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The Warrior Showgirl - The Story of Kimberlilly L'amour

7/11/2019

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Sharing a few stories of our amazing performers in this year's festival and this is one of many, that you will see this year at Ohio Burlesque Festival- 
Meet Kimberlilly L'Amour from Lexington, KY

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       When you talk to Kimberlilly, she will strike you as a vibrant woman. Her burlesque journey started in March 2018. Prior to that, she found inspiration with social media through pole and burlesque accounts while she was bedridden fighting cancer. She made herself a promise that after her fight ended she would reclaim her body and femininity, on her terms, in her own way and that is exactly what she did the year of her 50th birthday, with her first show! 

At the age of 47 (July 24th 2015), Kimberlilly L'Amour was diagnosed with Stage 2 Rectal Cancer, During the course of the first part of her fight, she had to undergo multiple chemo/radiation treatments before her scheduled surgery, but on November 11, 2015, she underwent a life threatening medical emergency, but to the surprise of the doctor, she successfully had pulled through. After seeing her life flash in front of her eyes, She made a choice that would alter her life even further as she chose to fully embrace the colostomy bag after some online research. Kimberlilly knew it came with a negative stigma but, she received it with a positive light and took full ownership of it. She did now allow cancer to strip her humanity away.  
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And so she went forward, with a new outlook on life.

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She shared the first time she embraced her new body and life, while on a vacation to Jamaica where had the desire to wear a bikini. She describes the nervousness which turned into a wash of positive energy, along with the neon colored bikini that she unapologetically rocked on that day. She owned her body with pride along with the power of her story and enjoyed a day on the beach along with some dance lessons. The second time, was for her premier burlesque show where she shifted her nervousness into excitement and debuted on her terms.

She excitedly took the stage and when the corset came off, the room fell silent and everyone erupted in applause and she knew she was fully seen. 
Since then Kimberlilly has been performing burlesque for over a year and a half.  

Kimberlilly, as a black woman at the age of 51, she tells us she is still evolving with the relationship with her body, Once she spoke her truth at the age of 27 and told her story of experiencing childhood abuse, she was able to begin the healing process. She describes herself as a grownup kid with some wisdom, who has been here for a while and is focused on healing, growing, living, loving, and inspiring people. She states, “there is still joy amidst the many hardships we all go through. We still smile, laugh, cry, love, and the gift of life after cancer, has helped me to become a better person to myself and everyone around me. 
I’m just a broken vase glueing myself back together with gold”

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The 9th annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival will be her 3rd festival and she is so excited to come to Cleveland to showcase her truth on Friday Night 2nd August at The Beachland Ballroom and we could not be more ecstatic to have her join us this year. 

You can find her on instagram under @cancerwarriorcolostomyqueen 
We are honored to have Kimberlilly L'Amour <3 ​

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Hispanic Heritage Month In Burlesque 2018

9/14/2018

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Latinos have brought their sazon to America with in their artistry, thru out time their collaborations in Music, Art and Theater has been critically acclaim . Now most of ever we are working to shine thru the storms not only to weather it but to inspire others to stand proud of our Latinidad. Burlesque has been no diffrent, Latina legends worked to end discrimination with in the industry that now holds space for latinas thru out, even tho we still have our challenges we continue to build spaces thru latin shows representing our Gente thru out the land. 
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Most recently Perlita Picante produced the show "Azúcar!" In Olympia, WA. 
She states "In short, I wanted to showcase Latin/Hispanic talent, and how different we are even though our cultures are very similar throughout Latin American countries. We're much more than the stereotypical spice and fire, and that we represent a variety of shades, shapes, sizes, ability levels, and taste. At Azúcar, I gave each artist freedom of expression by asking them to bring an act that best represents their own voice. The result was a stage full of diversity, in which many of the attendees (there were many Latinos who hadn't been to a burlesque show before) saw themselves represented through performance art." 


 Across the Country the Hispanic Burlesque Showcase made it's Debut in Denver, Colorado at The Clocktower Cabaret produced by "Cleveland's Burlesque Queen" Bella Sin. She stated " Highlight shows like this need to be brought to places where we might see our gente working thru out shows and we want to inspire them to create spaces where they can be them with out code switching, Diversity in burlesque is still hard to come by and the excuse of having "Not Many People Applying" - "Not that many POC in our city that do burlesque" or what ever excuse they give to not put the work to produce a diverse show needs to stop. This is why shows like these are necessary! You will not give us space? Ok Will make our own"- Bella Sin
The hispanic burlesque showcase on it's second annual show will take place in Cleveland at The Beachland Ballroom November 1st. 

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Hispanic Burlesque Showcase Denver. Cast and Mc Dolly Patron Kittens (non POC)
Producers across the country have been producing shows in representation of the latinx culture with some notable name such as Frankie Elenor, Vivi Valens, Bella Sin and Ruby Rounds to mention a few. After the Latin and Hispanic Burlesque Festival in Orlando this year we see the inspiration of the support of latino culture in burlesque via shows but also some producers and festival understand that Latinx performers are in need now more then ever of platforms to represent, speak and shine on stage.  ​
Dancers like Lola Coquette , Ruby Champagne and 2017 Queen of Burlesque Medianoche inspire hundreds of our gente to continue to represent for our countries every where. 
Our legends of Latin Burlesque paved the way for us to dance thru the door thru the years of working hard thru an industry that almost exclusively booked non poc dancers,
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Legends like Suzette Fontaine whom resides in New York City. 
She had her start as a go-go dancer in the early 1960’s of Puerto Rico to her ballet dancing with a company at Carnegie Hall until 1968 brought her into the world of burlesque at the Playhouse Theater on 42nd St. To avoid the stigma and exclusion facing many Latina and African American dancers of her time, Suzette chose the last name of her favorite English ballerina, Dame Margot Fonteyn, and picked “Suzette” for its French flair. Suggesting a European background, Suzette Fontaine was born and began her career lasting over twenty-five years. 
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She was among Marinka, Julie Mist , Gypsy Louise , Lola Foxx, Gina Bon Bon and The first legend latina legend of the year (BHOF) just to name a few of our latina icons. 
Then and now our identity is complex to people not familiar with latinidad and always bulk us together is on but keep in mind not all of us are from the same country nor speak the same language and many do not understand terms or definitions when it comes to Hispanic, Latinx, Latino, Afro Latino, Mexican and Chicano. 

​Here is a is a the definitions. 


