USA

Joona Bae by Starseed Studios

21 Questions with Joona Bae

Born in Suwon, South Korea and raised in Chicago, Joona Bae is currently based in NYC. A proud alumni of Chicago’s Camp Cabaret program, Joona has made 36 burlesque festival appearances since…

Elyse Elaine by Vanta Vision Photography

21 Questions with Elyse Elaine

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…

La Reina by Radient Inc

21 Questions with La Reina

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…

21 Questions with Queerly Femmetastic

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…

Emma Jewel by SHphotografia.

21 Questions with Emma Jewel

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…

Qween Quan, by La Reina/Snake and Dagger Portraits

Lonely at the TOP: Qween Quan on Fame, Feathers and Finesse

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…

Jake Dupree by Pierre Arnaud

21 Questions with Jake Dupree

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…

Alyssa Kitt by Radiant Inc

21 Questions with Alyssa Kitt

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 by Fondling Moonbeans

21 Questions with Ariana Amour

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 in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia

21 Questions with Nami Flare

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…

Margo Mayhem by Lucie Kout

21 Questions with Margo Mayhem

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…

Agent Wednesday by S1NA.

21 Questions with Agent Wednesday

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…

Raven Rose by DS Bittle

21 Questions with Raven Rose

‘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…

Peekaboo Pointe by Ellen Stagg

21 Questions with Peekaboo Pointe

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…

Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière at Teaser Festival, by Chase Stevens

Elle Dorado’s Teaser Fest: ‘The Grand Vision’

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 by Jon-Christian Ashby

21 Questions with Cherry OnTop

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…

Força by Chase Stevens

21 Questions with Força

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…

21 Questions with Ruby Monroe - 21st Century Burlesque Magazine

21 Questions with Ruby Monroe

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…

21 Questions with Dinah Might

21 Questions with Dinah Might

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…

Spookey performing in Le Scandal at The Laurie Beechman Theater (42nd St NYC). Photo by Helane Blumfield

21 Questions with Spookey

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…

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…

Crescent City Burlesque: The Real New Orleans

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…

Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival, by Tomas Orihuela.

Meet the New Burlesque Queen of New Orleans

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…

Lily Verlaine brings Erotic Ballet to Triple Door

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…

Egypt Blaque Knyle, by Brian C Janes

Egypt Blaque Knyle: Entitled

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…

Blaze, The Red Rose of Texas, by Shoshana Portnoy

Burlesque In 20: Blaze, The Red Rose of Texas

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…

Burlesque dancer Perle Noire with her new troupe, House of Noire. Photo by David L. Byrd

Perle Noire Builds Her House

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…

Michelle L'amour and the Stripper's Holiday 2015 trainees.

Di Lovely: Stripper’s Holiday 2015

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…

Burlesque Activism: Bunny Buxom Discusses Rabbit Hole Productions

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…

Perle Noire in House of Verlaine's Nightcap: L'Edition Noire, Seattle. ©Ernie Sapiro Photography

House of Verlaine Delivers ‘Haute Burlesque’ Ballet

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…

Roxie Le Rouge at the Snake Oil Festival 2015. ©Indulge Images

Eva la Feva’s Snake Oil Festival Burlesque Diary

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…

Goldie Candela, Austin. ©James Cano (A Teasetastic Tour of Texas Burlesque)

A Teasetastic Tour of Texas Burlesque

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's Texas Burlesque Festival Diary

Evie Red’s Texas Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

Red Snapper ©MHF

Burlesquers of the World: Red Snapper, Los Angeles

My nipples are no secret. I’m a nudist with a topless vlog. Pasties are required at all LA burlesque bar shows, so I comply with the rhinestoned icing on the nipples. Producers…

A Dragon Debutante at The Dallas Burlesque Festival

A Dragon Debutante at The Dallas Burlesque Festival

Burlesque newcomer Something Blue shares her Dallas Burlesque Festival experience… My New Year’s resolution this year was to take the next step in my burlesque career. I spent my first year keeping it…

