burlesque issue 3

Burlesque

magazine

ISS

UE

3

Queen Kalani Kokonuts

The Reigning Queen of Burlesque

PLUS

• Wrap up: The London Burlesque Festival • Canadian beauties on stage • News, reviews, and more!

Editor’s note Dear readers, A certain Kalani Kokonuts is probably polishing her new golden trophy right now. During a recent interview over the phone, I listened to the new Reigning queen of Burlesque as she took a walk down memory lane and recalled her early days as a young performer in Vegas. She was also kind enough to share some pearls of wisdom with new girls on the scene. Here we go: 1. It's much better to have a handful of fabulous costumes than 20 crap costumes that you bought from a store. If you only have the resources for one big costume, that's all you should have. 2. Wear dance shoes. So many girls wear shoes that aren't meant for dancing and have a hard time moving around. This year, it was eight feet across the stage (at the Burlesque Hall of Fame) and a lot of girls wore striptastic shoes. The second I see an act, I look at her shoes and I can tell if she's a real act or not. 3. Take dance classes, because the only practice you get can't be in front of your audience on stage. It's really important to recognise your weaknesses and strengths and be objective. That can be very hard to do sometimes. She's a wise woman, Kalani and you can flick over to page 10 to find out what shakes her coconuts. Meanwhile, this month, the lovely Lilac Hell investigated the ins and outs of that pesky burlesque ban in London, and we got the lowdown on the burgeoning burly scene in Canada, just in time for the Toronto Burlesque Festival. By the way if anyone's interested, we've got five copies of Immodesty Blaize's new book, 'Tease'. If you'd like a copy, tell us in 25 words or less, what your plot would be for a blockbuster burlesque novel. Send your entries to me by 1st August: [email protected] Hope you enjoy a fabulous month of burly-q, ladies and gentlemen!

Lots of love, Jo, Editor PS. And a shoutout to my Marrickville Bowlo Burlesque Bitches - Liana Vyne, Cherry Lush, Holly J'aDoll, Mini Revolver and Arlene Brooklyn. And last but not least, the gorgeous Bettie London who is bringing burlesque in a big way to her new home in Iowa. Much, much love from Midnight Orchid.

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Burlesque in... You can buy full ads in Burlesque Magazine for just $100 at auction. Get in front of thousands of potential customers by going to www.sproog.com now!

Publisher Nick Ross, Sproog Media Editor Jo-Anne Hui Art Director Veronique Houlet London Correspondent Lilac Hell New York Correspondent Cherry Belle Cover Kalani Kokonuts, 666 Photography Editorial inquiries: [email protected] Advertising inquiries: [email protected]

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Canada

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WHOLE LOTTA LONDON BURLESQUE

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CENTREfold

Fashion

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Page 22

Out and About Page 26

Spotlight

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The London Revue

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Manhattan Minx

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EventsCalendar

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THE BURLESQ Bonjour, Madame Von Teese! After a magnificent performance at the Crazy Horse in Paris in February, Dita von Teese is returning to the City of Love yet again. This time, she will perform at the Casino de Paris from September 3 13. Ms Von Teese will be debuting her new act, The Opium Den and will be joined on stage by Gentry de Paris, Millicent Binks and Julietta La Doll. “The Casino de Paris is a true theatre that allows for those grand gestures and movements and the classic 'burlesque strut,' with all that stage space to utilize!” says von Teese. To purchase tickets click here

Julie Atlas Muz to The biggest headlIne Burlesque Ball Photography by Karl Giant Several acts for next year's Burlesque Ball in Australia have been confirmed, including former Miss Exotic World, Julie Atlas Muz. UK burlesque star Ophelia Bitz is also on board as MC, in addition to local talent such as Imogen Kelly, Sarah Lea Cheesecake and the Gamble Sisters. More international acts are to be confirmed. Next year, the Ball will tour across most Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. You can purchase your open dated tickets here.

burlesque

club in the world

Glasgow's Club Noir has made it into the Guiness Book of Records as the Biggest Burlesque Club in the world, pulling in almost 2 000 guests each night. "Biggest of course doesn't always equal best," said coowner Ian Single. "But if you see our photos, you’ll agree that quality does indeed equal size. We’ve got world-class production, beautiful showgirls, covetable costumes, innovative ideas - all this goes towards one of the most unique and exciting club nights in Britain - and dare I say - the world." To find out more click here: www.clubnoir.co.uk

QUE BULLETIN Swing, swing, swing, swing All you cats and kittens had better get ready for the Gangster's Ball, kicking off in Sydney in September and touring around Brisbane and Melbourne in October and November.

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Vegas baby! Unless you've been living under a rock, the whole world is now aware that the magnificent Kalani Kokonuts was recently crowned the Reigning Queen of Burlesque at the annual Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend last month. Meanwhile, first runner up was Canada's Roxi D'Lite, followed by Perle Noir from New Orleans. Here is a list of the winners from the night: Burlesque Hall of Fame Legends Award:

Satan’s Angel Most Innovative: Arabella Trapeze Best Debut: Melody Mangler Best Variety: Gigi and Pop Best Troupe: Nanda Most Comical: Little Brooklyn Best Boylesque: Hot Toddy The Ball will also feature 50s rock 'n' roll dancing Most Dazzling: Kalani Kokonuts contests, roulette and black jack tables, a gamling den Most Classic: Amazing Knicker Kittens Headlined by international cabaret star Meow Meow and featuring hot swing band The Velvet Set, it will be a wild night of swing, burlesque and cabaret. Also featured in the line-up are: Imogen Kelly, Hi-Ball Burlesque, Mark Winmill, Tasia, Kitty Van Horne, the Birdmann, Lola the Vamp and a brilliant host of others.

with free poker, cigarette girls, merchandise stalls and a fantastic photo booth. Get your tickets now.