Hispanic - Some one who descends from a spanish speaking country.
Latinx - A gender neutral alternative to latino or latina referring to sone one of
latin american descent.
Latino/Latina - A person of Latin American origin this includes brazil but excludes Spain*
(Not every one does identify as latino/a)
Afro Latino/a - A black person of latino/a or latinx descend with african heritage.
Mexican - A person of Mexican descend
Mexican American / Chicano - A person from Mexican descend (1st or 2nd gen) born in the USA
Burlesqueras are thriving thru out the world, showing everyone que si se puede! 
and so this is the years submissions of our Hispanic Heritage in burlesque! 
Burlesqueros con Orgullo! 
Check out vedettes latinas, latinx, mexicanas, afro latinas and hispanos giving some sazon to the burlesquera movement internationally.
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Mia Maravilla 
Mexican American 
Seattle, WA

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El Toro
Uruguayan  
Toronto, CA



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Delirious Fenix
Latin/Hispanic
Brazil


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Juanita Revolucion 
Afro Latina / Peruvian / Panamanian
Seattle 
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BeBe Gunn 
Mexican 
San Diego, CA

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Regal Mortis
Columbian / Apache 
New York City 

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Jacqueline Hyde
Mexican
Seattle, WA 

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Copper Flame
Panamanian 
Colorado Springs, CO

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Lady Belladonna 
Mexican 
Albuquerque, NM

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Kit Kombat
Mexican / Hispanic 
Albuquerque, NM
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​Name: Freckles Galore
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Heritage: Puerto Rican

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Name: RiRi SynCyr
Location: Portland, Oregon
Heritage: Puerto Rican/Boricuan

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Name: Mitzy Sixx
Location: Seattle, WA
Heritage: Mexican 

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Name: Carmen Caliente
Location: Seattle, WA 
Heritage: Brazilian 

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Name: Candy Bottom
Location: Anchorage Alaska
Heritage: Hispanic

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​Name: Moscato Extatique 
Location: Seattle, WA
Heritage: Mexican-American

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Name: Persephone Pon Farr
Location: Sacramento, CA, USA
Heritage: Mexican

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​Name: Bianca Dagga
Location: New York City
Heritage: Afro-Taino/ Mapuche
​(Afro Puerto Rican/ Chilean)

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Name: Bugalú Boogie
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Heritage: Dominican/Cuban

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Name: Luz de la Concha
​Location: Portland, Oregon
Heritage: Uruguayan-American 

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Name : Egypt Blaque Knyle 
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Heritage: Dominican/ Belizean / Afro Latina

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Name: Bella Sin 
Location: Cleveland, OH
Heritage: Mexican Immigrant
​/ Tarahumara 

Hispanic Heritage in Burlesque 2015
​Hispanic Heritage in Burlesque 2016 
Hispanic Heritage in Burlesque 2017 
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The 8th Annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival Press Release.

7/12/2018

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The 8th Annual International Award-Winning Ohio Burlesque Festival 2017
Contact: 216- 374-4523 - Email: ohioburlesque@gmail.com
Web: www.ohioburlesque.com
Aug 2nd through Aug 4th 2018 - Cleveland, Ohio - The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern

The red carpet will be rolled out as international burlesque stars join together to celebrate eighty seven years of burlesque heritage at The 8th Annual Ohio Burlesque Festival. The festivalʼs motto this year is “Motion is Power” We look to inspire our peers to work toward a common goal of inclusivity and diversity thru activism within and outside the stage which best represents a community that is present and thriving worldwide especially with this year’s charity  IRFT InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Los Niños De Corsos and The Burlesque Hall Of Fame over seventy performers will be included in the three-day festival, which will feature burlesque, vaudeville, sideshow and variety acts. This festival has received a two proclamation from Mayor Frank Jackson, a recognition from The Ohio House of Representatives for its longevity and support of the LGBTQ communities and work with women of color.

Thursday, August 2nd, 2018.
The festival will kick off with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Opener at The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, located at 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio. Showcases will feature burlesque with a touch of comedy. Special feature Miss Holly Grail , Headlining the multi award winning boylesque performer  Tre De’ Mac (Minnesota) and International Producer and Drag King Devon Ayers from Columbus with Ryan Zymbler as host.

Friday, August 3rd, 2018
. The festival continues at The Beachland. Fridayʼs festivities will feature the All Stars, which will give a unique nouveau-burlesque experience that is energetic and notably over-the-top. Friday will be hosted by Ken Schneck with special feature Auralie Wilde from Iowa City, The Nationally awarded Nox Falls from Amarillo joined by International Cleveland Burlesque Queen Bella Sin.

The Saturday Night Gala on August 5th will bring elegance and grace laced with sass, combining a little of everything with a dynamic lineup of performers that are ready to shine. Headlining are international starlet Bunny Buxom (NYC),  The princess of the Latin & Hispanic Burlesque Festival Dahlia Dulce (Minnesota) with Special International Features from Ms B La Rose (Chicago). The evening will be hosted by Ken Schneck.

The festival is filled with Meet & Greets and After parties along with a few surprises.

Tickets are available for a limited time at $50 for the weekend pass. Single day tickets will cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door with VIP and Reserve Tickets Available.
www.ohioburlesque.com - www.beachlandballroom.com

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Ohio Burlesque Festival Release

7/10/2018

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For Immediate Release:
Ohio Burlesque Festival 
ohioburlesque@gmail.com 
216-264-9965

​The 8th annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival will be an official drop off for donations that will benefit the families from Norwalk and Salem affected by the ICE raids in Ohio. We will be working with Los Niños De Corsos and Inner Religious Task force of Central America. 
A donation box will be set outside of The Beachland Ballroom from August 2nd thru August 4th where you can drop off the donations that will be picked up daily to distribute to over 120 families affected.  The Ohio Burlesque Festival is an Immigrant Women Owned Business that will like to help the families of both Norwalk and Salem thru our biggest celebration of the year. 

A wish list of donations is listed below:

Groceries
Rice, Beans, Sugar, Cooking Oil, Cereal, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Juices, Peanut butter, Jam, Tortillas, Canned Goods like soups, Dry foods and cases of water. 

Cleaning supplies
Clorox wipes, Towel Rolls, Dish Soap, Clorox, Laundry Detergent & Fabric Softer. 

Personal Hygiene Products 
Tooth Paste, Mouth Wash, Tooth brushes, Body Soap (Men and Women), Deodorant (Men and Women), Baby Shampoo, Baby body wash, Shampoo and Conditioner. 

Walmart Gift Card, Visa Gift Cards, Master Card Gift Cards for fresh food or produce. 

Other Donations ​

Gently used Baby Clothing size 3 months to 12 months 
Diapers size 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Clothing size 12 and 14 for little girls
Boys Clothing all sizes

Cash donations accepted at La Plaza Tacos on Lakewood Heights Blvd. 

Donations can be given via IRTF website 
Make A Donation 
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Performers of Color You Need to Know!

1/22/2018

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“I’m black, I’m dark and I’m f**king beautiful,” -actress Michaela Coel

 Foward by Briq House - 

Performers of Color in Burlesque present some of the most electrifying, awe-inspiring, binary gender defying, blood pressure raising, stigma-challenging, body positive performance art you'll see in a Cabaret setting. A person who is not of color experiencing a performing artist of color in action may only notice our style and physicality, but there is so much more to behold for those who pay attention. To understand what's happening onstage, one would need to take into consideration the mental and spiritual fortitude it requires to be a person of color in a world that hates you, and wants to see you dead, dying, or suffering.  A world that sees you as undesirable, disposable, and unworthy of love or celebration in any form. Every time a Performer of Color sets foot on a stage, we are bringing thousands of our ancestors with us. In addition to gifting us with supernatural talent and abilities, our resilient genetics also carry the trauma from the past injustices dealt to our people. This beautifully complex combination of things is etched into our bones and flowing through our veins.  ​

When you gaze upon our skin and revel at our undeniable beauty, don't forget that once we leave that stage, we go back out into the real world. It is not enough to love us only when we are entertaining you. We need you to love us when it's time to vote; bills and legislature are being passed that will directly harm our communities. We need you to love us at your local community housing meetings when you have the chance to fight for and create affordable housing; millions of artists are being displaced because of gentrification.
We need you to love us when we speak out about the ways we are being harmed in the world, and believe us the first time we say it. 

