Fall Flirtations
Coming Up Next…
That’s right! We’re back at Guilt & Co NEXT TUESDAY, September 27th!
We’re returning to the venue that started it all, that sexy basement bar in Gastown, Guilt & Co! Join us for the launch of our new monthly production, jam packed with live music, burlesque, and scintillating fun. On stage you’ll see:
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS FITT
CAROLE BRUNETTE
ARIEL HELVETICA
MISS SYDNEY CLAIRE
and
THE LOCKSMITHS
hosted by
AVA LURE
Doors at 8, Show at 9
Two extra sets of big vocal tunes with the band to follow!
$15 advance/$20 at the door subject to availability. You can purchase tickets in advance here.
So grab a drink, order that cheese plate (you know you want it), sit back, and enjoy the show!!
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Here are some photos of this month’s cast, on and off the Guilt & Co stage. See you next week.
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- Ruthe Ordare Off Stage
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- Ruthe On Stage!
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- Miss Sydney Claire Off Stage
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- Miss Sydney Claire On Stage! Ok, this isn’t the Guilt & Co stage, but that’s because it’s her very first show with us there as a vocalist!
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- Miss Fitt Off Stage
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- Miss Fitt On Stage!
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- Nicky Ninedoors Off Stage
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- Nicky On Stage!
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- Carole Brunette Off Stage
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- Carole On Stage!
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- Ariel Helvetica Off Stage
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- Ariel On Stage!
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- Ava Lure Off Stage
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- Ava On Stage!
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- The Locksmiths On Stage!
It’s Heating Up…
You miss us, we miss you, so we’ve got lots of fun coming your way!
It’s been a beautiful summer, full of inspiration for the members of Pandora & The Locksmiths. We’ve all got our own adventures afoot as well as some super fun group announcements, check it out!
You can catch Nicky Ninedoors performing at The Granville Strip in downtown Vancouver. She has also just finished teacher training at Tantra Fitness so look out for her classes. The next big thing in Mrs. Ninedoors’ calendar is bringing back the amazing Retro Strip Show to The Penthouse. More about that later…
Besides getting gorgeous new photos done by Fubarfoto, Carole Brunette plans on going back to school! She has been accepted into the Expressive Arts Therapy certificate program at Langara College. Congratulations, Carole!
Ariel Helvetica will be teaching two progressive workshops at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre starting this month. Kick It & Spin It and Booty Booty Bootycamp both start August 16 and you can still register!
Alison played a truly EPIC sold out show with her other band, Queer As Funk over Vancouver Pride weekend. So you see that photo?!? You seriously don’t want to miss their next show in town (or in your town) so make sure to check out their website for announcements.
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Upcoming Shows:
You read right, shows, PLURAL! As a group, we’ve been on a creative journey over the last couple years. We shook up our regular routine, tried out some new things, took a bit of a break, and relised that where we really want to be is on stage and in the studio together. Coming up in the fall we have:
Retro Strip Show
The first edition of Retro Strip Show wowed the crowd over the Easter long weekend earlier this year. Back at The Penthouse by popular demand, you can be there to witness all the exotic pole amazingness, throw money, and cheer your heart out September 4. Ticket and casting information can be found here on the Facebook event page. Get super excited, watch the video reel from the first edition by La Tinta Nostra here!
Return to Guilt & Co
We missed our home so we’re taking it back to where it all started! You can see a revamped version of our monthly show at Guilt & Co in Gastown starting September 27. After that, we’ll be on the last Tuesday of every month. Check back here for information on each show.
Make sure to join us soon!
Boogie Down!
Coming Up Next…
Retro Strip Show at The Penthouse
Taking a departure from our usual burlesque show format, members of Pandora & The Locksmiths are teaming up with some of Vancouver’s top strip teasers and pole dancers to present Retro Strip Show at the historic Penthouse Nightclub on Sunday March 27. Doors open at 8PM, with the show starting at 9PM.
Vancouver has a long and passionate affair with striptease, from the days of classic burlesque through the exotic dance boom of the 80s and 90s. Up until the late 70s live music was still often the accompaniment for striptease entertainers. But with the rise of disco, and changes to entertainment laws, 1978 saw the end of bands backing up dancers. Let’s pretend that didn’t happen, if only for one night. Let’s play some funk, some soul, some rock, and yes, even disco! Unlike the revues of old, Retro Strip Show is entirely female produced and provides an easygoing environment for audience members of all sorts to partake in an unique alternative strip club night and have a booty-shaking good time!
Retro Strip Show features four full-length gravity-defying strip sets from ecdysiast superstars Lola Frost, Jackie Brown, Nicky Ninedoors, Miss Sydney Claire, backed up by the indomitable Locksmiths who will be playing David Bowie, Curtis Mayfield, Donna Summer, Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, and Diana Ross. This is your opportunity to relive a moment in Vancouver nightlife history – while making it rain in the process!
You will also get a chance to play our balloon game and win awesome prizes from our fabulous sponsors: Wink of an Eye, Honey Gifts, JuJu hair lounge, Tantra Fitness, Biercraft, Vancouver Burlesque Centre, East Vanity Parlour, The ORchid Club, and Ninedoors Photography.
Make sure not to miss out on Retro Strip Show! Tickets are $25 and available at retrostripshow.brownpapertickets.com.
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Miss You Much!
Besides working on Retro Strip Show, we’ve been busy making some really awesome plans for this spring. Let us share them with you!
Ruthe Ordare is wrapping up an intense term at school and will be returning to the stage this April at The Orchid Club. She will also be teaching a new butt-kicking progressive class at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre so get ready to sweat! Big plans include performing her sock money solo at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and picking out super cute outfits for BHoF.
Miss Kiss has stepped into the world of theatre costuming! You can see the show she worked on, Little Miss Glitz, until March 26 at the PAL Theatre. She’s also planning a huge trip to the Emerald City Comic-Con!
Nicky Ninedoors is currently setting hearts ablaze (for a fee), performing at the Granville Strip in downtown Vancouver. She’s been training HARDCORE in aerials and pole at Tantra Fitness and will be ready to slay at Miss Nude Canada in May.
Carole Brunette will also be returning to the burlesque stage this spring at NSFW: Hip Hop Meets Strip Tease in April. She too is planning a new progressive at the VBC, Groove Train, starting later this month. If you’re looking for a weekly dance sesh, she’s teaching Sassy Street Jazz Wednesdays at 6PM.
Ariel Helvetica is getting not one but TWO progressive workshops ready for the VBC. Do the educational opportunities ever end? No, friends, they do not. Besides teaching, she is prepping to compete in the Miss Viva Las Vegas competition in May. She will also be spending time with her very adorable three-legged cat.
Ava Lure has been in producer pants mode! The Orchid Club at The Projection Room is basically the most fun you’ll have on a Tuesday night and she’s also been planning awesome parties as the new Events Coordinator of Burlycon. Recently, her life was MADE by a private trip to Vancouver’s Catfe where she starred in a promotional video for the VIBF.
Whether it’s kicking your butts in the studio or making you drool on stage, we got you!
Oh and…
Congratulations!
Over the last few months, Ava, August, Miss Kiss, and Miss Fitt & Liam got engaged! Love is in the air and we’re so grateful to be celebrating with our Pandora & The Locksmiths brothers and sisters.
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Show Photos
It seems only fate, or divine intervention, that our shows keep happening around holidays. It must be true that when you pray to Stripper Jesus, she makes it rain! Take a look at these awesome photos by Tom Gould from our Boxing Day show at guilt&co and just try to stay dry.
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- The Locksmiths start things off…
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- Carole the balloon girl!
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- Nicky is the cutest ginger cookie.
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- Peek-a-boo!
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- Stripper Jesus gots you!
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- Ava Lure, the moth…
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- with her flame.
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- A beautiful audience member.
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- Ruthe Ordare, hair flip queen.
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- Hey!
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- Let the choir sing!
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- Disco dancin’ time with Ava.
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- Do you see something you want?
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- Nickaaaaaaay!
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- Ruthe is also a sexy sock monkey…
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- who booty-shakes en pointe!
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- Amen *cue calming sound of springtime rain*
Merry Stripmas!
