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. They can make you feel like you were there, capture affection, innovation, inspiration and celebration, and preserve magical memories for many years to come. The photographers who work at BHoF each year are much loved members of the community, and I asked some of them to share their memories, and some of their favourite shots from over the years. I am so grateful to them for their generosity and enthusiasm.
Enjoy a magical glimpse into the past, courtesy of LA photographer, journalist and producer, Chris Beyond…
“I feel very lucky to be allowed to shoot at Exotic World and then The Burlesque Hall Of Fame every year. Ever since a fella named Rubberlegs told me about this burlesque museum in the desert back in 2001, I have been covering this annual event every year over the last decade. It’s a place where I met many of my longtime friends in the scene and where I’ve been able to see them all grow over the years (especially those first few years where I wasn’t able to make all of the L.A. shows). It’s so cool to be able to capture people at the height of their performance careers and especially to be able to see the smiles on the Legends’ faces when they are able to perform in front of adoring fans and friends again after so long.
Since those first years, I have been lucky enough to co-produce the annual Burlesque Hall Of Fame Photo Safari with my friends, Don Spiro and Java (of Bachelor Pad Magazine). This year will be our 7th year (let’s call it ‘Lucky 7’) of producing the event and I am happy to say that it has grown to be so popular we usually run of out room on the bus. In the end, one of the most important jobs for me is to capture great photos of our Burlesque Legends. We have lost some wonderful ladies with so many stories to tell over the years and each year I make it my priority to get their photos to them first, because in the end our mindset really should be that we are doing it for them. This has been their show from the beginning and we should all feel lucky enough to be able to tag along and learn from them…”