Police brutality, environmental racism, and institutional racism are still major problems we deal with every day, even if when you don't  see it in the headlines.  We need you to love us as whole people because it is as whole people we present ourselves to you.

Ms.Briq House
Creator/Producer of The Sunday Night Shuga Shaq: An All People of Color Burlesque Revue
IG/Twitter @Ms.briqhouse 

Nox Falls 
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Jessabelle Thunder
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Ashleeta Beauchamp 
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Poison Ivory 

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Po'Chop
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Jet Noir

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The Incredible Eatable Akynos 
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​Sailem
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Briq House
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Foxy Tann 
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Red Bone 
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​Sydni Deveraux 
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Ray Gunn

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Josephine Shaker
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Kiki La Chanteuse
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Namii

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Jeez Loueez
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Lola Le Soleil
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Mr. Tuesday

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Horchata Dentana
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The Irresistible O

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Shimmy La Roux

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Cece Noir

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Mone't  Ha- SIdi

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Alotta Boutte

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Egypt Blaque Kyle

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spice!

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Isaiah Esquire

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Tre Da Marc

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Keena Buttah

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Perle Noir 

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Hispanic Heritage Month in Burlesque 2017

9/10/2017

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They had a different way of dancing, a mystifying rhythm that was different from everyone else’s.

The Latin rhythm takes hold of you as soon as you hear the beat and here they come, these grand costumed Vedettes doing the cha cha or the mambo on stage. They glide, bump and grind, holding you in their grip for the whole number, leaving you filled with an infectious happiness.

This is what we felt watching this year's Titan's of Burlesque Showcase at the 60th Annual Reunion at Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender.

The Latina Legends Performing and Walking were:
Suzette Fontaine
Marinka
Julie Mist
Gypsy Louise
Lola Foxx
Viva La Fever
Gina Bon Bon

Latina Legends are amazing women who brought their culture to America and became stars of the burlesque stages all over the world, paving the way for hundreds of Mexicanas, Latinas, Latinx, Hispanas and Afro Latinas to dance thru those doors. These are Legends like Ezi Rider, Kitten Natividad, Gina Bon Bon, Di Alba, Gypsy Louise, Lola Foxx, Viva La Fever, Marinka, Julie Mist & Suzette Fontaine here in America.
In Mexico, Lyn May, Princesa Yamal, Olga Breeskin and Wanda Seux reigned from the 60s to the late 70s and have been revived in the Netflix documentary Beauties of The Night. These unapologetic Latinas and Mexicanas set off to conquer the market everywhere they went with lavishly bright and beautiful costumingand with the flavor of our gente, which made them an absolute joy to watch.

Marinka
The Queen of The Amazons

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Marinka was born in Havana,.
At 78, Marinka, the 6’ foot statuesque sweetheart, is currently living in Las Vegas, NV.
A daughter of Spanish citizens, her and her family immigrated to the U.S. 8 months after Castro took over Cuba. She remembers Castro’s revolution happening in her teenage years, which led her to hold on to her spaniard traditions, specially through the uncertain political times in Cuba. Quite protective of the 19 year old statuesque Marinka, her parents, originally from Sevilla, would reminisce the celebrations of La Cruz de Mayo, one of the few times she could dance and enjoy the beautiful music and food before the darker days came.

Marinka immigrated to New York City in 1959, encouraged by her father who passed in 1958.  “He knew what was coming”, she states in a low voice, so her and her family called New York City their home, never to return to Cuba.

She entered a beauty pageant that won her a spot in the Powder Puff Revue, where she was paid the handsome sum of $125 for four days of work. This was quite a surprise to the young factory worker who usually earned $36 for a 40 hour work week.

She recounts that in the old days, “they hired you because you had a good act”. She says “as a white passing performer, they never thought I was latina”. People could not pinpoint her heritage completely but there was always an atmosphere of discrimination towards women of color. She states that “the black women got horrible treatment in some theaters. We helped protect them but sometimes if was not enough”. She adds that “if you were latina, they made you work quite harder to have success”. Remembering Yolanda Moreno, a dancer who was famous in her time and achieved great success as a feature, she recalls using songs like Perez Prado’s Cerejos Rojas and Besame Mucho by Consuelo Velasquez. Marinka has a lot of love for Mexican culture, specially La Doña Maria Felix, a staple of the golden era of cinema in Mexico, and mentions meeting her a few times during her lifetime, dearly describing the Doña as a fashion icon.
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While Marinka had no intention of starting in burlesque, she saw in it an opportunity to make ends meet. After the pageant a friend took her to an agent, who piqued her interest with a higher paycheck, one that could help her and her family. Once she became a full time burlesque performer, she was paid $250 to start. 

She was in burlesque 35 years and traveled all over the world from United States, Mexico, Europe and The Middle East. She never really thought of retirement as things changed and work became less, she never says "You can't never leave something you love so much" 
She attended in what we all refer to the goat farm "Exotic World Reunion" and still is how called "Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender". 
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She never thinks of age or limitations, She goes and says "This is who i am, this is what i bring you and this is what she does" Marinka The Amazon now is working on a biography now as a book. 

She leaves our latin community with these words 
"Burlesco is something you feel, is theater, is a beautiful thing, is something that in her time was a marble and it took you every where you wanted to go. Knowing now of days the market is small but thanks to all of us new kids that are continuing the traditions she is grateful because it still existing and so are the legends."
Marinka says Thank you to every one that is wonderful and has so much to offer. 
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 “I grew up in an immigrant neighborhood. We just knew the rule was you’re going to have to work twice as hard.” -Lin Manuel Miranda​

The celebration of our heritage is going to reach fantastic and glittery heights this January. The first annual International Latin and Hispanic Burlesque Festival is about to take place and we have the scoop below!
The International Latin and Hispanic Burlesque Festival 
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Currently Latinas have been experiencing a rise in representation, which they are usually lacking. This year The First Annual Latin and Hispanic Burlesque Festival is due to take place in Orlando at The Venue on January 12th and 13th of 2018. It was originally set to take place in September 2017, during Latino Heritage Month, but had to be moved due to hurricane Irma.

This Festival seeks to provide a new space for Mexicanas, Latinas, Latinx, Afro Latinas and Hispanics in the burlesque industry where they usually lack representation. We sat down with festival producer Lily LeCroix to learn more about it!



We asked Lily about her motivation to create the Latin and Hispanic Burlesque Festival
and she stated "I started this festival as a way to celebrate all Latinx/Mexicanas/ Afro Latinas and Hispanic Burlesque performers. When I started burlesque I did not see a festival catered to mi gente or even burlesque shows ". Her first venture in 2014 was a Latin Burlesque Festival in Dallas which was successful. Due to unfortunate events she launched a completely different venture in her new state of Florida. Since the Latin Burlesque Festival there have been a few small all latina/latinx produced shows such as De Colores Cabaret, produced by Ruby Rounds and the Hispanic Burlesque Showcase, produced by Bella Sin, along with a few others in 2016 and 2017, but they are still few and far in between.