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at Guilt&Co!
That’s right, darlings, we’re back at guilt&co in Gastown for a holiday extravaganza. Saturday, December 26 will be a riot of a sexy time. Singing! Dancing! Balloons filled with prizes! Jazz! Funk! and striptease! You know you’ll need to drink away your awkward Christmas dinner, do it with us, why don’t you?
On stage that evening:
AVA LURE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
CAROLE BRUNETTE
RUTHE ORDARE
With the melodious accompaniment of that smokin’ 6 piece band,
THE LOCKSMITHS
And hosted by:
MISS KISS aka STRIPPER JESUS
Doors 8 pm
Show 9 pm
Suggested minimum donation $10 with all proceeds going to the performers. See you there!
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In the Giving Spirit
Sooo, if you ever run into any of us over the holidays, we hope you’ll be in the giving spirit! The ladies of Pandora have some pretty fun wish lists this year, why not make our dreams come true? Last year, Miss Kiss asked for dragon wings, but for 2015, she’s asking for the whole dragon (with treasure, an added bonus)! Ariel Helvetica wants an unlimited travel budget and if that can’t be done, feathers of her own. Superstripper Nicky Ninedoors would like fetish boots and lingerie – no messing around! August Wiled would like a Time Turner… wait, no, just more time to spend with friends. Last but not least, Ava Lure is still wishing to add to her kitty family – an exotic shorthair would be perfect!
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Looking Snappy!
A little while back, the whole group did an in-studio photo shoot with the fabulous people of Fubarfoto. Check out our awesome team!
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- Ava Lure
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- Ariel Helvetica
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- Sean – Keys
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- Voracious V
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- Miss Fitt
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- Dominic – Sax
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- August Wiled
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- Miss Kiss
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- John – Bass
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- Carole Brunette
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- Nicky Ninedoors
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- Alison – Trumpet
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- Ruthe Ordare
Striptease Superstars!
We’ll be seeing you soon…
That’s right darlings, we’re planning a show! Everyone knows that November 1st is the true beginning of the Holiday Season, let’s not deny it. Well, we can’t wait for present time so we’re putting together a little show for Boxing Day featuring a lineup of Pandora superstars. Guess where – at Guilt & Co! I heard that Stripper Jesus might be there, so don’t miss it (cause we know you miss us). We’ll be announcing the full lineup later on, so make sure to check back here.
In the Meantime
You can catch the members of Pandora around Vancouver, Western Canada, and even in the U.S. of A!
Just returned from her tour of Europe, Ariel Helvetica is not slowing down any time soon! She’ll be heading down to Seattle this week to teach at Burlycon, a burlesque education convention. You can also catch her at Silk Tease in Seattle this Wednesday and at The Orchid Club at the Fox Cabaret November 24!
Ruthe Ordare just made her NSFW: Hip Hop Meets Striptease debut as a sexy sock monkey! Something only she is capable of. Ruthe has also recently stepped up as Associate Producer of The Orchid Club and will also be performing in this month’s edition. Producer pants look good on this one!
Nicky Ninedoors also slayed at NSFW this weekend. You want more of her stripper magic? She’ll be bringing her act around B.C. and Alberta so keep an eye on her Facebook page to see when she’ll be in your town!
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Summer Dreams
The last time we were all together on stage was way back in June – woah! Even though the Winter Solstice is approaching, we can still fantasize about the Summer Equinox, no? Thanks to these pictures from fubarfoto, WE SURE CAN!
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- Ginger Avenue joins the sunrise.
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- Brother Keys!
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- Ruthe Ordare soars.
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- Miss Fitt at the river.
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- Ava Lure’s farewell to Spring.
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- Peakaboo Freakin’ Pointe!
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- Dominic on sax!
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- Miss Kiss and Nicky Ninedoors rock it!
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- Hello there, Ariel Helvetica.
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- Ava and August’s duality.
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- The one and only Lola Frost, our FemmeC for the evening.
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- Miss Kiss is way cooler than Lestat.
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- August Wiled brings the feels.
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- Peekaboo Pointe stunns.
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- Awoooo! Howl at the moon.
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- Hey, Liam!
Heat Wave!
If you’re looking to cool down, you’ve come to the wrong place!
We’ve been heating up the summer with some amazing solo appearances and won’t be slowing down any time soon. We know you miss us so let’s catch up!
Ruthe Ordare recently performed Opium (the number that won her “Best Solo” at the 2014 Texas Burleque Festival) at the Oregon Burlesque Festival! She will be going to Toronto to teach on August 30 and 31 so east-coasters, jump on that opportunity! Don’t worry local lovelies, she will also be starting a new progressive at the VBC in September.
Alison Gorman and Miss Kiss TORE IT UP at Queer as Funk’s huge pride concert earlier in the month. Take a look at the UH-MAZING full photo set from fubarfoto here.
Nicky Ninedoors will be performing at Mondo Exotica this Friday. She’ll also be shakin’ it at GoGo Bungalow this Sunday! Also, Nicky is feeling sassy – she’ll be finishing off August with two weeks of stripping in Kamloops and Kelowna. You know you want to watch her for 20 minutes straight! Lastly, Ninedoors Photography canvas prints are for sale! Email ninedoorsphotography@gmail.com to purchase.
Ariel Helvetica is festival bound! She will be hitting up the Edmonton Burlesque Festival AND competing for Queen at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival in September. Before then, you can check her out at Sweet Sip this Thursday at the Keefer Bar. She also has shirts!! You can order her hilarious “Tits & Teeth” shirts by emailing arielhelvetica@gmail.com
Ariel & Voracious V will also be embarking on an epic Euro trip this fall! Starting at the Stockholm Burlesque Festival, the pair has gigs in Rome, Munich, Edinburgh, and Berlin. Bon voyage!
Ava Lure, the administrative powerhouse, will be working behind the scenes this fall at both the Vancouver International Film Festival and at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. She also wore a really cool glitter suit at Mondo Exotica last month.
Miss Fitt has been enjoying her summer doing full shows as a lead vocalist for the first time! She has also been ripping it up at lots of music festivals.
August Wiled has been keeping it cool, spending her namesake month in southern California. Who doesn’t love a good vacation?
Make sure to catch one of us in action! We loove seeing you.
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Awakenings
To celebrate the summer solstice, Pandora & The Locksmiths remounted “Awakenings” at the Rio Theatre featuring Peekaboo Pointe and Black Dog String Quartet. Take a look at our favourite pictures from fubarfoto.
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- A gentle sunrise.
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- Ruthe Ordare struts unapologetically.
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- Trombone!
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- Miss Fitt in repose.
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- Ava Lure loves flowers.
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- Woohoo, Peekaboo Pointe!
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- Black Dog String Quartet
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- Ariel Helvetica dances in the moonlight.
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- FemmeC Lola Frost.
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- Ava Lure and August Wiled.
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- Watch out for Miss Kiss’ fangs!
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- Bass!
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- August Wiled in stardust.
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- Peekaboo Pointe.
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- The Hunters.
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- Ta da!
Stepping Out
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths Present: “Awakenings” featuring Black Dog String Quartet and Peekaboo Pointe
On the cusp of spring and summer, celebrate the many facets of femininity as they emerge into the beckoning day and smoulder through the intoxicating evening. Fierce and beautiful burlesque unfolds to the lush interpretations of a 10 piece orchestra playing classical, jazz, and modern day music. Our first independent, full-length production, “Awakenings” is a coming of age for the group and we’d love for you to celebrate with us at the Rio Theatre this Saturday, June 20! Tickets are available here and at the theatre with doors opening at 8PM.
On stage:
Ruthe Ordare
Ariel Helvetica
Miss Kiss
August Wiled
Nicky Ninedoors
Ava Lure
Voracious V
Miss Fitt
Carole Brunette
Ginger Avenue
and
PEEKABOO POINTE (NYC)
FemmeC for the evening:
LOLA FROST
Music from:
THE LOCKSMITHS
With special guests:
BLACK DOG STRING QUARTET
We’re so excited about the amazing artists we’re collaborating with for this production. Want to learn a little more about them? Read on!
