FROM PIN-UP MODELS TO UNEXPECTED HIT
Blackheart Burlesque heats up Flames Central
Flames Central is set to sizzle once again.
The SuicideGirls Blackheart Burlesque will heat up Flames Central on April 29 for one show only as they did last year.
According to Missy Suicide (a.k.a. Selena Mooney) co-founder of the Blackheart Burlesque the girls simply had to return.
“This is our third visit to Canada and last year at Flames Central it was the best Canadian audience we’ve ever had.
“We’re really pumped to be coming back to Calgary,” says Missy.
The SuicideGirls were born as a website back in 2001 for pin-up models.
“I had just moved back to Oregon and worked on the photo shoots for the website. What began as just a small group of models now features almost 3,000 girls. It’s a real celebration of the body and beauty.”
The website branched off into the burlesque show which simultaneously spoofs and celebrates pop culture.
“Blackheart is much more than simple striptease, though of course there is an element of striptease in the show. We’ve put a new spin on traditional burlesque with our elaborate set pieces and costumes. One of our first big successes was a spoof on Reservoir Dogs and we haven’t looked back since.
“We’ve done tributes to Star Wars, Orange is the New Black, Clockwork Orange and Donnie Drako. We’re always expanding our material and adding new pieces, but we keep some of our most popular.”
In 2014, the SuicideGirls and their Blackheart Burlesque were invited to perform at Comic-Con.
“It was like when we started,” says Missy. “Back then people told us there was no audience for what we wanted to do. When Blackheart became such a huge success, the same people told us they knew it would be a hit all along.
“This is what happened when we agreed to go to Comic-Con. So many people said it was a foolish move because that was definitely not our audience. They were wrong again. We were such a smash hit we’ve been asked back ever since. It shows how universal our appeal is.”
The Blackheart Burlesque has been invited to do a small tour of Germany and Missy is hoping “we’ll be embraced in Germany as enthusiastically as we were in Calgary.
“The German tour is so very exciting. I’m going for the entire tour, that’s how excited I am that we’re going international.”
Missy explains that the new Calgary show will feature six girls.
“There will be solo acts, group acts, duos and other combinations.
“The choreography is by Manwe Sauls-Addison who has worked with such incredible female performers as Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Beyonce.
“There is a real sensuality to his moves that works so well for our girls.”