Lily expects to bring a renewed visibility and recognition for our Latin and Hispanic Burlesque legends given that it was hard for them to be visible as Latinas back in their time as well as visibility and recognition for our present and future burlesqueros in this industry and hopes are strong that it will spread to other industries.
It's the first annual INTERNATIONAL LATIN AND HISPANIC BURLESQUE FESTIVAL!
This festival is an international celebration of the Latinx and Hispanic culture with a splash of sex appeal! I'm very proud of this festival. It’s a family reunion!

Headliners are:
Lola Coquette, Bella Sin, Bianca Dagga and Burlesque Legend Julie Mist. Let's get to know a bit about them and the producer.

PictureLola Coquette
Lola claims Mexicana, Sonoran Yaqui, and Sur Americana Mix. I have an extensive background in various forms of Latin American dance, from Latin Ballroom to Mexican Folklore, Brazilian Samba, Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, and Tex Mex. Thanks to my diverse ethnic background I grew up being fluent and educated in five languages- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French and being very educated on Latino History I have not only been a burlesque performer for five years but also an instructor, and when I teach a class, I bring in Latin culture not only through physical dance movement but the langue and history associated which each type unique dance. 

I feel when I first started burlesque, there were few references to Latino(a) performers unless you look at old grind house movies. Even burlesque history and pin-up culture were very whitewashed. As I started to delve into burlesque I fell in love with discovering our Latina Legends & pioneers and have even fortunate enough to have them share their stories with me and guide me. Growing up in Nogales, Arizona, I never quite felt like I fit in to either Mexican or "American" culture. I played in a Mariachi but also in punk band. I danced ballet Folklorico but also classic ballet, contemporary and jazz on the high school pomline. I was too "white-washed" for the traditional Mexican community but too "Mexican" for American culture. I spent so much time trying to assimilate to white culture and deny my roots. Burlesque has brought my back to having orgullo for my cultures and my ethnic backgrounds. I love that I can blend it in with classic bump and grind, neo or comedy to offer it to my audiences. I feel as every performance I am blessed with, I am given a chance not only to know another layer of my as a burlesque performer but as representative of my culture. All this has given me a spotlight and a stage to educate and promote our culture and bring up questions of ethnic/culture/social issues. And nothing more could solidity this growth than by winning the Best Representation of Latin Culture at the 2014 Latin Burlesque Festival and being published in Latin Magazine September 2014 Issue.  ​

PictureBella Sin - Xochiquetzal
Bella Sin is hailing originally from Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, Bella Sin is a proud Mexican-Immigrant woman who holds the honor of being named “One Of Cleveland's Most Interesting People 2011” along with the run running tittle of “Cleveland Burlesque Queen”.  She has been the Executive Producer of the Ohio International Burlesque Festival for its entire 8 years, and is the owner of the long running Le Femme Mystique Burlesque.  She was also the Director of Logistics for the Cleveland Pride Parade and Festival “Cle4Women Rally” in 2013.

Sin is an activist, instructor, historian, actress, and philanthropist - and is known throughout northeastern Ohio for revitalizing local Burlesque. Her achievements and credentials have been praised in numerous publications and the “All That Glitters’ documentary on burlesque.  Besides being a dancer, Sin is also a model, LGBTQ community volunteer, and teacher – inspiring an array of aspiring dancers and performers. She is honored to have had her premiere project; the Ohio International Burlesque Festival officially recognized by both civic and state officials.  Sin works diligently to promote, grow, and save Burlesque history in the rustbelt region of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Detroit.

PictureBianca Dagga
Bianca is an Afro/ indigenous Puerto Rican and indigenous Chilena, culturally raised Nuyorican. My mother's side is from the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico and my father's side is Mapuche, (indigenous from the Andean mountains of Chile.) it is so important to me to stay true to my roots in my performances. I use aspects of my latin upbringing in every act. Aspects such as dance influence, rhythmic movements, that certain fuego in my presence, and hip gyrations. The hip gyrations and undulations is often perceived to be a sexual gesture especially in burlesque but in my Puerto Rican culture, it is part of the custom to dance like that, even at young prepubescent ages.  In Latin culture dance is a means to tell stories, and it is the same with burlesque. I won Princess Of Latin Burlesque at the Latin Burlesque Festival with a tribute act to my Nuyorican roots. Growing up with my abuela and abuelo they would play boogaloo which is a fusion of Puerto Rican salsa and american soul & r&b music of the 50's and 60's. That originated when musicians from Puerto Rico came to New York in the 50s and found the r&b and jazz clubs in Harlem and naturally the collaboration of both genres was born. Right now I am working on creating a Bomba act. Bomba is another genre of music from Puerto Rico. It is traditional heavy percussion based music that is a call and response between the drummers and dancer. It is a spiritual and political release/ expression that originated when enslaved Africans in Puerto Rico used the style of music and dance as a means of rebellion and uprising as well as celebration and to create identity and community. In the future I would love to do a tribute performance for my Mapuche Chilean side. There is incredible music and stories that originate in that culture. I have spent a lot of time at Pow Wows learning about my dad's people of the Andes, as well as listen to his stories of his time there. I'm excited to represent my Hispanic culture not only in every day life, but in burlesque!

PictureLegend Julie Mist
After emigrating to the US from Havana and settling in New York, the Fabulous Julie Mist claims to be the Latin from Manhattan. She began her career in the Catskill Mountains and toured throughout the US and Canada until she settled as the feature act in the famed Club Juana for 12 years, where she and her four backup dancers headlined the show, appearing with such legends as Sally Rand, Tempest Storm, Fannie Foxe, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tiny Tim, and Chubby Checker.

​She always choreographed her own shows, and after leaving the Club Juana in 1988 went on to feature in clubs and theaters in Miami. She finished her career in Zurich, Switzerland in 1991 at the Terrasse Night Club.

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Hosted by Nelson Lugo 

Nelson Lugo, The Charming Trickster, is a magician, raconteur, former ringmaster for the Big Apple Circus, retired burlesque impresario and burgeoning grifter. Known for heartfelt illusions and wry vaudevillian honesty he is a noted and celebrated performer in the underground NYC and East Coast cabaret scene. He co-created “Vaudeville Nouveau” that ran for two years. He also co-created "EPIC WIN Burlesque” that provided pop-culture inspired entertainment that ran for four years. Operating from his vision - Nelson, alongside a small team of dedicated producers, created the very first Nerdlesque Festival. He has written three solo shows and is writing a series of steampunk inspired children's books.

