Sjunneson (of paulanowevent, formerly The Swedish Housewife Presents) brings some legendary magic to the Triple Door in Seattle. Her burlesque-cum-rock-opera, House of Thee Unholy, is “a Tolkienian…
Lola The Vamp tells a heartwarming tale from the Australian outback… Betoota, Diamantina Shire, in the Channel Country of Central Western Queensland, Australia. Population 0. The last living resident passed away ten…
On Monday a bejewelled, flamboyant horde of stars from the London cabaret scene invaded the luxurious Cafe de Paris for a night of awards, roasts, song and striptease. Miss Polly Rae saw…
I have just concluded a Skype call with Bella Blue, producer of The Blue Book Cabaret at Lucky Pierre’s, regarding her decision to stop working at the venue and her feelings about…
21st Century Burlesque Magazine reached out to iconic burlesque superstar Dirty Martini for her reaction to Lucky Pierre’s decision to drop burlesque performer Ruby Rage because of her size, and their public…
Before I was fully awake this morning in London my inbox was filling up with reports from New Orleans about Lucky Pierre’s, which hosts The Blue Book Cabaret, produced by Burlesque TOP…
Entrancing Australian Sina King shares her Berlin Burlesque Festival experience… “Berlin, Berlin!” the cab driver shouts at the tourist-filled streets as he drives me to tech rehearsal. The city is bustling and…
21st Century Burlesque Magazine editor Holli-Mae Johnson and editor-in-chief of This Is Cabaret Franco Milazzo sat down with the delightful Rosie Kohl in her cosy sitting room just before Christmas and discussed…
Beating the Burly Blues NYC style: Miss Exotic World 2012 Imogen Kelly‘s New York Burlesque Festival Diary. Today I saw a crab escape from a Chinese restaurant and make a dash across…
Goldie Candela, the recipient of the first Sparkly Devil Memorial Scholarship, shares her experience of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2014. Details about how to apply for the 2015 Scholarship and…
The Lean, Mean Glitter Machine: BURLYCON! You stole my heart! Ever since the first BurlyCon was organised I have followed its development from a smaller gathering to a huge convention with as…
This year’s Christmas offering from the Looking Glass Productions arm of Black Cat Cabaret is Palace of the Snow Queen, which promises to deliver “…gourmet winter fayre, beautiful decor, and spectacular cabaret…
Elle Dorado, winner of the 2014 New Orleans Burlesque Festival ‘Queen of Burlesque’ competition, wowed the crowd with something unexpected but ultimately victorious! Elle spoke to 21st Century Burlesque Magazine about her…
The Atomic Bombshells in CAKE! A Decade of Decadent Dazzle, by Crystal Tassels. Seattle burlesque mainstays The Atomic Bombshells celebrated their tenth anniversary last weekend. Hosted by the ever-so-chipper BenDeLaCreme of RuPaul’s…
In October, a violent incident involving iconic Soho venue Madame Jojo’s, a celebrated performance space for several decades and home to productions including House of Burlesque, The Folly Mixtures Revue and Cabaret…
The Atomic Bombshells Celebrate Ten Glamorous Years in Burlesque, by Crystal Tassels. It seems like 2004 was a big year for burlesque. On one side of North America, Doc Wasabassco produced his…
As the cast readies for the year’s final performance of Barbarellesque (at Baltimore’s Creative Alliance on November 22nd), Kay Sera, co-producer and one of the show’s Barbarellas, talks about creating “an ecdysiast…
As the long, lazy summer days turn into dark, drizzly nights, Rosewood London invites you to spend an evening in the warm amber glow of Scarfes Bar and indulge in top drawer…
The fabulous Cafe de Paris (London, UK) is offering 21st Century Burlesque readers VIP tickets for their new Friday night show Cabaret des Distractions, starring Reuben Kaye, Bettsie Bon Bon, Anna the…
Last Friday, with just over a week left of the outstanding London Wonderground 2014 season, feisty songbird Lili La Scala brought Another Fucking Variety Show, fresh from a run at the Edinburgh…
It has been another summer of tremendous fun and first rate entertainment at London Wonderground on the South Bank. If you haven’t enjoyed any of the fantastic shows yet, you have a…
Back from a run in Las Vegas, Pandora’s Box is described as ‘an innovative, enchanting display of high class entertainment’ and a dance-focused, erotic revue designed for observation rather than interaction. In…
Lydia DeCarllo shares her Oregon Burlesque Festival experience… There is something indescribably special about being asked to headline a festival. It’s like getting the biggest kiss on the lips from your glitter…
Australian burlesque performer and academic Lola The Vamp interviews Bella De Jac about the Australian Burlesque Museum and Australian Burlesque Association, with additional information provided about the special photographs accompanying the interview.…
