GBE2015: Late Friday at the Bordello

Late Friday at the Bordello

Can't get enough Burlesque? Check out our great Late Night Friday acts!

Our saucy Bordello also features a dessert buffet and some sexy music to swing and sway to between sets!

Hosted by the fabulous Ruby Besler!

Born in 1910, Ruby was raised in Philadelphia to strict and proper parents. Her Father, Klaus Besler was one of the first neurosurgeons in the United States. Her Mother, Lillian Besler (born Lillian Rose Barnes) was a well-known socialite and humanitarian. As a young child, Ruby had a genuine passion for music and theatre, often entertaining the ladies in her mother's social gatherings by dancing and early on, showed her acute sense of humor by creating and singing humorous parodies. She usually introduced her act as "The Ruby Show."

In 1928, Ruby moved to Manhattan to pursue her theatrical career. She became personal secretary and companion to the great impresario Sol Zigenbauer. She appeared in many of his spectacular Broadway productions, and subsequently in the Hollywood extravaganzas he produced. Hollywood, with its increasingly free thinking conduct was a perfect setting for Ruby. She quickly learned how to get what and where she wanted, and her keen sense of humor opened doors to extraordinary opportunities. She is currently personal secretary and companion to TV mogul Herbert Modunk, who is the producer of her current production.

Type: Show

Time:

Feb. 20, 2015, 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Location:

Vendor Hall

Check out these fabulous Performers!

Chakra Tease

Chakra Tease, whose favorite philosopher is Socrates, began as a VaVaVette, with Cora Vette and the VaVaVettes. The VaVaVettes performed at Harrah's for Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend and at the House of Blues for the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. Locally Chakra performs at The Clocktower Cabaret. She has performed at the Colorado Burlesque festival for the past two years and was a soloist at the Ohio Burlesque Festival in 2013, performed and taught at the Great Burlesque Expo in Boston in 2015, 2016 and 2017, performed and taught at Southern Fried Burlesque, and performed at the Great Southern Exposure burlesque festival. In 2014 she became the choreographer as well as a performer for D'Sanez Productions "Feel This Moment" variety show. She was in the 2014 California Burlypicks, the 2016 Colorado Burlypicks, and the Golden Legends Champion Challenge in 2016. Website

Clara Coquette

Clara Coquette is a New York based burlesque performer, stage kitten, go-go dancer, and model that was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is a vintage vixen, a nimble nerd, and a cunning chameleon. She moved to New York in 2009 and stumbled upon the glamorous, glittery, and geeky world of burlesque. She has trained at the New York School of Burlesque under Jo "Boobs" Weldon, Gal Friday, Peekaboo Pointe, Helen Pontani, and visiting teachers Lola Frost, Indigo Blue, Michelle L'Amour, and Marinka. Clara made her performing debut in 2011 and has been balancing burlesque with her full time career in medical science research ever since. Born out of a test tube of sparkle and spunk, the delicate darling of beakers and bunsen burners. She'll transport you back in time, the Clara Bow of Burlesque: Clara Coquette. Website

Delilah Spring

The glittering love child of Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, Delilah Spring is a dichotomy of innocence and evil. Raised in a world of sequins, jazz and champagne, Delilah’s got a taste for the good life and a penchant for mischief. Delilah will tickle you pink with her feathers and tantalize you with her playful brand of sexy. Website

Dirty Bird Burlesque

Phoenix Rising Chicago gathered together in the Fall of 2011 over an undisclosed amount of tequila. They realized they didn't want to be bound by industry expectations of what a small, local performing company should be and what their limitations are. Small performing companies CAN be influential to the industry, especially in a place like Chicago. They can push the limits of conventionality when it comes to choreography, costume, aesthetic. Dirty Bird Burlesque is Phoenix’s newest venture since there shouldn't BE limits, that's why we're artists! Website

Diviana Devour

***** THE DARK ROSE ****** Also been dubbed; The Gothic Jessika Rabbit, (True red head with curves) performs Neo Burlesque with an avant garde appeal(Coffins, Black snakes and Post punk-Goth-Psycho Punk music infused) and The Vampiress of belly Dance....... MODEL * BURLESQUE/BELLY DANCE PERFORMANCE * POET * HOSTESS * SPOKEN WORD/SONGTRESS * - DESIGNER * *Born into a family of professional performers, Dad a world renowned Escape artist-Illusionist , Burlesque performer Mother. Grandfather a Opera singer. Diviana Devour is a natural born multifaceted-talented Model-performer. With over 2 decades as a professional Pinup/Promo Model, Dancer/Singer in the Punk-Gothic-Metal genres and scene throughout the East coast. With Performances throughout the East Coast US and Overseas(Denmark, Venezuela, Morocco). Published model in nationwide Glamour-Car-Bike-Fetish and Retro magazines, 75 web zines-sites. And featured Burlesque-Belly Dance performer. * hosted/Promoted/Vended and performed with her own Gothic-Metal night AVANT GARDE DARK LOUNGE , Hostess on VAMPYRE LOUNGE TV - MC for THE BLACK SUN FESTIVAL. From 2005-2008 Published first book of written works"CRYPT MYSTRESS" in March 2007 by Lulu Publishing * She was also a featured Dark Cabaret performer with Raq Spooky, Shimmies for the cure , and her own showcase Fusion Fest at Mehanata's in the East Village NYC.... etc... *She created her own style of Dark cabaret " ROCK SHAKI" Belly dance to Middle Eastern Metal/Goth music. 2006. I am also a certified GODDESS WORKOUT INSTRUCTOR (burlesque-Belly dance Cardio).Also designs Burlesque-Belly dance costumes-stage wear, PUNK*GOTH Collectibles etc... * She is now working on several Projects Neo-Burlesque showcase "Thornz N Rosez", Dark Belly Dance Showcase DARQUE RAQS, writing my second poetry book, and forming a new band for the fall of 2014. Website