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About ​Lily LeCroix

Lily LeCroix is the "Caribbean Mamasita of Burlesque". This fireball is the producer of No Mija Productions. She is also the Executive Director for Fuego Danza Company

Lily has had a love affair with dance and performance since she was old enough to shake her hips!  Her training on stage started with The Caribbean Dance Company Of The Virgin Islands.  Her first love was Bellydancing, then Cabaret Burlesque which she began back in 1999. Lily has perfected her performances as her love affair with the Art of Burlesque flourished in 2013. She has studied as a “faux queen” (a female “drag queen”) where she learned all the stage secrets of over-the-top glamour. She is also the creatrix for LeCroix Creations. She is always surrounded by feathers or rhinestones designing one of a kind Headdresses, Feather Backpacks and much more!
Lily is fluent in both Spanish and English.
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Feel free to contact her at LatinandHispanicBurlyFestival@gmail.com



Burlesqueros con Orgullo! 
Check out vedettes latinas, latinx, mexicanas, afro latinas and hispanos giving some sazon to the burlesquera movement internationally.  From Brazil, Argentina to Mexico, Canada and all over the United States burlesqueras are out representing in a fantastic way! 
Lorelei - ​Chilean
Toronto
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Lorelei is Toronto’s exotic, erotic and hypnotic Latina bombshell. Dressed in glamorous Golden Age inspired costumes, her performances combine the high energy of rock and roll, old school bump ‘n’ grind with a dash of spicy Latin flavour.


Vivi Valens - Mexican American 
Chicago
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Born and raised in South Texas, Ms. Valens is a 4th generation Mexican-American. Both of her parents are decedents of Mexican, Indigenous, and French lineage. Vivi's performance aesthetic is inspired by the classic, sultry vixens of the 50's and 60's.
​When she is not day dreaming about pet ownership or reading up on design theory you can find her performing across the city of Chicago. She's a spicy dish leaving you hungry for more, The Tex-Mex Minx, Vivi Valens.


Honey Hula-la - Biracial Mexican/European
Dallas
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Born in Chicago, the 1st American born child of her family. She was raised with her father's side of the family in a strict Catholic home. She grew up all over Mexico & the USA with different family members of diverse backgrounds. She began Polynesian dance training in 2000 while attending college in Mexico City. She moved back to the USA at 23 and continued her dance career with several Polynesian dance troupes in the DFW.

Dee Dee D'Luxe - First generation Salvadorean-American 
Denver
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​I was born and raised and Los Angeles California then came to Colorado and I was 10 so that my parents could give me and my sister a better life. Dancing has always been a passion of mine from ballet to Jazz to hip-hop Bachata and Merengue. I love it all. I'm new to the burlesque scene but feels like it's where I needs to be. I love to be able to tell story through my costumes and routines on that stage.my only regret is I didn't do it sooner

Eva Mystique - Mexican 
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC born and bred. I'm a first generation Chicana on my father's side; I'm a proud mix of indengnous Mexican and Black American. I've been performing burlesque for most 3 years, belly dancing for over a decade, and am a professional fire dancer and hula hooper. I've toured the country performing with erotic variety shows and I setting DC on fire with my bruja magic and passionate dancing, expressive sensual dance interpretation.

Perlita Picante - Guayaquil, Ecuador
Olympia, WA​
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Perlita Picante, a sassy Guayaquileña living in Olympia, WA, had already been fascinated by Las Gatitas de Porcel, Iris and Lourdes Chacón since she was a kid. Seeing the Seattle Academy of Burlesque's recital made her fall madly in love with this art and has ran with it ever since; Perlita thus made her debut on November of 2010. In 2011, she co-founded Rock Candy Burlesque in Olympia with 5 other local performers, where she proudly served until 2016. Perlita performs regularly in her local scene, but is also on a journey as a solo artist with a mission to bring her own brand of saucy, electrifying performances to stages around the country in representation of Latin culture. She’s eclectic and classic with a dash of Latin spice, she’s Olympia’s Mamacita, La Hot Perlita Picante! ​

Victoria Cold Heart - Ecuadorian 
Ecuador 
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​Victoria is one of the first burlesque performers in Ecuador. She started in 2012 when this kind of art was not know in her country. She has performed her burlesque fan dance all over her country in many different kinds of events from rock-a-billy to gothic ones. But she is yet to perform in other countries.

Melani Khandroma- Puerto Rican 
Madison, WI
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Melani Is a 25 years old   burlesque performer from Madison Wisconsin. She is a passionate Puerto Rican that pays tribute to her roots. Her family has Taíno ancestry which were the indigenous people from the Caribbean. We have a very rich culture that my family embraces, researches, and celebrates.

Spicy Magnolia - Mexico 
​Mexico City
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Magnolia is a Mexican performer, creator of the burlesque company "curvy magnolias burlesque show" the focus of our shows is to do it through a corporal and feminist empowerment. 

Lucy May - Mexicana
Los Angeles 
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​Born in Mexico and raised in San Diego California, Lucy is the daughter of immigrant parents. This Mamacita has been dancing and performing from a very young age. Whether it was folkloric or choir or choreographing during her free time. She's always had a love for performance and entertaining people.
As a Queer Chicana artist Lucy found love and inspiration in Burlesque seven years ago. Through burlesque, she lives her dream of being a performer and through the art of tease reclaimed her body in more ways than one. It has been a healing and growing experience for her and she hopes to continue celebrating her heritage and love for the arts with the rest of the world.

Gordita Maricona - Puerto Rican 
Richmond, VA
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​Performing for a little over one year, 26 years old biracial with she/her pronouns originally from Fredericksburg, VA, all about fat positivity and story telling through striptease.

Eva Ziegfield - Mexican 
Los Angeles 
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Eva Ziegfield is the sky scraper of burlesque and master of all things glamour and camp.
She is also the winner of Burlypicks International Legend's Award 2017.

Candy Bottom - Hispanic 
Anchorage, Alaska
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She is sugar and spice and everything nice! Candy Bottom is a shy and quiet kind of girl, but don’t let that sweet smile fool you. Once she hits that stage she will show you what a voluptuous vixen she can be! Her passion for burlesque has taken her on many adventures across the states. She plans on taking many more adventures to far off, exotic places. She is working on bringing more of her Hispanic heritage to the stage in her upcoming performances! So keep an eye out for “The sweetest ass-et to come out of Alaska”

Perla Foxxx - Mexican, German and English
Albuquerque, NM
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​Reigning from the southwest Perla has been performing burlesque for 5 years. Founder of Dirty Deeds burlesque and co producer she brings live music and burlesque together under one roof. She is 5'feet tall but dont let her small size fool you because she is TNT is small package and everyones favorite cochina.

Copper Flame - Panamanian 
Colorado Springs, CO
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Member of Southern Colorado's Burlesque Super Troupe, Peaks and Pasties. "The Little Firecracker with a BIG BANG!"

Carmen Ghia - Chicana 
Denver 
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Carmen Chia, a little sporty, a little classy, a little cheap and a little trashy

Mitzy Sixx - Chicana 
Seattle
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Since her debut at Bacon Strip (2008), Mitzy Sixx has left audiences screaming, laughing, and a little confused at times (on purpose). She's had the pleasure of working with The Atomic Bombshells, Smooches & Science, Stripped Screw, and Unnatural Redhead Productions. Mitzy regularly performs in Seattle & Portland, but has also performed in Las Vegas, L.A., and Missoula, MT. She attacks the stage with bravado, aggression, & carnality...and being a new mom isn't gonna stop her.