Earlier this month, purring burlesque popstress Miss Polly Rae brought established London favourite Between the Sheets, usually in residence at the Hippodrome Casino’s intimate Matcham Room, to London Wonderground 2014 for two…
On Friday, August 15th, Kitty Bang Bang and partner Bioux Lee Hayes brought the mischief and mayhem of Boom and Bang Circus to The Roundhouse in Camden (London, UK), which took them…
In the second chapter of a two-part diary, Goldie Candela continues her recap of the 2014 Texas Burlesque Festival (read Part One here)… Saturday April 12th Performers only brunch. It can feel…
In the first chapter of a two-part diary, Goldie Candela relives the magic of the 2014 Texas Burlesque Festival… To say that the Texas Burlesque Festival is my favourite Texas burlesque event…
The Double R Club at London Wonderground 2014, reviewed by James Lee on August 2nd 2014. For anyone unfamiliar with the Double R Club, it is a cabaret inspired by the work…
This Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend was particularly special because not only was it to be my fifth year in attendance but also because it was the first year that the entire…
Siobhan Atomica‘s Show Me Burlesque Festival Diary continues. Read Part One here… SATURDAY When I finally awoke on Saturday afternoon, the first day I had slept in in months, Mary and I…
Siobhan Atomica guides you through the Show Me Burlesque Festival 2014. Link to Part Two below… The Show Me Burlesque Festival is undoubtedly the rowdiest festival in the Midwest but its party…
Join Jo Weldon and friends as they celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the New York School of Burlesque with all-star spectacular GodDamned Women, featuring a fantastic lineup of NYSB instructors, including burlesque…
Cirque du Cabaret returned to the London Wonderground Spiegeltent for a third year last week and welcomed a packed house of Pimms-soaked revellers. Champagne Charlie was a highly successful and effervescent host…
Pinup model, burlesque performer and artist Miss Miranda shares her experience of Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School at London Wonderground 2014. I was delighted to receive a last minute invitation to attend Dr…
As she makes her final preparations for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Miss Glory Pearl tells 21st Century Burlesque Magazine about what led a burlesque artist to try her hand at stand-up comedy……
Burlesque songstress Miss Polly Rae, star of West End hit The Hurly Burly Show and Between the Sheets, shares her tips for keeping an audience tantalised and titillated. You can watch Polly…
An Italian in Chicago: Stripper’s Holiday 2014 report from Miss Vampfire… I first heard about Stripper’s Holiday in 2012 and I was immediately intrigued by it. Just the thought of taking classes…
Described as a ‘variety show with an alternative edge’ and featuring some of the very best performers on the UK and international burlesque circuit, Kinky & Quirky’s events promise a riot of…
When I planned my schedule for the New York Burlesque Festival 2013, one of the first priorities was to arrange my first proper conversation with festival co-producer and Miss Exotic World 2008,…
Welcome to the world of Cabaret Roulette, an innovative, no-holds-barred variety show in London where the audience calls the shots! Cabaret Roulette launched in November 2012 with a simple goal: to shake up…
House of Burlesque has returned to London Wonderground’s evocative, twinkling Spiegeltent for a third year with a new production playing a string of dates in August and September. It’s a high-energy, well…
Black Cat Cabaret at London Wonderground reviewed by Miss Glory Pearl. After a successful run at Café de Paris and scooping the 2014 London Cabaret Awards ‘Best Production’ prize, Black Cat Cabaret…
A Fancy Femme’s Take on a Weekend of Bedazzled Dongs: Kitten LaRue goes to the New York Boylesque Festival! Hi folks, it’s me, Kitten LaRue, Artistic Director of The Atomic Bombshells and…
by Kay Sera. In the 1950s, Baltimore launched the career of the legendary Blaze Starr and helped shape burlesque’s history. Sixty years later, Baltimore again made history when the Maryland Institute College…
London Wonderground is set to spice up the Southbank for a third year this summer, with an extensive and varied programme of events covering cabaret, comedy, music, circus, and burlesque. I heartily…
Sunday May 11th offers a rare and very special opportunity to meet three beloved burlesque legends at The Highline Ballroom in New York. Presented by The New York Burlesque Festival and The…
