As the big night approaches, the performers contending for the ultimate title in burlesque discuss their thoughts and preparations…

 

Coco Lectric (©Shoshana Portnoy)

Coco Lectric

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Sensual, Playful, Engaging

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
I’ve chosen to perform my Cobra act. I’m enticed out of my basket by music and once I’m awake I find that I’m really very hungry for something else.

What would it mean to you to win?
If I won it would mean that I have a greater opportunity to continue to do what I love and share my art with more audiences.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
The BHoF is very special to me because it gives the world an opportunity to learn about a true art form that hasn’t received the proper amount of attention. The legends and contemporary performers have valuable stories to tell and performances to share and the BHoF weekend and the museum allow the international burlesque community a chance to reunite at least once a year.  Being a part of it makes me feel like I’m a part of the burlesque family and that my performances are worth sharing with the community.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
I’ve been going over the choreography, eating well and exercising, and trying to get some sleep so I can dream up new delicious things I can add to the number. I’ve also been collaborating with other performers and my students on how to improve the dance and the costume.

I’m still in shock about making it into the competition. This year’s lineup is sure to blow everyone away. I wish I could see all of the acts and I’ll certainly try.

Ms Tickle

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Mystical Ms Tickle

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
I have chosen to perform a piece that expresses burlesque as a living art form.

What would it mean to you to win?
I am honoured to be selected to perform on Saturday night at the Burlesque Hall of Fame. I see it as an amazing opportunity to showcase my Art . I am not as concerned with winning as I am with doing the very best performance that I can and hopefully leaving the audience something inspirational.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
It’s a beautiful thing to honour those who have inspired us, and to give recognition to all these amazing talented and courageous individuals. It also gives us a sense of community and history. Plus – who doesn’t love a buffet?

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Cleansing, chanting and sitting atop a mountain in meditation.

 

Sparkly Devil (©Kat Bret)

Sparkly Devil

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Not really. I like to mix genres and push limits; I’d define my performance style as combining two elements that wouldn’t normally work together (Dr. Dre and feather fans) shaking vigorously, and waiting for it to explode!

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
I’ve been performing for almost eleven years now (!) and out of all of the acts I’ve ever created, this one is – by far- my absolute favourite.

What would it mean to you to win?
I know it sounds like a cliche, but it’s an honour just to perform in such an internationally renowned showcase, surrounded by performers whom I love and adore so much. I’m just thrilled to bring this piece – which is really my baby – to such a prestigious event, and amazing audience! There’s no crowd in the world as loving, loud, and appreciative as the audience at BHoF!)

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
The first time I performed at Exotic World was back in 2002 when it was still out in the desert in Helendale; I met Dirty Martini and Satan’s Angel for the first time, right before I passed out from heatstroke because it was 128 degrees. I was completely dazzled and profoundly impacted by the trip, and that feeling of wonderment and fulfilment continues to this day. I’ve seen the weekend grow, evolve and expand over the years, but the Weekender continues to awe and inspire me as much as it did during my first starry-eyed trip. Like so many others, BHoF is truly my annual holy pilgrimage to the Mecca of Burlesque.

Mostly I am so excited to spend time with Toni Elling, my burlesque mama. I first met Toni when I wrote a story on her back when I was a reporter in Detroit and we’ve formed an incredibly close bond over the years. I remember my editor once told me “one day, you will meet someone, they’ll tell you their story, and then they’ll change your life.” Toni is absolutely that person. I call her to gossip about pop culture and what’s going on in the news. I call her when I’m frustrated with a person or situation in burlesque. I call her when I feel sad or conflicted, and she always knows just what to say. I truly cherish the bond we have formed, and count it as one of the absolute greatest gifts that burlesque has brought me.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Freaking out. (Kidding! Well, sort of…) I’ve been fine tuning the piece, polishing the movements, and huffing a fair amount of E-6000.

I’m dedicating my performance this year to Eddie Dane, one of the pioneers of the burlesque revival, and co-founder of the Hubba Hubba Revue in SanFransisco. He passed away earlier this year, and we all miss him terribly. I’m doing this one for him.

 

Ophelia Flame (©Amanda Brooks)

Ophelia Flame

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Ready. Aim. Fire!

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
My act is a tribute to working stiffs all over the world! Truth be told, I have never worked a single day in an office. This act is how I imagine office life to be – or at least, should be!

What would it mean to you to win?
I’d be honoured to win, but honestly it’s not my primary focus. As the brilliant Miss Astrid noted last year, there’s a deep irony in offering ourselves up to be judged and compared to one another. I feel every single contestant is worthy of the title, and frankly hundreds more are as well. Our community is ripe with talent.