Luz de la Concha - Uruguayan-American
Portland, OR
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With roots in the most southern reaches of South America, Luz de la Concha revels in a striking narrative style inspired by magical realism, shape shifting, and rebellion.

Chairmyn Meow - Puerto Rican / Cuban
Denver, CO 
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She is internationally traveled and awarded. One third of Trifecta the Collective full representation of POC, all abilities and queerness. Awarded Master of Tassels in Co regional Burly Picks, sashed multiple times at the 2016 Edmonton Burlesque Festival. 

Dahlia Dulce - Mexican 
​Minneapolis 
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Dahlia Dulce is known as the Hot Tamale of the Twin Cities. This Leggy Latina brings her Mexican heritage to the stage, paying homage to her mother and grandmother’s legacy of traditional dance. She always brings her own brand of spicy striptease to the stage.

Nikita Bonita - Hispanic 
​Seattle 
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This sexy pint sized senorita is Nikita Bonita! She may be small but is 99 pounds of dynamite! She got her start in Peaks and Pasties and has been a burlesquer, actor, entertainer & model for over 8 years! Since then she has also been dancer for the punk band, the Mostly Don'ts, as a part of the group the Dancing Don'ts. She is known for becoming a strong character on stage, so you never know what you will we next!


​Venus De Folie - Hispanic 
​Albuquerque, New Mexico
Venus de Folie Is the hoopstress of New Mexico, combining hoop skills and burlesque. She is a member of Dirty Deeds Burlesque and CoProducer with Unicorn Productions; "creating burlesque magic in the Land of Enchantment."
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Lola Love - Afro Mexicana
Honolulu HI
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Co-Pioneer of the neon burlesque revitalization in Hawaii. Created the first neo burlesque troupe in the state. Performer & Producer. Director of Programming for BurlyCon.

Frida Fondle - Peruvian 
Olympia, Washington

She's Frida Fondle, but expensive to take home! Originally from Lima, Peru, Frida is a graduate of Miss Indigo Blue's Academy of Burlesque. She co-founded Olympia's Own Tush! burlesque in 2009, where she performed on the stages of The South Sound until 2013, when she semi-retired her performing to complete her Master Degree, and a subsequent career in Public Administration. She has been emceeing for Rock Candy Burlesque on a semi regular basis since 2014 and became an official troupe member in early 2017. Frida recently emceed an all Latin Review, De Colores Canaret, in Portland, Oregon. Frida is embracing this new found way of connecting to the audience and enjoying a continued way being a part of the burlesque community.
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May Hemmer - Puerto Rican, Afro Latina, Cherokee
​North Carolina 
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May Hemmer is "The Sassiest Thing in New Orleans" and the "Cocoa Barbie". Having called New Orleans home for so long, she now lives in North Carolina and is a member of the Discordia Dames burlesque troupe. She is also the reigning Miss Montreal Burlesque.

Egypt Blaque Knyle -Belizean/Dominican
Los Angeles 
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​Egypt Blaque Knyle is an Award Winning Professional Dancer, Model, Actress and Business Woman, whose been dancing since the age of four. She has traveled the world with many dance company’s and celebrity artist. Egypt was employed by Disney foryears performing in a host of shows such as The Lion King. She was the principal dancer in the Chocolate Nutcracker, playing the Egyptian Queen and the Snake Queen also playing Nefertiti and Hepseptsut in a production called Queens of the Nile Now.
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Egypt has worked in the naughty entertainment field for many years exotic dancing worldwide as a Headliner. Now embarking on a new journey Egypt debuted herfirst Neo Burlesque routine “The Question of You” in the Monday Night Tease Exotic
Titty Prince Review after graduating from the Lili’s School for Wayward Girls in 2012.



Sweetie Bird- Brazilian latino-americana
Las Vegas, NV​
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One of the pioneer burlesque performers in Brazil, Sweetie Bird is a nerd with a passion for seeking knowledge everywhere. A peruser of pop cliches of every era, she has studied a variety of dance styles to acquire a well founded movement repertoire. Researching burlesque with a continued focus on understanding the history and dynamics of the art form, Sweetie Bird embodies in an unique way the differences and similarities between Brazil and North American cultures. Co-founder of the first burlesque collective in Brazil - The Burlesque Takeover, Sweetie Bird has been performing all over her native country since December 2006 and more recently in Las Vegas, where she now resides. Sweetie Bird focuses mainly on neo-burlesque, nerdlesque and cabaret, but also dabbles in more Classic style using comedy and choreography as storytelling tools.


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Our Past Lists of Latinas in Burlesque below

Latino Heritage in Burlesque 2015
Latino Heritage in Burlesque 2016




Writing Credit 
Bella Sin 

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Glitter Up and Aim To Tease

7/26/2017

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The Ohio Burlesque Festival and The Cleveland Burlesque Academy have programed a full Saturday of learning for all levels of burlesque industry professionals and aficionados of the art. Interested in leveling up your performer game or just getting your feet wet in or just fun with friends. This ecdysiast education schedule has been carefully crafted with YOU in mind. 

Classes are to be hosted at The Host Hotel Hyatt Arcade in the lower level meeting room Kaiser, 
All classes accept cash/card due upon entry and pre registration is suggested by not required. 
There is a limited amount of room in each class* 

All instructors are industry professionals that are coming from both international & international locations to participate in the annual festival. These classes are opened to the public. 
Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade
420 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Lower Level - Kaiser Room
*You will be required to sign a liability release per class*

Ecdysiast Education Schedule
RSVP on Facebook

 9:00AM - 10:00AM        -LGBTQ PANEL
This panel is focused on out LGBTQ members of the burlesque industry, the participants will talk about their experiences with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community and what we allies can do to help build their safe space in this industry.
Free

9:00AM - 10:00AM        -Choreography in 5, 6, 7, 8
Ruthe Ordare has been a choreographer for over 16 years and have choreographed 5 full-length musicals. This class will be lecture based containing much needed information, tips and tricks to the choreography you need to leave up.
$20

10:00AM - 11:00AM        -Rock & Roll Burlesque Choreography
Lilly Rascal ringing her energetic rock and roll burlesque to the stage and the studio. With over 10 years of dance and acting experience under her skirt she drives to bring an interesting and different experience to the world of burlesque.
$15

10:00AM- 11:00AM         -Boylesque 101
Bobby Barnaby has been captivating audiences across the united states, In this boylesque 101 class you will learn tips from a season showman.
$20

11:00PM - 12:00PM        -Yes You Can Can Can
Red Velvet’s Yes, you can cancan! Learn cancan basics! We will start with a full body, gentle, warm up; move into traditional barre work to strengthen our legs and core; practice across the floor cancan movements and turns and learn basic cancan kick series. We will end the class with some gentle stretches. Wear comfortable clothes and low-heeled shoes such as ballet slippers or jazz shoes. We will learn these movements and a begin a simple cancan dance choreography.
$10

11:00AM - 12:30PM        -Burlesque Hair & Make-Up
Hazel Honeysuckle Makeup and hair are integral parts of the burlesque or pinup look. What are the differences between a look for a night out on the town and one made for the stage? What changes should you make to your face for a photoshoot? This class will focus on the specific needs of stage and modeling makeup. We will also go over wigs, vintage looks from different eras, and tips for great glitter application. Students may bring any wigs that they would like advice on styling.
$20


