And just like that, this whirlwind of a weekend is over. Photos courtesy of SHPhotografia, along with some standout highlights from yours truly. Full photo selection below, with further photos of all competitors to follow soon. Follow 21st Century Burlesque on Instagram for more post-BHoF content. You can also find out more at bhofweekend.com and follow Burlesque Hall of Fame on Instagram.
Editor’s choice
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Now and then over the past twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of watching a consummate professional at the height of their powers produce the performance of their life, when it matters, and receive their flowers. I’m very familiar with Jessabelle Thunder‘s winning act, but this rendition was something else; she didn’t put a foot, fingertip, even an eyelash wrong. Imagine polishing a bottle of the finest Balblair and a tawny muse comes out, possessed by some arcane aura, performing a sacred dance you can only witness in a sort of heady anaesthesia. This may sound indulgent or overworked, but if you saw it, you may have found yourself under this momentary spell, too. Becoming Miss Exotic World seems almost a formality for a performer already so well regarded for their quiet leadership, fierce intelligence, old soul and creative introspection, but I hope this cements and delivers all the future success and opportunity she deserves.
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
I’ve seen footage of audiences in complete hysteria watching this career-defining, utterly electric act Foxy Lexxi Brown has created. From the opening bars of Nina Simone’s Strange Fruit, the stage is set for resurrection. A dance of defiance, pride, power and majesty, with a stark, spellbinding narrative. To those painfully close to this subject matter and inheritance, I can only imagine how affirming and cathartic this act may be, beyond professional admiration alone.
Nami Flare in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Now, here’s one to watch, and it’s certainly no hardship. A dance graduate who found her burlesque calling in 2021, Nami Flare is already a Miss Viva Las Vegas runner up and Mx Ebony Burlesque Atlanta. In her audacious, nonchalant funk-fest ‘Mean Green’, she’s already mastered the stillness, tension, dynamics, creative choices, conviction, audience rapport and wit that isn’t guaranteed by formal training but certainly makes for top-drawer striptease.
Raven Rose in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
I love this classy, flirty signature act from the timeless Raven Rose. Quintessential old-school tease to a coy, Blue Lu classic, all toes, twirls, thrust and thigh. A textbook walkthrough of the canon moves and manoeuvres, and the lyrics married perfectly to the striptease with gestures and knowing choreography, both subtle and overt as the act progresses. Raven was an exemplary professional throughout the evening – before, during, and after this performance – and I know we will see her on this stage again soon.
Nicole Burgio in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Brava, Nicole Burgio. So often, circus specialists create burlesque numbers which don’t truly centre or celebrate the striptease elements they seem to add, rather than conceive from the outset. In this case, the hair suspension creates a distinct and effective physicality for the groundwork. She doesn’t rely on it to fill the time; it enhances the overall effect, a dramatic texture if you like. She reverse strips into cranberry latex, and her limbs move with a similar rubbery, boneless quality. Surreal, but really, really sexy.
La Maison Lust in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
The Large Group-winning effort from La Maison Lust (aka Cherry OnTop, Holly Graphic, and all-star stand in Ginger Valentine), was nothing short of nonsense. Ridiculous, smutty nonsense… and so goddamned smart. Three blow-up dolls – complete with gaping rubber mouths and sparkly slots – are inflated ready for use, but once at liberty to waddle around they take their pleasure into their own empowered hands, and each others, with filthy, feral abandon. Top marks.
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin doesn’t just firmly belong in the Exotic World category, he embodies all that’s good about it. Standing in front of your peers, poised and prepared, saying, ‘This is who I am, and this is what burlesque can be.’ Nothing breaks the spell in this haunting aerobatic dreamscape; garments divide and disappear from our notice without resistance. Like Nicole Burgio, he doesn’t rely on his hoop to fill the time and score the points, but uses his time off the ground to enhance the nebulous sorcery.
Bob’beyonce in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Gird your loins and line your seats, because Bob’beyonce (aka Dirty Diana) did NOT come to play. I’m talking a merciless, mesmerising, thrash ‘n’ throwdown power lap dance, and we all wanted to be that chair. Red for danger is right. Impression MADE.