Lady Drew Blood (the Little Mermaid) in Disney After Dark. ©POC Photo

Review: Edge, Glitz, and Princesses at Disney After Dark

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…

Paula Now and Then: Rocking the Pants Off Seattle Since 1987

Paula Now and Then: Rocking the Pants Off Seattle Since 1987

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…

Havana Hurricane's New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary

Havana Hurricane’s New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary

UK burlesque starlet Havana Hurricane presents a New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary… I fell in love with the city of New Orleans many years ago and after attending the New Orleans Burlesque…

Imogen Kelly's New York Burlesque Festival Diary

Imogen Kelly’s New York Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

Bettie Blackheart's BurlyCon 2014 Diary

Bettie Blackheart’s BurlyCon 2014 Diary

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…

Elle Dorado: The Ice Skating Burlesque Queen of New Orleans

Elle Dorado: The Ice Skating Burlesque Queen of New Orleans

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

The Atomic Bombshells in CAKE! A Decade of Decadent Dazzle (Photos)

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…

The Atomic Bombshells Celebrate Ten Glamorous Years in Burlesque

The Atomic Bombshells Celebrate Ten Glamorous Years in Burlesque

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…

Barbarella Burlesque Returns to Baltimore

Barbarellesque Burlesque Returns to Baltimore

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…

Interview: Doc Wasabassco – 10 Years in Burlesque (Part Two)

Interview: Doc Wasabassco – 10 Years in Burlesque (Part Two)

As their spectacular 10th Anniversary Extravaganza approaches, Sydni Deveraux‘s interview with burlesque producer Doc Wasabassco continues. Read Part One here. Often our conversations around all of this turn to pay. I’ve been…

Lydia DeCarllo's Oregon Burlesque Festival DiaryLydia DeCarllo's Oregon Burlesque Festival Diary

Lydia DeCarllo’s Oregon Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

Goldie Candela's Texas Burlesque Festival Diary (Part 2)

Goldie Candela’s Texas Burlesque Festival Diary (Part 2)

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…

Goldie Candela's Texas Burlesque Festival Diary (Part 1)

Goldie Candela’s Texas Burlesque Festival Diary (Part 1)

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…

Ginger Valentine's Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend Diary

Ginger Valentine’s Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend Diary

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 (Part 2)

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's Show Me Burlesque Festival Diary (Part 1)

Siobhan Atomica’s Show Me Burlesque Festival Diary (Part 1)

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…

INTERVIEW: Angie Pontani

INTERVIEW: Angie Pontani

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,…

The New York Boylesque Festival 2014

The New York Boylesque Festival 2014

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…

Workin' The Tease: The Art of Baltimore Burlesque

Workin’ The Tease: The Art of Baltimore Burlesque

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…

Cha Cha Velour's Vermont Burlesque Festival Diary

Cha Cha Velour’s Vermont Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

The Stage Door Johnnies All-Star BHoF 2013 Finale [Video]

The Stage Door Johnnies All-Star BHoF 2013 Finale [Video]

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…

Shan de Leers' Southwest Burlesque Showcase Diary

Shan de Leers’ Southwest Burlesque Showcase Diary

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…

BHoF on a (G)String Budget

BHoF on a (G)String Budget

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…

Pillow Talk with Bazuka Joe: Ginger Valentine

Pillow Talk with Bazuka Joe: Ginger Valentine

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…

Prepare to be Conquered: The Return of House of Thee Unholy

Prepare to be Conquered: The Return of House of Thee Unholy

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 –…

Jessabelle Thunder's Hollywood Burlesque Festival Diary

Jessabelle Thunder’s Hollywood Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

Burlesque Star Melody Sweets Relases New Music Video: Love Digitale

Tease Queen Melody Sweets Releases New Love Digitale Music Video

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,…

Burlesque Beauty: Melody Sweets

Burlesque Beauty: Melody Sweets

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……

New York Burlesque Festival 2013: Saturday Spectacular

New York Burlesque Festival 2013: Saturday Spectacular

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…

Vicky Butterfly's New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary

Vicky Butterfly’s New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary

The eloquent Vicky Butterfly guides us through Friday Night at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival 2013… Wow, what can I say about the New Orleans Burlesque Festival? For my first ever burlesque…

Nasty Canasta: Dollar Store Showgirl

Nasty Canasta: Dollar Store Showgirl

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 World Famous BOB Remembers Dixie Evans

The World Famous *BOB* Remembers Dixie Evans

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…

Tansy: Eager To Lose

Tansy: Eager To Lose

“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…

New York Burlesque Festival 2013: Thursday Night Teaser Party

New York Burlesque Festival 2013: Thursday Night Teaser Party

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…

The Shanghai Pearl’s Burlesque Royale.

