The stage at Nexus Arts exploded with excitement as The Apprentease SA Final 2024 – South Australia’s most anticipated burlesque showdown – roared into its spectacular final round on Saturday 31 August. From an impressive pool of 26 performers, narrowed down to the top 13 through two intense heats, this spectacular event highlighted the most promising local talent on the Adelaide burlesque scene. With each performer eager to showcase their skills and make their mark, The Apprentease provided a unique platform for emerging artists to shine and gain invaluable exposure in the world of burlesque.
Produced by Lyra La Belle of Hot Sauce Burlesque, in association with The Apprentease Australia, a distinguished panel of eight judges evaluated the performers: award-winning performer and producer Curvella; Mx Burlesque SA producer and award-winning performer Moisty Magic; Mx Burlesque SA 2023 Connie Curveball; owner of Nineteen Ten Carolyn; The Apprentease SA 2023 Winner Dorian Courtisan; drag and circus performer Ariel Drop; award-winning producer and performer Jazida; and Mx Burlesque ACT 2023 Cherrybomb. Each judge brought their unique perspective to the event, ensuring a comprehensive and expert assessment of the contestants’ performances.
Heidi Gun was first to electrify the crowd with a bold, horror-themed act, making a dramatic entrance through the crowd in a faux wrought iron T-chain collar and cuffs, black spike-studded mask and a shiny PVC bodysuit. As Eat Your Man by Dom Dolla & Nelly Furtado played, she freed herself from her restraints, crawled toward the audience and let out a silent yet powerful roar upon removing her mask. The act transitioned into Cannibal by Kesha, during which she reached into a plastic biohazard bag and unveiled fake rubber hands which she provocatively used to tease the audience. To the sounds of Maneater by Nelly Furtado, she performed a sultry floor work routine whilst tantalisingly removing her garter belt mini skirt. Heidi then retrieved a rubber sawn off foot from her stash of body parts, tickled it with devilish glee, and tossed it into the audience before revealing glittery red blood-drop shaped pasties beneath her corset. The performance climaxed with Maneater by Daryl Hall & John Oates and Eat You Alive by Limp Bizkit, as she bit into a prop heart, smearing fake blood over her face and chest in a theatrical finale.
Miss Honey Amour enchanted the audience with a mesmerising performance that blended vintage glamour with playful burlesque flair. Performing to an old-fashioned jazz rendition of Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman!, Miss Honey Amour embraced the spirit of a classic showgirl. Dressed in a floor-length, off-the-shoulder silver sequinned gown, her hair styled in vintage waves, and outfit complemented by a white tulle boa and long white gloves, she exuded elegance and old-world charm. Throughout her act, she skillfully used the tulle boa as a prop, teasingly popping in and out from behind it. As the saxophone beats of the jazz arrangement played, she seductively began degloving, eventually inviting an audience member to assist with the final removal of her gloves. The performance reached its peak as she gradually peeled away her gown to reveal a dazzling, see-through silver rhinestone-encrusted outfit. Her playful floor routine included a whimsical ride on her boa, a cheeky tassel twirl, and in a final, suspenseful flourish, she removed her bra but cleverly concealed herself behind the boa before dramatically revealing her silver rhinestone star-shaped pasties, perfectly timed with the slow-burning crescendo of the song.
Duke Draper delivered a performance full of quirky charm and playful surprises. Dressed in a navy blue boilersuit with a red rhinestone name badge that read “Duke”, a black quiff hairstyle and platform tan work boots, Duke set the stage with a red rhinestone-studded toolbox and a mini cardboard car behind them. Unveiling a suggestive spanner and a small Mario-themed mushroom from the toolbox, Duke then transformed into Mario by donning a black glittery moustache and a Mario hat. As the music shifted to CAKE’s The Distance, Duke ripped open the boilersuit to reveal a Mario costume complete with a red cropped t-shirt and blue glitter suspenders. They then hopped into the red and blue mini car prop, using it as a comical stage vehicle while performing a dynamic routine. Duke’s act included a playful sponge-cleaning segment with fake sudsy bubbles and some comedic audience interaction. As Duke’s ride came to an end, they revealed with theatrical flair a pair of yellow star pasties and a rhinestone mushroom invisible c-string: the ultimate burlesque-ified Mario reference.
