FESTIVUS! RVA loves Burlesque

Posted by: – Oct 26, 2009

It seems one woman has single handedly opened up the conservative nature of her hometown, and now there's numerous burlesque troupes popping up everywhere in Richmond (before, there was only Sweet Tease Burlesque). Now some of the lovely ladies of Richmond are opening up and aspiring to be professional burlesque dancers, and I couldn't be happier.

I first came across Miss RunAround Sue at the very first Dr. Sketchy's in Richmond (in Gallery 5 nearly a year ago), and I knew I had to do an interview for my own projects. What I discovered was a business-minded woman, with an eye on what sells, a southern charm, and a mettle hardened by her forays into NYC. She was back in Richmond, her home, but she had plans for this town. That interview is still sitting in the Identity: Richmond archives, waiting for possible usage in the documentary, but I doubt Miss RunAround Sue needs anymore help from the media - she's already the darling of several cities and their media.

Since that interview, I have watched the Sugar Shack Burlesque, Richmond VariTease, Bouncing Betties Burlesque, and other troupes take the stage, take our hearts, and take off layer after layer. It's heart warming to see a conservative city like Richmond take such progressive steps, especially with the help of a local product.

Now, this Friday, on the first night of The Carnival of 5 Fires, you'll be able to see the Dark Queen's Boudoir, a burlesque variety show with a darker side (featuring many of the same women who might tie you to the St. Andrew's Cross and flog you at fallout). I know I'll be there, and you'd be a fool to miss out on such a great event, in a great venue, with ladies fit for a classic Film Noir - just the way us film snobs like our women.

And don't forget the rest of Halloweek, with events going on every day until Sunday!

Words:

Jon Headlee

Video:

Director: Ben Muri

Host: Trisha Hazen

Camera: Andrew Volpe and Baylen Forcier

Editor: Jon Headlee

Featuring: Deanna Danger, Miss RunAround Sue, Erin of Sweet Tease, and the musical professionalism of Mark Ingraham.