A troupe of Greater Victoria performers is knee-deep in rhinestones – not entirely unexpected for a burlesque group preparing for a Vegas Show – but this one’s hall of fame big.
Internationally acclaimed, The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue is set to represent Canada at the prestigious Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender.
It’s building off a big win from last year, explains co-founder and producer Champagne Sparkles. The group has competed in the Tournament of Tease fundraiser to for the hall of fame five times – winning the coveted title of best large group last year.
“That was a huge deal. It’s basically the Olympics of burlesque,” Sparkles says. “Once you win, you get the opportunity to perform a step-down performance. You bring whatever presentation you want to bring to the audience.”
The Victoria troupe has been a staple of the international burlesque scene for almost 20 years, performing across North America and Europe. Well-known locally, The Cheesecakes are passionate empowerment ambassadors and continually spread their message about body acceptance all with sass, silliness and glitter.
Now they’re preparing for the glittery step-down performance at the hall of fame fundraiser with an epic new group act of “cosmic proportions” to entertain an audience from around the globe.
The group is creating an act specifically for the hall of fame performance, which will then go on tour and likely land on Victoria stages in the fall.
“It’s the biggest act we’ve ever created; 14 performers, live music, ukuleles, singing and dancing, it’s an extravaganza,” Sparkles says, hinting at a little Cheesecake history spurring this big number. “It’s a full circle moment for us … of cosmic proportions.”
One of the few Canadian troupes invited, The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue is raising funds to support costume and prop creation and travel expenses for the full cast. Known for their high-energy performances, sassy silliness, and glittering stage presence, the troupe is preparing a spectacular act to honour their legacy and celebrate their artistry on an international stage.
Modern burlesque revives the classic burlesque tradition while incorporating modern performance styles. Contemporary burlesque often mixes striptease with theatricality, creative costuming and props, and includes elements of storytelling, comedy, satire, politics, body-acceptance and feminism.
The online fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/cheesecakes-to-bhof will feature regular updates with tidbits from behind the scenes. That’s on top of T-shirts and totes up for grabs at cheesecakeburlesque.com.
“We’re in the final push right now. We’re costuming like mad and rehearsing many times a week,” Sparkles says.
“We would really appreciate support from the community. It is the biggest undertaking we’ve ever done, and in a relatively short period of time. We hoped folks we’ve brought joy to over the years would be willing to support it a little bit.”
The group performs at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender on June 5 in Las Vegas.