The world's largest pastie collection Shanghai burlesque club owner Amelia Kallman is collecting pasties from all around the globe and would love to feature as many international burlesque queens as possible. Send in your pasties (and a photo of yourself wearing them!) to: Attn: CHINATOWN 1360 Fuxing Zhong Lu Building #1, Room #3 Shanghai China 200031

Contact Ms Kallman here: [email protected]

Burly in your pocket

Pick up a copy of the new edition of the Burlesque Map London for your guide to all things burlesque, retro and vintage from over 200 listings of events, organisations, venues, beauty parlours, shops and more. To purchase your copy for £3 click here.

If you have any news that you want to share, contact at [email protected]

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Soapbox Veteran burlesque performer Jo King first twirled her tassles in the 70s and founded the London Academy of Burlesque & London School of Striptease in 2000. But after more than 30 years in the industry, she has discovered that some things never change. I accidentally became a burlesque striptease performer in 1978. I was a waitress in a private club and when one of the performers didn’t turn up, I was dared to give it a go. Fortunately, I started when there was an incredible standard and variety of talent. The women were all consummate professionals. The costumes were dazzling and the teases surrounding their removal were superbly executed. Most acts were 20 to 25 minutes long and we either danced to a live band or tapes we had put together ourselves.

Photo by Neil Kendall

I remember many acts but a few stand out: ex-Royal ballerina Sparkle was elegantly sensual, she danced to beats in the music you had not been aware of before; the hysterical drunken striptease shenanigans of the wild and wonderful Janette Moore; the impressive buttock-dance of the muscular acrobat Monique Starr and, my favourite, Mandy Knight, who somehow performed a complete Hollywood musical in less than 20 minutes.

Once again creative and liberated females are being targeted as scapegoats by self-serving councils and their outdated policies.

Now I am NOT joking!

So, three decades later, there is a magical global array of new innovative talent, along with an opportunity for women of all shapes, sizes, abilities and backgrounds to express the joys of the female form in a myriad of ways. It delights me to watch such an age-old genre being transformed and translated with such verve and passion. I love the character-based comedy routines every bit as much as the classic stripteases. For me, all performers can offer something special if they perform with connection, conviction and great face!

During a recession, frivolity and escapism are much needed commodities. It astounds me that relentlessly greedy councils are trying to cash in on the burlesque revival. The dispute may seem to be about what constitutes "adult entertainment of a sexual nature", but the truth is that an adult entertainment licence fills the local authorities' coffers very nicely, thank you. We can walk through the streets clad merely in feathers, crystal pasties and good intentions, but this will most probably be seen as nothing more than an attractive publicity stunt. I would love to think that such efforts might be recognised as a valid protest and respectfully given an ear (as well as an eye), but then I've been fighting similar battles for 30 years. The hierarchy are not interested in our defence, our artistic rights, or the freedom of the public to choose what they want to see. It is 2009 but unfortunately my lovelies, senseless censorship is back again to bite us on our burlesque bottoms.

For information on the London School of Striptease, click here

Profile All hail, Queen Kalani Kokonuts

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omewhere deep in Vegas on a Saturday night, new Reigning Queen of Burlesque Kalani Kokonuts was on stage, performing a classic striptease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Bedecked in a million extra large rhinestones in a costume by Grant Philipo, she dazzled the audiences and impressed the judges.

But no-one guessed that underneath the professional exterior, Ms Kokonuts was panicking as she struggled with a technical difficulty in her sparkling corset. Later that night, when her name was announced by host El Vez, no-one was more surprised than she was. "I'm very hard on myself and critical. I thought I did a horrible performance. I had a wardrobe malfunction, it was the first time doing the act in front of people, so that always happens," she reveals. "I didn't know we were going to be on such a large stage this year, so I actually scaled my show down. I was worried I'd disappoint the audience, 'cos I didn't come out with a large spectacle. I didn't have enough time to do something fantastic and big, but maybe that worked in my favour!" Kalani first cut her teeth as an underage stripper in Alaska, where she performed in a biker bar and began to form the foundation of her future style and technique. In fact, when she now speaks to younger performers on the circuit, she advises them to take up stripping in order to improve their performance. Kalani still works as a topless dancer in Nevada between her burlesque performances today. "Any time a girl's really serious about being a really good burlesque performer, I tell her, 'well you have to go strip in a club'. The top acts out there are all former strippers. It's the only way to learn," she says. "It's like bootcamp for sexuality. You learn about your body, you learn how it works in a short amount of time, you learn what works on your audience, how to garner a reaction and how to slow down." Kalani has come a long way since her days in the biker bar. After a move to Vegas where she became a feature performer at the famous Palomino Club where Tempest Storm once twirled her tassles, Kalani's career skyrocketed. Earlier this year, she performed for a second time at The Immodest Tease Show in London, alongside ex-Miss Exotic World queens Immodesty Blaize and Catherine D'Lish. This year at the show in Koko, she transformed herself into a gorgeous geisha and then into a stunning Cleopatra (check out the review in page 32). According to Kalani, one of the toughest aspects for her as a performer is perfecting an act. At the Burlesque Hall of Fame with costume designer Grant Philipo