This year will be my sixth pageant. Truly the big win for me is being recognized by my greater community as someone who consistently produces good work that’s worthy of showcasing. It’s easy to get caught up in egos, titles, and tiaras and forget that the weekend is a fundraising event for the museum that honours the history of our craft and offers an awesome, supportive community. Whether it’s competing in a pageant or sitting in a carnival dunk tank, I’d do whatever I could to support that cause.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
BHoF has been a true inspiration to me on many levels over the years. It has provided support, strength and most important, given definition to my art.

I stumbled onto the website for Exotic World in 1999 and travelled there with some friends. I had been working in big strip clubs around the country for several years, and while my acts always included an element of show, using costumes, themes, props and doing group numbers, the neo-burlesque scene hadn’t yet emerged in Minneapolis. There was no community for me. My longtime friend, fellow stripper, and now cast-mate Coco Dupree was one of the few at the time who shared a love of the craft, beyond it just being a job. I knew there was a history in what I was doing, but frankly I felt like I was orbiting in space. That is until I found BHoF. Naturally, I was shocked to find my tribe on a goat farm in the middle of the Mojave! It was amazing. I kept waiting for David Lynch and John Waters to walk in at any moment. I knew I was home. I’ve shared the doctrine to inspire, educate and entertain with hundreds of over the years. I’m totally a card carrying Burlesque Hall of Fame cult member. Pass the glitter kool-aid, man!

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Other than figuring out how to ship my prop so it lands in the right place, I’ve simply been performing, producing and teaching like crazy. I just returned from the wonderful Show-Me Burlesque Festival in St. Louis, and I’m gearing up for more summer travel and shows. My business partner Gina Louise and I just kicked off our newly rebranded school, The Playful Peacock Showgirl Academy here in Minneapolis. We’re bringing in some amazing guest teachers, like Minnie Tonka, Ray Gunn and Frenchie Kiss. I’m also producing Grab My Junk with Jonny Porkpie and Jo Boobs which will coincide with the two of them teaching with us. And I just confirmed that our grand opening show will be hosted by Miss Astrid! Spinning all the burlesque plates I can possibly spin is what makes me prepared.

I can’t wait to see all you amazing friends old and new at BHoF this year! And finally, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda – this one’s for you.

Lily Verlaine

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Work of Art.

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
Well, this act has grown out of a tribute to Gypsy Rose Lee that The Swedish Housewife encouraged me to do at her Gypsy Rose Lee Centennial production in Seattle.  Gypsy provided such rich inspiration and the act turned out so charmingly, that I realized it would be a wonderful act from which to build a signature piece. The signature part is that, for years, I have wanted to transform a Stargazer Lily (my namesake) into a ball gown and when I received the news that I had been selected to perform at The Burlesque Hall of Fame, I decided to finally have it created.

What would it mean to you to win?
Honestly, I am so pleased to be included in such a spectacular event that I feel I’ve already won something.  It would be a wonderful honour to receive further acknowledgement, but I really can’t see that far ahead.  Everyone who is performing is unique and talented and wonderful and I just plan to show up and do my best!

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
It is very important to me to feel seen, heard, and understood in my life and I feel this very acutely in my relationship with people who attend and participate in BHoF. I have always felt welcome and encouraged.  Nothing is too outlandish, nothing is impossible, life is fabulous and fun!  I’m a little old fashioned, and I enjoy the respect that the younger generation pays to our elders (who by the way, effectively smash every stereotype in the book regarding aging.)

I love that BHoF gives us something to aspire to; that it is peopled by scholars, historians, artists, starlets, devos, producers, writers, comedians/comediennes and those who are generally interesting, brilliant, beautiful and fabulous.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Aside from putting the finishing touches on my new gown, I am living my wonderful life and taking moments to enjoy my good fortune whenever I get the chance.  I intend to bring all of the depth and joy of my personal and professional experience to the stage with me in Las Vegas.

On a nostalgic note… For me, BHoF will always carry the wonderful memory of Liz Renay, who I escorted and assisted at her very last BHoF (then Exotic World) weekend.  Everyone looking for a ray of light or hope should read her book, ‘My Face for the World to See’.

 

Lux La Croix

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
My signature style in three words is: FIERCE, FABULOUS and FANTASTIC!

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
Without revealing too much, the act that I have chosen to perform is very neo-burlesque.  It is NOT a classic number in any way shape or form which makes me extra excited to bring it to the competition this year.

What would it mean to you to win?
I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but I kinda feel like all of us competitors/performers for Saturday night’s show already won.  Every year the competition grows!  More applications are submitted and the numbers are so sophisticated and advanced that just to get accepted to compete is a MASSIVE HONOUR. Although I’m not gonna lie, it would be pretty damn FABULOUS to take home the grand prize.  I have some plans for that giant trophy….

