I know burlesque has a bit of a rowdy reputation but this week on the Tuesday Tease, we want to focus on the softer side of the shimmy. While certainly burlesque can be raunchy, funny, weird, ironic and topical, it can also be sensual, sensitive and très romantique!

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we are going to focus on some burlesque shows that are sure to provide the perfect appetizer for whatever romantic main course you and your significant other have in mind.

Friday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day

Wine & Valentine – Seattle, Washington   Seattle’s Tasting Room is thrilled to invite Nickey Bourbon and her troupe of performers back to the Pike Place Market for another show! This special Valentine’s production will feature: Octavia Sexton, Alexa Perplexa, Queen O’Hart, Lana MilknHoney, Ms. Audrey Rugburn & Lesley Rialto. A special wine pairing menu is optional and will feature: Taylor Shell Fish Oyster paired with Treveri Bubbles, Beecher’s Cheese paired with Wilridge Vineyard’s organic white wine blend, Fabrique Delices pate paired with Harlequin Wine Cellars Syrah,  Salumi Salami served with Nota Bene Cellar’s Cabernet and the Symposium red dessert wine from Willis Hall Winery paired with Theo Chocolate.

Va! Va! Voom Burlesque Show! – Los Angeles, California   Risqué Rhythm presents the Va Va Voom Burlesque Show featuring Jessabelle Thunder, Iza la Vamp, Maxi Millions, Hollywood Hot Shots and more! Bringing the best variety and burlesque on Friday and Saturday. Two shows a night with social dancing 30 minutes prior. Spice up your Valentine’s weekend and see a show! Your Host Miss Lucy Lipstick and Can’t Wait Kate! Live Music for pre-show social provided by Holly and the Wood! Performances by: Jessabelle Thunder (Friday only), Iza la Vamp, Maxi Millions, Frederick Falk, The Atomic Cherry Bombs, Kelsey McCowan (Saturday only), Ava J. Jaye, Luna De Feu, The Hollywood Hotshots, Super Venus Fly Trap and more!

Drop Dead Dames Presents: SEA OF LOVE – San Diego, California   Alright guys and dolls, it’s that time of year again when new love is budding, a song is in the air and tassels are flying high! Yes that’s right, Drop Dead Dames are proud to produce their 2nd Annual Valentine’s Day Show, Sea of Love. It’s your favorite dames and all new, never before seen acts! Bring your spouse, partner, booty call, or even your friends to enjoy San Diego’s classic burlesque troupe adventure on the high seas! Performances by: Bibi Bordeaux, Ginger N. Whiskey, Eva Mae Garnet Burly-q, Dottie Deville, Valentina On The Rocks, Stella Foxtrot and Donna DeMuerte.

Playground & Pisa Cake Present: A Valentines Burlesque Revue – Tucson, Arizona   Join emcee Pisa Cake and her cast of scintillating sirens at Playground’s Valentine’s Striptease Showcase! This is burlesque as Tucson has never experienced it before – on a beautiful rooftop overlooking Congress Street. Featuring:  Madam C from Phoenix’s Provocatease and Fanny Galore, Headmistress of Tucson’s only dance studio dedicated to the art of burlesque. Also:  Ida Tapper, Scarlotta Sparkle, Crystal Kiss, Raisin Wood, Olive McCurves, Nikki Riot, Luna De Lumbre and the return of Foxy Trot! Stage kittening provided by Olivia Twisted.

Adèle Wolf’s Burlesque & Variety Show – Valentine’s Affair! – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma   Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the sultry art of the striptease and amazing variety acts! Adèle’s guest stars this month are Angela Ryan, Annie Cherry, Jonna Page and Damian Blake! This show is a celebration of love and romance complete with door prizes, photo booth, audience participation games and more! Dress to impress!

Love Actually *(not actually) – Somerville, Massachusetts   The entire cast of LOVE ACTUALLY*, the most romantic film of the 21st century, have reunited for the first time since 2003 for a brand-new burlesque show! Colin Firth (not appearing) and Emma Thompson (unavailable due to a schedule conflict) shine in an original take on the classic striptease duet, Hugh Grant (unlikely to attend) sings romantic ballads, and Bill Nighy (double-booked; sends his regrets) juggles flaming clubs while riding a unicycle! In the unlikely but unfortunate event that one or more of these Hollywood luminaries cannot appear, provisions have been made for talented understudies from The Boston Babydolls, accompanied by singer Alissa Coates. But we’re sure all the stars will actually* make it.    * – (not actually)

Gotham Burlesque – New York, New York   Ten-In-One Productions presents Gotham Burlesque’s Valentine’s Day Show hosted by Shelly Watson, whose been called an “over-the-top soprano of considerable charm” by the NY Times! Featured burlesque performers include: Nasty Canasta “The girl with the 44DD brain”, Harvest Moon “The sultry siren of burlesque”, Bettina May “A jiggling genius”, a duet featuring Dangrrr Doll and Christopher Bousquet, Coney Island sideshow artist Scott Baker, hula-hooping demon Miss Saturn, 1920’s tap-dancing sensation Gin Minskey and Miss Coney Island BB Heart.

Love in the Evening – Washington D.C.   Join Wait Until Dark Burlesque for a sultry evening of tantalizing burlesque. Come out with a date to celebrate Valentine’s Day…or come out to enjoy the beauty of some fine ladies and act like it’s just another Friday! Featuring:  Cherry Brown (New Orleans), Scarlet Stepford (NYC), Siren Sivette (Richmond, VA) and Ellie Quinn (Richmond, VA). Hosted by Hot Todd Lincoln.

Valentine’s Series – Viva Paris International Show by Erika Moon – Miami Beach, Florida   Be transported from the celebrated cabaret “Moulin Rouge” to the stages of the colorful and exciting Las Vegas “Jubilee” style shows! This stunning performance will take you through the true European cabaret experience. The show includes acts from feather showgirls to can-can dancers, acting and comedy sets, variety acts and a pinch of sophisticated burlesque. This dynamite show dazzles with its stunning costumes and elaborate choreography, embodying the authentic French cabaret style of the ages. A perfect opportunity to celebrate your Valentine’s days with your special guest. Welcome to the cabaret!