Dear Constant Reader,
Although my whole reason for being in Toronto was to attend Costume-Con, I was hoping to perform as well. Scratch connected me to Esther De Ville who booked me into Fionna Flaunit’s show Bosoms and Blossoms at the Oasis Aqualounge. I was delighted to see that I knew two of the other performers, Cerise Noir and Ava Noir (no relation), both of whom I had met at the Expo (from which I also knew Esther & Fionna).
I’ll admit that I was nervous about traveling in an unfamiliar city by public transportation for a late-night gig. Fortunately, Cerise was willing to be my native guide. Although it was a long trek for me (2 buses and 2 subways) the TTC is pretty easy to navigate and most of the subway trip was with my native guide.
We arrived a couple hours before call and had a drink and relaxed in the hot tub with Fionna. The club is very nice, with an outdoor pool, a sauna, and the hot tub. Early on I was introduced to a distingushed-looking gentleman who said “I have the perfect thing for you.” Fionna explained that he was a regular who would bring a big suitcase full of lingerie and hand it out to the ladies. He’s usually dead accurate on size and style. More on that later.
When it was actually time to get ready, we headed up to the 4th floor. I am a veteran of changing in bathrooms, closets, and other inadequate spaces, so I was delighted to enter our dressing room. We had a private, secure space with our own bathroom and several mirrors lining the well-lit hallway. By then Ava and GiGi had arrived, but there was plenty of room for everyone.
In honor of the floral motif for the show, Esther had asked me to do “By Any Other Name”, my rose-themed act. Unfortunately, I discovered that I had left my ribbon corset back at my hotel. Since it doesn’t come off and is just pretty, if I had to forget part of my costume, this was the best item.
The performance was on the small dance floor, next to the bar. By show time, people were crowding in on three sides. We all lined up on the stairs for our entrance. Unfortunately that meant I couldn’t see Ava’s fan dance to a Goldfrapp song. Next up was Cerise doing a slinky number with a chair to “House of the Rising Sun”. Then GiGi performed a classic-style act with a cherry blossom-theme and pink silk veil fans. And I closed out the show.
The performance area was small and there was a pole in the center, but it turned out to be less of a hindrance than I feared. Fionna was right there as a catcher, grabbing each garment as I removed it, so I didn’t have to worry about cluttering up my dance space. The audience was very enthusiastic, and even more so when I began plucking my rose petals. By the way, thanks to the Babydolls for all the feedback in rehearsal — it really improved the number.
After our little show, we made some vague noises about going in the pool, but had a drink instead and went to collect our gifts. Mine was a one-shouldered bustier decorated with cloth roses wandering from one hip up to the shoulder. And yes, it fit just right. He’s got a good eye. No photo because cameras are forbidden in the club. Wait a sec… Hey, look, I found one just like it on-line! 
I’ll probably bling it up and use it in an act.
Before it got too late, Cerise, Fionna, and I got on the subway. Unlike Boston (or unlike Boston used to be), the public transit runs pretty late. And the bus to the airport runs all night. I even caught a break when the nice bus driver was willing to make an unofficial stop and drop me a couple of blocks from my hotel, so I didn’t have to go all the way to the airport and wait for the hotel shuttle.
It was a lot of fun and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to perform. It was terrific to see those ladies again (and meet GiGi). I hope next time I’m in Toronto to get to see a little more of the city (Cerise was playing tour guide as best she could on the subway: “Now we’re under Chinatown…”). Thank you everyone for making me feel so welcome!
Dagny Vanderlust, reigning Cookie Queen, performed a ballet-inspired striptease to one of her favorite songs, 
Lucie Luxe, former Cookie Queen and all-time sales champ, presented a brand-new striptease, in which she had to decide between waiting for Prince Charming and going on a life of adventure. If you know Lucie, you’ll know which one she chose. The music was, appropriately, 
Brigitte Bisoux, holding the title of Cookie Queen most frequently, showed us the morning after. She lovely removed her night attire with the help of some “Black Coffee” (the song, as well as the beverage). After slowly getting dressed after her night of debauchery, she realized she just wanted a little more and undressed again to “Sugar in My Bowl”.
