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.

Jonny Porkpie © Leland Bobbé

Known as The Burlesque Mayor of New York City, Jonny Porkpie is both a Neo-Burlesque performer and the co-producer of Pinchbottom Burlesque, where “Artistic striptease confounds oblivion.” Here he is in both his all-American suit…

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Amber Ray © Leland Bobbé

Amber Ray, burlesque performer, costume designer, artist, and all around creative force. We shot two different costumes and i preferred this very sultry pussy cat.

A quote from Amber: “Burlesque performers need to find their individuality. It is a highly personal art. Bring something of your spirit to the table. Don’t just try to be a channel for Betty Page.”

Legs Malone © Leland Bobbé

Legs Malone is one of the premier perrformers on the Neo-Burlesque scene. I shot Legs after she returned from a trip to India with a shaved head. The long haired wig she brought to the shoot was a great prop.

A quote from Legs: “The most important thing to me about burlesque is that the body falls away and it’s truly the spirit that’s right there. Really holding in my mind what I am communication in the moment, what part of my spirit is coming through, what is my internal dialogue that needs to come across . . . that’s what is important.”

Scotty the Blue Bunny © Leland Bobbé

Scotty the Blue Bunny is one of the premier Neo-Burlesque show hosts in the country. As you might imagine, a 6’4″ blue bunny in platform shoes, he is not lacking in personality. Scotty is currently Artist in Residence in the home of Paula the Swedish Housewife, Seattle, Washington. Says Scotty : “The difference between a stripper and a burlesque performer is; a stripper will get upset if she doesn’t get money, a burlesque performer will get upset if she doesn’t get applause.”

Veruca Honeyscotch © Leland Bobbé

Veruca Honeyscotch, “The Pint-Sized Powerhouse of Burlesque”, included this in her email newsletter recently:
“Portrait photographer Leland Bobbé has embarked on an ambitious and noble journey to document the neo-burlesque scene as it lives and breathes today in NYC. A project that has already gained him awards and recognition, and which he is looking to publish into a big FAT book (or as I have been fondly referring it as: “The NYC Burlesque Yearbook!” But, I’m sure he’ll come up with a sexier title.) All of the portraits are AMAZING, and in my opinion, are the most honest depictions of the cast of crazy personalities that live in this beautiful underground art form. I was humbled to be among them.”

Victoria Privates © Leland Bobbé

This portrait is of burlesque performer Victoria Privates. Whether in stage costume or in everyday clothes, Victoria has been one of my favorite subjects to photograph. Find my blog post titled x.to Image awards 2009 in my awards category to see what she looks like when she hits the stage.

Tigger! © Leland Bobbé

Known as the original “Boylesque” artist in New York, Tigger! has proven that burlesque performers don’t have to be women only. A true innovator, he is one of the reasons that burlesque has had such a rebirth throughout the country. A quote from Tigger! “If you have difficult politics you want to shove down their throat get them to laugh and their throats are wide open and you can subvert and do all kinds of stuff . . . just entertain them and you can slip the knife in a 100 million different ways.”

Rosabelle Selavy © Leland Bobbé

I recently photographed Neo-Burlesque performer Rosabelle Selavy, a regular at the Slipper Room. I love this costume and to me it represents what New York City Neo-Burlesque is all about.

A quote from Rosabelle:

“When I was 13 I lived really close to to Disneyworld and went every weekend. I think I’ve been inspired creatively from being in this weird place where there are always mermaids, fairies and mascots. I grew up thinking I could be a mermaid or some other make believe character like my gorillas. I think the fairy tales inspired me but it’s more real to me if I could make it go wrong somehow . . . more perverted than I think fairly tales really are. Burlesque has allowed me to do that”