Scintillating live music and burlesque!

Posts tagged “Ariel Helvetica

Fall Flirtations

Coming Up Next…

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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!!

Here are some photos of this month’s cast, on and off the Guilt & Co stage. See you next week.


Striptease Superstars!

We’ll be seeing you soon…

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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!


Stepping Out

Coming Up Next…

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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!


Debuting a Dream

Coming Up Next…

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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

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

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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

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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

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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!

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.


As Told In Myth and Legend

Introducing…

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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.


Dashing Through The NO

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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!

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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.

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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!

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Miss Kiss

Miss Kiss would like to trade in her bat wings for… DRAGON wings- and then fly to either Disneyland or Disneyworld.

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Think you can handle our showgirl wish lists? Good -we’ll be patiently awaiting your gifts this year!

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.

In-story photos from Ninedoors Photography, lindsaysdiet.com, and Jess Desaulniers-Lea.


4 Years of Scintillating Burlesque!

Coming Up Next…

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 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

Ariel-Gloss Boudoir

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

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 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!