The Lost Girls burlesque dancers are heating up The Cambie’s stage this Friday (Dec. 11) during their XXX-Mas Burlesque show.
The performance features four members: Nite Mare, Calamity Kate, Justine Sane and Veronica Vex. It’s two sets of 45-minute routines with no pauses between acts. The troupe creates a continuous on-stage show, quickly changing from one costume to the next to ensure seamless action.
“The Lost Girls, we are a different, edgier style of neo-burlesque,” said troupe member Nite Mare. “We do comedy but nothing cutesy. No cupcake burlesque. It’s fun and light-hearted. It’s like going to a rock show for burlesque.”
Even though the troupe embraces a darker style, members still embrace the comedic aspects of performing.
“The whole idea of burlesque is poking fun at your reality,” said Nite Mare. “We draw power from that darker imagery because it can be very powerful for women.”
The Lost Girls burlesque troupe was founded on Halloween in 2013. The women were brought together by Veronica Vex for a special performance. After the show, the women decided they had similar styles.
Nite Mare said there are so many “wonderful” things about burlesque that attracted her to the style.
“It’s an industry produced and run by women. It’s very rare in the artistic community, especially when it deals with the sexuality of women,” she said. “The No. 1 thing is the power of presenting ourselves sexually, but not as objects but as agents of our own body and controlling the sexuality and images.”
The Lost Girls performed at the Calgary International Burlesque Festival in 2014 and 2015 and toured throughout British Columbia.
Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance from The Cambie or $20 at the door. The show is for ages 19 plus. People are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com