Doctor Vu

Doctor Vu, The Wibbly Wobbly Boobie Woobie Time Lady of Burlesque, has been making audiences stop blinking and start saying "Oh, yes!" as a Sugar Shaker with Vermont's Green Mountain Cabaret since 2012. Trained in mask work and physicality, she has been acting for several years in classic theatrical productions, Commedia dell'Arte and Interactive Theatre. Doctor Vu's guest performances include shows with Peep Show VT, Burlington Burlesque, and Absinthe and Opium Burlesque. She has performed at the Great Burlesque Exposition in 2014 and 2015, and at the Vermont Burlesque Festival in 2014, 2015, and 2016. While geek may be chic, classic and sultry are part of her charm. Using her salacious curves to entice emotion whether she’s being comical or serious, this hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams wants to leave you feeling Fantastic! You won't want to go as she'll leave you proclaiming "Doctor Vu"! Website

FiFi Switchblade

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, FiFi had always dreamed of one day taking the stage. She packed her bags up and relocated to Austin, Texas in 2009 to live out her dream. She began taking pole classes in 2011 and instantly fell in love with it. In 2013, FiFi joined Frisky Business Burlesue and began performing all across Texas. In 2014, she performed at the San Antonio Burlesque Festival, Michigan Burlesque Festival and the 1st Annual Latin Burlesque Festival. FiFi's style ranges from classic fan dances to edgy rock performances. Her acts are a fusion of pole dance and burlesque. Website

Joy Va Voi

Trained in ballet since her early childhood and captivated by the beauty of female imagery, it was very natural for artist Joy Va Voï to move towards the art of strip-tease and its multifaceted forms. Joy Va Voï graduated in 2009 from the Ecole Supérieure de Burlesque in Paris, founded by American glamour enthusiast Gentry de Paris. Enthralled by classic burlesque performers from the thirties and forties, each of her performances are undoubtedly inspired by this era as she weaves their respected ingenuity into her own innovations. Joy Va Voï has collaborated with several burlesque organizations all over Europe (Neo Retro, Garter & Garter, Vaudeville company, the Lettingo Cabaret, Star Spettacoliamo ...), allowing her to fully understand the art from multiple, international perspectives and explore the depths of France, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. Since January 2013, Joy Va Voï moved from the old continent to California in order to get closer to the burlesque legends and learn from the best in the business. She now travels through the US and had the pleasure to perform in Hollywood, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Denver and Chicago, working among incredible artists! Sophisticated and full of surprises, this enchanting vixen is a real tease. Website

Lady Ali Mode

An art director by day, burlesque dancer at night and hockey player in her dreams, Lady Ali Mode always has an interesting take on things. She studied burlesque with Vaudezilla and is a founding member of the Better Boobie Bureau in Chicago IL. She prides herself in her costuming and story telling and was one of the few acts at the Windy City Burlesque Festival this year to receive a standing ovations.

Laika Fox

Laika Fox is an Oakland-based neo-burlesque performance artist, and has been wooing audiences to the moon and back since 2010. Her work is clever, insightful, and often subversive. Website

Maggie McMuffin

Maggie McMuffin is a trained actor, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After years of combining nudity with other theatrical genres such as rock musicals and cabarets, Maggie started burlesquing in 2010. Initially a stage kitten for Montana's premiere burlesque troupe The Cigarette Girls, she quickly began work as a performer. In 2013 she headed for Seattle, finding a home among the growing Nerdlesque community. Drawing inspiration from past and present pop culture, Maggie combines comedic flair with the gritty dance moves of 1970’s strip clubs. Known as The Pelvis of Justice, she's here to hip-thrust her way into your heart. Website

Midnight Joy

Retired tap dancer, accomplished swing dancer and over all passionate about all kinds of dance, Midnight Joy had gotten swept up into burlesque, when a friend of hers formed the burlesque troupe Dem Damn Dames. Since going solo, she has enjoyed performing at various functions and events throughout Houston, including working with the Benefit Betties, Team Romel Productions, and Rocket Girl Burlesque. She has performed in various shows and festivals throughout the great US. She makes almost all of her costumes and has even tried her hand at producing shows. She is very crafty and has big plans for her future in burlesque. Whether it is a classic striptease with a hairy twist or she decides to rip her face off, Midnight Joy strives to be freaky and fantastic.

