Highlights of Rock ‘n Roll: An Academy of Burlesque Alumni Spectacular (June 18 @ West Hall).

Lila Dread & Sir Eddie Van Glam in Rock'N'Roll: An Academy of Burlesque Alumni Spectacular

– Written and photographed by Chris Blakeley, Contributing Writer/Photographer (Seattle)

For all the grandeur that’s available in the burlesque scene, I’m grateful for the smaller shows. And for Seattle’s many strong troupes, I love a show that serves as a sampler of performers- both veterans and newcomers alike. Which is a roundabout way to explain why I’m really happy to add the Academy of Burlesque’s Alumni showcases to my roster of semi-regular shows.

I should also explain that I’ve been shooting the Academy’s 101 recitals since 2007, where I get to see some really bizarre takes on burlesque by newcomers to the scene not so well versed on the standard tropes. It’s seeing boxers, balloons and the occasional act that I simply can’t describe, and the occasional odd music choice (Massive Attack, anyone?) that keeps me excited. But it can also be frustrating to know that I may not see some of that talent again. (Which is another long way to give another reason why I am that happy to add the Alumni shows etc., etc.)

I went to West Hall on Friday night for a night of rock and roll (or, as the genuinely ethnic host Flirty Sanchez put it in her native tongue, “rrrock y rrroll”) and was not disappointed. The audience was treated to fan dances, greased lightning, southern belles gone to seed, cookery, a biohazard addict and one very naughty teacher. And if that wasn’t enough we had Iva Handfull, fresh from her debut at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, performing a modified version of her Firestarter fan dance.

The standout acts of the evening really demonstrated the breadth of styles that the Academy embraces. The first featured Donatella MeLies in silver body paint and garbage bags as… what, exactly? A spirit of garbage? Recycling gone wrong? Does it really matter except that it was unlike anything I’ve seen in recent years. She really owned the stage and brought such flow to her act that I was captivated. The other standout act was Piston Chambers, featuring a washed-up drummer from a hair band from the 1980s (disclaimer, I helped write and perform her voice-over narration) that included gratuitous spandex, drum solos and creative use of cardboard.

Yes, we have amazing talent. Yes, it’s great to go to the Triple Door to take in the spectacle. But do yourself a favor and check out the Alumni of an evening. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.