The Bombshell Burlesque Academy Tutors
Lila Luxx - Academy Director
Specialising in: Neo & Classic Burlesque, Choreography, Characterisation & Dance Training
Lila Luxx is Brisbane’s Striptease Supreme: a passionate and polished powerhouse performer. Known for her diverse repertoire and undeniable connection to her audience, Lila is equally at home in a rock and roll dive bar as a grand theatre. She is a stripteaser for all seasons!
For more than a decade, Lila has travelled the world from New York to New Farm, presenting performances that span from high glamour to avant-garde, to rapturous reception. Her impeccably detailed acts have brought her to The Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas twice (Best Debut Category & Movers, Shakers & Innovators Showcase), headlining the Australian Burlesque Festival and the Perth International Burlesque Festival, being awarded Most Outstanding Contribution at the Australian Burlesque Community Awards, and being recognised by her spectacular ankles in Las Vegas.
According to the Courier Mail "Miss Lila Luxx looks like she's stepped straight out of a 1940s movie poster, all red-bow mouth and curves", but don’t be fooled – this dynamo doyenne is a force to be reckoned with!
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Clara Cupcakes
Specialising in: Comedy, Hula Hooping, Clowning, Character Work and 1920s charleston.
Clara Cupcakes is bringing vaudeville back and them other rubes don’t know how to act. She was once introduced as award-winning, the inventor of sliced bread, and the reason Harold Holt disappeared. Only two of those things are true. Innovator, salivator, and tittyshaker, Clara bridges the gap between burlesque, comedy, and circus by sticking her fingers into every performance pie within arms reach and shoving them figuratively (rarely literally) into the awaiting audience maws for a new taste sensation. Come take a trip to clown town with Clara Cupcakes. Giant shoes mandatory.
Clara Cupcakes has been performing burlesque and comedy since 2007, starting out with the acclaimed Sugar Blue Burlesque in Perth, Western Australia. She draws inspiration from the vaudeville acts of the 1920s, the comedians of the silent film era. Combining madcap energy with authentic jazz dance, circus, clowning, and old-fashioned sensibilities, she derived her own unique and quirky style of burlesque and surrealistic comedy. Clara is now a Queenslander and ready to spread her weird joy amongst the people, whether they asked for it or not!
Magnolia Knife
Specialising in: Feather Fans, Bump & Grind, Dark Neo Burlesque
Sassy… Sultry... Striking. Magnolia Knife is Brisbane’s femme fatale flaunting a derriere built to bump and grind! Magnolia’s sharp wit, innovative themes and Bettie Page bangs have blazed up stages across Australia, earning her a distinct reputation in her home state of Queensland.
Magnolia has danced her way across Australia, including performances as part of the prestigious Australian Burlesque Festival and Perth International Burlesque Festival. Miss Knife is an extremely well-regarded burlesque teacher and has been building budding starlets into bad-ass burlesque babes for over five years, offering private tuition all aspects of the world of tease.
Magnolia draws on her love of lights, lace, lipstick and lady bits to create dynamic burlesque routines to intrigue, seduce and delight her audiences, one bawdy bump at a time…
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Cello Bordello
Specialising in: Neo Burlesque, Circus Aerials, Vintage Jazz, Modern Jazz, Tap, Fire, Pole dancing.
Miss Cello is one well strung performer, and a finely tuned instrument of tease. Based in her hometown of Brisbane, she is the current reigning Miss Burlesque Queensland and titled Miss Burlesques Australia's Miss Elegance. Cello loves nothing more than a good serving of parody with a pinch of satire and a side dish of tongue and cheek.
Since starting burlesque in 2008, she now performs regularly in her first true love of the art form, but also likes to incorporate her other loves such as jazz, tap, pole dancing, fire and circus aerials into her performance. She has performed at many prestigious event including Falls Festival, Abby Museum Medieval Festival, Cannon Ball, Sydney Mardi Gras, and Brisbane Underground Film Festival and Burleskathon to name a few. This year she will be performing in the top billed show 'The Big Tease' in Melbourne at the Australian Burlesque Festival and also at the Perth International Burlesque Festival.
