SXSW is now over and you would think that after the crazieness that is “South By,” the Bat City would be relatively quiet, recovering from the drunken throngs that flood their city every year.

Well, if you thought that, you’d be wrong. Now that the tourists are gone, it’s time for Austinites to settle back into their special brand of weirdness and there’s no better example than a boylesque show happening this Friday at The North Door: Burly Burly 2: MANIMALESQUE – a benefit for Austin Pets Alive!

This evening promises to be that special mixture of strange and amazing that you will not forget any time soon. Presented by Sky Candy Aerial & Circus Arts and hosted by Ralph Hardesty & Mike Graupmann this show will feature aerial burlesque by Sky Candy teachers, as well as numerous amateur and professional burlesque performers, including Ginger Snaps of Black Widow Burlesque.

The producer tells me that she likes to push the envelope when it comes to putting a show together and it would appear the the envelope has been pushed clean off the table with this show. The animal-themed show will present you with much more that the usual bump and grind of a burlesque show. It may even break your brain. I’m very tempted to spill the beans about the details of this show and give you the details that have been passed onto me, but I don’t want to spoil any of what you will feel when you see it with your own eyes.

However, I will give you a couple of hints about what you are in for. There will be aerial acts, flowers, breadcrumbs and a monkey who wants to be a human.

If you still aren’t convinced that this is the place to be in Austin this Friday, I will leave you with a quote from the producer; “if you’ve never seen a man take of his pants while hanging onto a rope with one hand fifteen feet in the air – you are missing out!” Truer words have never been said.

Here’s a great short, documentary on Sky Candy Aerial & Circus Arts and their contributions to the artistic and cultural environment of the great city of Austin.

If you’re not quite finished after MANIMALESQUE, there are still plenty of other incredible burlesque shows and classes happening in Austin to keep you going!

Saturday, March 23 | Sky Candy Studio Company Presents… 7 Deadly Sins  Eve ate the apple . . . Pandora opened the box . . . whomever you want to blame for it, Sin is part of our human experience. The (very naughty) Sky Candy Studio Company invites you to celebrate the seven big ones: Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, and Wrath as part of our upcoming show, 7 Deadly Sins. Our wickedly talented aerialists will provide two alternate takes of each sin using a variety of circus arts. Come join us for a sinfully good time!

Sunday, March 31 I Big Bad Boa The feathers go flying in this fun review of classic boa technique with a twist. Learn to wear your boa with pride and become a boa wielding pro. Coco also teaches basic dance steps, turns and walks to accompany boa technique. The class includes a short dance combination. Wear comfortable clothing that you can stretch in. Coco won Texas Performer of the Year, 2010; the Queen of Burlesque title at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival 2010; won 2nd Runner Up at Viva Las Vegas 2011 and has performed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame for the last two years. Don’t miss what burlesque legend, Satan’s Angel calls “The best boa work in the business.”

Thursday, April 4 I Save Our Strangelove  The world has been lucky enough to see Eva Strangelove grace the stage, strut the catwalk, and pose for the camera. Maybe that’s why it was so hard to see her unconscious in the hospital. Pnuemonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome nearly took Eva from her loving husband and adoring fans. Luckily, she is too beautiful for death and has bounced back with a vengeance. In order to help with the staggering hospital bills, The Burlesquerie has brought together some of the best burlesquers, aerialists, cabaret performers, and businesses in Austin (and beyond) to show their love for Eva Strangelove. With performances galore, silent auctions, and a little panhandling, you’ll witness your favorite performers donate their time, tassels and, talent to one of the best causes they could think of, one of their own. Hosted by Nicole Lucas, with performances by: Ruby Joule, Angi B Lovely, Roxie Moxie, Starlite, Gemmi Galactic, Miss Sophie, Ginger Snaps, Cherry Bomb, Breathless LaBelle, Remi Martini, Bethany Summersizzle, Kopy Kat Dance Co., Goldie Candela, Jasper St. James, Ruby Lamb, Riley DoRight,  Black Mariah, Bat City Bombshells, Strawberry Tart, Dolce Dream, and Innovation Performance Company.

Friday, May 17 | Naked Girls Reading SciFi  Get exposed to literature in a whole new way! Naked Girls Reading, is just that, girls who love to read, reading naked! For this event they are bringing their favorite Science Fiction selections, so be prepared for some far out science fiction/science fact, Steampunk, classic sci-fi and more! Naked Girls Reading Austin is very excited to be at the Spiderhouse Ballroom for this event!