The Shanghai Pearl’s Burlesque Royale.

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…

Interview: Burlesque Legend Tammi True

Interview: Burlesque Legend Tammi True

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…

Lola Frost's Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2013 Diary

Lola Frost’s Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2013 Diary

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…

Mod Carousel reply to Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines.

Mod Carousel reply to Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines.

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…

Frenchie Kiss' Burlesque Hall of Fame Diary 2013

Frenchie Kiss’ Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2013 Diary

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…

Strawberry Siren's Kansas City Burlesque Festival Diary

Strawberry Siren’s Kansas City Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

Stripper's Holiday 2013

Stripper’s Holiday 2013

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! …

Peggy de Lune's Texas Burlesque Festival Diary

Peggy de Lune’s Texas Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

On the tragic passing of Sparkly Devil...

On the tragic passing of Sparkly Devil…

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.…

INTERVIEW: Melody Sweets

INTERVIEW: Melody Sweets

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…

Missy Lisa Crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas 2013

Missy Lisa Crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas 2013

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…

Lola Frost's BurlyCon Diary

Lola Frost’s BurlyCon Diary

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…

Frenchie Kiss' Superstars of Burlesque Diary

Frenchie Kiss’ Superstars of Burlesque Diary

I was so thrilled to be a part of Superstars of Burlesque, which started as an incredible show in 2009 and has now (year three!) become a full weekend. I’m such a…

Ginger Valentine: Becoming the Oyster Girl

Ginger Valentine: Becoming the Oyster Girl

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…

Midnite Martini's Colorado Burlesque Festival Diary

Midnite Martini’s Colorado Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

Dirty Martini's Strip Strip Hooray! Tour Diary

Dirty Martini’s Strip Strip Hooray! Tour Diary

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…

A BHoF 2012 Retrospective, by The Stage Door Johnnies.

A BHoF 2012 Retrospective, by The Stage Door Johnnies.

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…

Kitty Bang Bang's Burlesque Hall of Fame Diary

Kitty Bang Bang’s Burlesque Hall of Fame Diary

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…

Ginger Valentine: Stripper's Holiday 2012

Ginger Valentine: Stripper’s Holiday 2012

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…

Frenchie Kiss' Burlesque Hall of Fame Diary

Frenchie Kiss’ Burlesque Hall of Fame Diary

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…

BHoF 2012: Sunday Night SHOW PHOTOS

BHoF 2012: Sunday Night SHOW PHOTOS

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…

RESULTS BHoF 2012 Tournament of Tease

*** RESULTS *** BHoF 2012 Tournament of Tease

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…

BHoF 2012: Friday Night SHOW PHOTOS

BHoF 2012: Friday Night SHOW PHOTOS

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…

BHoF 2012 In Pictures: Friday

BHoF 2012 In Pictures: Friday

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

BHoF 2012: Thursday Night SHOW PHOTOS

BHoF 2012: Thursday Night SHOW PHOTOS

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…

BHoF 2012 In Pictures: Thursday Part 1

BHoF 2012 In Pictures: Thursday

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…

Exotic World - Capturing the Magic: Chris Beyond

Exotic World – Capturing the Magic: Chris Beyond

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.…

Exotic World - Capturing the Magic: Derek Jackson

Exotic World – Capturing the Magic: Derek Jackson

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.…

Exotic World - Capturing the Magic: Don Spiro

Exotic World – Capturing the Magic: Don Spiro

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.…

The BHoF Survival Guide

The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend Survival Guide

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,…

Exotic World - Capturing the Magic: Ed Barnas

Exotic World – Capturing the Magic: Ed Barnas

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: Double Trouble

BHoF 2012: Double Trouble

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…

Strip Strip Hooray!: A Conversation with Dita Von Teese

Strip Strip Hooray!: A Conversation with Dita Von Teese

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: Perle Noire [5/11]