12:00PM - 1:00PM         -Musicology
Subpar Studios
$10

12:30PM - 1:30PM        -Assels
Egypt Blaqk Knyle take the fuck it up challenge with this assel class, Learn techniques to move your glutes in a whole new way.  
$20

1:00PM - 2:00PM        -Tassels
Dimples Diamond teaches you a fun new skill that is a cheeky burlesque staple.
$10

1:30PM - 2:30PM        -POC Panel
This panel is focused on performers of color of the burlesque industry, the participants will talk about their experiences with the panel and it will be moderated by three key performers of color.
Free

2:30PM - 3:30PM        -Bodyography and Floor Work
Danielle St Velvet in this energetic dance and movement class you will learn the secrets to flawless floorwork and stage presentation.
$20

3:00PM -5:00PM        - Cover Girl Model Coaching
Simona Signoret will go over basic modeling 101. This will include some do’s and don’ts in front of the lens, posing, expression, and how to communicate with the photographer so you are getting the images you want! The second hour, Simona will put your newfound skills to the test with a mini photo shoot with couching during your shooting time. Each participant will receive one high resolution photo from their shoot to then be able to use out in the world!
$22

3:30PM - 4:30PM        -Psychology of Tease
Cherry Pop Purr brings her classic style and modern fun to the table with this character discovery workshop.Using psychology of movement techniques gained through her training she  will guide you as you enhance your clarity of intent through movement. The burlesque walk, the magic of angles, small reveals, facial expressions and how you use your eyes tell your viewer a lot. We will utilize these tools (and more) to discover the fine details of your personna and help you to further develop it through your own personal style of movement. Students should bring a comfie pair of heels, long gloves and wear a skirt or dress. Bring a note book for notes!
$20

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More Then A Show....A five year travel journal - By Red Velvet

7/25/2017

1 Comment

 
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I am so excited to be coming back to the Ohio Burlesque Festival (OBF) for my fifth year in a row! Yes, five! Why, you may ask? Is Cleveland that exciting? (Cleveland is nice, but I do love my San Francisco home so much more.) So why?


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Well, it’s the festival and the festival production team. Let me count the ways…
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​First of all, Bella Sin and her production team make the festival both interesting and inclusive. I am never bored at the shows, the acts are always diverse, and the performers are also diverse. The OBF shows promote burlesque and the burlesque community – in all its shapes, sizes, colors, sexualities -- all of it! Every year at the festival I see performances that are innovative and unexpected! I love that!
The headliners are always amazing and OBF tries to select headliners and featured artists from previous Ohio Burlesque Festival performers. (I was very excited to be a featured performer in the 2016 festival!) Second, is appreciation. 
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The OBF production team makes efforts to appreciate the performers, provide quality, reduced rate lodging; provide quality gift bags with gifts and discounts we can easily use – including local sightseeing, free cupcakes, coupons from the festival vendors, and more. Plus, we get into all the shows during the festival for free. And we aren’t just appreciated by the producer. Bella Sin and her team work tirelessly to make sure burlesque is recognized and appreciated. Last year, the festival was recognized with a proclamation from Cleveland’s City Mayor Frank Jackson, a Scroll from the City Council and a Letter of Recognition from the State of Ohio House of Representatives. It is pretty amazing to be that appreciated by the city and the state… for taking off our clothes… (artistically, of course). 
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Third, the festival is growing, becoming more polished, adding more amenities. If things don’t work or there are ways to make them work better, the OBF production team makes efforts to make changes and better accommodate the performers and the show. Performers keep getting more amazing, the vendors are interesting and affordable, and the venue is cool and historic. This year there are classes, which is an exciting addition! Yay learning! 

Fourth, the festival is also used as a mechanism to appreciate and celebrate the local activist community. Every year there are awards and recognitions given during the festival to local activists and local groups that celebrate the diverse work that is being done in the Cleveland community to support different groups and ultimately provide benefits to the community as a whole. It is thoughtful, inclusive, and shows appreciation for an amazing group of people who work to make the world a better place. 


And finally – everything else. Like other festivals, there are friendships made, chances to meet with others in the burlesque community, drink, eat, shop at vendors, sightsee in the city – all the fun things that you can do with your time. But, this is mostly about what makes the Ohio Burlesque Festival special… So, if you have not been, I recommend it – whether it is to attend, to volunteer, to apply – it is just an amazing experience and not quite like any other festival I have attended. I hope to see you there!

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Red Velvet

Red Velvet, a life-long dancer, has performed extensively in musical theatre, performed throughout California, has studied and performed dance in New York, and has toured internationally. She has taught dance to adults and children. Ms. Velvet currently performs with several groups in the San Francisco Bay area. She is also a prolific choreographer, and can frequently be seen performing solo work at the Elbo Room in San Francisco or the Hubba Hubba Review at the Uptown in Oakland. Red Velvet also co-produces a monthly show, DIVA or Die Burlesque and is artistic director of the cab can troupe The Velvettes.
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Follow my "Proverbs for the Day" at facebook, or get them a month at a time on my blog at http://redvelvetburlesque.wordpress.com

Image Curtesy of Eric Paul Owens & Bob Perkoski.

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Tassels A Twirling at The Ohio Burlesque Festival!

7/23/2017

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On August 3rd thru 5th at The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in the Waterloo Arts District, The 7th Annual International Ohio Burlesque Festival is ready to Twirl, Whirl, Shake and Shimmy down The Land with non stop energetic performances from international, national and local performers.
Let's Met A Few 

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OD Kimani - Madison, WI

His stage presence is electrifying, The energy omitted by this boylesquer is absolutely bewitching. Hailing from Madison he has been performing for only a year but has over a decade of theater, dance and cabaret.

​"Truly a sight to be seen on stage, my heart stops every time he performs" - Mercury Stardust Deville 


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Pearl Necklace - ​Raleigh, NC

Effortless elegance is what is best to describe Miss Pearl that is only been performing for a year but has left a everlasting impression in the burlesque industry with her siren like voice and sultry dancing. 



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Helvetica Bold - Ottawa Canada

When smart, witty and sexy meet you get the 
​unstoppable glamorous comedienne! 
She founded Rockalily Burlesque in Ottawa, 
since she has been hitting the Canada and 
The State giving you the science of the tease!

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May Hemmer - New Orleans 

She is known as the Sassiest Thing in New Orleans and she is the Cocoa Barbie herself. This starlet is been touring the country slaying the stage with the NOLA flavor we all love. 

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Leopard Lass - Australia 

LeopardLass has blazed a fiery trail. Starting on the aerial hoop, her performances have always paid homage to the circus, more specifically, the traveling sideshow of days gone by. Trust us when we say you are going to be very impressed by her talent. 

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Broody Valentino - Brooklyn NYC

This beautiful Cuban performer is always bring the soul and the passion of his culture with him when he step onto the stage. We are in for a fantastic treat! 

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Nox Falls - Amarillo TX

The energy this performer puts on stage is not only overwhelmingly excited but she keeps you captivated with the slightest movement. 