Cha Cha Velour looks back on the Vermont Burlesque Festival 2014… I was an invited guest for the Vermont Burlesque Festival. I felt honoured and excited to be listed on the headliner…
London Wonderground is set to spice up the Southbank for a third year this summer, with an extensive and varied programme of events covering cabaret, comedy, music, circus, and burlesque. I heartily…
Jessickah Walsh speaks to Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival producers Heidi Bang Tidy and Lady Wildflower (with honorary showgirl Neil Kendall) about the challenges of producing pedigree burlesque shows in the UK… In…
Enjoy this report from the Great Canadian Girlesque Expo 2014, courtesy of the fabulous Gal Friday… I am, admittedly, not the best traveller or most adventurous person, though I’m getting better at…
Hi! We’re Kitten ‘n’ Lou, ‘The World’s Show-busiest Couple!’ We kicked off our marvellous month-long European Honeymoon Tour with the Helsinki Burlesque Festival, and we would love to share it with you!…
![The Stage Door Johnnies All-Star BHoF 2013 Finale [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/johnnies-thumb.jpg?resize=650%2C366&ssl=1)
Down tools this instant and enjoy this achingly cool, seductively smooth and fabulously choreographed Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2013 closing number from The Stage Door Johnnies and a mind-blowing supporting cast…
Superheroine Shan de Leers reports from the 8th Annual Southwest Burlesque Showcase… When a festival producer includes #NMisinappropriate as one of the official hashtags for the weekend, you just know you are…
A spend-savvy guide to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, by Elsa Von Schmaltz, Flirty Sanchez, Iva Handfull and Randi Rascal… Sparkle-people, let’s be real. While we carry within us the glamour…
In a new Burlesque Beauty series, performers discuss their favourite beauty products, beauty regimes, indulgences and philosophy. Kitten De Ville and Melody Sweets have had their say; next up is Miss Exotic…
Beauty and the Beast, starring Julie Atlas Muz and Mat Fraser, reviewed by Stephanie Nolasco. A tale as old as time? Sorry Disney, but the best fairytale for grown-ups ever is being…
I am a neo-burlesque artist, drag king and freakshow artist. I am sometimes known for my frantic antics on stage, but mostly for my love for distorting myself. I am often asked…
On Saturday 22nd March, Dolores Daiquiri and Elena Gabrielle will oversee a Guinness World Record attempt in Victoria, Australia: Burleskathon – 24 Hours of Tease! Over 70 performers will take to the…
Hunky Stage Door Johnny Bazuka Joe has started interviewing fabulous burlesque performers and personalities he encounters on his travels to festivals and other shows, and now I can share them with you…
House of Thee Unholy preview by Jessica Price. All photos by Christopher Nelson and Michael Doucett. We haven’t heard much from producer Paula Now – formerly known as The Swedish Housewife –…
Ivy Wilde examines the effect of social media on the profile of burlesque and asks if Facebook and Burlesque are always compatible and used appropriately… Social media has been a huge contributing…
As I am sure many of you have heard and read by now, on Friday night at the famous, celebrated Slipper Room in New York, sideshow performer Rush Aaron Hicks, apparently without…
With their tenth anniversary celebration coming up this Saturday (March 8th – see details below), it’s the perfect moment to finally interview two of the most warm, intelligent and face-achingly hilarious women…
A number of burlesque performers have reacted with shock to the alleged actions of New York Boylesque Festival producers Jen Gapay and Daniel Nardicio, who, according to an article published on Queerty.com,…
The luscious Jessabelle Thunder is your guide for the first annual Hollywood Burlesque Festival, which took place at the end of last year. Read on! December 6, 2013 Dear Diary, Today…
Hunky Stage Door Johnny Bazuka Joe has started interviewing fabulous burlesque performers and personalities he encounters on his travels to festivals and other shows, and now I can share them with you…
The mesmerising Melody Sweets, burlesque goddess and star of Absinthe, marked Valentines Day with the release of her latest music video for Love Digitale, one of the teasetastic tracks from her album,…
It’s all change at Cafe de Paris. Resident guest show The Wam Bam Club has departed, and the venue now has its own new shows, produced in-house. One of these is Showtime,…
Disclaimer: This article was not requested or commissioned by the burlesque performer concerned and care has been taken to highlight this issue in a way that does not go against her wishes…
With a spot in the Burlesque TOP 50 2013 under their belts, Mod Carousel, creators of the now deservedly famous Blurred Lines parody, headed to Australia for a number of performances. Now…
