Ahh good, not so old, 21st century burlesque. It's that time of year where they start asking people to nominate those performers and people on the scene that they love. I really do enjoy the annual thought process - it always
makes me have a think about who is currently at the top of my inspiration list. So here you go, in no particular order - just some of the people who not only continually amaze, inspire and just have me going crazy for them - but who have especially inspired me this year:

1) Anna Fur Laxis (http://annafurlaxis.com/)

One of the first performers I ever saw - and one who I still adore. Not only is she one of the nicest performers I've ever met, she combines cute, quirky, elegance and originality in a way I'd have never thought possible & every time I see her perform I can't help but smile.  Getting to do her workshop in Southampton was a fabulous way to spend the afternoon.

2) Mimi LeMeaux

I have to love her or I'd hate her. She's glamorous, gorgeous and has the amazing ability to command a stage. I have a fully formed crush on her after meeting her in October and again, she is incredibly lovely in real life. 

3) Dita Von Teese (www.dita.net)

Weirdly, there does seem to be a fashion among some performers to play the hipster when it comes to Dita. "I got into the scene way before she made it popular" "I prefer 'real' burlesque" (what- if it doesn't fit your definition, it's not burlesque?*). I'm just waiting for the first time I hear "Her early stuff was much better - but you probably never saw it". Not me -  I am unashamedly a fan. Her type of burlesque is a million miles apart from mine but I love watching it. You can't beat her for glamour, poise and pure over the top fabulousness. If it wasn't for Dita then I wouldn't be performing as I'd have never gone to my first show. 

4) Dirty Martini (www.missdirtymartini.com)

Onstage she just oozes appeal, every move she makes is hypnotic and she looks like she's having the time of her life, no matter what she's doing. And again - she's the kinda person you love to be around. She can make you smile just by the way she comes bounding into the room. The way she looks at various issues and methods was wonderfully inspiring.

5) Ruby Rebelle (http://www.facebook.com/rubyrebelleburlesque?ref=ts)

I love Ruby - not only is she adorable on stage & a delight backstage, she's always pushing herself to try new skills and play with ideas. (And it's thanks to her challenge I'm now doing stage fire work - If I end up with no eyebrows though then the number 5 slot may mysteriously be edited into non-existence ;) ) 


And as for my other 5 nominations? - well that's between myself and the editors at 21stcenturyburlesque.
www.21stcenturyburlesque.com

(*ahem - I'll pop my hand up to being more then slightly hypocritical here. There are a fair few people backstage who have seen my reaction to what I refer to as the Stripesque acts out there. Just to draw my line in the glitter: Comedy/glamour/subversion/wit/pure jaw dropping amazement = burlesque. Crawling around on the floor in an Ann Summers basque = Stripesque)
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