Lucie Luxe presented another new act. I was looking forward to this one because she had announced that was going to show off a big trick — I was dying to know what it was. She used “Here Comes the Sun” and I think we all could sympathize with her desire for better weather after this winter. And the big trick? One-sided tassel twirling!!
Scratch just wanted to make a drink, but his vermouth bottle and glass kept switching places. Then the bottle magically just kept multiplying. All to the tune of, of course, 
Vikki Likkerish, wearing little more than a string of balloons around her hips, danced to 
Vikki Likkerish did a number I’d never seen before, stripping out of a stunning multi-layer costume in Mardi Gras colors to “Sweet Child O’ Mine” as done by 
Emily Hecht sang 
Brigitte Bisoux finished off the night with a look toward Spring. And here in Boston, that means one thing — Opening Day. Brigitte was the cutest member of the Red Sox as she stripped off her uniform to, what else, 
(Photographer unknown)
(Photographer unknown)
(Photo by David L. Byrd)
Dot Mitzvah, Best Hybrid 2012: Dot is famed for singing while stripping. And not just singing, singing opera — yes, arias while removing her clothes. She wanted to change it up this year and presented a Creepy Doll number. Totally unlike Devora’s Creepy Doll, but just as disturbing.
BettySioux Tailor, Most Beautiful 2010: BettySioux also has been known to sing while she strips, as she did when she became a Howard Award-winner. And she makes all her own costumes (as well as creating the Costume Exhibit every year). In this case, not only did she make her own costume, the costume inspired her song. “Friendly Conversation”, written specifically for this act, was inspired by the conversation hearts on 
Bobby Burlesque, Mr. Hollywood Burlesque: The Expo has a sister festival — The Hollywood Burlesque Festival — and the winners from their inaugural event got to come to Boston! Mr. Hollywood gave us a fabulous bit of film noir burlesque.
Sheila Starr Siani, Miss Hollywood Burlesque: Sheila has been coming to The Expo for a couple of years now, but never performed. Oh, was it worth the wait! Her harem-style dance was so sensual, especially her use of the chain ’round her throat.
April March, The First Lady of Burlesque: What a treat and a delight! April wasn’t at The Expo last year because she broke her ankle shortly before. Not only is it all better, she lost an enormous amount of weight in the interim year. She looks amazing! Several Expos ago she performed for the first time in over 30 years and then said “I’m never doing that again”. Well, she made a liar of herself! In a rhinestone-bedecked showgirl outfit by Grant Philipo with a robe from Alexandra the Great 48, she teased the audience by barely taking off anything and they loved every minute of it.
Angie Pontani: Scratch has been wanting Angie at The Expo for a long time, but since it was always on Easter and she’s a good Italian girl, that wasn’t going to happen. But with the change in dates… What a stunning performer! I never get tired of watching her. 
Perle Noire: The only other time I’ve seen Perle perform, she did her Josephine Baker dance — high-energy with lots of splits and kicks. This number was slow and oh-so-sensual. I could practically feel the whole audience simultaneously holding their breath and drooling.
Dangrrr Doll, Most Humorous: In a departure from last year’s polar bear act, Dangrrr Doll presented a dramatic number with one of the stunning costumes she’s become known for. With the black hair and Kabuki-style make-up, I would not have recognized her! Unfortunately, I was dragged away to go backstage before the end and I’m dying to know what happened.
Donna Denise, Most Classic: She also reprised her award-winning act. No photograph can capture the power of her pectorals, so you’ll just have to see her live.
(Photo by John Bilotti)
(Photo by John Bilotti)
I think we arrived at Higher Ground before the show actually started, checked in with Kyla, and headed to the Chinese restaurant next door. A chicken and vegetable stir-fry is one of my favorite pre-show meals, so that was perfect. The photo is kind of dark, but we’re all wearing LBDs and the matching jackets Betty made for us, plus our rhinestone name necklaces from Scratch. The other 4 Babydolls have incorporated their demon horns for our number into their hairstyles.
(Photo by Michael Z. Rork at Zinfandel Photography)
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 