Lola Frost
Guiding you through the evening will be Vancouver burlesque luminary, Lola Frost. As Vancouver’s Rock’N’Roll Flapper, Lola Frost is best known for combining her anachronistic styles of vintage and modern – a true 1920’s starlet with a kiss of Ramones grit. Her pieces are a sensorial experience to behold; an elegant blend of dance, theatre, and fervent striptease.
Performer, teacher and mentor, Lola is co-director of the Vancouver Burlesque Centre and integral member of Sweet Soul Burlesque. She has been internationally recognized at Tease-o-Ramma and the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, where she was awarded “Sexy, Sultry, Sizzlin’ Striptease” (2009) and “Most Dazzling Dancer” (2013). She has, with great honor, competed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in the categories of Best Debut (2010), Best Duo (2012 & 2013), Best Troupe (2010), and in 2013 won 2nd runner up in the category of reigning Queen of Burlesque – Miss Exotic World.
A published and noted writer she has been featured on the 21st Century Burlesque Magazine site and in the Berlesker: Handcrafted Literary Journal along with keeping her own blog with a steadily growing following.
Black Dog String Quartet
Black Dog String Quartet will be joining The Locksmiths to create a 10 piece orchestra and a truly unique sound. Formed in 2007, the Black Dog String Quartet is comprised of some of Vancouver’s finest young musicians. The group has appeared on the recordings of artists such as 54-40, Marianas Trench, Bleeding Through, and many others. Individual members have performed live on stage with some of the world’s top acts, including Kanye West, Sting, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Video Games Live.
The quartet’s excellent playing and reputation have landed them in studios with producers like Warne Livesey (Midnight Oil, The Matthew Good Band), Dave Genn (54-40, Hedley), and Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad). Recent performance highlights include appearances with Tambura Rasa, Vancouver Peace Choir, and Karen Flamenco Dance Company.They’ve been a featured ensemble at the Sonic Boom Festival of New Music and at Classical Revolution Vancouver, and all four members play regularly with multiple regional symphony orchestras.
Their solid classical background, high skill level, and collective open-mindedness set the Black Dog String Quartet apart as one of Vancouver’s most unique and versatile ensembles.
Peekaboo Pointe
All the way from New York City, Peekaboo Pointe will be headlining this Saturday’s production! Peekaboo Pointe, known as the “Fastest Tassel-Twirler from East to West,” has graced the stage of nearly every burlesque show in New York City, and continues on her mission of “Seducing the World, one stage at a time.”
Peekaboo started out as a classically trained modern dancer studying under Bill T. Jones, Mark Morris Dance Group, and a host of other notable choreographers. With an early background in ballet and tap, she eventually ventured off on a rare and unusual tour of Cuba studying Afro-Cuban Dance with the group Cutumba. Since then, Peekaboo has applied her extensive knowledge of dance to the nightlife of New York City and turned it into striptease gold. She embodies classic burlesque glamour, but can’t resist throwing a little seductive shock into each of her performances. As if that’s not enough, Peekaboo’s talented tassels spin not only on stage but also on a higher level. Adoring audiences are left breathless as she performs her rare and impressive shows of skill on the pole!
Peekaboo and her twirling tassels have wowed crowds all over the world! Most recently touring with the highly acclaimed show “Cabaret New Burlesque” for 2 tours all over France. She has performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, headlined the Austrailian Burlesque Festival 2012 and another coast-coast tour of Australia with the Burlesque Ball 2010. She was a featured performer at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the award winning show “Vive La Cabaret”. She did a 6 week tour of the UK and Ireland and Sweden. She performed in Venice Italy for MTV, and almost every city in Spain with Los Straightjackets and the Pontani Sisters. Not to mention a US tour headlining the Dos Equis Midnight Revue, and several US tours with Burlesque-a-Pades. She has even made it all the way to Russia to perform! When at home in NYC she was a cast member of the long running shows “This is Burlesque” (2007-2009) and “Guilty Pleasures” (2006-2007) and has performed at over 100 different venues in New York City including Duane Park, Slipper Room, Highline Ballroom, and The Box, just to name a few.
The excitement is growing, make sure you don’t miss out! Let us know you’ll be catching the show by clicking “attending” on Facebook. See us step out on our own this Saturday!
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Vancouver International Burlesque Festival
“Awakenings” was last seen in 2014 at the VIBF. With added material, a larger cast, and our wonderful guests, the upcoming production of the show displays the overall progression of the piece. In May of this year, we debuted another production, “Visions of Lore” at the 10th annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Reimaging myths and legends, we brought our brand of dark magic to the stage. Take a look at these amazing photos by Fubarfoto, Cameron Brown, and WeDo Photo!
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- Carole Brunette guides Pandora through visions of lore.
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- Aura: The Divine Personification of the Breeze
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- August Wiled
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- The Moth: Flying Towards a Flame
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- Ava Lure
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- Narcissus: In Love with a Reflection
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- Ariel Helvetica
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- Ginger Avenue assists with setup.
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- Varcolac: Devour the Moon
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- Voracious V
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- Sirens: The Song of Total Knowledge
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- Sirens
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- Our butts!
Debuting a Dream
Coming Up Next…
VISIONS OF LORE at the VIBF
This Saturday, a brand new production will come alive on the Vogue stage. Visions of Lore dives into the world of myth and legend to reveal new truths. Join us! You can buy tickets in advance here to make sure you’re part of this show’s very first audience.
Bringing you their interpretations of timeless tales:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
MISS KISS
MISS FITT
NICKY NINEDOORS
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
with musical magic from:
THE LOCKSMITHS
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Last week, we shared a bit of inspiration with you. Curious for more? Read on to discover the final three mythical creatures we created acts around.
Narcissus
Known for his beauty and loved by the gods, Narcissus famously fell in love with his own reflection. He could never obtain the object of his desire, though, and wasted away at the side of a mirror-like stream.
Varcolac
The varcolac can be released from within at times of deep darkness. Taking over the host’s body, the creature longs to devour the moon and in doing, remove all light from the world.
Sirens
Undeniable seductresses, sirens lure sailors onto their island with a song of ultimate knowledge. Whether portrayed as half-bird, half human or as beautiful mermaids, sirens are sure to entice and entrance. Let yourself fall under their spell!
We are so excited to share this new production with all of you! Join us for the 10th Annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival this Saturday, May 2!
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More March Photos!
This post is all about giving you more, so here you go! Feast your eyes on some of the performers who will be bringing Visions of Lore to life. Thank you, David Tresham for the photos.
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- Nicky Ninedoors soothes the crowd.
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- Ruthe Ordare is a candy princess!
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- Ava Lure gives you a sneaky peek!
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- Fly away Nicky.
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- John Bews plays it!
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- Shoosh!
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- Ariel Helvetical defies physics!
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- Smokin’ hot Ruthe!
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- Doing lunges with Ava.
As Told In Myth and Legend
Introducing…
Visions of Lore – VIBF 2015
That’s right people! Get yourselves ready for our next big production! Visions of Lore will debut at this year’s Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Comprised of entirely new material, Visions of Lore explores interpretation of myth and legend from a female perspective. Join us on this quest for power, knowledge, beauty, and danger on May 2nd at the Vogue Theatre.
Now, we don’t want to give it all away but we do want to share some inspiration with you! Dive into our hearts and minds to discover the beings that will be gracing the stage.
Pandora
Thought of as the first woman to be created by the gods, Pandora received many gifts of knowledge from the divine world. Her curiosity led to the releasing of all things terrible on earth when she opened that fateful box.
Aura
Known as “the divine personification of the breeze,” the Aurae command both light and blustering winds. Stunning to behold, the Aurae disappear and reappear while gliding through the air.
Moth
Represented by Eunomia, the goddess of law and order and Itzpapalotl, the skeletal warrior goddess with flint-tipped claws, the moth is forever in conflict with itself. Can she resist the flame, or will she take on its destructive power?
Curious for more? Next week we’ll be sharing three more mythical beings with you!
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March at the Fox Cabaret
Wait a sec, it’s just been pictures of not us this entire blog post! Let’s get re-acquainted, shall we? Thank you, David Tresham for these sassy photos of our March show at the Fox Cabaret.
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- The brass section!
