WHAT a night it was! Every category was hotly contested and a delight to witness, but the chief anticipation built up towards the start of the top category – Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2009 (formerly known as Miss Exotic World).
Thirteen extremely varied acts were in the running this year; some extremely well known, a few less so. But all worth celebrating. Here they are, in the order they performed…
Roxi made a spectacular start. How talented IS this woman?! She played the coquette in her runaway bridegown; she played the diva draped in her think white boa and jewels. And then she took to the air on a diamond-crowned aerial hoop and performed an athletic and graceful finale. Diamonds are forever – and this woman is going to be around for a LONG time with a sparkling career…
Brooklyn was on her usual hilarious form – this is a woman who proves over and over that funny and silly can be sexy. She began as a tropical tourist, who appears to have drunk a bit too much of the fun stuff and starts stripping off!
Then onto a more classical performance with a fiery twist! Ophelia was beyond striking in a gorgeous purple ensemble, set off by her flaming (ok… bad pun) tresses. A very well executed fan dance by a smouldering senorita!
Tatah’s routine was so well thought out and entertaining. She had a big screen up behind her that played in synch with everything she did – when she hurled her bra away behind her, it landed on the dopey caveboys in the video, who would vacantly gape at her every shimmy throughout. Tatah always brings so much warmth and sass to her performances; I knew she would come up with something unique…
Ms Pointe, with a dramatic soundtrack and swirling cape, was more like a feline superhero or secret agent than the more conventional kitty cat burlesque persona you’d expect. Very expressive, very entertaining…
Kristina caused interest before she even appeared. Perhaps somewhat less widely known of, despite her skill and sucess; her name inspired speculation of bellydance and the exotic. And then the sillhouette of this beautiful woman materialised onstage, and we were captivated. Said to specialise in ‘belly dance contortion fusion’ – Kristina gave us a striptease of great beauty, grace and dexterity…
Lux decided on a humorous Flashdance spoof for her entry. All the usual energy, fun and finesse we have come to expect from her. The audience were with her all the way, up to the frantic tassel-twirling finale!
Enter the DIVA. Perle told me beforehand that she had decided on a more classical, elegant beginning to her routine, compared to her more usual frenetic entrance, and she swept on to the stage in a stunning purple gown. Perle has such a natural presence and command – you can’t look away; in fact, you almost don’t dare! Perle certainly went on to give us the high energy performance we love her for – such strength and agility combined with a sensual power. You could sense her hunger for this title…
Perle was followed by another dynamic personality. Renea was stared at and admired throughout the weekend, wherever she went. Tall, voluptuous and striking; I knew she would deliver something with a serious punch. I adored her little carraige, the Versailles inspired gown with exquisite matching shoes, the wig, the strut, the stomp – the works!
Trixie and her partner in crime receive so much affection wherever they go, but she and The Evil Hate Monkey went solo in their respective categories in the pursuit of glory – imagine if they both managed to win? Trixie’s routine was so cute; she told me she had informally entitled it, ‘Dita von Fleas’. She presents her performing burlesque flea in its miniature Martini glass, complete with a little splash of liquid as the invisible flea dives in! Then the flea decides to dive into Trixie’s corset, and a tickly striptease commences as the flea gets into the, er… trixiest of places! Trixie is SO pretty and brilliantly expressive; she combines sexiness and comedy expertly. Such fun…
Indigo is always so beautiful to watch; her eyes burn with intensity, her body is strong both strong and graceful. This year she presented an homage to the legendary burlesque performer, Wild Cherry, in her signature blue, and with a traditional ‘TwirlyGirl’ finale…
SO much expectation and anticipation as Kalani was announced – the air was thick with it. And then on she strode. Some performers seem to become larger than life onstage, and Kalani was a veritable amazon in royal purple, dazzling jewels and sparkling fringe. The track was one of my favourites – a remix of Shirley Bassey’s Big Spender, and Kalani milked every beat, bounce and climax. A masterclass in glamour, spectacle and vigor!
And finally – Vivienne VaVoom! Vivienne is always so much fun – you can see her grinning and towering above the burlesque masses wherever she goes, in an assortment of charming outfits, and her performance encapsulated all of her charm, wit and warmth. A classic fandance with a twist a la Vivienne, in brilliant blue…
While the judges deliberated and decided, the reigning Queen of Burlesque of 2008, Angie Pontani, gave a truly breathtaking farewell performance. No big props or flashy effects required; the entire theatre was silent and enraptured…
And the Winner Is…
2nd Runner Up: Perle Noire
1st Runner Up: Roxi D’Lite
Reigning Queen of Burlesque: Kalani Kokonuts
I think it’s no secret that I was more than thrilled with Kalani’s win(!) but Roxi and Perle really were superb, and I would put money on both of them being future title holders, no hesitation.
Everyone was wonderful – the standard is always so high and the routines so inventive and entertaining. Some have even called this the best BHoF Weekend they have ever been to. Fantastic.
Our thanks to LA Burlesque and Don Spiro for the generous use of their images throughout our coverage.