Miss Burlesque Australia 2014 – Grand Final
Everything has its time and burlesque has been reborn according to Cassandra Jane from Melbourne who, after competing in burlesque for 13 years, decided over five years ago there should be a national Grand Final and a title.
Finalists qualify in state heats in three categories: ‘Classic’ – stylistically from 1920s-60s (or last century), it has the bumps, grinds, shimmies and burlesque walks that everyone expects from the art form. Then there’s the ‘Neo’ which has to have a storyline or parody something. The third section is ‘Unique’ – and here the performer is allowed to let their imagination run wild.
There’s one finalist from each state and three ‘wildcards’ – performers who impressed in some way and deserve another opportunity.
Rita Fontaine (Miss Burlesque Australia, 2010) says women are attracted to the glamour, confidence-building and liberation – which doesn’t apply as much to men, even though there is a ‘Mr. Boylesque’ for male competitors.
Possessed of a laconic and whimsical wit, Rita will be MC again this year and is using her performance experience to take her further. She has her heart set on musical theatre, auditioning for NIDA just after the finals. (MMu)
Nov 29, Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, $60, 9550 3666, factorytheatre.com.au
Written by Michael Muir
