Burlesque in Ottawa has been an unstoppable force in recent years. Most fans know the Sin Sisters or Rockalily to be the Godmothers of Ottawa burlesque, both having hit the scene about 5 years ago. But let’s rewind to 2002: some may recall the Devil Dolls, Maxwells’ resident burlesque babes, who often shared the spotlight with local legend, Johnny Vegas.

Bella Barecat, co-founder of the Devil Dolls and proud Browncoat as of 2010, is back and making waves after her five year break from burlesque by forming the Ottawa Burlesque Collective. The Collective brings together local troupes for a grandiose one night affair at Ottawa’s original burlesque venue, Maxwells.

“I’ve pictured [Maxwells] as a cabaret club many times before so I reached out to them and they were stoked on the idea.”

It’s no secret that not all the troupes get along with each other as famously as they might like to. Former Sin Sisters are now Bourbon and Spice, Capital Tease used to be part of Rockalily, and there are a few solo performers who prefer to avoid troupe politics altogether.

“It’s hard to get a large group of people together without having any tension. I approached all the troupes individually and everyone had similar reactions to my proposal. The idea was very well received and I am impressed by the absolute professionalism as well as the enthusiasm of all of the troupes involved.”

Barecat attributes her inspiration behind the Ottawa Burlesque Collective to the most recent Nuit Nude Blanche, an all-night burlesque-a-thon held at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. 

“I noticed that all the performers got along so well together and that the range of talent and routines were so diverse. Everyone was cheering and supporting their fellow performers it gave me inspiration to attempt a group effort by all the wonderful troupes we have here in Ottawa.”

Ottawa Burlesque Collective promises to deliver a spectacle unlike any other seen in Ottawa.

“I may have brought the idea into fruition – but it’s all six of our troupes’ show. We are all going to be bringing in each of our own styles of performing, and our respective fans and friends will see burlesque they might not have seen coming to our own troupes’ show. It’s going to widen the eyes of our audience and make them fall in love with the art all over again, I can just feel it. “

Hosting the evening will be the lovely Lila Livewire and the notorious Nigel Mansfield. The remarkable list of performers includes marquee names like Miss Barecat herself, Audrey Hipturn, Headmistress Holly Sin, Helvetica Bold, Kerosene Misfortune, and Shade Nyx, as well as newcomers Charlotte Champagne, Kitty Kin-Evil, and Sweetpea. Not to mention over a dozen other burlesquers, vaudevillians, and cabaret cuties.

Ottawa Burlesque Collective
February 2, 2011 – 8:00pm
Maxwells Bistro, 340 Elgin St.
19+, $12

Internet site reference: http://www.apt613.ca