There is a new confidence in the world of the burlesque revival. The annual Burlesque Hall of Fame which took place June 2-5th in Las Vegas, and the Miss Exotic World which took place the same weekend in Las Vegas show no signs of slowing down. There are at least four movies that involve burlesque as a topic in post-production or theaters right now, and we can all agree this genre isn't going anywhere. But more than this, the first major-hitting burlesque 'agency' has just expanded from production and booking to instruction.
The worlds' first Burlesque Entertainment agency, The Bijou Group was formed in 2010 and is growing strong. The agency carries the most highly recognized artists in burlesque entertainment today with the likes of: Catherine D'Lish ( Miss Exotic World '94 and '92 coach to Dita Von Teese ), Dirty Martini (Tournee', Tease-O-Rama, Vogue Curvy) and Roxy D'Lite ( Miss Exotic World 2010 ) to name a few. This power-packed bevy of artists shows the presence of burlesque expanding between Australia, Canada , United States, and Europe. The majority of artists on their roster are Australian but they seem to handle a very robust list of U.S., Canada, and European artists as well
The Bijou Group is based out of Australia, and their website is housed at http://bijougroup.com.au . Jac Bowie is the Creative Director with co-director Cassandra Atkins. The two are at a veritable center of 'who's who' in the best of current world-wide burlesque entertainers.
Burlesque sustains its life by existing in world-wide competitions, festivals, and pageants mainly inspired by the revival of the original Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum chronicled in the upcoming release Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival. [ http://exoticworldthemovie.com ]. The art, history, and costuming of burlesque has roots in many eras and cultures. It's fitting that the first agency of this sort is not only chalk full of talent that has connections to the real revival that is in progress world-wide since the year 2000, it is also international just as burlesque has always been.
Burlesque is 'here to stay'. The glamorous splendor and beauty on stage of the genre that loves to do a satire on life is back. Ironically this sense of security that the revival is here to stay is taking place the very year that we have lost one of the most dedicated, beloved, and life-long contributors to the craft: Gypsy Rose Lee 1911-2011. R.I.P. Gypsy.