"What I visualise in my head and trying to manifest into reality can be a monumental task, especially if I'm trying to get, say, female taiko drummers," she says of her geisha act, which also features traditional fan dancing. "Right now, I'm working on a new show and I'm trying to source marching bands. Costumes would seem to be the least of your problems, if you're trying to get other elements of your show together." And like many of us, Kalani has seen her fair share of bad burlesque in her time, especially performers who mistake "girlie revues" for burlesque shows. During the course of burlesque becoming more mainstream, it seems as though some aspects have been lost in translation, she says, using the Pussycat Dolls as an example. "There are a lot of bored housewives out there who are using burlesque as a creative outlet. I can understand the attraction; it had an attraction for me, but I come from a professional background, so that helped. But there is only a handful out there who are actually making money full-time," she says. "Honestly, I do really enjoy the bad acts, more so than the good acts. It's a guilty pleasure. I love to watch really bad acts, because you can't teach that. You can't teach that kind of train wreck. You can teach someone a great act if there's a raw a talent, but the bad ones...they just sear themselves into my mind." Meanwhile, Kalani is now back on the road with her boyfriend, with whom she often travels and calls her "time manager". The two have been travelling around the world for the past year and a half. Next stop: the Montreal Burlesque Festival in September. "I have absolutely no perception of the passing of time. If it were not for him, I would never show up to performances on the right day," she confesses. - By Jo-Anne Hui For more information on Kalani Kokonuts, click here.

Performing her famous geisha act at The Immodest Tease Show in London.

Burlesque in... Canada Canada's cultural diversity, open mindedness and sense of humour are all reflected in its burlesque scene, bursting with giant props, ribald irreverence and cheeky vaudeville. To get the goss, Cherry Belle caught up with Frankly Scarlet and Coco Framboise, who both perform, produce and teach burlesque. What's the burlesque scene like in Canada? Frankly Scarlet: It's extremely diverse. We have everything from talented traditional burlesque dancers to comedy, circus and vaudevillian style performers. The burlesquers here put much more emphasis on story telling, comedy and the tease than they do on stripping. It’s always better to leave them laughing and maybe wanting just a little more. How does burlesque fit into Canadian culture? Frankly Scarlet: We have a real love of the arts and the diverse nature of people’s backgrounds influences our work. The fans are open to seeing different dance styles, various kinds of music and acts inspired by the exploration of gender roles and politics.
 What kinds of acts are popular? Who are some of the big names? Coco: Large scale props seem to be on the rise. I perform atop a giant candy apple sparkling with holographic glitter. I’ve seen Miss Mitzy Cream atop her infamous nine-foot gramophone. I’ve also seen Sasha Van Bon Bon bring down the house by bursting forth from her giant Massengil douche box. And Roxi Dlite rocked my world with her runaway bride act that culminates in a supple sequence on a massive aerial-rigged diamond ring. Roxi was also the first Canadian to compete in Miss Exotic World this year and brought home the trophy for the first runner-up, after Kalani Kokonuts. My most memorable burlesque experience was travelling to the London Burlesque Festival with a giant (disassembled) telephone and address book in my suitcase. As a personal aside, that performance was dedicated to my very dear friend and former spouse of nearly ten years who died suddenly in February while vacationing in Australia. He was particularly proud that I'd made it into the London Burlesque Festival. Frankly Scarlet: Old time glitz and glamour never go astray, but dancers and performers who can incorporate comedy or an extra special skill like hoop dancing or fire eating always leave a memorable impression on the audience. How would you like to see the Canadian scene develop? Frankly Scarlet: One of the things we’d like to see changed is the lack of funding and financial support to keep many of our local theatres open. There are many talented performers and troupes that produce their own shows and have created the scene here in Canada, but when our theatres close it becomes harder to keep the scene alive. Coco Framboise is often found performing atop a giant sparkling candy apple. Photography by Tess Francis

Coco: A national burlesque pageant would help cross-pollinate the various regional scenes in Canada, but so far, the festivals are doing a pretty good job of that. Tell me a bit about the upcoming Toronto Burlesque Festival: Tassels without Borders. Coco: The countdown is on for the festival, coming up on July 23rd - 26th! This sizzling event is presented by Skin Tight Outta Sight and friends. Confirmed headliners include Kitten De Ville, Michelle L’amour, Jo Boobs, and Lukki. This year, we’ve partnered with Dr. Sketchy’s Toronto for our art show and sketch-a-thon. And I’m thrilled to host the Toronto Burlesque University workshop weekend, featuring international star faculty at four campuses! Who is your favourite burlesque performer or group? Frankly Scarlet: I take a lot of inspiration from the women who were brave enough to pave the way like Lili St. Cyr and Josephine Baker. I also admire any women who are smart enough to be really funny. Sharp wit is a sign of a truly intelligent, confident woman. Coco: I love the spark and verve of Immodesty Blaize and Dita von Teese has such impressive production quality. Dirty Martini cracks me up with her poignant comedy and bold charisma. Julie Atlas Muz is deadly sexy and challenging with her sense of the unexpected. Is burlesque your full-time gig, or do you have a 'day job'? Frankly Scarlet:
 When I’m not neck-deep in burlesque, I work as a seamstress and an artist taking on commission pieces. Burlesque is something I do because I am passionate about the art form, not because I want to make money. Coco: It's my full-time job. One day, when I was trying to choose between two office job offers, my partner at the time suggested that I try to make a serious go of it in dance instead. And I did. It was terrifying at first and it was difficult to find a way to make dance viable. When I finally did my first burlesque show, that was a huge catalyst. Burlesque swiftly became the entree, while the other styles became side dishes. Miss Frankly Scarlet's School of Burlesque. Coco Framboise Vancouver Burlesque Festival Toronto Burlesque Festival Montreal Burelsque Festival