Elle Dorado in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Every time I watch Elle Dorado glide and gyrate with her customary benign grace and fay-like sensuality, I feel bound to remind myself that she’s performing striptease on skates. Trusting to muscle memory while maintaining momentum and direction, breaking gracefully to transition or take position. It never feels gimmicky or clumsy, just natural to her singular stripping species. Sometimes it’s as compelling to be taken gently, with a sigh…
Chola Magnolia in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
A more than respectful nod to Chola Magnolia, who was on fire this weekend, the best I’ve ever seen her. Her act made me feel fired up and in fear for my life all at once, bursts of defiant, succulent seduction punctuated by this eerie, almost taunting ‘suave’ refrain. This is freshly squeezed Chola juice, and you’ll be highly concentrated, but she wants you to last the full four minutes.
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
An appreciative round of applause for Mx Exotic World 2024, Honey Bee Rose, who delivered a stepdown as enigmatic, cerebral and statuesque as she’s proved to be over the past year. She has an exquisite showgirl walk I could watch for hours, wafting a lavender chiffon mist behind her, tender and confiding – until she isn’t. Honey has this way of lulling you into a false sense of security while she gradually turns up the heat and brings her acts to an athletic climax.
Costume Highlights
Margot Manifesto in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
I must give a nod to this clever, costume-centric concept from ‘Most Innovative’ winner, Margot Manifesto. How I laughed as she dispensed with the little scalloped pillows, peeled away the ermine, gilt fringed coverlet on her state bed torso, and turned to show the fitted sheet tucked under the miniature, tufted mattress, just so. Then the punchline: coiled bedspring pasties with matching pubic cluster. Fantastic.
Qween Quan in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Layered feather constructions, used in all manner of skilful and playful ways, have certainly become a signature for Qween Quan. But this plush plumassier has managed to achieve something more rare in burlesque – an unmistakable, trademark silhouette, following Dirty Martini and other brand-savvy aestheticians before them. Like any preening bird of paradise, you just can’t look away from their opulent mating dance.
Mau Oh! in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Another feathery fantasy from Portugal’s Mau Oh!, playing an elaborate game of peekaboo with us through what could be a glossy, blood-black sunflower. There’s an element of danger and pursuit to the whole thing, a feeling that once the courtship concludes, we’re going to be devoured. Delicious.
Violette Coquette in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Violette Coquette floated across the stage like a femme Fred Astaire, then stepped into a skirt of lush, freshly piped haute pâtisserie. Almost painfully pretty, with so many thoughtful looks and silhouettes as the layers came away.
Matthew Pope in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Last but not least, Best Debut winner Matthew Pope, in an ensemble giving me McQueen A/W bank-heist collection meets Mugler Haute Fetish ballgown. I really enjoyed the way he alternated the red dogtooth and black sheen as he shed the various layers and combinations of this clever, complex costume.
More photos from the Tournament of Tease, Saturday night at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender 2025
Note: Images of the performers featured above have been provided first, but photos of all the marvellous competitors on Saturday will follow soon. My thanks again to shphotgrafia for the dedication and whiplash turnaround this weekend.
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Jessabelle Thunder in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Foxy Lexxi Brown in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Violette Coquette in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Violette Coquette in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Violette Coquette in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Violette Coquette in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Violette Coquette in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Nami Flare in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Nami Flare in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Nami Flare in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Qween Quan in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Qween Quan in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Qween Quan in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Qween Quan in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Qween Quan in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Margot Manifesto in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Margot Manifesto in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Margot Manifesto in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Margot Manifesto in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Nicole Burgio in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Nicole Burgio in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Raven Rose in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Raven Rose in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Raven Rose in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Raven Rose in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Raven Rose in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Elle Dorado in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Elle Dorado in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Elle Dorado in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Elle Dorado in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Mau Oh! in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Mau Oh! in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Mau Oh! in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Mau Oh! in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Matthew Pope in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Matthew Pope in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Matthew Pope in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Ickymuffin in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Chola Magnolia in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Chola Magnolia in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Chola Magnolia in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Chola Magnolia in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Chola Magnolia in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
La Maison Lust in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
La Maison Lust in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
La Maison Lust in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
La Maison Lust in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
La Maison Lust in the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia
Honey Bee Rose performs her stepdown at the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, by shphotografia