Mona del Rio

Mona del Rio encompasses her latin roots and upbringing in her burlesque style. Her unique approach to culture brings out a passion and sexuality that people may fail to see. Mona encourages all to embrace their heritage abundantly and enthusiastically.

Phaedra Black

Phaedra Black is a villainous seductress best known for her perilous contour hailing from Chicago. She formerly appeared on the Gorilla Tango Burlesque, and can regularly be seen performing at Ties 'n Tassels and Festival of Flesh. She is also a founding member and producer for Chicago's newest burlesque troupe The Better Boobie Bureau. Website

Prima Vera

Once a ballerina whose career was tragically cut short by her love of carbs and red wine, Prima Vera is taking the Chicago burlesque scene by storm as a song singer, choreographer and taker offer of the clothings. She's been seen at the Vermont Burlesque Festival, Diversi-Tease in Minneapolis, Show Me Burlesque in St. Louis as well as all over Chicago. She is the Artistic Director of Phoenix Rising Chicago/Dirty Bird Burlesque and also a member of the Better Boobie Bureau. Website

Raven Gemini

Raven Gemini is a chameleonic storyteller specializing in character-driven burlesque performance. No common crow, she portrays a wide range of characters from the sweet to the strange, the delightful to the deranged. She has been a proud member of Vaudezilla since 2012, and has performed at the Windy City Burlesque festival in 2012, 2014, and 2015 the Great Burlesque Exposition in 2014, and 2015 and the Michigan Burlesque Festival in 2014 and 2015. In addition to regular appearances in Chicago, Raven has also been seen performing in Detroit, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and headlined the inaugural performance of Burlesque Show & Tease in Madison, WI and Beautiful Disaster, a murder-themed burlesque in Milwaukee, WI. Website

Vivi Noir

Vivi Noir, a New Jersey native, began her career as a ballet and modern dancer. She later used her theatric and jazz background to start a jazz inspired cabaret troupe, Pride & Nvy Cabaret Co. Through her works with the cabaret she was introduced to the wonderful world of burlesque and side show. Since then she has been seen at The Borgata's 'The Burlesque Show', The NY Burlesque Fest., Virginia Burlesque Fest., NJ Burlesque Showcase, and other numerous festivals. Vivi is a member of Smoke & Mirrors Peepshow, Ambience Artistry, and is connected with The Garden-state Beard and Mustache Society. Miss Noir has also been view in Weird NJ as well as the Katie Couric Show.

Vivian Vice

Vivian Vice, the Temptress of Sin and classic beauty of burlesque is a vintage inspired burlesque dancer, belly dance performer, pin up model and producer. She is known for her class, grace, earth quaking shimmies, and sensual bumps and grinds. Performing since 2003, she brings to the stage glamour and sinful innocence. This mischivous good girl is the perfect mixture of darkness and light. A burlesque queen with an extensive belly dance training background. She honors both art forms by blending the dance movements of the golden era cabaret styling and artistry into her burlesque performances then creating her own unique dance style. Vivian believes the art of sensual dance is a journey of healing and empowerment through self expression. She was a co founder of Whistlebait Burlesque who won Portland’s Best Dance Performer 2010-2012, a dancer of Naya's Trance Belly Dance, The Volcanic Vixens and the cast of Night @ Burlesque with The Maine Tease. Performing in many productions such as Port City Peep Show, Big Burlesque at Little Theater,and Burlesque at Top of The East. She also co produces the annual Donut Show and Glam O Rama.

Vivian is a published pin up model who holds the title of Vintage Girl Studios Logo Model 2016. She starred in Miss Barry's Boudoir, a short film by Vintage Girl Studios that was premiered in the 401 Film Fest. She was also featured in the film Witch Craft Blue by Michael Sargent. Vivian has worked with many burlesque stars including Tempest Storm in her touring show Tempest Storm’s Las Vegas Revue and The Pontani Sisters Burlesque A Pades with Whistlebait Burlesque. Vivian has also performed many times at the Great Boston Burlesque Exposition.. She had the pleasure of working closely with the burlesque legend The First Lady Of Burlesque, April March, to create a Tribute number to April's signature act. Vivian performed the Tribute in her co production A Tribute To The Golden Era Of Burlesque starring April March. Vivian Vice's seductive graceful performances will entrance and excite you while she shimmies with joy and drips with glamour ! She welcomes you to be a spectator of the goddess energy . Are you ready to be tempted?

Website

Late Friday at the Bordello

Check out these fabulous Performers!

The Great Burlesque Exposition

Follow Us on

ABOUT US