The Headline Honeys: Trixie Biggins, Ali Adair and Frankly Scarlet Photography by Jared Reid

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Curated and custom entertainment for special events website : www.galeandvallance.com.au contact : [email protected] Performance producer Cloudland Grand Opening http://www.youtube.com/user/cloudlandtv Co-producer of A Stacked Deck burlesque festival Canberra Fringe 09 Creator and manager of Moveable Feasts www.galeandvallance.com.au/entertainment

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WHOLE LOTTA LONDON BURLESQUE The London Burlesque Festival is one of the world’s biggest international burlesque events. Lilac Hell lifts the curtain.

and best

Randy goat god Pan struts onto the stage at London’s Bush Hall. The packed audience screams, whoops and cheers as he introduces a succession of the most cutting-edge performance-art burlesque I’ve ever seen. Buddy Love wolfs down two Big Macs as she cavorts to Bowie’s Young Americans, before stripping naked and giving herself a spongebath. Pinky Special whips off 10 G-strings in 10 seconds to AC/DC’s 'Whole Lotta Rosie', then removes a bloody tampon and drapes the string over her breasts, before flinging it into the audience to howls of delight and disgust in equal measure. This is New York burlesque, this is the London Burlesque Festival, and this is magnificent! The 2009 event was the third annual London Burlesque Festival (LBF) and for five days in April, it felt like all of London went burlesque mad. There were showgirls on the street corners, nudes on the newsstands and glossy mags gave burlesque beauty tips. I think even the London Eye gave a saucy wink as I shimmied past. Festival organiser Chaz Royal instituted a unique ‘audition’ process for this year’s LBF. Rather than picking the performers himself, or negotiating international try-outs and run the risk of ‘trial by YouTube’, all potential performers were posted on the LBF website and if they got enough votes, they were in. Chaz says he devised the system to give audiences a say in the performance line-up and perhaps most importantly, because he wanted self-promoters who would in turn publicise the LBF.

International acts were “paid enough to ensure they could afford the plane fare”, Chaz says. Although, weighed against the prestige of the LBF, cost wasn’t really a factor, says Tomahawk Tassles from St Louis, one of eight Americans who performed. “Being in the London Burlesque Festival was a huge honour for me. I was very proud to represent the Midwest and I was excited to return home as an ‘International Burlesque Star!’” he enthuses.

PUTTIN' ON THE GLITZ

Each night of the festival had a different theme and lineup at a range of swanky London venues. The opening Glitterati Gala saw international press and the public dressed in their best Wednesday-evening finery at Café de Paris, a gorgeous nightclub in central London that’s been hosting shows with showgirls since 1924. Most of the evening sang along, with only a few flat notes from a rather raucous opening band, and initial acts where, as a friend noted, “It feels like nobody’s getting it.” The audience settled in when sultry cockney lass Ivy Paige took over as host, transporting us to a world of wartime chic where Dolly Blow Up gave new meaning to the term 'burlesque bombshell'. Unfortunately the Gala ran late, which meant many departed before sampling the wild delights of the final act, Femme Ferale. LBF’s resident DJ, DJ Suave, who was on the decks most nights, says: “Femme Ferale's cheeky little dust-up to La Lupe's classic version of 'Fever' was a highlight of the week. Very kitsch, very Latin... and little bit Bucks Fizz!”

BRITISH CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

Thursday was the UK Showcase Night, demonstrating the best of British burlesque in two sessions at classic cabaret venue Madame JoJo's. Performer Miss Rose Thorne did her Doris Day tribute act ‘Daisy Crazy’ at the late show, hosted by cabaret drag queen Myra Dubois – “full of gin and a touch of Northern Working Men’s Club class,” says Rose. Early show big-names included host Dolly Rocket, Miss Polly Rae, Roxy Velvet and Beatrix Von Bourbon, whose “jaw-droppingly beautiful performance” was another of DJ Suave’s LBF highlights. Both early and late show audiences were in top form, says Rose, and thoroughly enjoyed watching acts such as Frivolitease – last year’s LBF best new troupe – who performed as Princess Leia and Darth Vader battling it out before deciding to give peace a chance. “They then bump and grind into a fabulous dance number to the bar music from Star Wars, bringing the entire audience with them on their journey,” says Rose.