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This is just Seven of the 70+ entertainers coming to The Ohio Burlesque Festival 
Aug 3rd thru 5th at The Beachland Ballroom. 
Check out all our performers on our social medias, More importantly get your tickets! 
This year is going to be a glittering good time!
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Check out our Instagram @ohioburlesquefestival 
Twitter @ohioburlesque
Facebook Fan Page Ohio Burlesque 
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Burlesqueras Invade Cleveland on Cinco De Mayo

4/21/2017

1 Comment

 
Ohio Burlesque / Le Femme Mystique Burlesque have created a show to promote Hispanic, Latina, Mexican, Latinx and Afro Latina Burlesqueras that are coming to invade Cleveland's Beachland Ballroom on Cinco de Mayo. We are getting to know these fantastic women and their stories. 

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Name: Lola Coquette,
​The Sweetheart of the Southwest
Location: Portland, Oregon
Heritage: Mexicana, Yaqui y Brazileira


I have been performing the art of the striptease for nearly six years but did not come life until I started traveling out of Arizona a few years back. The irony of performing in a mostly Hispanic state, is that are only a handful of "brown and out" performers representing here. Traveling allowed me to finally see people like me. 
I'm not talking "skin" color but people who openly celebrate or may have struggled embracing their culture. Through burlesque and travel I rediscovered a deep appreciation for my heritage and a profound sense of belonging. I also opened my eyes to incredibly amazing non-Hispanic/Latinos who are hungry to learn and embrace our culture. It is why not only do I love performing my "Latin Acts" but also love teaching my workshops; I literally see inclusive of culture blossom before my eyes.

Befriending other Hispana & Latina performers has been a true turning point in my life and career. Sitting down with Legends Kitten Natividad and Marinka, Queen of the Amazon brought me to tears. Other than my lovely Momma, I do not have many matriarch figures in my life, so the admiration and instant connection to these powerhouse ladies that pioneered the industry for us, brought me home on so many levels. And while I fully comprehend you do not have to speak Spanish or Portuguese to be Hispanic or Brazilian (just like we aren't marked by a skin tone) my heart melts instantly when I hear my native tongues back stage, on social media or within an ear shot. So yes, I invite you to chat it up the next time we cross paths!


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Name: Ruby Rounds
Location: Portland, Oregon

Hertitage: Mexican American

Ruby Rounds embodies a marriage of vintage Americana with the aesthetics of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema in her Latin-inspired classic burlesque. Using her background in performing Mexican folk dance, Baile Folklorico, Ruby weaves storytelling with dance to pay homage to the legacy of Latina performers of the mid-century. 

Ruby was crowned Princess of the 2016 Heavy Rebel Weekender Music & Burlesque Festival and her cheeky take on classic burlesque won her the title “Most Comedic” at Edmonton Burlesque Festival‘s Burlesque Bunny Competition 2015.

She has graced stages in cities across the country and has showcased in the Oregon Burlesque Festival, Southern Fried Burlesque Fest, Calgary International Burlesque Festival, and ABurlyQ Sideshow and Burlesque Spectacular. Ruby is proud to be performing in The Roux: A Spicy Brown Festival, the first and only burlesque festival featuring a cast of all performers of color


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Name: Ms. B LaRose
Location: Chicago
​Heritage: 
Mexican/Filipina

Ms. B LaRose, Glittering Goddess with the Heart of Gold. A dynamic performer that enjoys to wear her heart on her sleeve. Whether creating vulnerable moments, creating excitement, to catching you with a smile, or bringing you into a fantasy that you didn't realize you wanted until you saw it on stage. I enjoy performing. But most of all I enjoy exchanging positivity and excitement for what we love to do with the audience and the performers around us. 

About this time last year, I never thought that the woman I have become would ever come to exist.  Burlesque saved my life. This art allows me to be my full capable confident self one hundred percent, judgement free. Which has helped me shape this muggle life into beautiful chaos. Performing came to fruition during my most vulnerable times in coming out as a queer, brown woman.  I used this an outlet to be proud to have a sexuality and love for everyone that is so wholesome and true to myself.  I drew up courage from the people in my life that have helped me be comfortable in my own skin and sexuality.


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Name: Lorelei
Location: Toronto, Canada
​Heritage: Chilean Immigrant


The exotic, erotic and hypnotic Lorelei, performs old school Bump and Grind with an energetic dose of rock and roll. 
Lorelei started performing in 2013 with the Shimmy Dolls, Chile’s first Burlesque Troupe. After moving to Toronto, she was Semifinalist in the Miss Pinup Canada Pageant 2014. In 2015 she won Master of Tassels at Burlypicks Toronto and was Semifinalist for World Burlesque Games.


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Name: Bella Sin
Location: Cleveland

Heritage: Mexican Immigrant

The adelita is my favorite memory of Mexico i have, I admired those women along with the elegance of  El Baile Folklorico dancers with the energy they give on stage. I feel my goal is to represent the idols of my youth in with great energy and costumes. I often have to tell people am from Mexico born and raise at times is hard to not be considered Latin but i have found more and more as i grow older my color does not define my heritage.
​ I love being Mexicana and i like to tell people how amazing our food and traditions are thru burlesque. 
​Every year i know that i have really inspired other Hispanic performers to tell their stories. Producer and Creator of The International Ohio Burlesque Festival, 13 year producer of Le Femme Mystique Burlesque in Cleveland, Ohio - 14 Year veteran performer and owner of The Cleveland Burlesque Academy. 
​Sin has recently been awarded by The Ohio House of Representatives and recognized by The City of Cleveland's Mayor Frank Jackson. 


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Name: Noella Deville 
Location: Akron 
Heritage: Mexican American


Noella DeVille speaks to her Mexican heritage with a number which pays homage to her family, immigrants from near Monterrey at the turn of last century. Representative of her family's pressured assimilation and loss of most of their culture, this number is primarily American with an Hispanic influence.​


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Your Host For The Evening! 
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Name: Viva Valezz!
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Heritage: Mexican-American 

Everything I am owe to my mom, Irene Varela, and my dearly departed Grandpa Zeke.
Burlesque performer, producer, and instructor, Viva Valezz! has been turning on the Midwest since 2007. Her credits include being voted 2010 “Columbus, Ohio's Favorite Burlesque Performer” by Outlook magazine, taking home a “Golden Pasties” award from the 2010 New York Burlesque Festival where she has performed several years, and her dance troupe, the Velvet Hearts!, has been the only burlesque troupe ever nominated for the “Best of Columbus” in the Best Dance Company category. Her Velvet Hearts! are the only all-queer identified burlesque troupe in the state of Ohio and in Pittsburgh. Her proudest accomplishment is her work as the founder and producer of the FIERCE! International Queer Burlesque Festival - the ONLY queer / LGBT burlesque festival in the world - now going into its fifth year.

These burlesqueras will be joined by special guests
Noella Deville - Mexican American national performer from Akron, Ohio
Sponsored by Fear's Confections, Retro Rosie, In The 216, Yelp Cleveland and Beachland Ballroom.

Tickets are on sale 
$17 in adv / $20 at Doors 
$30 Reserve (VIP is Sold Out) 

This event will feature drinks specials, vendors and more! 
Buy Tickets
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