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- Ruthe Ordare kicks it off with some classic sizzle.
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- Ava Lure, as seen from behind.
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- Nicky Ninedoors flies away with our hearts.
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- Ariel Helvetica; Black Magic Woman!
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- Host Miss Kiss couldn’t handle the hotness and needed some help from Voracious V.
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- Twirly Nicky!
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- Boom! Bam! Ruthe Ordare.
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- Ava got a bit snacky.
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- All done!
Springing Forward
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at the Fox Cabaret
Yes, yes, y’all the whole gang is back together and ready to put on a show! We’re returning to the Fox stage with our signature brand of scintillation: a revue of slick performances, unique style, and amazing music. We can’t wait to see aaallll the friends, old and new, so make sure to get your tickets!
On stage this Friday, March 13 you will see:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
AVA LURE
ARIEL HELVETICA
&
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors are at 7:30 with general admission tickets at $15 and VIP tickets at $35. See you there, lovelies!
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What’s Up, Pandora?
Even though we haven’t performed together for the general public since December doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy! Let’s catch up, why don’t we?
We had the opportunity to perform in smaller groups at some of Vancouver’s most lavish parties this winter. Both Gastown Gazette and Prohibition at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia celebrated new beginnings and we were there to entertain their crowds!
Nicky Ninedoors, August Wiled, and Ariel Helvetica at the Gastown Gazette launch party.
August Wiled goofing around at the Prohibition opening party.
Ariel Helvetica has been quite the globetrotting showgirl this winter. She’s high-kicked some major butt at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase in New Mexico and Atame in Montreal last month. Coming up, she’ll be heading down to Portland for Rue Royale Burlesque.
Ariel Helvetica backstage with Paco FIsh at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase.
February was full of action! Voracious V and Nicky Ninedoors both brought down the house in Burlesque Duos on February 14.
Ava Lure has been busy behind the scenes, co-producing Skin Game at The Emerald and working on the 10th Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. And guess what? She’s just been accepted to compete on the Saturday night of the Texas Burlesque Festival in Austin!
Ava performing the number she will do at the TXBF at last year’s VIBF.
And all together, we will be debuting a brand new production, Visions of Lore, at the upcoming VIBF! Voracious V, Ruthe Ordare, Miss Fitt, Ariel Helvetica, and Ava Lure are also performing solos in the showcase sets. Here’s to another festival season!
The finale of last year’s VIBF production, Awakenings.
With a winter like that, no wonder we’re bouncing into spring. Here we go!
New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Vancouver
We rang in the new year at one of the city’s most glamorous venues, the historic Hotel Vancouver! David Tresham caught the magic in his camera, relive it here:
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- The antique beauty of Hotel Vancouver.
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- Balloon Girl August Wiled warms up the crowd.
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- Locksmith Liam.
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- Check out that microphone!
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- Bam! It’s Ruthe Ordare.
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- Oh hai there.
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- Swoosh!
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- Super seductress Nicky Ninedoors.
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- Ariel Helvetica hits the stage…
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- …and flies away with a million new crushes!
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- Special guest Mr. Diva.
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- Very bend, such flex.
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- Snail Lady.
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- Slow ridin’ with Voracious V.
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- Who could it be?
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- #coolbutts
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- Group finale!
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- Happy 2015, everyone!
Happy New Year!
Coming Up Next…
New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Vancouver
We’re back at the Hotel Vancouver for another multi-room party extravaganza! For our set, the Pacific Ballroom will be transformed into a deep, dark Weimar nightclub where forbidden fantasy performances emerge from every corner. We’re happy to welcome MR. DIVA as our special guest for the evening.
Jamaal Von Parker AKA Mr. Diva has been a performer from the moment he opened his mouth and had his own original thoughts. He has been fine tuning his craft and dazzling audiences around the world. Jamaal has performed on renowned shows such as Cirque Du Soleil’s One drop Masquerave, Real House Wives of Vancouver, Waking up with the Wagners Las Vegas, as well as being featured on National Geographic and winning Season 2 of Zany or Zoink’d on YTV. Captivation and a stunning visual is what Jamaal is all about, using his body as a canvas and always putting on a spectacle.
Also bringing you some moody Berlin glamour:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
ARIEL HELVETICA
AUGUST WILED
and
THE LOCKSMITHS
Tickets for this unforgettable event are still available! Won’t you ring in 2015 with us? Reserve your spot here.
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More Photos!
Until tomorrow night, fall under the spell of these gorgeous photos from David Tresham.
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- Our host for the evening, Miss Kiss.
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- It’s Laura June!
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- Intoxicating Amber Rose.
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- Yes, they are in a better place…
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- Bass!
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- Voracious V sizzles!
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- Who doesn’t love black lace?
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- Splits!
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- Hello, Carole!
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- Space Goddess.
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- Nicky sings us out.
Dashing Through The NO
Season’s Greetings!
In the spirit of the grumpiest of kitties, we’ve welcomed December with a mix of sassy cynicism and child-like anticipation. Want to know what we’re wishing for this holiday season? Take a peek into our most ridiculous wants and whims.
Ariel Helvetica
This long-legged lady wants to be whisked away to Europe to wait out the winter. Bye bye muggle job!
Nicky Ninedoors
Nicky would like to lounge around in a pearl-filled bathtub, please. Oh, and to be dressed in the finest lingerie for the remainder of the season.
Ava Lure
Also wishing to get away, Ava will take one ticket to Japan, please, and a front row seat at the Murasaki Babydoll show!
Miss Kiss
Miss Kiss would like to trade in her bat wings for… DRAGON wings- and then fly to either Disneyland or Disneyworld.
Think you can handle our showgirl wish lists? Good -we’ll be patiently awaiting your gifts this year!
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Fox Cabaret Launch Party
Last month we took our new home, the Fox Cabaret, by storm. With beautiful new digs, and even a signature cocktail, we celebrated change and new beginnings! Check out these beautiful photos from David Tresham.
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- Sax!
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- Nicky opens the night with a sexy serenade.
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- Laura June takes flight.
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- Shake it, Amber!
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- Fabulousness.
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- Some sass from Voracious V.
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- Carole and her beautiful boa.
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- It’s getting hot in here…
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- Smoky sensuality.
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- Bam! Space rays!
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- Thank You!
In-story photos from Ninedoors Photography, lindsaysdiet.com, and Jess Desaulniers-Lea.
Fall Fox Fun!
Coming Up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at the FOX CABARET
After the whirlwind that was Halloween at the Hotel Vancouver, we’re happy to rest in our new home, the Fox Cabaret. That’s right folks, our monthly show is back with a vengeance and ready to take on Mount Pleasant! Join us November 14th for performances by a wide range of Pandora superstars- from founding members to our newest acquisitions. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from some of the cutest bartenders in town!
Witness on stage:
VORACIOUS V
NICKY NINEDOORS
LAURA JUNE
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AMBER ROSE
Our fantastic host:
MISS KISS
And live music by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
For all the details you’ll ever need, keep an eye on the Facebook event page. We can’t wait to see all your lovely faces again!
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Checking In!
It’s been a busy fall for the ladies of Pandora, and that’s not about to stop. So what do we have coming up this fall? Carole Brunette is happy to be new faculty at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre. She’ll be substitute teaching in the next little while and also coming up with her very own class! At The Rio, Voracious V will be featured in Burlesque Long Form November 22nd and Ariel Helvetica will be pirouetting across the stage in Nightmare Before The Nutcracker December 5th and 12th. Miss Fitt will be travelling North America, embracing the calm and the crazy with stops in Saskatchewan and Las Vegas. Skin Game at The Emerald, Ava Lure’s new co-production with Vanity Feral, will be back November 26. The stage-free evening of burlesque and card games features Ruthe Ordare as a guest this month to boot! So many opportunities to catch these ladies in action!
Photographie
Oh yes, we have more photos from the 4th anniversary show for you! Prepare for the return of our monthly celebration of titillation by feasting your eyes on these lovely images from Reckless Photography.
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- Balloon POP!
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- Fancy cozy guests.
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- Every lady needs a signature sun hat.
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- Amber Rose!
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- Piano keys.
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- Mistress Miss Kiss.