NEW ON THE SCENE

Friday saw Scala nightclub – an art-deco former cinema – host the Battle Royale showdown of newcomers performing solo and in groups. Kiki Kaboom was crowned London’s Best Newcomer (solo) on the night. Aptly, she almost named herself Kitty la Reine (Queen Kitty), “until an Australian girl I worked with told me about her friend Katy back in Oz. She was always getting into scrapes and causing trouble – so they nicknamed her Katy Kaboom.” It was too good a name to resist and Kiki Kaboom was born. A trained actor, Kiki’s burlesque journey began in October 2007 when she took Jo King’s Burlesque Buzz course. Inspired, she entered the Tournament of Tease and placed second, then went travelling in India. On her return, Kiki took another shot at TofT and came second again, last December. “After that, I set my sights on the Battle Royale. My friends joke that I only want to perform if there’s a competition involved!”

Images by Derek Bremner

Kiki says that backstage at the Battle Royale, there were “so many girls, so many sequins, lots of glitter and lots of nerves; but everyone was friendly.” Hosts Mat Frazer and Lady Alex did a brilliant job of working the 900strong crowd, maintaining the tension to the end of what was quite a long evening. “I was the penultimate performer, so was back on stage in no time for the results,” says Kiki. “Everyone was brilliant and it’s so hard to judge such an array of different acts. But I’m really chuffed to have won!”

JET SET, GO!

The Jetsetter’s Ball on Saturday was a chance to see some of the finest international acts on the burlesque circuit, with two shows hosted by Armitage Shanks, described by one appreciative audience member as “circus carnie with a voice like gravel, and charm like velvet.” Early acts were high-quality and fun, ranging from big props with Canada’s Coco Framboise, to Aussie ballerina Sheena Misdemeanour, to Germany’s Fleur D’Amour as a sweet stripping sheep, to Sturdy Girlesque, whose Statue of Liberty tribute got the biggest cheer. The late show ramped it up. Starting with Sugar Kane – who paid tribute to her homeland with a Finnish Flag costume and Sibelius soundtrack – it finished with the New Yo r k Slipper Room Revue taking over the entire second act. One of the edgiest, most polished acts of the festival, the Slipper Room troupe, hosted by Go Go Goatboy as Pan, really blew the minds of the London audience. It was too much for some, but most found it hilarious, exciting and thoroughly entertaining. London Burlesque Festival 2009 concluded with a VIP Closing Party and glowing reports from performers, stage staff, promoters and audiences alike. Dan, a ‘burlesque virgin’ summed it up afterwards: “all I have is memories of Sambucca and being covered in feathers – fantastic!”

Burlesque magazine Sarah Lea Cheesecake - July 2009

Vivi: Bra, Little Minx, $34.95; Knickers, Little Minx, $19.95

ON K C I CL S E H T CLO Y! TO BU

Fashion

Swan around your boudoir this month in the loveliest of knickers and add a touch of vavavoom to your stylish lingerie drawer. Photography: Brett Cornish Make-up: Tayla Lily Hair: Pixie Roberts of Boogie Bop Dames Venue: Dome Bar at Crown Hotel in Surry Hills, Sydney Stockists: Boudoir Intimates; Dirty Pretty Things; Kiss Me Quick; La Mistress.

Mishka: Bra, Monroe, $115; Knickers, Monroe, $65

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Out and About

Review: Dances of Vice at The Montauk Club, New York Shien Lee's monthly Dances of Vice parties celebrate the Victorian, Jazz Age and Rococo eras by luring wistful creative types to Brooklyn's Montauk Club, a Venetian-style private venue built in the 1890s. Every event has a theme, and this time it was "Les Secrets du Boudoir". Suggestions for appropriate attire included vintage bustiers, corsets, ribbons and bloomers for the ladies, while the menfolk were instructed to don their best period lounge wear and sock garters. Themed parties tend to attract a motley bunch of attendees, ranging from the elaborately costumed to the too-cool-for-school types who turn up with a token hat or worse, a feeble excuse for wearing their ratty old jeans. But Dances of Vice is different. Everyone goes all-out and the effect is breathtaking. The flurry of lace, pearls, cinched waists and curly moustaches creates a timewarp, and if it weren't for the occasional iPhone sighting, you'd swear you had ventured to a bygone era. A few attendees were particularly impressive in the costume stakes: the man who had painted every visible skin surface gold; the fellow in the fez, tuxedo jacket and sock garters -- visible due to his lack of pants -- and a woman dressed in Marie Antoinette style, complete with 18th century pink corset and gravity-defying white wig. For the first half of the night, the dance floor played host to energetic couples who swung and dipped one another as though their lives depended on it. Then it was time for the entertainment. Weimar era transplant Luna Tart sang an ode to drag on the ukelele, the Minsky sisters did tap routines and Rita Menweep delighted audiences with a saucy striptease. Autumn Ward's Middle Eastern dances featured spinning and hair-swishing, while house band Grandpa Musselman and His Syncopators played tight, Charleston-friendly tunes all night. Organiser Lee also got in on the act, singing the 1931 ditty Jazz Up Your Lingerie with Ms. Menweep. "I've known Shien for over a year," said the man distributing drink tickets, "and I never knew she could do that." Dances of Vice has the unique effect of making you nostalgic for an era you never lived through. Attending an event is like taking a trip back in time to crash the party of your rich and famous uncle. The one with the twinkle in his eye behind his monocle. - CB

Photography by Don Spiro

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Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender at The Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas The 12th Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend kicked off with a fabulous burlesque showcase, featuring a delicious banquet of burly queens, including Catherine D'Lish, Michelle L'Amour, Audrey Deluxe, Kalani Kokonuts and legends Satan's Angel and Dixie Evans. Meanwhile, Lucy Fur took out first place for the annual burlesque competition, followed by Cha Cha Velour and Leolilly. The weekend also featured a wonderful Tiki Pool Party and the Viva Las Vegas Shifters Car Show.

