BHOF 2025

Glamour, rhinestones and extravagant clothing are common sights to see in Vegas but this weekend, The Orleans hotel patrons could give any show on the strip a run for its money. Showgirls from around the world descend on Las Vegas every first weekend in June for the annual pilgrimage to the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender; a weekend of burlesque shows, classes, panels, networking and the crowning of the new monarch of Burlesque known as M. Exotic World. 

Starting as a passionate project by performer Jennie Lee in the 1950s, the Burlesque hall of Fame museum now resides in Las Vegas and is open to the public to visit. Over 100 years of history is contained within it's 4 walls with a special display focusing on different ethnic groups and their contributions. Volunteers keep the history of burlesque alive for the new generations of performers who flock to this museum year round. 

The annual fundraising event started in 1990 where the title Miss Exotic World (in 2023 it was changed to M. Exotic world after extensive discussions to make the title more inclusive) was born and quickly became a coveted title among performers. It's also a place where burlesque legends come to share their experience, their stories and perform for the new generations of performers. 

This was my first time attending this event and nothing could have prepared me for how overwhelming the whole experience was (in the best way). 3 nights of shows, 4 days of events including panel talks, classes, a bazaar, visiting the museum, after parties and a pool party! It's often said the weekend is a marathon, not a sprint and fuck if they weren't right 🤣. 

UK group picture at the pool party

The performances were outstanding but the true value (for me) in BHOF is the people. I got to catch up with old friends, make new ones and meet people I've admired online. I've laughed, cried, got a little drunk and felt overwhelmingly part of something bigger. Listening to the history of this art form from those who have been performing for years (in one case since 1941), really hit home for me that this is an art form often overlooked, marginalised and erased from history.

Ellion Ness at the Legends Panel

Watching Penny Starr Sr, at the age of 92, perform on The Orleans stage was inspiring. Seeing a video of Ellion Ness perform as she was honoured as the legend of the year was stunning. Hearing Madame E talk about performing with musicians on heroin was hilarious. Chatting to Di Alba about hair dye was slightly surreal. These are the interactions that make BHOF worth it. 

As a first time attendees I was nervous! I wasn't sure what to expect or how welcoming people would be but I quickly found people I know online or from previous festivals to chat and hang out with. I also got chatting to new people either in the queue for photos or wandering around the bazaar. As someone who's very aware of potentially annoying people I didn't approach and talk to as many people as I wish I had but I know I can grow on this experience in future years and I treasure the connections I have made. Its worth remembering that this weekend is a reunion and for so many its one of the very few times that they get to see their friends in person, so existing connections can often take precedent over fostering new ones. 

UK photo from Friday Night

I was not prepared for how tired I would be by the end 🤣 I skipped out most of the after parties partly cause I don't drink but also I had made plans during the day. It's impossible to do everything in the weekend so you have to prioritise on what matters to you. I split my time between the Weekender events and a holiday with my partner. Now I've been once and experienced it I would volunteer in the future as I have a better idea of what that would entail. I've also heard it's a great way to meet so many people. 

I would be remiss to not acknowledge that the weekend had a sense of fear about it too. Fear for the future. Fear for our community and each other. Two acts didn't make it to the Weekender this year due to the political climate in the states. Over the weekend the protests in LA were occurring. When the majority of the community is queer and the art form inherently political, the impact of the current administrations policies were on everyone's mind. Our existence and performances are a political statement but this isn't enough. We need to be active allies, especially those of us not based in the states. 

But despite this, the weekend was a celebration. A celebration of our legends, of the art form, of each other and, of course, of our new Miss Exotic World, Jessabelle Thunder. 

Miss Exotic World, Jessabelle Thunder

Every competitor for the M Exotic World title smashed their performance. From comedy, classic, aerial and everything in between, it was a true showcase of the best burlesque in the world. Being in the crowd was electric and although it was a 5 hour long show, it genuinely did not feel that long at all. By the end the room was full of love, support and joy. 

All in all, my first BHOF is one I won't forget and I already cannot wait to attend again in the future. 

P.S

If you aren't already a member of BHOF please sign up! There are online exhibitions with more to come in the future so it's a great chance to learn more about the history of burlesque.