Julie Atlas Muz © Leland Bobbé

Julie Atlas Muz is one of the most influential neo-burlesque performers anywhere and her model of performance has greatly shaped it’s resurgence in recent years. Through the power of dance and performance art, she tells stories that are beautiful, political and emotional with a major dose of irreverence. She uses humor, positive sexuality and glamour to address serious topics in a playful manner.

My challenge in this portrait was to use the silk fans in a way that didn’t dominate the photograph. Even though keeping those fans looking good was a physical challenge, Julie was able to still give me a great expression.

A quote from Julie:

“A friend of mine invited me to start doing burlesque at the KGB bar on 4th Street between 2nd and 3rd in a show called The Red Vixen Cabaret in 1997. I was always naked anyway in experimental theater and loved many aspects of it. In experimental theater you rehearse for 6 months for 2 free shows in a church. In burlesque i could perform once or twice a week at that time and I could get my ya ya’s out.”

MsTickle © Leland Bobbé

This is the incredible neo-burlesque performer MsTickle. Costume designer, writer, director and more, she epitomizes the pinnacle of style and elegance in modern burlesque, As a photographer, shooting her in this costume was a challenge because of all of the elements involved. This is one of the most commented on of all of my neo-burlesque portraits.

A quote from MsTickle:

“Burlesque is about revealing something. It’s not necessarily a body; we just use our body as a way to reveal something. We may be revealing something about how we feel about our place in society or how we see the world more than it is about our bodies.”

Madam Rosebud © Leland Bobbé

This is my portrait of the amazing and provocative neo-burlesque performer Mme. Renne Rosebud. To me  this photo really evokes the darkness and mystery that she evokes.

A quote from Rosebud:

Every woman has a universal knowledge of how to be a temptress and burlesque is about finding that little oyster, opening it up and discovering that unique pearl that is inside, Burlesque helps you bring it out and set it in a piece of jewelry and show it off and not be ashamed about it and take responsibility for it . . . learning how to protect it and be empowered by the kind of attention from men that would ordinarily make you feel unsafe . . . and then learning how to deflect it and control a room full of men that want to eat you alive. There’s something special about that as an art form.