“If you study the history of burlesque, it’s got very little to do with sexuality,” she says. “It has more to do with the art of imitation, elaboration, and theatrics. Today, burlesque has branched into several different
Dedicated to bringing Florida audiences a true variety show based on a glamorous history, La Fleur decided to bring the Florida Burlesque Festival back for its second year. For 2015, she is dedicating the show to Miami native, model, and photographer Bunny Yeager, who passed away last year. The show will open with a slideshow presentation of her work that will include photos of Bettie Page — whom she is most widely known for shooting.
“Every year going forward with the burlesque festival, I plan to begin it with a tribute to Bunny to keep her name alive,” La Fleur says. “Unfortunately, I think more people know who Betty Page was than Bunny, and really Bunny was the master behind it all.”
Headlining the show is Dirty Martini from the Dita Von Teese Tour, Ray Gun the King of Boylesque, and Pretty Boy Rock from Comedy Central who will MC the evening. La Fleur will be on stage as well performing her original carousel horse routine.
“We are trying to make it true to a real Vaudeville experience,” La Fleur says. “It’s not just strictly the stripping. You are going to see what’s common from the 30s and 40s when you would go to the theater and see a show. There will be comedy, magic, music, and burlesque of all types. Everybody has their own gimmick, and it will be done differently by every artist.”
Both Friday and Saturday night have the same lineup of performers, but they may do different acts on each night. So if you want to make a weekend out of it, you can. Tickets are divided up into three levels — Swarovski Crystal for $100 (which is guaranteed front row seating), VIP for $55, and general admission for $35. But those seated in the front row shouldn’t expect to be treated to a strip show.
“I think a woman’s sexuality can be
Florida Burlesque Festival, 8 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 4 and 5. Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $35 to $100. Visit floridaburlesquefestival.com or floridaburlesque.brownpapertickets.com.