The next Viva Las Vegas will take place April 1-4, 2010. For more information click here

Photography by Mitzi & Co.

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that were rich in detail. The production began to unfold into equal parts modern-pop and sexy dance, with a dash of Being a veteran of the naivete and grain of hope in this quasi-fairy tale, craft of burlesque for reminiscent of a Disney movie. A handful of popular a decade, I was very fairy tales were twisted into new erotic stories interested to see what and characters, including Little Red Riding Hood, mainstream Vegas has Goldilocks and the three bears, and the three little interpreted burlesque pigs. Some of the tales were so vague that it was to be. 'Peepshow' at hard to understand what was happening in the Planet Hollywood is stories as the show swiftly moved along. the brainchild of Jerry Mitchell, a well-known creative professional on As each scenario was completed, fantastic new Broadway who has choreographed productions tales emerged. A sadomasochistic cowgirl took on like 'Gypsy' and 'Legally Blond'. In addition, he is new heights, go-go dancers danced on stage and the creator of sexy annual fundraiser, Broadway Bares for Broadway Cares. I hoped his vision would represent a clear bridge to the classic form of striptease and does the legends some justice. 'Peepshow' is the story of a young woman called Bo Peep (played by General Hospital's Kelly Monaco), who curls up in bed with a book of sexy fairy tales. My immediate impression was that the mission of the show was to make the audience a little dreamy. However, the opening scene lacked excitement, was somewhat puzzling and a bit too long. As the show began to roll, (Ex-Spice Girl) Melanie Brown's character was definitely a diva But why? Was she a fairy Godmother? A fairy girlfriend? A fairy stranger? Brown seduced us all while she sang and the cast danced, flaunting some of the best costumes in the show. There was a generous variety of stereotypical fantasy wear, including vinyl lingerie, spandex and 'XXX store' role-playing costumes, with a few beautiful outfits

O A and a tease; some improvisation to share more of the soul and a little less Broadway. adult themes were proudly represented in stripclub I felt a bit sorry for Brown because after seeing her gyrations, pole dancing, schoolgirl costumes and do the material, I felt it was beneath her talent and aim as a mainstream staple. S&M undertones. Brown was ravishingly beautiful and as charming as she could be in the confines of the script. Her costumes were sexy, but not as flashy as I had hoped. The male support, Josh Strickland was absolutely dreamy. His crooning was beautiful, heartfelt and a little seductive. I know all the ladies loved him. The entire cast was absolutely fabulous. They all gave the show their best moves, conveyed passion and played their parts with vigour. Mel's vocalists had incredible pipes and were energetic dancers. Their costumes were another story - to describe them as lacklustre would be an understatement. They deserved to be in something more fabulous than cheap spandex tube tops and leggings. The live band was an awesome support. They kicked out the tunes and made the show rock. I witnessed the smallest glimpses of sparkle in relation to the burlesque scene that I know and have studied. I could see an attempt in some costuming, but very little. The efforts in building a bridge from Broadway to burlesque clearly had great intentions.

However, because the show was so highly choreographed, it lacked something organic and raw that would connect the characters to the audience, which is often found in burlesque. I was hoping for more of a titillation

'Peepshow' was great for an adult entertainment experience, with its recent chart topping songs, stripclub-esque execution and hard bodied dancers. The story was trying to appeal to adults in ways that made it suitable to all sides of the sexual. It was non-offensive and also nice to women by keeping them intrigued with a young dashing crooner, a few handsome male dancers and a sappy love story. This show is a product of modern mainstream influences including Pussycat Dolls, Ivan Kane's 40 Deuce, and a pinch of an attempt at Cirque du Soliel's more erotic show, Zumanity. NOTE: Mel B and Kelly Monaco are no longer performing at Peepshow. Holly Madison from 'The Girls Next Door' is now playing the role of Bo Peep. For more information click here Photography by: Splash News

Click Here

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Review:

The Immodest Tease Show at Koko, London Immodesty Blaize is everywhere these days. On TV, in the newspapers and on your bookshelf with her new novel, 'Tease'. She’s also to be found in her native environment – on stage. And so it was I found myself in the pit at Koko one Monday evening, eagerly awaiting my first live experience of Immodesty Blaize. Immodesty’s dancers, the Blaizin’ Angels flamed onto stage in gold and silver, followed shortly by the woman of the hour resplendent, scantily clad with some of the sharpest cheekbones in North London. Host Julian Clary made a few quips about the Camden burlesque clampdown, but the self-styled 'Lord of the Mince' was a little flat throughout the evening. Catherine D’Lish was a highlight. Another true star in the burlesque galaxy, she’s seasoned, sure and delightfully strange with a definite resemblance to Lisa Marie (see Mars Attacks! and Ed Wood). In her first-half spider lady act she contorted, wasp-waisted on a giant web. D’Lish’s second performance was her famed Champagne Glass special – playful, sexy and elegant. Come into my parlour, indeed! Other acts included the lovely and entertaining Kitten De Ville and Perle Noire with Grace Jones overtones and bouncing bananas. It’s great to see black women on stage – it’s rare for London burlesque – although of the few I have watched, the Josephine Bakerinspired banana act seems ubiquitous! That the Gen X Immodesty is a child of the 80s is no secret, and her love of all that era’s kitsch was highlighted with the inclusion of Marc Almond (of Tainted Love fame... Yes, he went there) and an ironically podgy dance troupe in silver body paint and legwarmers doing Eurovision-style routines. Two acts from the new Miss Exotic World Kalani Kokonuts were intricately wrought and stunningly beautiful. The first was a geisha in the snow who switches into a fiery dragon dance; the second as Cleopatra doing an opulent fan dance. The main attraction, Ms Blaize herself, featured big props – a giant telephone and, for the finale, a rocking horse – both signature Immodesty and props that Tease readers will recognise from the book. I love big props, but you have to live up to them. I’m pleased to report, Immodesty did this with aplomb. She pranced onto the stage in the biggest feather headdress this side of Rio. In true equestrian style, she whipped her two Blazin’ Angels to the front of the stage. While this level of choreography often means some personality is lost, both the Angels looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was raunchy. From raunch to raw hide, if the description in 'Tease' is anything to go by, that rocking horse ain’t easy to ride. But Immodesty, ravishing in red feathers, showed herself as a complete burlesque thoroughbred. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t wild west, but a merry-go-round ride that whirled me away to a world of fairytale magic spiced with seduction. An utter delight. - LH

A ban on burlesque?

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urlesque shows have been shut down in the London borough of Camden in recent months, following a council crackdown on licensing laws.

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Camden Council says it is not stopping burlesque acts from performing in the area, but merely following national guidelines which state that all venues hosting adult entertainment must be correctly licensed. “Burlesque dancing, and anything that involves nudity or stripping, is classed as adult entertainment. All adult entertainment is regulated by the council and requires a licence,” a council spokesperson told Burlesque Magazine. In the last two months, burlesque shows planned for Camden’s Proud Gallery, the Dublin Castle pub and Annie’s Bar in Kentish Town (also part of Camden) were nixed by the council. But many objectors to the ban say burlesque should not be under the same regulatory regime as adult club striptease acts. “One is art, inclusive, fun, funny and beautiful, the other is sex”, says Alex Proud, the owner of Proud Gallery, a bar, exhibition and performance space in the heart of Camden Market. Camden is a large north London suburb, famous for its live music scene and sprawling markets. The area’s long-held reputation for uninhibited nightlife seems to make the council’s hardline stance on burlesque all the more incongruous.

“It seems crazy that Camden Council is actively choosing to make the area a 'no burlesque zone', when the rest of the capital – and the world, for that matter – is reaping the benefits of a thriving scene which attracts a loyal and lucrative audience,” says Cherry

Bomb, lead singer of neo-burlesque troupe Knickerbocker Glories, whose show was cancelled at Proud.

Interestingly, some major Camden venues that are licensed for 'the performance of dance' have not, so far, been ordered to cancel their burlesque acts This is despite both venues’ licences stipulating that “the premises shall not be used for striptease or entertainment of a like kind to dancing which involves nudity without the prior consent of the council.” Those venues include Koko nightclub, which hosted The Immodest Tease show and the Roundhouse Theatre, where the Alternative Miss World pageant was held. According to the spokesperson, the council is open to applications for burlesque licences. “A licence granted for a burlesque show would not necessarily have the same, or as many, conditions as a licence granted for a strip show,” she said. On a wider level, a Bill before UK Parliament seeks to classify any removal of clothing on stage as requiring a “Sexual Encounter Entertainment License”, something that, if passed, could potentially result in burlesque shows being shut down across the board. Burlesque-loving UK residents can sign a petition against this here A "Save Burlesque" fundraiser will be held at Proud Gallery Camden on 30 July. By Lilac Hell

The Knickerbocker Glories had their show cancelled due at Proud Gallery.

Dirty Pretty Things Click here

Spotlight

Review: A Wink And A Smile Shot with a sumptuous, glitterencrusted aesthetic, 'A Wink And A Smile' chronicles a diverse group of ten women as they undertake a six-week Academy of Burlesque course in the fundamentals of the tease. Ranging from teenagers in college to a sparky 51-year-old mother, the students endear themselves as they wrestle bodily insecurities, develop their characters and build their acts. One theme that pops up repeatedly during the one-onone interviews is the girls' concern with the portrayal of attractiveness and sexuality. Former bulimic Megan is reluctant to embrace her physical beauty and fellow student Casey struggles with the implications of wearing make-up during her performance, because she actively shuns it in her daily life. Veteran performer and Academy of Burlesque headmistress Indigo Blue makes a decent den mother to her burgeoning burly girls, reminding them of crucial pre-show preparations such as the 'pussy check' (yes, it's exactly what it sounds like) and warning them of a perennial mishap: bra hooks getting caught in fishnet stockings as they're cast toward the floor. All up, 'A Wink And A Smile' is an uplifting, intelligent look at the transformative power of burlesque. It's makes inspiring viewing for anyone who is feeling trapped by their own identity.

- CB Now showing in cinemas across the US.