Miss Cello is passionate about people, she loves seeing her pupils being cheeky and having fun. She puts the show in showgirl and the F U in FUN! Be warned, she will pluck a chord in your heart.
Citrine Velvetine
Specialising in: Classic burlesque, feather fans, styling and posing.
With legs for days and eyes that sparkle, Citrine Velvetine is a fresh-faced, salty-souled beauty who loves the spotlight. No stranger to the stage, she has a background in dance and musical theatre and comes alive in front of an audience.
Citrine strutted onto stages debuting her National Pastime act at Bombshell Burlesque Academy’s The Bombshell Ball in February 2017. Since then she’s joined big names on many stages around Australia.
Between rhinestoning creations, designing sets and styling events you will find Citrine working behind the scenes as stage manager for many local productions including Rumble! presented by Joel Devereux.
Recently crowned Miss Burlesque Queensland 2020 in February 2021 and Nominated for Performer of the Year at Queen’s Ball 2021 this “Crystal Queer” is one to watch.
Lenore Noire
Specialising in: Neo Burlesque, 1960s Go Go Dance, Comedy
Lenore is a voluptuous, vivacious, vixen who flips from sweet to sultry in a blink of an eye. A master of storytelling on stage, Lenore guides the audience with a shimmy and a smile to her final destination.
A community mainstay, she prides herself on helping both new and experienced performers alike, teaching a variety of classes through Bombshell Burlesque Academy since 2014.
If you need to be assured by awards that Len has got the goods, don’t worry she has plenty. Her achievements include Miss Burlesque Qld 2016, MBA Miss Classic 2016 but her true pride and joy is having being declared Rumble winner June 2019.
Best way to put it? Lenore isn’t a snacc, she is a goddamn feast.
Martini McFly
Specialising in: Neo & Classic Burlesque, Choreography, Commercial dance & Dance Training
She’s glamorous, dirty and full of vodka, it’s the One-Woman Chorus Line, Martini McFly.
Martini began performing professionally over 15 years ago, following the completion of her Diploma in Performing Arts. She has worked internationally for the likes of Disney, featured in a number of Bollywood films and touring shows, and was a resident dancer for Club CUBIC, City of Dreams, where she got the chance to rub shoulders with the cast of Franco Dragone’s TABOO.
Most recently, Martini took out the title of Mx Burlesque Queensland 2023, and travelled to Germany to perform in the Frankfurt Burlesque Festival and the Bavarian Burlesque Festival.
While as a performer Martini is a chaotic, high-energy show girl who loves sparkles, stupid concepts and a good bass line, as a teacher she creates a supportive, low stakes yet encouraging environment for her students to occasionally challenge themselves, but always have fun. She looks forward to welcoming you to class.
Adelaide Albright
Specialising in: Neo Burlesque, Classic Burlesque
With killer curves, an irresistible smile and a laugh that will light you up in all the right ways, Adelaide Allbright will have you fanning yourself exclaiming “I do declare!!”.
Inspired by the musicals of yesteryear and old Hollywood film stars, Adelaide is the technicolor dream girl in your black and white world.
Dancing before she even hit double digits, and a burlesque performer since 2014, Adelaide is the perfect gateway to a lifelong obsession with rhinestones and showgirls.
With a background in performance and a bachelor in the creative industries, this studious starlette is not only beauty but all brains as well.
Effie L'Amour
Specialising in: Classic burlesque, modern dance choreography
With the hair of a siren and the legs of a sinner, Effie L'Amour will swoosh and strut her way into your dreams. Effie is as energetic as she is effervescent, entrancing audiences with her musicality and technique.
The art of tease stole her heart in 2014, just as she steals the hearts of those lucky enough to witness her. Effie has dazzled audiences far and wide, at many events such as Sunday Night Burlesque, Vanguard Burlesque, the Bombshell Burlesque Revue, and as part of the Bombshell Burlesque Troupe at "Celebration" by The Bombshell Burlesque Academy at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Her musical talents have also seen her travel across Australia, serenading lovers of classical guitar.
An alluring mix of sweet and sultry, Effie will leave you wanting more.
Caitlin of KTB
Specialising in: Pinup & Burlesque Photography, Creative Promotional Portraiture & Design
KTB has been working as a freelance photographer and graphic designer within Brisbane's creative industry for over ten years.