Chicago Starlet Lady Ginger reports on Michelle L’amour’s All I Want For Christmas production… Yes, Chicago, there is a Santa – but she’s a woman, she’s sexy as hell, and her name’s…
Before the Burlesque TOP 50 madness kicked off at New Year, I enjoyed a highly entertaining evening at Sean Mooney‘s Beyond The Christmas Cabaret at The Clapham Grand in London. Sean can…
EXPOSED: Beyond Burlesque is a vital and valuable addition to the growing number of burlesque films and documentaries; a challenging, moving and enlightening examination of some of the best-known contemporary burlesque pioneers…
Parisian starlet Loulou Champagne shares her experience of the Berlin Burlesque Festival 2013… DAY 1 If I say Berlin, I am sure you will think of polite people, Currywurst, Oktoberfest, Checkpoint Charlie,…
In my new Burlesque Beauty series, performers discuss their favourite beauty products, beauty regimes, indulgences and philosophy. Kitten De Ville opened the series, and next up is Absinthe burlesque star Melody Sweets……
In an exclusive, special piece, Imogen Kelly (Reigning Queen of Burlesque/Miss Exotic World 2012) discusses her battle with breast cancer, the ongoing struggle for progress in treatment, and looking to the future. …
21st Century Fox here, bringing you more New York Burlesque Festival action direct from my basement! (Thanks for the (admittedly hilarious) ‘plug’ Murray.) Dazzled by my first experience of Times Square at…
Is there any part of the USA yet left untouched by the magic of the dollar store? Be it the national Dollar Tree chain, the Crazy Dollar Daze! aisle of your local…
The following speech was delivered by The World Famous *BOB* at the memorial service for Dixie Evans on Sunday, 1st September, 2013, at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas. *BOB* and Dixie were…
“Welcome to the legendary Tim Tam Room, where the music sizzles, champagne flows, and dancing beauties tempt and tease. When Tansy, the club’s crown jewel, announces her imminent departure, the club’s MC…
Day Two of the New York Burlesque Festival and The Brooklyn Bowl was the place to be. I was warned in advance that the large, standing-room-only floor in front of the stage…
The fabulous Minnie Tonka shares her European burlesque adventures… This spring, I embarked on a month-long European tour. I’ve been touring extensively nationally and internationally since 2010, but this was my first…
We gathered together in the belly of Le Poisson Rouge for the first night of the eleventh annual New York Burlesque Festival. Although some of the best-known faces didn’t make an appearance…
Enjoy the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival from the perspective of the one and only Foxy Tann! 12:17 AM. May 2, 2013. The Canadian Border. I did not know that Canadians punished fun…
The Shanghai Pearl’s upcoming Burlesque Royale is in many ways the show she was born to create. Though she’s been producing since she was just an eager young lass brandishing her bona…
On Thursday, July 11th, nearly 400 people attended the premiere of True Tales at the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas. True Tales tells the story of Tammi True, a dancer at the…
I recently enjoyed an evening at Lady Alex’ Wam Bam Club at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London, and while there was nothing ground breaking or exceptional in terms of burlesque, it was…
Desert Dust and Glitter Lust, by Lola Frost. I arrived late Wednesday night with my Flapper in Crime, Rita Star, after a three hour flight delay from San Francisco. Fear not! We…
I’m sure most of us have seen Robin Thicke’s notorious Blurred Lines music video, and I know that many of us find it problematic. Seattle-based boylesque troupe Mod Carousel have produced a…
Read Laurie Hagen Part One… The fascinating Laurie Hagen interview continues. At the end of Part One, we were discussing her early career… Laurie Hagen: I danced in musicals for a few…
Laurie Hagen is, hands down, one of the most multi-talented, endearing, dedicated and creative women I have ever met, with an inspiring story to tell. When I first saw Laurie Hagen perform,…
Frenchie Kiss shares her adventures at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2013. This was my sixth Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend, Diary. Sixth! The first year I attended, I was wide-eyed…
The Strawberry Siren shares her Kansas City Burlesque Festival experience… Monday 22nd April 2013 My trip to Kansas City got off on a bit of a rocky start. While sitting at Melbourne…
A look back at Stripper’s Holiday 2013, by Black Mariah. I love Stripper’s Holiday. I love to talk about Stripper’s Holiday. The name just begs to be said out loud… STRIPPER’S HOLIDAY! …
