Upon hearing that Bouncing Betties Burlesque was coming back on the scene, I was thrilled and excited to have the burlesque troupe I sponsor shimmying and shaking back on stage. I adore BB for more than the sultry moves they invoke, but I love them because they are the only non-profit troupe in RVA. Founder Miss Skye Sinclaire and her lovely ladies did not fail to disappoint on this special eve, and did so with care as they raised some much needed funds for Sienna Fennell (Mama Delight) and her fight with cancer. I was happy to see a well attended show for a Thursday eve.
Upon hearing that Bouncing Betties Burlesque was coming back on the scene, I was thrilled and excited to have the burlesque troupe I sponsor shimmying and shaking back on stage. I adore BB for more than the sultry moves they invoke, but I love them because they are the only non-profit troupe in RVA. Founder Miss Skye Sinclaire and her lovely ladies did not fail to disappoint on this special eve, and did so with care as they raised some much needed funds for Sienna Fennell (Mama Delight) and her fight with cancer. I was happy to see a well attended show for a Thursday eve.
Let me start off by saying that it was incredibly refreshing to walk into a different venue to see a show. The Triangle Players Theater is a warm and friendly venue to have burlesque as well as any other live performance. It was nice being greeted in the fashion I was, and having an attentive bartender helps as well! I also favored that the venue is a little hidden logistically, on Altamont Avenue in Scott’s Addition, and I had no problems finding parking.
Wine in hand, I headed towards the front of the stage and saw some familiars within the audience. A Miss Deanna Danger (Amazing Side Show, Boom Boom Basics) and a Miss Cherrie Canary (Voix De Ville Follies) showed their faces in support. The always charming Mark Slomski, of the Slomski Brothers and The UnOpen Mic Night, hosted. It is always nice to have a host that is able to improv. He holds an audience very well, and really carries a big part of the show. His play with stage kitten Bitsy Buttons was entertaining and cute and set the energy for the eve. Being so close to the stage was a treat, although I felt the sound could have been a little louder.
Mr. Slomski started the show off with a song, and then came out a newbie by the name of Lottie Ellington. I’m sure it is frightful to perform for the first time in front of a decent sized audience, and although Lottie seemed a little shy at first, she got more comfortable the more the audience howled. A little neo-burlesque never hurt nobody! It is also refreshing to see a lady of color on the scene…pssst, we need more!
Next up we had the very absorbing Miss Kiki Von Kitsch (Voix De Ville Follies). I cannot say enough about the evolving Kiki, one can really see her transformation into a top-notch performer. Her fan dance was enticing, but lo and behold her final act! I never thought a Muppet’s song could be so raucous! When she took the stage and began her bopping around in her furry pink get-up, we laughed, but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come. For on one of the “MahNa MahNas,” Miss Von Kitsch showed us the furry part covering her nether region to reveal the mouth of the monster flapping up and down! Tongue and all. Rhe audience was beside themselves in laughter, as one man proclaimed, “THAT WAS FUCKING AMAZING!” A winning performance!
A little surprise was presented when Mark Slomski’s brother Phil Slomski showed up to do some comedic banter and all-in-fun flirting with the ladies. He ended up performing with his better half on his steel drum and assisted our host with his magic card tricks. Miss Skye Sinclaire made a beautiful appearance performing a classy fan dance to the Slomski’s “Over the Rainbow” rendition. She also whipped the audience into shape with her all American number, stomping and saluting to Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman.” I think the audience members wanted a few licks off her Billy club. The bachelor party in attendance seemed to be wanting more.
Another highlight of the evening was the actual performance from Mama Delight. She was impressive as she performed cabaret-like to Chicago’s “When You’re Good to Mama.” This is the kind of burlesque that warrants recognition. She was dazzling as she worked the chair and sashayed on stage. A really nice performance and I look forward to her taking the stage again. It was moving to see her deliver the goods at her own benefit.
“Bountiful Booty” was surely represented by Miss Indy Go-Go. A student of one of the eve’s sponsors, Deanna Danger’s Boom Boom Basics, Indy was not afraid to show off her dance moves or her derriere. Both she and Lottie Ellington really showed some gusto as newcomers to the stage. Her Sheena Easton number was especially cute to watch.
It’s pretty awesome when you buy raffle tickets and win the prize while you’re reviewing the show! I don’t know what I’m going to do with this edible body oil and Brazilian wax from Bombshell Salon, but I’m sure it will be put to good use! The night ended with a heartfelt dedication to Mama Delight and well wishes for her treatment and recovery. Mark Slomski invoked laughs, serenaded the audience, and looked dapper. Miss Skye Sinclaire’s reemergence was gladly welcomed, and her work in fundraising is relevant to this community. As the burlesque scene grows in RVA, it is important to give back as well as bring awareness, and I feel Bouncing Betties does this quite well and with the most important element in live performance: heart.
Written by Lady J
Photographed by Ginger Curry-Richmond
