For those of you unfamiliar with this competition, it was founded in 2009 and was first held in Queensland, July 2010. since then it has grown internationally, and is now extended to English and Irish burlesque artists. There is now a "Mr Boylesque" competition too. ------->Tickets here<-----
It took me a while to decide on what routines to use. One particular routine, I've been mulling over since late last year. Ideas always strike me at some horrendous hour of the morning and I find a song trapped in my head and reach for pen and paper to jot it down or text the idea to myself so I can refine it later. My poor boyfriend is very tolerant and puts up with these unusual nocturnal activities.
I left the application page saved to my browser and over a few days, kept coming back to it, gradually adding or subtracting what I'd written before clicking "submit". I consider myself quite new to burlesque,although it was almost 7 years ago, when I took my first class with Miss Kitty's Meow. The class was held at Cornelian Bay sport's club, where attendees were taught by Grace cherry, Cleo Le Tea and Tiger Lily.
Later, there were regular classes, taught predominantly by Grace Cherry at Tasmania's Pole Dance and Burlesque Academy, I used to drag my, albeit reluctant sister along to them. Other teachers included Scarlett Jezebel, Tiger lily, and Oopsy daisy. These classes attracted many people from various walks of life, and a rather wonderful series of friendships have emerged.
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| Photo by Kerry Methrost. After our very first show |
I began performing in 2011, but not regularly, after doing a routine, it would often be some months before I got on stage again. Being hap hazard in nature, my solo performances would often be improvised on stage. I remember my first group routine, with my fellow class mates, many of which are now quite well established soloists or producers. We performed to the song "The Stripper" in the now, (sadly) defunct "Le girls."
A tiny club, often frequented by sumptuously costumed Drag Queens and run by the unforgettable Sandie Le Gore, "Les Girls" nestled under the "Tandoor curry house" on Harrington st. Sometimes, I wonder what the curry house diners thought of the commotion unfolding downstairs.We had some wonderful themed nights including Madonna and Cher as well as, student showcases, These were part of "Flirty Friday's" at the club.
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| "Gin House Blues" CEZ B photography |
I also performed with chains to Rob zombie's "Spook Show Baby," which included plastic bugs and snakes (so cheesy), I recall a punter pursuing me around the club with one of the snakes. Eventually these nights led to Grace Cherry's bi monthly "Burlesque After Dark." Oh and click here to grab tickets to the next show.
I've appeared a few times at "Burlesque after Dark" and i feel my acts have come a long way since I first started out and I have performed a few classic routines to Tom Waits numbers and on an odd occasion cracked out the veil fans. It's always a lot of fun sharing the stage with past classmates and all the beautiful and brilliant locals: MKM, Scarlett Jezebel, Lucy Sky Diamond, Raven Madde, and Lady Lola. The audiences are always great too!
When I wasn't performing in a show, I'd be watching one, or helping out on the door, promoting shows on the street, selling merch or chauffeuring patrons to their seats. A big Thank you to Grace and MKM for putting these events on .
In 2013, I was lucky enough to hop on the stage of Launceston's vibrant little club, "The Lazy Butterfly". Tucked away above York Town square, The Butterfly was a home to many dazzling drag queens and captivating cabaret. I did a handful of solo performances alongside Velvet Sway, Le Fay waits, Lazuli Lizzie , Risquee Jane and "Euphoria" queen, Lady Midnight. A big thank you to James Napier and the Butterfly crew for all their kindness and support, making me feel welcomed in the North. And another big thank you goes to Le fay and Velvet for those lifts up the Midlands Highway to Launceston and home again, btw you guys have awesome playlists.!
Hobart has played host to some inspiring shows over the years, such as the "Australian Burlesque Festival", "The beautiful and the Damned," Femme Fatale: a deadly Burlesque", "Burlesk As you like." and "Sideshow Cabaret." Highlights of these shows include meeting with so many amazing performers including Imogen Kelly, Perle Noir, Coco Framboise, Alyssa Kitt, Khandie Kisses, Kerry X, Bella De jac, Dolores Daquiri, and Luna Eclipse, just to name a few.
I have dabbled in a bit of pole with the lovely Zara of TPDBA, and Belly dance with the lovely Adrianna of BellyWood. Just recently, I've signed back up to Belly dance classes with Alison of Shimmer. I love learning new things, and it saddens me that there just aren't enough hours in my week or dollars in my wallet to do all the things I yearn to.
A shout out to some of the friends I've made on this journey, Grace Cherry, Oopsy, Tiger Lily, Zara, Ella B, Gemini, Velvet Sway, Monya Lisa, Ophelia, Kerry M, Cez B, Scarlett Jezebel, Lucy Sky Diamond, Lola, Risquee Jane, Ana Tique Saffire, Amber Rose Divine, Lazuli Lizzie, Leah S. Electra Adams, Lou Lou Frottage, Sinnamon Slice . Groovy Lushious, Le fay, Betty Bronx, Lady Midnight, James Napier, Tapper Jack, Ricky P, Splasher, Bodane Hatten, Adrianna, Jo I.N.K, Cindy B. I must Insist that you click on some of these names and find out who these amazing people are. Sorry if I've left someone out. I'm rather tired, as I type this and I still love you (tell me and I'll fix it).
Finally a thank you to the punters who show up to the performances and cheer us on, my family and friends for being supportive and not disowning me and helping with costumes; my sister, Izzy, for taking photographs and giving me lifts to shows; and my lovely boyfriend, Sunny, who puts up with the endless trails of feathers and sewing projects I leave strewn across the bedroom.
Please come and cheer some of the Tasmanian Burly's at Burlesque Idol on March 10th.!! You can also see me and some other lovelies at the Poohbah on April 8th for Burlesque After Dark.
It's time for me to knuckle down and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Thank you to those who have wished me well, with my performances. I LOVE YOU All xox