Set designer Tinker Bell takes us behind the scenes at the Helsinki Burlesque Festival… My name is Tinker Bell and I am, in about equal amounts, a burlesque performer and a set…
Peggy de Lune shares her Texas Burlesque Festival 2013 experience… They finally let me through security in Cleveland airport after eying up my suspicious package. When my ‘Air Hostess’ act was first…
As I’m sure many of you have heard at this stage, Sparkly Devil was killed in a car accident on Sunday morning. It feels impossible – unthinkable – that this has happened.…
Catherine D’Lish will be hitting the UK next week, and she shares all the details about the trip and upcoming performances here with 21st Century Burlesque Magazine… You kick off your UK…
I am pleased to present an interview with the beautiful, charming and incredibly talented Melody Sweets. I finally got the chance to see Melody perform live in 2011, when I was invited…
Celebrated burlesque photographer Kaylin Idora shares her Helsinki Burlesque Festival experience… I’ve been to Helsinki, Finland a lot of times. Probably more than anyone realises. Way before I knew anything about burlesque…
Enjoy this footage of Missy Lisa’s winning routine at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend. Every year a ‘Miss Viva Las Vegas’ is crowned at the weekender’s striptease competition, and this year…
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…
Before I gave an interview on what I teach, someone whom I admire very much said to me, ‘Go get ’em, don’t be stingy with your knowledge. What you have to offer…
Duchess Dubois presents her Stockholm Burlesque Festival Diary… My name is Duchess Dubois and I founded Sweden’s first burlesque troupe, the Amazing Knicker Kittens Burlesque Revue, in 2005. I was also involved…
Ginger Valentine describes her journey as the new Evangeline the Oyster Girl… I’d like to take you on a not so mythical trip, through the bayous of Louisiana… I will never forget…
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…
I’m honoured to be a co-producer of the Colorado Burlesque Festival. I just finished up our 3rd year with fellow 2012 co-producers Lola Spitfire, Honey Touche, Bunny Bee, Ruby Sparkle, and Naughty…
Enjoy this wonderful diary from Dirty Martini, describing her adventures on tour with Dita von Teese, Murray Hill, Perle Noire, Monsieur Romeo, Lada Nikolska, Catherine D’Lish and Selene Luna – the fabulous…
Hi, I’m Miss La Vida. Here’s the continuation of my Aussie adventure with my diary from performing in the Third Annual Australian Burlesque Festival, produced by Rosy Rabbit and Dolores Daiquiri, that…
A thought-provoking piece from UK performer Miss Glory Pearl. Please feel free to comment on this article in the comments section below… The Burlesque Community; it’s an odd phrase. There’s no denying…
It’s been almost two months since the world’s biggest burlesque festival draped its glittery terror all over America’s Sin City. The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2012 has come and gone, leaving…
The Hurly Burly Show: Naughty But Nice!, reviewed on Tuesday 10th July. It has been so interesting following Polly Rae’s career over the past years. I recall watching Polly and her ‘Hurly…
London based performer Honey Wilde shares her experience of the 9th Annual New York Burlesque Festival… New York, New York! When I received an email from Angie Pontani informing me that I…
I’m Miss La Vida from New Zealand, and I was one of the international performers invited to perform at the inaugural Perth International Burlesque festival, produced by Coco Poppin and A’dora Derriere…
Here is another fabulous BHoF diary from feisty London feline, Kitty Bang Bang… Thursday 31st May 2012 I actually arrived in Las Vegas late on the Wednesday night. But owing to an…
This is the story of ten strippers picked to live in a house… Since attending Michelle L’amour‘s Stripper’s Holiday I’ve made (and heard) plenty of Real World jokes while fondly discussing this…
Presenting our new Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World, 2012 – Imogen Kelly! I am so pleased that Imogen Kelly has been recognised and rewarded for a fantastic performance; a performance…
In the first of the BHoF 2012 diaries, ‘Best Duo’ co-winner and Chicago Starlet, Frenchie Kiss shares her daily entries… Thursday Dear Diary, I can’t believe it finally arrived, my favourite weekend…
21st Century Burlesque Magazine has teamed up with Orangeroads Photography to bring you exclusive and gorgeous photos from each of the fabulous BHoF showcases this weekend and, of course, the Saturday night…
Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2012 Imogen Kelly First Runner-Up:Ophelia Flame Second Runner-Up:Trixie Little Best Boylesque:Russell Bruner Best Debut:Ruby Joule Best Group: The Peek-A-Boo Revue Best Duo: Frenchie Kiss and Jett Adore…
