The Australian Amateur Performer Competition (AAPC) is back for another event.
For its seventh year, five divisions of competitors will fight it out for one of the coveted AAPC titles at the Goodwood Institute Theatre.
Here, AAPC Director Hayley chats about the burlesque element to the competition.
First of all, you're running this year's competition. What do you hope to achieve with an event like Australian Burlesque Beauty?
The main aim of the AAPC competition is to open up a platform for not just professional performers to enhance their career through a competitive environment; but for amateur and up-coming talent to gain stage experience and what is expected in professional competition with less pressure; a character building experience through a supportive environment and performance space. I love the fact that people who have never performed on stage before choose our platform for their debut! That’s really the goal.
What do you love about the art of burlesque?
What’s not to love?! Glitter, feathers, extravagance, elegance, comedy, powerful messages… It has so many interpretations. It’s not only dance, but theatre. It’s traditional bump and grind to modern floor f...ery. As a trained dancer I love the combination of grace and seduction. I find it such an empowering art form.
Is there anything in particular that got you hooked on it?
All of the above. Probably the versatility of the art form really. In a night I could get booked to do a comedy routine at one show and a traditional fan dance at another; I love the variety. And the glitter; Oh lawd… The glitter.
You've had quite a history in this realm, as a past judge and competitor. Tell us about one or two of your best experiences, leading up to this point.
My favourite moments actually haven’t been as a competitor... More from a teaching and judging side. Having a student you have trained for 12 months tirelessly get up there and unleash is probably an ultimate highlight. Watching my first student perform was the highest high and seeing them take first place is the biggest rush I’ve ever experienced. Seeing their hard work pay off is so rewarding. I’ve had a few 'best' judging moments, Watching performers grow is my favourite part of judging. Seeing what they bring to the stage and how they utilise criticism given to them. There was one particular performer I watched enter multiple competitions and not get anywhere. She finally started asking for critiques and working on the things given to her – and I was so thrilled that we were awarding her second place the next time she competed. Also, our judging panel being given a cake after a performer did a cake smash show and I just about cried because it was 11.40pm and copious champagne was flowing and that cake looked soooooo good. Performers who pre-plan are the best.
In your experience as a judge, what are the qualities looked for in a competitor in order for them to be successful?
This actually depends competition to competition. There are obvious things like cohesive routines, technical movement, understanding of the traditional elements… But each competition sets its own criteria. Some are looking for more of the exotic dance side and some look toward the more theatrical. At AAPC we are performance and technicality based. We like to see performers bring good technique, but also well thought-out routines. I personally seek originality and a good technical base; and routines that really bring a performer’s personality to the stage.
What are you looking forward to about this year's event?
The new layout! We have relaxed the rules a little this year so that competitors can really show us who they are and bring their stories every step of the way from the parade to the modern section. It’s a really exciting time for burlesque at the moment!
Image © Elegance Photography
What do you hope to achieve with Australian Burlesque Beauty in the future?
World domination!! *rubs hands together* no, really, just many more years of offering a platform to bring the burlesque art form to a stage for all to enjoy hopefully! It has been such a pleasure being able to provide a place for performers of any persuasion to bring their message and show their talents. It’s so inspiring to see what they bring each year and how the competition has grown. We’re at seven, if we can make 10 years – my dreams are fulfilled. Well… And more sell out shows. Who doesn’t love a rowdy packed crowd?!
Describe this event in three words.
Sassy, Sparkly, Unforgettable.
