The Queens of Burlesque in NYC, March 11, 2010

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I saw a burlesque show produced by the Pontani Sisters and hosted by Murray Hill at the Slipper Room in 2002, when the current burlesque scene was just a sparkle in all our eyes. Now it's a worldwide phenomenon producing some of the most spectacular performers burlesque has ever known, and Murray and Angie brought together a group of those fabulous performers in New York City, where burlesque striptease once flourished, was outlawed, and has bloomed all over again.

The Queens of Burlesque show on March 11 was held at Le Poisson Rouge, a gorgeous red and black venue with great sightlines. Featuring Murray and Angie as well as Immodesty Blaize , Dirty Martini , Michelle L’amour , Julie Atlas Muz , Miss Indigo Blue , Perle Noire and Catherine D’Lish , it was properly touted as the burlesque show not to miss.

All of the performers were award-winners in the Exotic World/Burlesque Hall of Fame pageants, and they proved that these awards go to the most glamourous, charismatic, dedicated performers in the scene. The bar was high, as were the audience's expectations, and the crowd's anticipation was rewarded with one spectacular vision after another!

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The Set List On The Stage Before the Show
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Immodesty Blaize's shoes during rehearsal.

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Pearle Noir blowing up the stage!
Photograph copyright by Allen Lee. All rights reserved.
Perle teaches Murray a move. Photography by Allen Lee.

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Julie Atlas Muz begins her "Waiting for the Sun" number.

Photograph copyright by Allen Lee. All rights reserved.
Photo by Allen Lee.

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Michelle L'Amour performing her tribute to Sally Rand.
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Murray Hill interviews Michelle while prone.

Photograph copyright by Allen Lee. All rights reserved.
Indigo Blue tributes Wild Cherry of New Orleans. Photograph by Allen Lee.
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Indigo bends over backward to tease.

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Angie Pontani in her tribute to Blaze Starr.

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Dirty Martini pulls it off.

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Catherine D'Lish "lets" Murray Hill take her panties down.

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Immodesty Blaize lives up to both parts of her name

Photograph copyright by Allen Lee. All rights reserved.
Peeling to please. Photograph by Allen Lee.

View video and bios of the performers



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Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque, for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com.

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