A desire to push for bold, impressionable and artistic frames has never ceased within her. Since a young age, KTB has always wanted to make things look powerful, beautiful and dramatic. With a longing for vivid colour, bright light and attractive shape, deciding to focus on creating promotional media for creative artists and teams has been a perfect fit.
KTB has worked with many artists at The Australian Academy of Cinemagraphic Make-Up, leading prosthetic & prop masters at Stingray Sushi Studios, Newscorp, More Than Magic, our very own Bombshell Burlesque Academy & Events, and other passionate producers in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
Cath Mish-Wills/Shimmer
Specialising in: Vintage Hair & Makeup, Modern Hair and Makeup, Bellydance, Sword Balancing, Zills
From character dancing to golden age styles, this bellylicious babe has it all!
The sweet coated ‘tart with a heart’ Shimmer is an experienced performer and teacher in a range of dance styles from bellydance and burlesque to a fusion of the two known as ‘bellyesque’.
Always one to add a fresh, retro twist to her acts, she loves including a variety of props in her acts. With the seductive allure of the bellydance veil, the hypnotic display of isis wings to the heart stopping art of sword balance, she will be sure to invite you into her own unique world of seductive striptease.
Lucy Luxe
Specialising in: Neo & Classic Burlesque, Modern Glamour, Styling & Posing, Pinup Modelling
Lucy really is luxe in every sense of the word...
Drawing on a range of different dance styles including tap, jazz and hip hop, Lucy charms her audiences while channelling the glamour and glitz of classic vintage showgirls. In fact, it was her fascination with the flair and class of 1940’s and 50’s fashion and styling that initially drew her to burlesque.
Lucy was crowned Runner Up Miss Burlesque Australia and Miss Burlesque Queensland in 2019 and headlined the 2019 Tease in the Tropics tour. Lucy has also graced the Australian Burlesque Festival stage consecutively from 2016-2020.
A perfect pinup at heart, Lucy is an experienced pinup model and a former Miss Pinup Queensland who has competed in pageants throughout Australia and internationally, taking out Best Wardrobe at the World’s largest Pinup contest: Miss Viva Las Vegas.
Stage, studio, wherever she is, Lucy will leave you captivated and wrapped around her little finger.
Mara Maraschino
Specialising in: Classic Burlesque, Neo Burlesque, Comedy
Mara Maraschino is often described as luxurious, salacious, camp and kitsch–just like a Maraschino Cherry! Awarded Mx Burlesque Brisbane 2022 and nominated for Performer of the Year at Brisbane Pride Queen’s Ball 2023 and 2024 - you are guaranteed some raucous razzle dazzle!
Mara has teased audiences all over Australia and internationally from Iceland to Japan, but is a mainstay of Meanjin’s burlesque and drag scenes. Mara is an in-demand burlesque artist and MC, host of the award winning Cult The Show and co-producer of altimate.SHOWDOWN and You Oughta Know: A 90s Tribute to Femme Alt Rock.
Having dipped her rhinestoned toe in burlesque in 2016, Mara has been worshipping at the altar of vintage glamour her whole life. She draws inspiration from vintage Technicolor musicals, Hollywood starlets and any camp OTT reference from the last 100 years. Mara’s performance style is subversive, sparkling, camp and with fistfulls of unapologetic self-love.
Fortuna Maxima
Specialising in: Striptease, Feather Fan Dance, Physical Theatre
Beautiful, ethereal, and powerful - Fortuna Maxima is everything you’ve wished for, and more!
Fortuna’s fascination with burlesque began unexpectedly during a holiday, and she was left captivated by its glamorous costumes and storytelling. Since 2013, she has enthralled audiences across Queensland, with appearances at Vanguard Burlesque, The Bombshells Ball, Cult The Show, Brisbane Festival, the Australian Burlesque Festival, and in 2022 she achieved the title of Mx Burlesque QLD.
Beyond burlesque, Fortuna has expanded her skills with physical theatre and obtained a Master's degree in performing arts in 2018. Described as "a true 1960s BQ” performer by burlesque legend Satan's Angel, Fortuna enchants her audience and leaves them spellbound.
