BurlyCon VI.

Written by Paul O’Connell (POC Photo)

BurlyCon comes but once a year
and when it comes you’ll know it’s here
a magical glittery cloud does appear
rising above and spreading good cheer

Rising above and spreading good cheer at the Doubletree Hotel at SeaTac that is. That’s right, BurlyCon VI kicks off this week and is poised to be the most-attended BurlyCon yet. Each year gets bigger and bigger…how will they take the group photo this year, I don’t know. It was quite a feat to accomplish that task last year; however we did manage to set a Guinness World Record for the largest fan dance.

Once again burlesquers will converge on The Doubletree. It’s always great to meet people you’ve heard about as well as reconnect with those you met at last year’s Con or perhaps another burlesque festival around the country. At BurlyCon the worldwide community gets to come together under this burlesque umbrella to have a little fun and learn from each other.

Says the BurlyCon website: “BurlyCon is a community-oriented professional growth and educational convention for Burlesque performers, fans, and aficionados.” Last year I made sure to take as many of the different types of educational classes as I could. Some of the ones that stood out for me: Slow Burn with Lola Frost, Eye Contact with Peekaboo Pointe, This is Your Stage with Alotta Boutté, The Cheeky Reveal with Coco Lectric , Strip Hop with Angelique DeVil (very early in the morning mind you) Also there were many interesting panels such as The Nerdlesque Panel and Size and Body Panel.

Guest of Honor-Wild Cherry

This year BurlyCon’s Guest of Honor is Wild Cherry from New Orleans, whom I had the honor of seeing perform at New Orleans Burlesque Festival a few years back. This year also boasts an amazing group of presenters, including first time presenters Ray Gunn (our current “King of Boylesque” from this year’s BHoF), Kitten de Ville, and Perle Noire, as well as returning presenter Michelle L’amour (Have you seen her “Butthoven’s 5th Symphony” yet?) So. Many. Classes.

Check the schedule and I’m sure you’ll wish there were two of you because you just won’t be able to choose between which awesome class that you want to take at 2:15. While you’re at it, download the brand new Guidebook mobile app for your phone or tablet.

Ray Gunn-Current King of Boylesque (photo by Kaylin Idora)

Michelle L’amour (photo by Bruno O’Hara)

In addition to the classes, panels, dances, peer reviews and meet & greets, there is BurlyCon after dark. That’s what I call the unofficial exploits of the BurlyCon attendees once the final events are done each day. (Incidentally, that’s where I learned about Cards Against Humanity for the first time at 2am in the morning at Ed Maloney’s crazy, swingin’ suite). And don’t forgot about the special, burlesque hot tub action (unfortunately there’s a limit on how many of us can be in there at one time).

Perle Noire (photo by David Woodley)

Kitten de Ville (photo by POC Photo)

If I can stress one little piece of advice, it’s make sure you have plenty of vitamin C, zinc, Purell or whatever your miracle shield is to stave off colds. The BurlyCon Bug is a vicious flu that can inflict a world of hurt. This is Seattle in November, after all.

I hope you all have a magical time over these 4 days. Can you imagine what a Burlycon summer camp would be like?

Check out Burlycon for more info.