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- Ava’s art deco inspiration.
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- Check out Ruthe Ordare hosting!
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- Oh hey, Ariel’s bum!
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- Yay! Miss Fitt celebrates.
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- Regal Ruthe.
Ladies in Red
Coming Up Next…
Halloween at The Hotel Vancouver
We’re thrilled to be working with Arrival Agency on one of their infamous Halloween Extravaganzas! This one-night spectacular fits mainstays of Vancouver’s entertainment scene into compartments of costume party coolness. To give you a taste, in one room you’ll witness comedians from The Sunday Service performing a seance of the hotel’s ghost, The Lady In Red. In another, Ice Cream Social will be spinning ’50s and ’60s vinyl – top entertainment and party times wait at every twist and turn! Find the full lineup here. In the grand ballroom, Pandora & The Locksmiths will take the stage to present a three-set show for the centuries – Time Machine themed! We’ll be visiting Old Hollywood, the Swingin’ ’60s, and diving deep into the dark machine itself.
This show will feature performances by:
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
MISS FITT
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
Live music by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
With special guests:
TRAVIS BERNHARDT
The Man of Mystery returns to confound and delight you with dark illusions! In 2008, Travis became a full time professional magician, fulfilling his master plans—retroactively decided upon—of never becoming qualified for anything else. Lately his award winning one man shows have played to sold out houses at theatre festivals across Canada, and you can also find him performing at private engagements, at street festivals around the world, and keeping the tiny, sputtering vaudeville flame alive at cabaret and variety shows around Vancouver. We’re so happy to be sharing the stage with Travis once again!
AND
THE HOT PANTS
The Hot Pants are Vancouver’s retro dance group specializing in 1960’s Go-Go, grooviness and far out vintage tunes. Their shows feature authentic 60’s style dance moves, mind-blowing hula hoop artists, amazing vintage vinyl tracks, authentic mod style make-up and hair, and lots of fringe and vinyl Go-Go boots! They’ll be dancing up a storm in our Swingin’ ’60s set!
Before the show, we will be playing the balloon game of course! Each pop of the balloon yields an amazing prize from one of our SPONSORS:
Lace Embrace
Scout Boutique
East Vanity Parlour
Honey Gifts
Biercraft
Chop Shop
Vancouver Burlesque Centre
Ninedoors Photography
GothFox Design
Dirt Simple Soap
Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour
Belle of the Brawl Nails
We’re pleased to announce that this event is SOLD OUT but there may be opportunities to snap up tickets here and there. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for your chance!
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Four-Year Anniversary
Last month we celebrated four years as a collective and said goodbye to Guilt & Co. Even though transitions can be sad, the evening was vibrating with positivity and excitement. Here are some photos from Reckless Photography from the night!
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- Voracious V is a popular balloon girl!
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- The Locksmiths
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- I’ll have a boa with that.
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- Wiggle and roll with Amber.
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- Miss Kiss, queen of the night.
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- Ava Lure tributes Metropolis.
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- Welcome, Ariel Helvetica!
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- A couple of silly teddy bears!
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- Oh yea, August Wiled also plays the flute!
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- Joyous Miss Fitt.
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- Hello, Carole!
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- The soaring talent of Ruthe Ordare
4 Years of Scintillating Burlesque!
Coming Up Next…
PANDORA & THE LOCKSMITHS 4-YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA with OUR NEW MEMBER…
THIS SHOW IS GOING TO BE CRAZY, YOU GUYS!
Another year has come and gone and Pandora & The Locksmiths is about to turn FOUR! Join us in Gastown for another dazzling evening of the live music and scintillating burlesque we’ve become known for.
This month’s show will feature almost every member of Pandora & The Locksmiths in one capacity or another. Be it belting out a tune, hitting the stage with a burlesque number, hosting, acting as stage mistress, or doing absolutely everything (!) this group is ready to take your breath away!
They are:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
MISS FITT
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AVA LURE
AMBER ROSE
AUGUST WILED
Live music, as ever, by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm, with a suggested donation of $10 and all money going toward the artists. We thank you for four years of keeping Gastown absolutely sizzling on a Tuesday!
ALSO ON STAGE THIS EVENING, FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH PANDORA & THE LOCKSMITHS:
ARIEL HELVETICA
Credit: Glass Boudoir Photography
Ariel Helvetica has been stamping her unique font all over the Vancouver Burlesque scene since her 2010 debut. A born and raised dancer, Ariel spent 5 years abroad, wowing audiences in France as a professional Can-Can/Showgirl, and then criss-crossing the globe and criss-crossing her long legs as a professional high-kicker on cruise ships, visiting 45 countries along the way.
Growing up and training to be a “serious” dancer, Ms. Helvetica’s natural talent and drive took her far into the realm of traditional dance and ballet. But her love of performing, musicals, show tunes and, above all else, dancing to the beat of her own drum, hinted she would eventually leave those constricting toe shoes behind for bigger – and higher – kicks. Sure enough, Ariel’s raw sense of creativity and passion soon pulled her towards the hot red lights of burlesque, where she finally gave in to temptation, biting the apple and beginning her training at Burgundy Brixx’s School of Tease. You can also find this kinky kicker working her magic at Blue Morris’s Rock and Roll Burlesque, Tarantino Burlesque and the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Ariel is a teacher at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre.
We cant wait to welcome her to the P&L family this evening!
WE ACTUALLY HAVE ANOTHER SURPRISE FOR YOU… ONE MORE NEW MEMBER!
She made her burlesque debut one year ago on our anniversary stage, and although she is not performing tonight, we’d like to welcome:
LAURA JUNE
Laura June is a dance performer and variety act with Pandora and the Locksmiths, as well as a founding member and co-director of Luciterra Dance Company. She has been studying dance for over 20 years, and has been performing across North America and around the world since 2008. A lover of nuance, the hyper-real, mystery, elegance, vintage dust, and praxis, Laura holds multiple certifications with the Royal Conservatory of Music as well as with her dance teachers Suhaila Salimpour, Jamila Salimpour, Colleena Shakti, and Rachel Brice. She is an ongoing and committed student at the Salimpour School of Dance in San Francisco, California, and at the Shakti School of Dance (classical Odissi) in Rajasthan, India. In addition to her technical artistic studies, Laura holds a degree in Humanities from Simon Fraser University, where she studied Art History. She is particularly fascinated with the intersection of art and social change, and the role of the artist in society. Currently, Laura studies, performs, and teaches dance full time, both locally and internationally. When home, Laura co-teaches 7 dance classes a week in East Vancouver. www.luciterradance.com
More Pretty Pictures
The performers are gearing up for this evening’s performance, are you ready? Take a look at last month’s show, as captured by Bob Ayers, and get totally psyched!
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- Some casual loungin’ by August Wiled
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- Happy Miss Fitt!
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- Spooky special guest, Voodoo Pixie.
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- Space power!
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- Cabaret kid, Ava Lure.
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- High drama!
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- August is werkin’ it.
Resplendent Remembrances
Four Years of Pandora & The Locksmiths Memories!
It’s amazing to think that it’s been four whole years since the inception of Pandora & The Locksmiths! Over that time, members of the group have graced countless stages in Vancouver, represented at international festivals, welcomed esteemed guests, and grown hugely as artists. Our expanding group is undoubtedly a family of creators who support and challenge each other on a daily basis. To gear up for our anniversary show at guilt&co on September 9 we pooled our collective minds to come up with the top few memories from the past four years. Here we go!
The Infamous Rabbit Costume
So this has become a bit of a right of passage for newer members of Pandora & The Locksmiths: “YOU, NEWBIE, GET IN THE BUNNY SUIT!” As part of the finale of Miss Fitt’s Aquarius number, both Ava Lure and August Wiled have donned the white mask and danced around blindly to the sounds of The Fifth Dimension. Big ups to Voracious V for getting in the puppy suit twice.
Ninedoors Photo Police
“You know there are no photos allowed at our shows, right? You there, with your phone out- there are no photos. Oh and you, official photographer? You can sit down. You’re blocking the glamour. Get it? Good. Love you!”
