Helsinki Burlesque Festival – Burlescopolis 2013 (The Saturday)
Posted on 17. Sep, 2014 by T.T. Tassel in Event Information, Main Articles
Just as with the Friday evening, the Saturday was sold out.
Once again when the doors opened you was warmly welcomed into the wonderful world of quality Burlesque. Here again on the ground floor was the delightful sales people, and on the upper level the photographers were back with their vintage style portraits, and the bars were offering a good range of refreshments.
While the people were arriving, and getting themselves organised, those already inside could visit the stalls or bars or be like myself and be star struck as you caught a glimpse of the wonderful performers, and on stage there was fun entertainment brought to us by Tinker´s Go-Go Shakers.
Tinker´s Go-Go Shakers
Getting the main evenings entertainment under way was the incredible Oskar Rask with his Cyr Wheel. What a fantastic start it was, Oscar moved around the stage inside the wheel at such speeds, twisting and turning, while making it look so effortless, and exciting.
Who was this? Sylvester Stallone? Rocky Balboa? No it was the one and only Helsinki HotDog Frank Doggenstein with his tribute to the previous mentioned people. Frank is a wonderful entertainer and a great inspiration to others, he is always a pleasure to watch on stage.
Once again the amazing talents of Anna Fur Laxis were on display as she gave everyone a perfect display of how oriental martial arts and burlesque can work together.
The magic of the evening then continued as the master magician Lafayette Lestrange cast his wand over an exceedingly large hat to make his adorable assistants Marie la Mint and Mimi de Froufrou appear from inside, but this was not to be the end of their magic, as while we were to be distracted by his gorgeous assistants (like any good magicians assistants) Lafayette used his slight of hand to turn himself into a charming white rabbit.
Miss Blondis would be the pride of any navy, and would ensure a pleasant voyage in even the roughest of seas. From stem to stern her navy routine is worthy of the horn pipe, and a glass of navy rum. No matter if you are port or starboard you will be jigging in the rigging with this wonderful lady.
Never judge a book by its cover as they say, and as if to prove this Cherry Turbo-Cherry Dee arrived on stage with curlers in her hair and wearing a white house coat. That she then majestically transformed before our very eyes into a stunning outfit of sparkle, with an equally sparkling routine.
Returning to the military this time with Lyalya Bezhetskaya in the army. Very rarely does camouflage look so appealing. Lyalya moved with almost military precision that any marching platoon would be proud of. All in all a routine that would disarm any war.
Mr Pustra once again serenaded us with his wonderfully haunting voice, he is an amazing singer and it was a pleasure to once again get a chance to listen to him sing live.
Have you ever wondered what is the best way of dealing with those nasty flying bugs? Well wonder no more, just call for the extremely talented Kiki Hawaiji, this lady has her own special way of dealing with these pests, and a way that everyone who witnesses it will most certainly enjoy.
If there is one thing for sure, that is you never know what Bent Van Der Bleu is going to present you with next, and this time was to be no exception. I love his performances, he is such a great personality, and that comes through all of his performances. His stage presence is just wonderful, and he fits the stage so perfectly, and he is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat.
One of the treats I always enjoyed when I went to the seaside as a child was candy floss, all that lovely sticky sugar was just so yummy. So what a lovely surprise to find the yummy Tinkerbell’s new routine was candy floss. Catching the spirit of this lovely sticky treat Tinkerbell danced and flowed around the stage in a manner reminiscent of candy floss on a stick, and as she performed she awarded the audience by sending out small bags of the delightful treat. I am happy to say I was lucky enough to catch one of these bags.
Dirty Martini did two performances, the first of the two was her Batgirl. This was a wonderful routine with an amazing costume, watching her flit around the stage was totally joyful. Her Second performance was equally as enjoyable and with yet another beautiful costume.
There is side-show and then there are side-show acts, you may also find side-show performers, but leaving them all in the shadows is the amazing Baron. The Baron is a true show man who knows no fear. Even though he had been injured not long before this event, he kept to the old adage ” The show must go on”, and it certainly did. The Baron is a gentleman of his word, and a man of what seems to be nipples made of iron.