21st Century Burlesque Magazine has teamed up with Orangeroads Photography to bring you exclusive and gorgeous photos from each of the fabulous BHoF showcases this weekend and, of course, the Saturday night…
Friday night show photos coming up, but first, enjoy these daytime snaps! Send me your snaps at bhof@21stcenturyburlesque.com – more to come soon! www.BurlesqueHall.com
21st Century Burlesque Magazine has teamed up with Orangeroads Photography to bring you exclusive and gorgeous photos from each of the fabulous BHoF showcases this weekend and, of course, the Saturday night…
Show photos from Thursday night coming soon! In the meantime, here are some snaps from some of the gorgeous attendees out and about at The Orleans! Send me your snaps at bhof@21stcenturyburlesque.com…
One of the most enjoyable and enduring aspects of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekends, and indeed many burlesque events, is the array of beautiful photographs that are shared around the world.…
One of the most enjoyable and enduring aspects of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekends, and indeed many burlesque events, is the array of beautiful photographs that are shared around the world.…
One of the most enjoyable and enduring aspects of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekends, and indeed many burlesque events, is the array of beautiful photographs that are shared around the world.…
One of the most enjoyable and enduring aspects of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekends, and indeed many burlesque events, is the array of beautiful photographs that are shared around the world.…
Click here to read Sparkly’s updated Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend Survival Guide for 2013… OMFGBHOF! As I frantically type this, an army of burlesque starlets across the country are frantically packing,…
One of the most enjoyable and enduring aspects of the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekends, and indeed many burlesque events, is the array of beautiful photographs that are shared around the world.…
![BHoF 2012 – The Road to Reigning Queen: Ophelia Flame [11/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ophelia-thumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
It’s almost here! Everyone will soon be packed up and on their way to Vegas. I had a little chat with the three sizzling partnerships competing for ‘Best Duo’ – it’s going…
![BHoF 2012 - The Road to Reigning Queen: LouLou D'vil [10/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/loulou-thumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
![BHoF 2012 - The Road to Reigning Queen: Scarlett James [9/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/scarlett-thumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
![BHoF 2012 – The Road to Reigning Queen: Coco Lectric [8/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cocothumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
by Jessica Price In April I had the unparalleled pleasure of speaking with Dita Von Teese about her upcoming West Coast tour, her dazzling co-stars, the merits of dressage, and the peculiar…
![BHoF 2012 - The Road to Reigning Queen: Burgundy Brixx [6/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/burgundy-thumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
![BHoF 2012 - The Road to Reigning Queen: Perle Noire [5/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/perel-thumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
Greetings from Brooklyn! We’re back home safe and sound! Read all about our last week on the road… On April 26th we drove from Tucson, AZ to Albuquerque, NM and made a…
![BHoF 2012 - The Road to Reigning Queen: Harvest Moon [4/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/harvestthumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
![BHoF 2012 – The Road to Reigning Queen: Lux LaCroix [3/11]](https://i0.wp.com/21stcenturyburlesque.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/lux-thumb.jpg?resize=402%2C250&ssl=1)
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
As we count down to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, let’s find out more about the eleven talented temptresses competing for Reigning Queen! I have asked each of them about their…
Click here to meet the troupe and read Minnie’s introduction… Greetings from the road! We started off on April 16th with a drive through the ‘Big Sky Country’ of Montana on our way…
The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend is almost here, and I know the next few weeks are going to fly away as everyone makes their preparations. I fired my annual, ‘Meet the…
