The boas will fly, the Swarovski’s will sparkle and the performances will amaze at the 2015 Queensland state final of Miss Burlesque.
The winner’s of the Queensland state final will compete at the Grand Final, where the winner will be crowned Miss Burlesque Australia. The Queensland final will see ten local burlesque performers battle it out, with each competitor participating in a gown parade and performing three different routines.
State finalist: Betty Lovecat © ktbdesign.net The contestants must be able to show their knowledge of classic, modern and original burlesque. Six entertainment industry professionals will bring down the hammer and judge the performances – but of course the audience always makes it clear whom they like most.
This year, the reigning Miss Burlesque Queensland, Miss Alyssa Kitt, is fresh back from performing in Las Vegas with her fierce sensuality. A bombacious babe slaying the local and international Burlesque scene, the superstar is sashaying her way into producing the state finals after being crowed Miss Burlesque Queensland and Miss Classic MBA in 2014.
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What or who initially got you interested in Burlesque dancing?
Some people and personalities are just drawn to things that are risque, I'm definitely one of those people that are just a bit naughty. I first stumbled upon burlesque while I was doing contemporary dance classes at MadDance House in the city. A friend of mine said that I would love these classes and I was brave enough to turn up! I eventually learnt more about the history behind the artform, started creating acts and costumes. As they say, the rest is history.
How extensive are your rehearsals leading up to a performance?
My rehearsal time depends on whether or not it is an act that is well established. I have acts that sit very naturally with my dance ability and some that I need to drill. If it's a new act I can be in the studio for quite a while. I'll be debuting a new act as my handover act that I've had in the works for quite a while!
State finalist: Magnolia Knife © Raw BonesDo you have any pre-show rituals?
Generally I am pretty chilled-out before shows. I like to spend a good few hours on my hair and makeup. Before I go onstage I will have a stretch and warm-up, but nothing particularly special.
Are you more inclined to celebrate or relax after a show?
After a show, I'll normally relax and have a drink with friends and chat with audience members.
Burlesque dancers often wear rather intricate and extravagant costumes, can you recall your all time favourite costume?
I really couldn't part with any of my costumes. They are all very personal, pieces that I've designed, hand-beaded and spent many hours and lots of love on to make them perfect. My favourite costume item at the moment is my solid Swarovski corset, which I spent two years hand-bedazzling myself. I've named it 'The Beast'. My other favourite costume is my 'Tribute To The Follies' act, which is a see-through, cream gown encrusted with crystals and metres of cream ostrich boa.
State finalist: Red Devotchkin © ktbdesign.netDue to societies harsh expectations, most young women would be absolutely terrified to jump onto a stage and undress in front of an audience. How did you find your confidence and what message do you have for women who are yet to find theirs?
While I don't expect everyone to jump up onstage and start flinging articles of clothing about with reckless abandon, I do believe if women had more body-positive role models presented to them in the media, then low self-esteem wouldn't be so rife. We need to have variety and difference in order to be comfortable with our own differences. I'm a very proud, plus-size woman, but I struggled with my body image growing up. I've grew into my confidence when I stopped comparing myself to every woman around me and started celebrating what made me unique.
Are there any superstars from the Burlesque scene who you idolise and who have possibly influenced your technique and style?
There are a lot of amazing men and women in the burlesque scene worldwide. I've been very influenced by Dirty Martini, an iconic performer from New York; Imogen Kelly, Australia's Queen of Burlesque; and burlesque legends such as Tempest Storm, Jenny Lee, Dixie Evans and Blaze Starr (who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago, aged 83). My style is very reminiscent of the golden era of burlesque in the 1930s, '40s and '50s – so that's reflected in everything from my costumes, to my hair and my dance moves.
The finals of Miss Burlesque Queensland will be held at the Judith Wright Centre, 8 August.