The Proposal
Remember that time Alison proposed to Soo on stage!? We do! This is one of the MOST treasured moments as voted by the members of Pandora & The Locksmiths. A bunch of hopeless romantics, I tell ya!
August at Guilt&Co
Earlier this month, we welcomed Voodoo Pixie and Arnt Arntzen to the guilt&co stage! August’s heat was no match for these performers- their dazzling ways sent chills through the audience. Check out these lovely photos from Bob Ayers!
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- Ava Lure is a sneaky balloon girl!
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- August Wiled and the Peel.
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- Miss Fitt’s Shibari styles.
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- Specia Guest Voodoo Pixie.
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- “I’m from space!”
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- A patented Ava stare-down.
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- Blue Voodoo.
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- Nicky Ninedoors sings a tune.
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- Goodbye bra strap!
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- Yay! Such fun!
I’ll be on the beach…
Coming up next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at Guilt&Co with Voodoo Pixie and Arnt Arntzen
We’re back at guilt&co for our final show of the summer! Shake the sand out of your hair and roll on down to Gastown for a sizzling night of scintillating burlesque entertainment on August 12.
This month’s show features special guests VOODOO PIXIE and ARNT ARNTZEN. As a member of the Cabaret du Passe collective, and co-producer of the annual AbraCadaver Cabaret, Voodoo will be bringing her signature blend of ethereal mischief to the stage. She will be accompanied by Vancouver’s Tin Pan Troubadour, Arnt Arntzen, armed with his trusty banjo.
This show will also feature burlesque by:
MISS FITT
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
Vocals by:
NICKY NINEDOORS
Musical magic by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
All hosted by:
MAMA KAY
Doors at 8PM, show at 9PM with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds go directly to the performers.
Mid-Summer Check-in
Here in Vancouver, summer is in full swing and the members of Pandora & The Locksmiths are living it up! Not only is our monthly show at guilt&co is running like clockwork, we’re making fun secret plans for the year to come. Outside of collective activities, our members are stoking that creative fire in a variety of ways. Festival maven, Ruthe Ordare will be hitting the stage at the inaugural Oregon Burlesque Festival this weekend. After winning “Best Solo” in Texas, we know Miss Ordare is going to kick some serious butt in Portland. Miss Kiss will be appearing in the Pride Burlesque Revue at the Lux Lounge on July 31, followed by an all-out burlesquified musical performance in Concrete Vertigo’s Vixens In Wonderland next month. Continuing the theatrical trend, Ava Lure is busy writing and directing her very first play! Seaside Stories of Terrible Things will be running in this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival. Miss Fitt and Liam MacDonald will be adding a little middle eastern flare to their summer. Both will be performing in Nuba’s Bedouin Cabaret on August 7th. Everyone else? Meet them at the beach!
July
Our July show was a hot one! We were very pleased to have special guest Raven Virginia come all the way from Calgary. We tried to kidnap her and make her stay on the West Coast, but the best we could do was capture her in photos. Thank you David Tresham for documenting the evening!
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- Miss Kiss kicks things off with the balloon game!
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- The Locksmiths set the musical tone.
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- Such prizes. So win.
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- Ava Lure stretches out in the sun.
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- August Wiled in repose.
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- Ruthe Ordare owns YOU!
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- Special Guest Raven Virginia!
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- Oh hai, shoes…
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- Yay! Ruthe!
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- Ava noms on her glove, rawrr!
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- August Wiled is all gams.
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- Our host, Mama Kay!
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- Raven Virginia wows the crowd.
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- Ta da!
Night Heat
Coming up Next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at Guilt&Co with RAVEN VIRGINIA
Coming all the way from Calgary, Alberta, this month’s special guest is none other than RAVEN VIRGINIA. Raven is a member of the Garter Girls and has graced stages across North America, including the Burlesque Hall of Fame and our very own Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Join us in sizzling Gastown on July 8th for a show that shouldn’t be missed!
The ladies of Pandora will be serving you two numbers each this evening.
On stage you will see:
RUTHE ORDARE
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
With vocals from our stage mistress:
MISS KISS
Our fabulous host:
MAMA KAY
And live music in an array of styles from:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors are at 8:00pm with the show starting at 9:00pm. Suggested $10 donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the artists.
Bring your hand fans and wear something flowy- this is sure to be a hot one!
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June at Guilt&Co
Our June show kicked off the summer in style! Relive the glamour with sultry photos from Bob Ayers.
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- Starting things off, balloon girl Voracious v!
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- Just loungin’ with Ruthe Ordare.
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- Delilah Dare show us some fusion bellydance!
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- Gorgeous Carole Brunette.
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- Miss Fitt is trippin’ out.
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- Veil fans and the band!
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- Precision.
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- Carole’s chair dance.
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- A graceful Miss Fitt.
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- Ruthe says, “ta da!”
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- Curtain call, everyone!
Springtime Shimmer
Coming Up Next…
PANDORA & THE LOCKSMITHS at GUILT&CO
Join us at our home base, guilt&co, in Gastown on Tuesday, June 10 for our monthly live music burlesque extravaganza! Let us know you’re coming by checking out the Facebook event here. Get shimmying and shaking on a hot spring evening with performances by:
RUTHE ORDARE
MISS FITT
DELILAH DARE
CAROLE BRUNETTE
with stage mistress
NICKY NINEDOORS
musical accompaniment by
THE LOCKSMITHS
and hostess for the evening
MAMA KAY
Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm. Suggested donation of $10 with all proceeds going to the artists.
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Collective Structure
You may or may not know this, but Pandora & The Locksmiths operates as an artist collective rather than a company or troupe. What this means is that there is no assigned “leader” and all jobs -from social media, to band leading, to writing this here blog- are delegated among members. We cast performance spots based on availability and rotate sweeping duties. Sometimes we have one member lead a group number if it is a theme they are particularly passionate about, but most of the time we create as a team. It may take a lot longer, but we all feel strongly about creating with equality among artists. Miss Fitt and Nicky Ninedoors echo the sentiments of the group with their thoughts on our collective structure:
Miss Fitt
The most interesting part for me is how we seem to grow so much as individual performers through our work together. I get inspired all the time by my team. Performing along side such diverse and talented people helps me to become a stronger performer. I get ideas, I see what is exciting and effective for others and I bring my own unique talents and ideas to the table as well. I feel we each contribute to setting the bar higher for ourselves and support each other with our goals and ideas. We all benefit from each others success and grow stronger as a group as a result.
Nicky Ninedoors
What I found incredibly powerful about the process of Awakenings, was that it put us all in a really intense state of vulnerability. We had to be completely open with our feelings, consider the validity of the feelings of others, while working together towards a common goal. I feel that common goal was realized in the creation of “Hunter”, which closed the show. Performing as part of that act was powerful for me because it was created by eight people who were willing to listen to each other, who practiced saying “Yes” to each others ideas, while being humble and gracious when ideas didn’t work or needed revisiting.
It was a really hard process, but as a group we have been evolving for a while, recognizing the talents of each individual within the group, and striving to move away from the idea that any one individual is solely in charge. Each member of the collective is incredibly valuable, and it’s empowering to be surrounded by women who respect, admire, and encourage each other through the challenges they face.
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Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend
Photo by Alex Laurente
A huge “BREAK A LEG” to all the hugely talented women jetting off to Las Vegas to compete in the Tournament of Tease! The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender is a huge four-day fundraiser for the one and only Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum. Team Vancouver will be lighting up multiple categories this year. For Queen of Burlesque we have April O’Peel, Melody Mangler, Burgundy Brixx, and Lola Frost, for best group we have a duo by Lola Frost & Rita Star, and up for Best Debut, our very own VORACIOUS V! Kick some butt down there, Nebula Nipples!
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Vancouver International Burlesque Festival
It was such an honour to grace the Vogue stage with “Awakenings,” a huge collaboration between our collective, Four on The Floor String Quartet, and K-Tel. Want to know what the VIBF is like first-hand? Check out Ava Lure’s Festival Diary in Pin Curl Magazine! Enjoy these amazing photos of our VIBF production from Fubarfoto and Reckless Photography.
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- Early morning.
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- Sunrise.
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- Keys!
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- Bird of paradise, Ruthe Ordare.
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- Singing!
