It’s Saturday, February 25th. Walking into this event at 8 PM, thinking it’s an early arrival, I find myself… mistaken. There’s a full house at Gallery 5 and I’m thinking, “Where the hell am I going to sit!” I go directly to the bar, get my Shiraz, and plant myself all the way in the back against a table, next to videographer Eric Vinyard. It was good to see that the burlesque community is still thriving here in RVA, and with a passion. Once again the audience is diverse, eager, and patiently waiting for these lovely ladies to the hit the stage.
It’s Saturday, February 25th. Walking into this event at 8 PM, thinking it’s an early arrival, I find myself… mistaken. There’s a full house at Gallery 5 and I’m thinking, “Where the hell am I going to sit!” I go directly to the bar, get my Shiraz, and plant myself all the way in the back against a table, next to videographer Eric Vinyard. It was good to see that the burlesque community is still thriving here in RVA, and with a passion. Once again the audience is diverse, eager, and patiently waiting for these lovely ladies to the hit the stage.
You never know what you are going to get with a student recital. I am always astounded, though, and this was no different. Boom Boom Basics is Deanna Danger’s baby, and she doesn’t fail to impress as I watch each lady succeed in their newfound skin. It is always intimidating to be onstage. I feel everyone has that butterfly effect, because here you are, having to hold an audience’s attention. And sure, they are here to see pasties and glitter, but they are also here to be entertained for their money’s worth. For someone’s first time, it is a daunting place.
There were a ton of performers, including hosts, and it was different to see not only the ladies stepping up, but also some good boylesque. Introducing the cute vaudeville-style act of Buster Britches and the hilarity of The Great Zwerdling, Dingle Adonis and Jonny Ram, with their antics as flying rockets, plus sax playing, proved be an alternative to the normal recital. Mark Slomski stood on his own with his usual talents, proving that he’s had lots of practice at improvising and melding to his audience. It’s great to see others wanting to follow in his footsteps, and learning the art of holding an eager and vocal congregation.
There were some standout graduates. Luscious Curves blew me away. Her gaze and interaction with the audience was unstoppable. Here is a performer who understands the tease. She shimmied, she shook, and she took the house down while staring her onlookers right in the eye. I enjoyed Serendipity Love’s performance because she asked for it. She made the audience come to her, which isn’t an easy task. Scarlet Starlet not only closed the show, but stole my heart. Baton twirling and burlesque are a beautiful combination, and one that requires skill! She was amazing, to say the least, and was a great end to a fun and memorable show.
All the performers showed heart, but I’d have to say the men blew it away. Mr. Adonis, resplendently silly in his crown and with his purple regal self, was absolute riotous fun. Jonny Ram did great at hosting, and I loved his delivery of the line, “…yeah, they don’t like it when you stare at them while they are putting on their pasties,” in regards to being male backstage. Deanna did her picnic masturbatory extravaganza, which is always cute and produces a roar from the audience!
All in all, it was a great show, and the Freshmen of Boom Boom Burlesque did not disappoint. It will be interesting to see how they progress as the shows go on and they hone in on their skills as performers. They all had a lot of courage taking the stage, and everyone, from the kittens to the hosts to the performers, did a commendable job. As Deanna Danger’s school grows and she keeps adding diverse classes such as tap and prop work, she will add to the community of burlesque, as well as to the growing number of fans, which seem to be in high attendance lately. It makes me want to take a class now. Hmmm… What can I do with this ladder and this beaded bikini I’ve got?
Words by Jo-Ann Breaux
Images by Ben Muri and Katrina Kiefer