Seattle photographer, Paul O’Connell looks back at Viva Las Vegas 2012. With photos by Paul and fellow photographer, Derek Jackson… Viva Las Vegas, now in its 15th year, is “the Biggest Rockabilly…
Click here to meet the troupe and read Minnie’s introduction… Greetings from the road! Our Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go! Spring Tour 2012 kicked off on April 10th in Charleston,…
The 21CB festival and show diaries are some of the most popular features on the site, and when Minnie Tonka asked if I would be interested in publishing weekly diaries from the…
“…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…
The irresistibly cute Bazuka Joe and his fellow superhunks, Ray Gunn and Jett Adore, were featured performers at the Best of Midwest Burlesk Festival in February. Joe shares his festival diary from…
Smouldering temptress, Ginger Valentine shares her DBF experience, as a producer and a performer… Wednesday, February 1st. For months, Black Mariah, Missy Lisa and I worked tirelessly on the Fourth Annual Dallas…
‘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…
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…
The absurdly gorgeous LouLou D’vil (BHoF Best Debut 2011) shares her Helsinki Burlesque Festival experience… The 5th Helsinki Burlesque Festival, 16th – 18th February. Thursday 16th February The day started perfectly. The…
I am pleased to present a long and interesting conversation with Roxi DLite; a lady that seemed to appear from nowhere a few years ago and joined the ranks of burlesque royalty…
Montreal Burlesque Festival: Thursday, Aug 25, 2011 I got off the plane in Montreal and breezed through customs and immigration with ease, but I was already late for the press conference that…
The Burlesque Ball, 2011 is almost upon us – an annual Australian tour of grand spectacle and all-star international headliners. Founder and producer, Jac Bowie discusses the Ball’s beginnings, highlights and future…
Back to class! Saturday morning saw me up and out early for two classes at Coco Framboise‘s Burlesque University! I am an avid taker of classes, and last year’s university classes were…
DIRTY MARTINI – JULIE ATLAS MUZ – MIMI LE MEAUX – KITTEN ON THE KEYS – ROKY ROULETTE – EVIE LOVELLE If burlesque had a rock band, this would be it. Six…
Why are your eyelashes wonky whenever you’re in a hurry? That’s what I want to know… A gorgeous sunny day, accompanied by a hellish heatwave, had turned grey and dreary as I…
Full details below… Covering everything from music selection, onstage persona and presence, to dancing in heels and some good old bump ‘n’ grind, this is a rare opportunity not to be missed!…
As I was otherwise engaged on the Thursday of the Toronto Burlesque Festival (although naked where I was, in true spirit of burlesque) I have gone to Great Canadian Burlesque‘s Dolly Berlin…
When you drive into Vegas from the south at night, you can see the glow from miles and miles out, disorienting considering that you’re blazing through the desert and there’s nothing to…
I have been a part of planning BurlyCon in different ways since its beginning three years ago, and just like a fine wine – it gets better with age. In the last…
I really can’t say enough about BurlyCon. I feel positively gleeful with excitement every time I think about it, or see a new announcement. Of all the things Indigo Blue has contributed…
I’m not one to blow smoke. In fact I’m the opposite. My friends laugh at me and say I’m the ‘Patsy’ of burlesque – meaning Patsy, the jaded, cynical chain smoker from…
Roxi D’Lite’s Boom Boom Burlesque reviewed by Katie Hargreaves. It’s only just past 7pm, and already a line is forming outside Windsor, Ontario’s Boom Boom Room nightclub. Located on Windsor’s main bar…
On her birthday, Michelle L’amour has allowed us to present to you her new act, “Shower With Affection”. We hope you enjoy this little ‘online premiere’, and we are sure you will all join us in wishing Michelle a very happy birthday – feel free to leave birthday messages in the comments section below…
The Gypsy Centennial (Seattle, 1/8/2011 @ The Triple Door) The frustrating part of being obsessed with an American burlesque icon – or any icon for that matter – is separating myth from…
BHoF Weekend 2011 Legends Challenge Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend is not only the world’s most prestigious burlesque gathering, it is also the longest running. Since 1957, the weekend has ‘had its…
“Find that person who will tell you what your strengths and weaknesses are. Who will give you feedback. Who will tell you that there’s spinach in your teeth and that your g-string is ill fitting. That you might not want to bend over that way … it’s hard. And you don’t always want to know. And yes – you might cry.”