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- Miss Fitt, at the side of the river.
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- Sax, trumpet, trombone!
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- Angel of death, Miss Kiss.
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- Bass!
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- Two-sided symmetry, Ava Lure & August Wiled.
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- Four on The Floor Sting Quartet!
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- Wolf pack on the hunt.
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- Howling at the moon.
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- Thank you!
Art Attack!
Coming up next…
Pandora & The Locksmiths at Guilt & Co!
with special guests:
APRIL O’PEEL & NOUVEAUX TABLEAUX
Reeling from the whirlwind that was the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, Pandora & The Locksmiths return to the Guilt & Co stage! Blending fine art with performance, we welcome special guests APRIL O’PEEL and NOUVEAUX TABLEAUX.
Featuring burlesque performances of the classically glamorous persuasion:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
AUGUST WILED
APRIL O’PEEL
Sounds by:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Bringing fine art to life with Tableaux Vivants:
NOUVEAUX TABLEAUX- MOLLY MALONE and ALLEY CAT HATFIELD
Hosted by:
MAMA KAY
Door at 8:00pm, show at 9:00. $10 suggested donation, all proceeds going to the artists. Let us know you’re coming by checking out the Facebook event!
What is Tableaux Vivants, you ask?
“Not unlike today, social mores of the early 19th century objected to any public exposure of a naked human body. Based on moral, religious or decency grounds, the exposure of a naked body was regarded as inherently sexual. As a result of strict morality laws forbidding women from dancing in the nude, Tableaux Vivants became a form of erotic entertainment under the guise of of art and culture. A Tableau Vivant occurs when a group of performers create a scene without movement or speech to create a living picture. This was a popular form of entertainment before radio, film or television and at one time were a major feature at festivities for royal weddings, coronations, and royal entries to cities. Enterprising producers argued that if classical art works were permitted to show female nudity, they should be as well. Tableaux Vivants were agreed as acceptable as it became understood that it was movement that caused the female form to become sexual. This meant that recreations of classical works using nude women could and would be permitted. “
See it for yourself on Tuesday, May 13 at guilt&co!
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VIBF Favourite Moments
The recent Vancouver International Burlesque Festival was a resounding success! Each act was more dazzling than the last and the audience faces were the smilin’-est in town. Our production, Awakenings, is still vivid in our hearts and minds and it was such an honour to share it with the crowd. Now it’s time to check in! Members of Pandora, what were your favourite VIBF moments? and what are you working on now?
John Bews had a roaring good time chauffeuring our guest legend, Kitten Natividad! Her comedic spirit kept him in stitches and all her jokes were totally on point. This spring, John looks forward to re-organizing his encyclopaedic record collection.
Voracious V, Queen of Tea (Bagging) was honoured to give guest host, Judith Stein, a vocabulary lesson worthy of Urban Dictionary! Judith walked away from the Thursday afternoon tech rehearsal with a whole new understanding of a seemingly innocent innuendo. Next up for Voracious, getting ready to rock Las Vegas when she competed for “Best Début” at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender in June.
Nicky Ninedoors revelled in backstage antics while at the Vogue. Her favourite moment was racing up the back staircase with Miss Fitt to make their cue! Can you say, “Sabbatical”? This summer, Nicky plans to focus on creating ornate hairpieces, dance lessons, and re-discovering her song-writing voice.
August Wiled also had a wonderful time backstage. She really enjoyed all the chatter and excitement in the Pandora dressing room. Who doesn’t love spending time with friends? In the next few months, August plans on getting crafty by delving into the art of lingerie construction.
Miss Fitt was very pleased to share a dressing room with The Wet Spots on Thursday night. The conversations they had were heart-warming, groin-tingling, and totally invaluable. This summer, Miss Fitt is going to focus on belly dance classes!
Getting to perform at the Vogue for the first time was the highlight for Miss Kiss. After seeing heroes like Alice Cooper up on that stage, she was overjoyed to finally get her turn! As Pandora’s resident musical theatre nerd, Miss Kiss will be jetting off to New York City this month for a vacation!
Ruthe Ordare enjoyed warming up to our collective theme song, “Yankin’” by Lady, truly a fine jem of modern music! This summer, she is excited to work on new numbers as well as mentor up-and-coming burlesque babes at the Vancouver Burlesque Centre.
The improbable was made possible for Ava Lure on Saturday night of the festival. She was floored to see Perle Noire VOGUEING on stage as part of her multi-song routine. This summer, Ava is all theatre everything! She will be creating an adapted piece of site-specific work as a participant of the Fringe Onsite program, as well as hitting the books as a fourth-year student in Capilano University’s new Bachelor of Performing Arts cohort program.
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Birds of a Feather
In April, we were so pleased to welcome spring chicken, Faye Havoc, to the guilt&co stage! Already a mega-talented seamstress (did you see our lace cage lingerie sets at the VIBF?), we are so excited to watch her growth into a performer. The other ladies of Pandora brought out their favourite animal-inspired numbers for your enjoyment. Peruse these gorgeous photos by Clint Trahan and journey back with us.
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- Sax, bass, and drums! Dom, John and Liam.
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- Miss Fitt dances so fast!
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- Like a tiger!
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- Miss Kiss hosts and Carole Brunette sweeps!
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- Ruthe Ordare takes flight.
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- Dreamy feathers.
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- Dominic on sax!
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- Faye Havoc goes from pea-hen…
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- to peacock!
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- The bears can’t open the honey jars…
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- Just kidding!
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- Sean on keys!
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- Voracious V as a spooky black kitty.
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- Animalistic Nicky Ninedoors.
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- Playing some tunes.
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- Curtain call!
Something’s A-brewing…
Coming Up Next…
AWAKENINGS
at the
Vancouver International Burlesque Festival
We will be bringing our full-length production Awakenings to the VIBF on Friday, May 2 at the Vogue Theatre. Or exploration of dreams, the moon cycle, and the ethereal world will feature some favourites from the show’s last run, but will comprise mostly of brand new, top-secret work.
On Stage:
VORACIOUS V
RUTHE ORDARE
NICKY NINEDOORS
MISS KISS
MISS FITT
CAROLE BRUNETTE
AUGUST WILED
AVA LURE
&
THE LOCKSMITHS
with
FOUR ON THE FLOOR STRING QUARTET
and visuals by
The festival runs from May 1-3. Tickets for the VIBF can be purchased here.
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VIBF Legacy
Now in it’s ninth year, the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival is steadily growing into one of North America’s leading burlesque festivals. Performers bring their very best to vie for a spot on the Vogue theatre’s art deco-inspired stage. Pandora & The Locksmiths is honoured to be included again this year. Some of our members would like to share memories from their very first VIBF experience; what they saw, what they felt, and how it changed them as burlesque artists.
MISS FITT:
“My first experience was with Miss Kiss at the VIBF in..was it 2008? It was the first time we ever wore pasties on stage. Burgundy and Purrfessor had us (Miss Kiss,Carole, and myself) as dancers in their Laughedelic Love-In show. It was so much fun to be a part of it. Later that weekend I was nominated for an award for best go-go dancing and officially dubbed ‘The Queen of Go-Go’ by Evil Bastard at the awards show. I had a few gigs as stage Kitty at Kitty Nights prior to that and I guess people noticed my knack for freestyle go-go. I was touched to be recognized in the community even before I had officially made my solo burlesque debut- which I did shortly after on the Kitty Nights stage.”
NICKY NINEDOORS:
“My first VIBF experience was in 2009 at Jenny Magenta’s banquet of broads show at the Wise Hall. I was volunteering at the bar helping with drinks (ie. sitting on the bar and preening) and I struck up a conversation with someone who was admiring my backseam stockings… And a loyal fan was made!”
AVA LURE:
“My first experience was a few months after my Becoming Burlesque grad in 2010. I was volunteering at the Rickshaw selling tickets at the door. When the show began I got to get up from my post and peek into the theatre where I saw Tigger! perform for the first time. I was so blown away by his performance and had never seen anything like it before so I read his bio in his class description. I noticed he had a degree in theatre and thought to myself, ‘I MUST BE THAT AWESOME TOO! I MUST GET A DEGREE IN THEATRE!’ and am now entering the final year of that degree. Overall, a hugely life-changing event.”