Giving us another perfect demonstration of how flexible the human body can be was Khaliuka Narankhuu. This lady is an amazing work of art in motion.
Arriving on stage upon his fine stead was Sir Willy Waterlily. Fury was looking very elegant decked out with new jewels for this special occasion, and never have I seen Fury looking more proud than when he strutted his stuff on stage being ridden by the wonderful Sir Willy. Sir Willy for his part was as always a powerhouse of entertainment, this member of the pony set is just wonderful, a true stallion from a fine stable.
Gloria is one of the few venues in Finland where the next performer would be able to perform this particular routine of hers. Xarah von Vielenregen did a whole performance with a candelabra on her head, and not only that but it contained real candles that were alight. I have to say that this was truly stunning. Two of the lovely pick up girls Lucy & Vivian assisted Xarah with the lighting of the candles.
Lucy & Vivian assisting Xarah von den Vielenregen by lighting the candles
Isis Starr once again took to the stage and gave a performance that was pure enjoyment. This lady captured the hearts of the audience on both nights, but this performance was truly outstanding, and she fully deserved the standing ovation the capacity audience gave her. Helsinki Truly loved this wonderful lady.
Loulou D’Vil gave everyone a performance to remember, with her very own style and grace that is becoming her signature. This routine had all of the elegance and glamour, not to mention rhinestones and feathers we have come to expect from this darling of the sparkle, but she still managed to save a surprise for the end.
Bettie Hellsinki Hellcat Blackheart also made excellent use of the fact that here she could perform her Fire Tassels. Bettie Blackheart is the Finnish Queen of the Fire Tassels, so where better than in her home town of Helsinki to perform this fiery treat. Bettie Blackheart is one of very few performers that are sanctioned by Satans Angel Queen of the Fire Tassels.
Bettie Hellsinki Hellcat Blackheart, Finnish Queen of the Fire Tassels
Knicker Kitten Burlesque Revue gave everyone yet another very enjoyable treat of a troupe that knows each other so well, and that work like a well oiled machine. The routine was fun and entertaining and a wonderful show case of their combined talents.
Diva Hollywood also made good use of this venue. This time not for fire, but for Whip Cracking. If any of you have ever tried to crack a whip you will know just how difficult this can be, but Diva Hollywood made it seem like child’s play as she cracked her whips with what seemed to be no effort at all. Her control with whips just has to be seen. Diva Hollywood is a lady of many talents.
Angie Pontani once again showed her love for rhythm and energy, as she beat out her wonderful burlesque routine with her drum. This number is just filled with so much passion that you cannot but enjoy it.
Introducing the final performance of the night was Hell Monty, doing the introduction as only Hell Monty could.
So to the final shining star of the night, Tigger! The wonderful thing about Tigger! Is Tigger! is a marvellous chap! He is loaded with vim and vigour, He loves to leap in your lap! He is jumpy, bumpy, clumpy, thumpy. Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! But the most wonderful thing about Tigger! is he brings fun to everyone. Ok I stole this, but I think it sums him up so well.
Once again our Hosts had been Nikola & Eetu Rauhanen, who once again did the hosting in their own remarkable way.
Live music had once again been supplied by the talents of Rudolph and the Ramblers, who still had the amazing talent of disappearing as soon as they had finished their number.
DJ’s Fiona Timantti & Atom of Finland did their usual expert job of spinning the tunes for performers and audience alike.
DJ’s Fiona Timantti & Atom of Finland
Dr Sado was in charge of the bloody nurses and the pick up, and an excellent job they managed of everything.
Now Sea Breeze and myself would like to give our thanks to Bettie Hellsinki Hellcat Blackheart, Tinkerbell, Masha de Bordeaux (Masha was the stage manager and did a fantastic job), and everyone else involved in this production.
I am so proud to say I know many of these people, and I am lucky that I get to meet such good friends.
Olivia Rouge, T.T. Tassel, Gigi Praline, Xarah von den Vielenregen, Champagne Sparkles
Pictures by: Rhia EvilDressmaker, T.T. Tassel & stepping in when Rhia became too ill to continue Stella Polaire.
T.T. Tassel (Your undercover agent in the front line of Finnish Burlesque).