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
I always say BHoF is the yearly company picnic.  Everybody in the community comes together to laugh, love and celebrate our lives and expression through this amazing art form.  I feel so lucky to be a part of this community and I love my yearly visit with all the sparkly ladies and gents!

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
I have been working my little behind off in the recent weeks.  I just wrapped a tour as a back-up dancer and I am currently crafting choreography for a nationally televised award show at the end of June.  Granted this all falls under the duties of the ol’ ‘day job’, but any and all dancing is practice and preparation for the grand performance.

Can’t wait to see everybody in VEGAS!

 

Midnite Martini (©Phiix Media)

Midnite Martini

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Either the Midnite Martini ABC’s – Aerial, Burlesque and Circus, or part of my tagline – High Flying Tease!

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
It is an aerial routine (which I’m so excited and privileged to get the chance to show the burlesque community my aerial burlesque work on that stage!) I’m saying that it is an all Denver inspired routine! I created it for a local independent film Angel of Shavano, the song is sung by local band Cabaret Diosa, and I will do my damnedest to represent the mile high city in Vegas!

Last year I was lovingly nicknamed ‘Stocking Girl’ for my unique stocking removal and hopefully this year I will retain that nickname with the brand new unveiling of a new stocking removal move! (How about that for a teaser!)

What would it mean to you to win?
Oh my goodness, I’m trying to not even think about winning (like that’s really possible, right?) But yes the thought of actually placing or winning does slip into my mind and overwhelms me with how much that would mean to me! Of course winning Reigning Queen of Burlesque is the ultimate nod from my peers and the Burlesque Legends so it would be the highest encouragement that, yeah, Midnite, you’re doing alright and contribute something valuable to this world of art. The burlesque community is full of such smart, clever, and innovative artists that a nod from a group like that would fill my heart with so much gratitude, humility, and love. Plus not to brown nose or anything, but if I won drinks on me everyone!

But honestly (even though everyone says this) just performing is really plenty and enough reward for me. I know that my work is different and leans towards the variety side more, so being welcomed to be a part of any burlesque event where I get to combine striptease with my variety training is all I could ever ask for!

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
It is a reunion of fantastical people, ideas, and spirits, both liquor and soul. It’s home, where I can see old friends and create new ones, find new inspirations, but most of all a place to wear fake eyelashes, glitter, and fishnets all day and completely fit in! I remember hearing of BHoF, following and attending it as a new burlesque dancer back in 2005. BHoF was always my pie-in-the-sky dream that one day I could maybe perform there. It blows my mind to be fortunate enough to now have this opportunity to show the BHoF community what I do. BHoF is my Broadway or Hollywood, and I hope to just feedback and return some of the amazing energies that I’ve received from this event over the years.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Mainly reminded myself to breathe and not freak out! Of course there’s the getting high on E6000 until all hours of the night costuming, admittedly choosing more salads than I might have otherwise, driving my passengers crazy with my song on nonstop repeat in the car, etc. But most importantly I’ve been preparing (and warning) all of my glittery gang to prepare their livers, create the drunk dialling board, stock up on pop rocks, and get ready for this epic celebration!

With the risk of sounding too cheesy, thank you for watching, listening, and letting me share myself with all of you. Big thanks to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, who gives me a home to perform in Denver, Fannie and Honey who have been my burlesque world tour guides, Momma Martini who has supported her daughter every step of the way, and Buster/Jason-Bot for keeping me grounded and who will be putting up with my very tense anxious ass all BHoF weekend!

 

Kristina Nekyia (©Sharlene Stephens)

Kristina Nekyia

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
No I can’t?

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
Just you wait and see…

What would it mean to you to win?
It’s hard to say in advance what it would mean; I try not to think about it too much. I have never gone to Vegas just to win a title; I go to be part of an event that inspires me and that I look forward to all year. If I focus too much on the competitive aspect of the performance it takes away from the joy and camaraderie that are so important to me and it makes me nervous and jittery. That said, I do love tiaras…

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
The Burlesque Hall of Fame was a part of my earliest exposure to burlesque many years ago when I visited the museum at the goat farm while driving across California. Not long before that I had seen an interview with Dixie on television and I was completely taken by the exotic, glamorous, and incredibly powerful presence of the women I saw. For me, BHoF is the most prestigious of the few institutions that represent the art of burlesque, an art that has become my most important and cherished medium of self-expression. It is an honour to be included with the greatest performers from around the world, to share with them on and off the stage, and to feel that I am part of an ongoing tradition that is still rich and alive.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Weeks? Try months! I have been working on this act for over a year. For the first six to seven months I was designing, brainstorming, and picking out my collaborators. In December 2010 I went to New Orleans with singer/songwriter Mark Growden who composed and recorded the score for the act with an amazing group of jazz musicians in the French Quarter. The costume also took about six months to design and build because it has a number of unique elements that required some serious trial and error to create. I have had to learn some new skills for this act that I have been practicing for many months as well. I spend six days a week in the studio working on my dance and circus movements and rehearsing. Now I am just putting the finishing touches on everything, rehearsing rehearsing rehearsing rehearsing rehearsing…

