More than glitter and rhinestones, the world of burlesque is a whirlwind of hard work, research, sweat and sometimes tears. The word “burlesque” comes from the Italian word “burla,” which means joke or mockery. It often addresses serious things with humor.
Join us as we appreciate 10 of the must-see burly performers on Indy stages. While this list is not comprehensive, it can be a starting point for finding performers who showcase variety in the art that burlesque can offer.
Indy’s bendy babe: Black Ivy
Black Ivy is known for acrobatic chair moves that will make you blush. She also hits the road often: Ivy has wowed audiences at festivals such as the Ohio Burlesque Festival, Show-Me Burlesque & Vaudeville Festival in St. Louis, Mo., and Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival in Asheville, N.C., where she won an award for most innovative performer. Here in Indy, Ivy won “Best Burlesque Performer” at the 2024 Indiana Drag Awards.
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Afro Latin laissez-faire: Dahlia ‘Daddy’ Desire
Dahlia Daddy Desire dips their toes in the feminine and masculine sides of expression. Best known for their sultry routines with intense eye contact and slow reveals, Desire is a member of the popular troupe Angel Burlesque. Desire’s performances often leave audiences feeling as though their act alone was worth the price of admission — they are expert showrunners, co-producing the performances of Burlesque AF at Almost Famous.
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Legs for days and a hypnotic gaze: Dolores Daze
With a spooky flair and femme fatal aura, Dolores Daze is reminicent of the 1950s Vampira — truly made for the gaze of ladies, gays and theys. You will get lost in her gaze, appreciate the legs, and think about her for days. In her five years performing, Daze has been part of The Fabulous Funcie Femmes in Muncie and Creepin’ It Burly here in Indy. You can also catch her at the misfit KINKER shows selling merchandise.
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The cans that can: Frenchy LaRouge
Frenchy LaRouge of The Rocket Doll Revue has given the crowds what they ask for — classic burlesque and sing n’ strips — for 14 years. The icon embraces the craft and the gift of high-quality entertainment so audiences can escape for a few hours. And she succeeds with each show she produces at the White Rabbit Cabaret.
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The sensual storyteller of the Midwest: Jess Love
From pole dancing to burlesque, Jess Love has more than 20 years in entertainment. She got her start with burlesque five years ago with the production company SinPants, which highlights drag and comedy in their shows. Love has been titled as Miss Indy Pride 2023 and Miss Gay United States Indiana Femme Fatale 2024.
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Chairs, fans, drums & blood: Lilith Lascivious
Lilith Lascivious is the most metal performer in Indianapolis. She belongs to the troupe Creepin’ It Burly and dances solely to, you guessed it, metal music. Lascivious dabbles with the spooky side of burlesque, keeping a creepy yet always sexy flair. Lascivious is an alt favorite.
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The fishnetted femmeboi: Max Maneater
If you love a dynamic act with storytelling and surprising reveals, Max Maneater is your femmeboi. Maneater performs “neo-burlesque,” with nods to classic costuming, modern dance and smart comedy.
Their shows reflect that just as much work goes into the administrative side of burlesque as sewing and gluing rhinestones. Join them at their next co-production of Burlesque AF with Dahlia “Daddy” Desire, 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Almost Famous. Get tickets now: It normally sells out.
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Dead on deadpan: Minnie Ryder
Minnie Ryder is creativity in human form. From dressing up like a raccoon, the Grim Reaper, Jaws and “Alien” facehuggers, Ryder is all over the board. She has her own brand of nerdlesque (nerd burlesque) and has participated in festivals such as Midwest Nerdlesque Fest. Also part of the troupes Angel Burlesque and Creepin’ It Burly, she is one to watch.
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Just a tease: Peter Von Teaser
If you love boylesque, Peter Von Teaser is for you. An energetic ball of campy and over-the-top performances, Von Teaser is an inspiration. He was Mr. Indy Pride 2023 and often incorporates drag in creative ways that make others feel seen and accepted.
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The burn-it-down bitch of burlesque: Twirlisha Devine
Rage. Love. Passion. Acceptance. Black AF. The energy Twirlisha Devine brings to stage is unmatched. As CEO of Twirlisha Devine Productions, she produces “Big Diva Energy and Legends & Icons All Black Burlesque Weekender.” Devine is shifting sightlines for patrons and performers alike.
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