London-based performer Kiki Kaboom is a trained actress, singer and burlesque dancer. Whilst she’s been on the burlesque circuit for only a couple of years, she’s worked that circuit with gusto, acquiring…
Results from the NYBF 2010 Golden Pastie Awards. The Hottest Freshman of 2010 Miss Boo Boo Darlin’ The Leading Trendsetter in Burlesque Julie Atlas Muz The Best Burlesque Couple Trixie Little and…
Dita is literally everywhere at the moment. On stages all over the world, on film, on screen, on menus, even on bottles! There are cocktails and desserts named after her, an interactive…
Tales of the Cocktail is a week long festival of all things ‘cocktail’ – attendees include bartenders, distillers, liquor reps, writers and folks who are simply cocktail enthusiasts. I was there to…
*You can now read a fabulous review of the show and enjoy some stunning photographs by clicking HERE…* Tales of the Cocktail kicks off in New Orleans this week, and believe us…
“Wow. There are so many things you can tell yourself when it comes to competing in a pageant. Everything you come up with will help you relax, perform the best you can…
Full BHoF 2010 Results Reigning Queen of Burlesque Roxi DLite First Runner Up: Kristina Nekyia Second Runner Up: Nasty Canasta Best debut: Ms Tickle Best Boylesque: The Evil Hate Monkey Best Group:…
The list of those competing at BHoF this year (the 20th Anniversary no less) is fascinating and VERY exciting! We don’t think we can call this one yet – it’s wide open.…
©Don Spiro “So you wanna know about the Naked Girls, huh? Naked Girls Reading is a group of beautiful ladies who love to read… naked. That’s really it. There’s not a whole…
I am proud to present a brand new interview with Neo Burlesque icon Dirty Martini, the Number One Burlesque Performer of 2009 – as voted by thousands of you in the end-of-year…
“These are my friends and this is my life.” – Tigger! on stage during Friday night curtain call. Batten the brassieres and hold onto your hatches! ©Trixie Little Through some magical combination…
Read on to find out what is in store at this week’s Scandanavian shimmy-fest! “Being of northern descent, I know I’ll love the culture of Finland. And I’ve heard nothing but beautiful…
Germany loves burlesque, but excitement is at fever pitch right now, thanks to two marvellous shows! Black Flamingo at the Wintergarten Variete Theatre in Berlin has enjoyed a fabulous run so far,…
Michelle L’amour is someone I find endlessly fascinating. She is warm and charming to speak to, with a delicious laugh and composed demeanour. But when she takes to the stage a sexual…
“The Annual New York Burlesque Festival, now teasing its way into its 7th year … is the largest burlesque event in the world, and has attracted sold-out crowds since its beginning in…
Trixie Little takes you behind the curtain at the first New Orleans Burlesque Festival… Day 4: Sunday 11:30am Woke up at noon to thunderstorms rattling the windows of our 25th floor hotel…
Burlesque in New York: A Brief Overview of Our Scene By Jo Weldon If you’re looking for a burlesque vacation, you can come to New York and know that every night you’ll…
This week, I spoke to Dita about her recent and upcoming plans in ‘La Ville-Lumière’ – a city forever close to her heart… Dita performs ‘Lazy’, at The Crazy Horse Paris (©Antoine…
Part Two of the epic and exclusive interview with Kalani Kokonuts… (Click here to read Part One…) Kalani Performing… Kalani Kokonuts, by Mark Hollinger. H. This will probably embarrass you, but you…
A month ago, sitting beside Kalani in her tranquil, beautiful home, just days after the Burlesque Hall of Fame pageant, recording the following interview, I felt both priviliged and excited. Privileged, because…
As the chorus of voices behind me shouted, as Kalani claimed her trophy – ‘It’s about ****** time!’ It was a long overdue and indisputably deserved victory for Kalani Kokonuts – Reigning…
N.B. All Images and Text ©21st Century Burlesque. Please ask Permission for usage. On Friday 5th of June at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Reunion Showcase, Michelle L’Amour provided the first act…