BHoF 2012 – The Road to Reigning Queen: Perle Noire [6/11]

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…

On the Road with Dangerous Curves Ahead: Week Three

On the Road with Dangerous Curves Ahead: Week Three

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…

On the Road with Dangerous Curves Ahead: Week Two

On the Road with Dangerous Curves Ahead: Week Two

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…

BHoF 2012: Best Debut

BHoF 2012: Best Debut

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…

Viva Las Vegas 2012: POC Photo

Viva Las Vegas 2012

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…

On the Road with Dangerous Curves Ahead!

On the Road with Dangerous Curves Ahead: Week One

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,…

BHoF 2012: An Interview with Dustin Wax

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…

The Return of Tease-O-Rama

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…

Bazuka Joe’s Best of Midwest Burlesk Festival Diary

Bazuka Joe’s Best of Midwest Burlesk Festival Diary

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…

Ginger Valentine's Dallas Burlesque Festival Diary

Ginger Valentine’s Dallas Burlesque Festival Diary

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…

The Chicago Starlets

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…

Sydni Deveraux: New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary

Sydni Deveraux: New Orleans Burlesque Festival Diary

Thursday – September 15, 2011 We arrive in New Orleans after leaving Hawaii on Wednesday. As we hadn’t slept since 7am the previous day, we were thrilled to leave the sticky tropical…

Impressions from the BHoF Weekend, 2011 by J.D. Oxblood

J.D. Oxblood: Impressions from the BHoF Weekend 2011

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…

BurlyCon 2008 to 2010: A Retrospective, by Sydni Deveraux

BurlyCon 2008 to 2010: A Retrospective.

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…

BurlyCon: Past, Present and Future

BurlyCon – Past, Present and Future.

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…

Slinky Does Vegas: A Viva Las Vegas Burlesque Diary

Slinky Does Vegas: A Viva Las Vegas Burlesque Diary

UK starlet Slinky Sparkles looks back on her time at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender 2011… Thursday: Rehearsals After months of hard work and preparation, (not to mention nearly five hundred…

ONLINE PREMIERE: Michelle L’amour – ‘Shower with Affection’

ONLINE PREMIERE: Michelle L’amour – ‘Shower with Affection’

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…

Gypsy Rose Lee Centennial Celebration: Seattle

Gypsy Rose Lee Centennial Celebration (Seattle)

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…

Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2011 - Legends Challenge

BHoF Weekend 2011 Legends Challenge

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…

Sydni Deveraux: Get Thee to a Mentor!

Sydni Deveraux: Get Thee to a Mentor!

“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.”

Golden Pasties 2010

Golden Pastie Results: New York Burlesque Festival 2010

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 von Teese and Co. at ‘Tales of the Cocktail’, New Orleans.

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…

BHoF: Full Results

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:…

BHoF 2010: THE LINE-UP

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.…

Naked Girls Reading: Anniversary Special!

©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…

Your Number One: Miss Dirty Martini!

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…

FAMILY VACATION: THE KEY WEST BURLESQUE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

“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…

Interview: Michelle L’amour

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 New York Burlesque Festival 2009!

“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…

New York Burlesque, by Jo Weldon

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…

Burlesque Hall of Fame 2009: Best Debut

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…

Kalani Kokonuts: Part Two

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…

Kalani Kokonuts: Part One

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…

BHOF 2009: Thursday Opening Night Bash…

After a truly surreal and fun-packed Bowling Tournament, we all sashayed over to The Mardi Gras Ballroom to enjoy the Opening Night Bash. Tigger! was on the verge of unbearable attractiveness as…

BHOF 2009: Queen Kalani! [Plus Full List of Winners]

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…

Michelle L’Married!

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…

Miss Exotic World 2009 Line-up Announced

Here we go, Ladies and Gentlemen – the official line-up for Miss Exotic World 2009! 2009 Reigning Queen of Burlesque – Miss Exotic World Kalani Kokonuts Kristina Nekyia Little Brooklyn Lux LaCroix…