It seems like it was only the blink of an eye since neo-burlesque barn burner Sassy Delure migrated to Austin from Seattle, and now she’s heading to the UK. Don’t worry, it’s only a month-long trip across the pond, but she and her new partner-in-crime Ophelia Moore need your help tonight to get there.
The pair be taking part in Electric Burlesque at London’s legendary Brick House in July. Moore (better known to many as Frannie Brown of Carousal Cabaret) explained that with “fancy costumes to make, and London being so darn expensive, we need a little help.” So Sunday sees a one-off fundraising show here in Austin to help get all that subversive glamor all the way across the Atlantic (where they spell it glamour.)
The month-long London residency (running 5-30 July) is inspired by the work of Seattle-based photographer Greg Holloway. Delure explained, “He’s really into the neo-burlesque side of the scene and documented it with an exhibition called Electric Burlesque.” That exhibition visited London earlier this year, and when the opportunity came up for a return visit, Holloway started recruiting performers to create a much larger show to go along with his images and the accompanying book. “I was on the cover of it,” Delure said, “so he asked me to go along.”
The production had recruited a Seattle-based belly dancer, but she had to drop out: That’s when Delure mentioned Moore as a perfect replacement. With her combination of burlesque experience and skills of Middle Eastern hip motion, Delure said, this new intercontinental stage is “her opportunity to kick it up another notch.” The pair have been rehearsing heavily for the past couple of months. Delure said, “We’ve got several new acts we’re performing in London, so tomorrow will be the first time they’ve been seen anywhere.”
Sassy and Ophelia gave a little tease of the show at the Stomping Ground in May, but this full-feathered flutter into the old USAA (now the Ballroom at Spider House) comes with a whole flock of local burlesque talent. Queens of the scene Cardinal Cyn and Riley Do Right will share the stage with one of Austin’s newest troupes, the Bat City Bombshells, as well as what Sassy promises is “a super special boylesque guest.” She said, “the show has a perfect mix of belly dance, burlesque, neo-burlesque, traditional burlesque and boylesque.”
London Bound! A Burlesque Benefit. Sun., June 5, 8pm, doors 7pm. $10, general, $15, VIP. Spider House Ballroom, 2906 Fruth.
This article appears in June 3 • 2011.