RUTHE ORDARE:
“My first experience with the VIBF was in 2011 when I was brand-spanking new! I had debuted in January 2011 and had met a few of my future collective-mates already. I was asked by Pandora & The Locksmiths to kitten their production and was a stage slave for Bloody Betty’s production at the Rickshaw. The next night I was taking tickets and watching the other performances. On showcase night Burgundy asked me to be a part of her “Fireball” number as they were the main sponsor. It was a group number with Lola Frost, Carole Brunette, Miss Fitt and Voracious V!
It’s hard to remember much of it because it was such a whirlwind and I really had no idea how big the community was at that point. I made so many connections at that festival and knew I wanted to be on that stage as a soloist one day. I think Burgundy and the ladies of Pandora had the biggest impact on me because they believed in me as a new performer and gave me opportunities to be involved!”
JOHN BEWS:
“My first experience was with “Things Ain’t What They Used To Be,” our production at the Rickshaw for 2011. We were only a cast of 9 at that time. It went by really quickly and we were left with a large keyhole prop.”
AUGUST WILED:
“My first VIBF experience was 2012, as a spectator. What I remember best was being blown away by Nicky Ninedoors and Sean Bayntun performing “Nude” at the Vogue. As a newbie, I felt at home there, like ‘Yes, these are all my people.'”
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For some visual stimulation before we hit the Vogue stage, please peruse these photos from last month’s run of Awakenings. Images by Jess Desaulniers-Lea and Cameron Brown.
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- Hippie dreamscape with Miss Fitt. Following photos by Jess Desaulniers-Lea
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- In the boudoir with Ruthe Ordare.
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- Angel of Death Miss Kiss
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- August Wiled serenades with her legs!
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- Balloon fun with Voracious V! Following photos by Cameron Brown.
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- Femme-C Lola Frost
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- Ava Lure opens her fancy presents!
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- Don’t pet my belly!
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- Addicted to August Wiled.
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- Ruthe Ordare swirls like smoke.
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- Chanteuses: Nicky Ninedoors, Miss Kiss, and August Wiled.
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- One half Ava, one half August.
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- An intimate moment with Nicky Ninedoors.
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- Nude Nicky.
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- Miss Kiss…
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- …sucks young blood.
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- Curtain Call!
Equinox
Coming Up Next…
Birds of a Feather with Pandora & The Locksmiths
Are you ready for a creature feature? We’re ecstatic to be back at our home base- guilt&co! Our spirits are high and we’re tapping in to our animal instincts to bring you our favourite creature-themed routines. This month, we present to you a special guest- spring chicken FAYE HAVOC! You’ve seen her costumes on the bodies of Vancouver’s top burlesque performers and now it’s time for Faye to strut her stuff on stage. So creep, crawl, shimmy, shake your way to Gastown on April 8!
Birds of a Feather will also feature:
NICKY NINEDOORS
VORACIOUS V
MISS FITT
RUTHE ORDARE
Stage Mistress:
MISS KISS
And song stylings of:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors at 7
Show at 9
*Suggested donation of $10 at the door, all going towards the performers*
Welcoming April
This month is high energy for the ladies of Pandora, let’s check in!
Nicky Ninedoors -a staple of powerhouse producer April O’Peel‘s mainstage shows- will be facing the wheel of destiny in Burlesque Improv at the Rio Theatre on April 5. You don’t want to miss this one, a rubber chicken is involved! Later this month, she will be taking up a week-long residency at Vancouver’s infamous Penthouse Nightclub. The Penthouse has seen everything from jazz greats to Mafia dons and is now one of the city’s top exotic entertainment venues. See Nicky become part of the legend the week of April 14.
Ruthe Ordare is our globe-trotting darling this month! She will be touring with three different productions through BC and Amurica! From April 4-6, she will be heading up to Quensel with her partner in crime Villainy Loveless to teach and to perform at the Caribooby Cabaret. Then, from April 9-12 she will be heading down south to Austin to compete in the Texas Burlesque Festival! Woot woot! Finally, from April 18-20 she will be touring Kamloops and Prince George as part of the Dirty Dancing Burlesque cast. Catch her if you can, far-away friends!
Ava Lure is pleased to be joining an all-star cast of the second instalment of Night Circus. Every weekend in April, let her take you on a Space Cruise! This production, at Vancouver FanClub, features Blue Morris’ Rock & Roll Burlesque band, mind-bending circus artists, Cruise Director David C. Jones, and some of the city’s best and brightest burlesquers. Join the cast for their first two weekends for $5 off when entering promo code AvaLure when you purchase tickets online in advance! OH did I mention the show is set to 80s music? Cause it’s space!
It is with great honour and the awesomest sauce that we announce Voracious V‘s acceptance to the “Best Début” category of this year’s Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender. The weekender -which runs June 1-5- celebrates the international burlesque scene’s most outstanding stars with four evenings of unstoppable showcases. We can’t wait to cheer on our favourite purple Space Goddess in Las Vegas this summer!
Also, a HUGE congratulations to the wonderful Vancouverites accepted to perform in the Queen category: Melody Mangler, April O’Peel, Burgundy Brixx, and Lola Frost!
Voyages & Adventures
Well, it looks like our wishful thinking worked! Voyages & Adventures- last month’s vacation-themed show- brought in a spectacular Spring! Let the sun shine in with these photos from Bob Ayers.
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- Peachy Burgundy Brixx.
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- Ava Lure loungin’ in the sand.
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- Voracious V is too darn hot!
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- Island babe Carole Brunette.
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- A mustachio’d V.
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- Rien!
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- Delightful Delilah Dare.
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- Ava in gold.
Daydreaming of You
Capturing Hearts
There are three more chances to experience Awakenings with Pandora & The Locksmiths! The evening will be filled with sultry words, seductive images, and sensual movements. We’d hate for you to miss out. Each week, a rotating cast graces the Fanclub stage so every performance is unique. The walls of the nightclub are lined with photographs from Ninedoors Photography– all available for purchase. So let’s keep the words brief!
Spend some time daydreaming with boudoir images of the Awakenings cast...
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- Miss Fitt
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- Voracious V
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- August Wiled
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- Nicky Ninedoors
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- Ruthe Ordare
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- Miss Kiss
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- Ava Lure
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- Burgundy Brixx
Come on Home, Girl!
Coming Up Next…
Voyages and Adventures
AND
Awakenings
with Pandora & The Locksmiths
Awakenings is a dream and nightmare-themed extravaganza that will feature a rotating cast of Pandora striptease artists and vocalists.
Join us at Vancouver FanClub on Granville Street for an evening of glitz and glamour! Opening March 7, the premier evening will also include a photo exhibition from Ninedoors Photography. Awakenings will run every Friday of the month of March.
Ready to escape the snow and rain? Voyages and Adventures with Pandora & The Locksmiths will create the feel of a far-off vacation! Head down to guilt&co on Tuesday, March 11 to heat things up.
Featuring:
VORACIOUS V
DELILAH DARE
BURGUNDY BRIXX
AVA LURE
Hosted by:
THE PURRFESSOR
With stage mistresses:
MISS FITT
AUGUST WILED
And song stylings of:
THE LOCKSMITHS
Doors at 7
Show at 9
*Suggested donation of $10 at the door, all going towards the performers*
Heart & Soul
Heart & Soul was a shimmy-shaking, sing-your-heart-out celebration of RAD. Special surprise guest Jo Weldon rocked the house with an impromptu bump and grind, tassel/assel-twirling lesson. The audience was thrilled! Take a break from your day and get lost in these gorgeous images from Reckless Photography.
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- Carole brunette is…
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- FOXY!
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- Ruthe Ordare gets that stocking on
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- Burgundy Brixx floats into your dreams.
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- Miss Fitt frolics in the garden.
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- Stage Mistress Ava has it handled.
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- Somebody to love? Ruthe Ordare!
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- Nicky Ninedoors sings her heart.
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- A little trace…
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- Miss Fitt can fly!
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- Burgundy as Lucretia McEvil.
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- Curtain call. Thanks Jo!
Pandora and The Locksmiths 