Each month, we showcase video footage of fabulous burlesque from around the world. If you reckon you've got the goods, email your clips through to [email protected]

The London Revue Spring has sprung in London and Lilac Hell has been teetering up and down town, touching, teasing and all too often toppling into the sweet spots where burlesque blossoms. One such flowering was Annie’s Bar in Kentish Town. Formerly Auntie Annie’s Porter House, this bar was recently transformed into a baroque folly complete with flocked wallpaper, Louis XIV furniture, and a large cream-coloured grand piano in the corner. It seemed ideal for burlesque. And it was, for a time... Annie’s five minutes of fame coincided with DJ Suave’s first foray into the wonderful world of burlesque entrepreneurship. With the place packed to its pre-Raphaelite rafters, standouts of the show were Tiara Diamond’s bursting blooms; Miss Dolly Rose’s weight loss program – that crinoline was heavy!; Tempest Rose tearing strips off herself (and a recalcitrant audience member); and Kiki Kaboom’s paean to Obama. Sadly, the venue was a one-hit wonder, but you can’t keep a good DJ down, and I am pleased to report Suave has since found digs in the ever-accommodating Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (BGMC). Another show I attended that has since shut up shop (is it me?) was Jo King’s Goodtime Follies at Madame JoJo's (no relation). Jo is a consummate professional and, having clocked up 30 years on stage, has twirled more tassels than many of us have had hot dinners. Each Goodtime gal did two acts – one in each half – with proceedings directed by Desmond O’Connor, who strummed his ukulele and twisted tongues with racy tunes. Diva Hollywood lived up to her name, giving great weeping widow; then there was a twisted fairytale from Tallulah Mockingbird, cool hula from Misty Vine and Liberty Pink sang with a wink. You can now catch Jo onstage at JoJo's, and MCing at BGMC, where she’s nurturing the next generation of burlesquers in the Tournament of Tease. On a more serious note, I wanted to touch on – or feel up, even – some of the recent controversy swirling round the burlesque scene in Britain. Annie’s life as a cabaret venue was curtailed by Camden Council. And this is something that, along with the UK government’s Sexual Encounter Entertainment License (SEEL) proposal, potentially affects us all. Only those who live in Britain can sign the petition against it though. And for the love of burlesque, I urge you to do so. Amid this furore, the issue of exploitation has also come up. A jaded burlesque performerturned-journalist (oh my!) wrote in a national newspaper about her experience in a burlesque troupe, where she felt she was exploited for sleaze and profit. For me, none of the burlesque shows I’ve attended, nor the audiences at them, has seemed degrading or sordid. But, along with SEEL, this is a wake-up call, which shows that unless we continually strive to make it creative, different or at the very least very good, the sleaze brush is one we’ll be tarred with. I’d like to hope that through adversity comes inspiration, but what do you think? Email [email protected]

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bur

Monday

JULY

Tuesday

Wednesday

1

6 13 20 27

Thursday

2

• Vaudezilla's Free Bartop Burlesque Show, Chicago, US • Finger in the Pie Cabaret, London, UK • The Seduction Society, Adelaide, AUS • Burlesque Not Bombs, London, UK

7

8

14

15

16

21

22

23

28

29

30

• Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School, Sydney, AUS

• The Marquis of Gray's • Ink and Lead, Great Exhibition, London, UK Melbourne, AUS

• Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School, Sydney, AUS • Scandalous, London, UK

• Revealed Burlesque, New York, USA

• Hurly Burly Show, London, UK • Burlesque 'n' Blues, London, UK

9

• Vaudezilla's Free Bartop Burlesque Show, Chicago, US • The Freddy Valentine Varie Show, London, UK

• Vaudezilla's Free Bartop Burlesque Show, Chicago, US

• Vaudezilla's Free Bartop Burlesque Show, Chicago, US • Meow Meow to the World, Sydney, AUS

SA

2009 Friday

SA

Sunday

3

4

5

10

11

12

17

18

19

24

25

26

• Lady Luck Club, London, UK • Ruby Revue, Sydney, AUS • Crystal Boudoir, Sydney, AUS • Burlesque Bar, Melbourne, AUS • The Farewell Fanny Show, Perth, AUS

SA ety

SA

Saturday

• Jump, Jive and Wail, Sydney, AUS • Corio, New York, USA

• Hurly Burly Show, London, UK • Meow Meow to the World, Sydney, AUS • Heresy-n-Heelz, London, UK

31

• Wicked Women Comedy, Sydney, AUS • Corio, New York, USA

• A Night at the Pink Flamingo, Canberra, AUS • The Freakus Circus, London, UK • Crystal Boudoir, Sydney, AUS

• Corio, New York, USA • The Velvet Set, Sydney AUS • Crystal Boudoir, Sydney, AUS

• Bama-lama!, Melbourne, AUS • Ruby Revue, Melbourne, AUS • Black Cherry Club, Sydney, AUS • Crystal Boudoir, Sydney, AUS

• Grindhouse, Melbourne AUS • Myra Dubois' birthday, London, UK

• Save Burlesque, London, UK

• Meow Meow to the World, Sydney, AUS

3/99 1/:1'µ9 .5;

pic courtesy of www.allyeska.com

pic courtesy of Pixie Roberts at Boogie Bop Dames

Established in 2003, Miss Kitka's House of and producing Burlesque shows in Canber

Looking to start your own Burlesque business? Miss Kitka cou with training and backup support provided. Email misskitk

www.myspace.com/m

;9+ 5, (;82+97;+

pic courtesy of www.allyeska.com

Burlesque has been teaching rra, Sydney and soon in Iowa.

urses and shows are available to purchase, [email protected] for more information.

misskitkas

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