Salem Moon
Specialising in: Neo Burlesque, Lyrical Burlesque, Ballet Burlesque and Commercial Dance
Meet the Wiradjuri/Wailwan Witch, Salem Moon. Bewitching to behold, Salem draws every eye to her with a dark and mysterious allure.
This sorceress of the burlesque realm conjures a captivating blend of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. Her performance style is polished, bold, and fierce.
With a lifetime of dance training and an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts, Salem brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her classes.
Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Salem is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all.
Salem eagerly awaits your presence in class.
Ruby Corvette
Specialising in: Silk Veil Fans, Feather Fans, Classic Burlesque, Tap
Ruby Corvette delivers a delightful mix of theatricality and tongue-in-cheek seduction, keeping your toes tapping and your heart racing faster than a helping of spicy Schezwan sauce!
In 2020, Ruby’s tribute to Chinese-American golden age legend, Barbara Yung, was selected for the Virtual Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender ‘Love Letters to Legends’. Ruby was also featured in ‘Are We a Joke’, an anthology highlighting queer and/or femme Asian burlesque artists; was a (virtual) guest panellist at the Encuentro Cabaret y Burlesque, based in Mexico City for two years; and has written articles, consulted and lectured on the topic of cultural appropriation in performing arts.
Students have described Ruby’s class routines as “accessible”, “so much ridiculous fun” and “the best thing I have ever seen in my life!”
Ruby loves sharing her love of dance history and burlesque technique with her students and looks forward to being a part of your burlesque journey!
Phoenix Knight
Specialising in: Neo Burlesque, Commercial Dance
From ember…to flame…to blazing inferno, Phoenix Knight burns all the stages he performs on. Once upon a time, a middle aged suburban dad stepped into the fire only to re-emerge into a true bearlesque powerhouse. Smashing societal norms and embracing genderfuck, watch as this bearded beast celebrates his love of all things burlesque in his unique, fiery way.
Winner of Mx Burlesque Brisbane 2023, and Performer of the Year at Queen’s Ball 2023.
Summer Dragonfly
Specialising in: Classic Burlesque, Characterisation,
Costume Design and Construction
Summer Dragonfly is the Elusive Beauty! She is the Gardenia of Burlesque!
Dripping in jewels, she sparkles like stars in the night sky and glistens like dew drops at the break of dawn. Her garden is sweet indeed. Her cheek bones are carved from alabaster and coloured by rose petals, her kisses are as soft as butterfly wings.
Summer is no stranger to the stage. Draping herself in her hand made
creations, her years studying design shine through. With an undying
adoration for the mysteries of times past, she found her way to The
Bombshell Burlesque Academy. From here she drew back the curtains and has been performing in shows all over Meanjin/Brisbane and Australia for nine years. Summer has performed at The Australian Burlesque Festival for seven consecutive years and was a Featured Artist, Guest Judge and Guest Tutor there in 2023. She performed at The Perth International Burlesque Festival in 2023.
Summer was Mx Burlesque QLD 2nd runner up in 2023 and a finalist in 2022.
Vera Thorne
Specialising in: Classic, Showgirl, Lyrical Burlesque
Like a garden blooming with creativity, Vera Thorne is a spring-time darling. Swept up in technicolor daydreams, her love of art, decadence and theatre shine through in both her choreography and costuming. Coupled with a rich background in dance spanning contemporary, ballet, jazz, and tap, Vera brings a wealth of experience to both the stage and classroom.
During her time as a performer. Vera has garnered a variety of accolades including winner of Apprentease 2023, First Runner-up at ABF's New Follies 2023, and most recently took the title of Mx Burlesque 2024.
Specializing in lyrical and more classical styles, Vera has graced many stages both locally and interstate and has been part of the lines for a variety of shows including Vanguard, Australia Burlesque Festival, GLAMOUR (VIC) and Seasonal Tease (WA).
Her performances are infused with personality, creating captivating experiences for audiences and students alike. In the classroom, Vera’s is committed to fostering a warm and inclusive environment and aims to create a safe space for students to explore their creativity, play with movement, and navigate their own unique performance journeys.
2025 Tutor
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