The Ninth Annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival will return to town from May 1 to 3 at the Vogue Theatre.
An original collaboration between Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society and Sweet Soul Burlesque, the festival incorporated as a provincial non-profit under the name Vancouver International Burlesque Festival Association. Post-war Vancouver was well known for its jaw-dropping burlesque shows. Believe it or not, the recent ‘neo-burlesque’ movement has taken off, making Vancouver one of the most reputable striptease cities in the world!
Vancouver’s artistic range of tongue n’ cheek tease stretches far beyond the classic gloves and gown, with gore-lesque, strip-hop, stunt shows, and other unique and creative shows. We’re home to about 160 active burlesque performers with a variety of between 15 and 20 shows to enjoy monthly, so it’s safe to say our city’s perfect to host a burlesque festival.
The festival will host local entertainers to some of amazing international performers, including burlesque legend Kitten Natividad ask 1973’s Miss Nude Universe, known for her cult roles in Russ Meyer’s 70’s films. Kitten is this year’s guest of honour.
Ray Gunn, considered reigning king of Boylesque will show off his athletic prowess. Gunn has shared the stage with superstars such as Liza Minnelli and Alan Cumming.
[Perle Noire]
Feminine phenomenon Perle Noire will seduce the Vogue crowd with her exotic moves and unique show. Known for her “incredible mix of raw sex and pure elegance, combined with a slow and sensual movement”, Noire will certainly be a festival highlight. Perle has gained international notoriety touring extensively with renowned burlesque star Dita Von Tease as part of her Strip-Strip Hooray tour.
A newcomer on the scene, Suzzette Monique opened her own talent agency, School for Exotics, and later her dream nightclub Suzy Q’s in Edmonton.
[Waxie Moon]
Miss(ter) Waxie Moon, a gender-bending queer lady sensation, competed for title of Best Boylesque at last year’s The Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. He’s currently featured in the Seattle-based web series, Capitol Hill.
Canada’s own burlesque legend Judith Stein’s been in the biz for 17 years. Known as the “Grand Beaver Of Canadian Burlesque”, she retired to Nelson, BC to enjoy small town life, but has gotten back into the scene, sewing and designing costumes and Victorian nightgowns, as well as performing on stages in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Albuquerque New Mexico, Edmonton, Calgary, Alberta, and Toronto, as well as Vancouver.
The Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas has just announced their selections for this year’s world title competition, “Miss Exotic World – Reigning Queen of Burlesque” on June 3 at the Orleans Casino. Only ten women are selected world-wide, and no less than six local Vancouver burlesque mainstays are on the list: April O’Peel, Burgundy Brixx, Lola Frost, Voracious V, Rita Star, and Melody Mangler. All six ladies will appear on various nights at this year’s VIBF.
Tickets can be purchased for either a single evening or a three-night weekend pass. Visit the Vancouver Burlesque Festival website for tickets and more information.