The most valuable lesson I have learned in the creation of this act is how to ask for help. I would not have been able to create it without the support of so many individuals whose time, faith, and expertise were invaluable. There are too many to list here. It takes a village to raise a great act!

 

Melody Mangler (©)

Melody Mangler

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Big sparkly ham.

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
The number is a classically inspired homage to Loie Fuller and pays tribute to the modern dance that originated in the late 1800’s. And it’s about wet vaginas.

What would it mean to you to win?
It would be such an honour to be included alongside so many incredible performers that I admire, respect and stalk on Facebook.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
I love the reunion aspect of the weekend. It is so great to see so many friends and acquaintances from around the world, to meet new people and to see everyone’s latest work.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
April O’Peel and I have been working out on a daily basis – Go Team Booty! That and rhinestoning everything…

I am really excited to also be competing in the Best Group category with my cohorts April O’Peel and Violet Femme as The Razzle Tassel Tease Show. These girls are fantastic and they are really going to shine on the big, international stage!

 

Nasty Canasta (©Malgorzata Saniewska)

Nasty Canasta

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Smart and naked!

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
It’s one of my signature acts, and very ‘New York’…

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
As individual performers in our separate cities, creating our numbers and producing our shows, I think we can sometimes get overwhelmed by the day-to-dayness of what we do. BHoF is a living reminder of the rich history of burlesque and an inspiring view of the contemporary scene on an international scale. It’s a way to physically connect both with the legends who made it possible for us to do this crazy, amazing thing that we do, as well as to experience first-hand the spectacular art that is being made around the world every day. As a part of this living art form, I am thrilled to be able to share what I do with the worldwide community.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Enjoying many fine glue-vapor-based hallucinations.

 

Vicky Butterfly (©Lorenzo Pazia)

Vicky Butterfly

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
I would say that I’m artistic, textured and emotional, with a lot of movement! Or at least I hope I am…

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
I’m not going to ruin the surprise, but it’s an old favourite re-imagined and re-worked. I think it’s rather beautiful and dream-like – simple, but the production values are high!

What would it mean to you to win?
It would be an honour to be selected to be a part of this tradition: to be marked worthy by my predecessors of upholding what they pioneered.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
Again, tradition really. It’s a piece of living history that’s also looking forward with bright eyes to the future!

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Making sure I’m at home in my act and that it’s the act that I currently love most of all. That’s the only way I can make sure I do it justice…

Good luck to everyone else involved in the competition – let’s make this an incredible show!

 

Anna Fur Laxis (©Bravo Photo)

Anna Fur Laxis

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Never stand still

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
Think Charlotte Pendragon, think Eric Morecambe, think Mick Jagger; I’ve probably said too much already.

What would it mean to you to win?
Everything. I can’t recall putting so much of myself into any previous endeavour; it would mean the world to me.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
It’s the chance to perform at the highest level and to honour, and share a stage with, the Legends of this industry. It’s also the opportunity to spend time with friends who I have met on my travels and have been instrumental in both my professional and personal burlesque journey.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Lots of rehearsing, fine tuning, bedazzling, the usual!

 

Indigo Blue (©Frank Huster)

Indigo Blue

Can you encapsulate yourself and your signature style in three words?
Miss. Indigo. Blue.

Can you describe or give us a taste of the act you have chosen to perform?
Crisp, smooth, tart, tangy, and satisfying!

What would it mean to you to win?
I have been honoured to perform in nine of the last ten competition weekends.  It has been amazing to share the stage with my incredibly talented friends and colleagues.  This in itself feels like a huge prize.

Why is BHoF special to you, and what does it mean to you to be a part of it?
When I was first in the dusty Museum in Helendale and saw endless photos of incredible women who paved the way, I knew I had found my home. These women are my ancestors and my inspiration, and I am delighted to call many of them friends.  It means the world to me to be a part of this extraordinary, glitter-filled lineage.

What have you been doing in the recent weeks in preparation for the competition?
Eating bonbons, getting massages, and picking poolside outfits!

 

Also Performing:

Sweetpea

Sweetpea (©Emma Freeman)

 

 

 

 

 

www.21stCenturyBurlesque.com