Athena Darling lit up the stage with a high-energy, sassy performance set to Chappell Roan’s iconic hit Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl. Dressed in a black and silver beaded fringed bra, sheer studded gloves, a lilac short skirt and black thigh-high stockings, Athena kicked off the act with some energised lip-synching and razor sharp choreography. They teased the audience by removing one glove and tucking it into the front of their bra, before performing some sensual floor work and using the second glove as a playful prop to ride and stroke suggestively. As the song transitioned to Billie Eilish’s LUNCH, Athena removed her braided fringe bra to reveal another stunning rainbow rhinestone bra hiding underneath. This was followed by a seductive slipping off of her shimmering mini skirt, uncovering a matching rainbow rhinestone lingerie set underneath. More expressive floor work complemented the lyrics, culminating in the final reveal of two glittery silver tear-shaped pasties, adding a dramatic flourishing finale to their act.
Kiki Miamore dazzled the audience with a spellbinding act, bringing the moody and atmospheric Go F**k Yourself by Two Feet to life on stage with captivating flair. Dressed in a deep red, floor-length sheer robe with sequin embroidery and accessorised with long red rhinestone gloves, she began as a striking burgundy silhouette on stage. Her act featured a sensuous swaying of the robe, which cascaded around her, followed by the removal of her gloves with her teeth and a dynamic floor work routine. Gradually teasing the audience with glimpses of her red rhinestone-encrusted lingerie set, Kiki derobes in a swift movement that sends the robe in between her legs – a dramatic reveal timed perfectly with the song’s beat. The performance culminated in a reveal of her red glittery teardrop pasties and a tassel twirl, impeccably aligned with the rhythm of the music.
Starling Strix delivered a captivating and eerie performance as the enigmatic “Mothman”, set to an audio collage of clips from urban legend explorations, including a Buzzfeed Unsolved episode. Their elaborate costume featured a purple headpiece with red eyes, antennae and glittery fangs, complemented by a purple and black cape reminiscent of a pair of Monarch butterfly wings, adorned with red rhinestone spots on its inner side. Crawling onto the stage with inhuman movements whilst wearing glittery claws on their fingers and toes, the eyes on Starling’s headpiece illuminated in glowing red in sync with the voiceover. In a humorous nod to the moth’s attraction to light, Starling gravitated towards a bright stage light. Transitioning to LIA LIA’s I’m a Moth!!, the act culminated with a dynamic floor work routine, as Starling removed their furry vest and bloomers to unveil red pasties, and finished with their cape back on, wingspan fully extended, embodying Mothman in all their fantastical glory.
Ethereal Jade showcased not only her talents in burlesque, but also her skills in being a songstress in her ever so elegant act. Beginning with a soulful cover of (There Is) No Greater Love by Amy Winehouse, she tantalised the audience by teasing glimpses of her attire beneath a floor-length sheer black tulle robe. As the song transitioned to Sparkling Diamonds from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, Ethereal Jade seductively shed the robe and invited a front-row audience member to remove a glove and take a diamond ring from her finger. She then gracefully removed the straps of her floor-length sequined gown, revealing a sheer black corset with intricate boning. In a final flourish, she unzipped the corset to unveil silver pasties with black tassels, ending with a tassel twirl to cap off her mesmerising act.
De D’Luxe dazzled the audience with her glamorous yet cheeky routine, performing to Ragdoll by Lucy Woodward. Adorned in a baby pink short satin robe, a vintage-inspired white faux fur stole and black thigh-high stockings, she began by gracefully hiding behind the fur boa as she sauntered across the stage. After tossing the boa in front of her and playfully dropping to her knees, she removed the tie of her robe and slowly let it fall to reveal a striking red and black set of lingerie with silver diamanté detailing. De D’Luxe then performed an elegant floor routine atop of the boa, playfully removing her bra and hiding behind the fur, culminating in the reveal of two glittery silver pasties. She concluded with a somersault, landing gracefully in the splits to face the audience with a cheeky wink, leaving them enchanted with her old Hollywood charm.
Selene Wilde embodied a 1920s flapper showgirl with a jazzed-up, slowed-down cover of All About That Bass by Kathryn Davis. Dressed in a short red sequined fringe dress, black and red long gloves, a feathered headband and black strappy heels, she delivered a classic burlesque routine filled with jazz-inspired choreography and lively shimmying. She playfully removed her gloves with her teeth, adding a cheeky touch. During the song’s bridge, Selene twirled in circles across the stage impressively to highlight the swinging fringe of her dress. She then peeled off the dress to unveil a stunning black and green rhinestone-encrusted lingerie set. Engaging the audience with claps to the beat, she revealed two red and black rhinestoned pasties, proudly holding her bra bove her as she concluded her vibrant performance.
Leona Rex enthralled the audience with a dramatic performance set to Girl Like Me by Dove Cameron. Embracing the persona of an evil queen, they wore a long black crushed velvet cloak with red lining, white fur trim, and a golden crown. As the iconic line “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” played, Leona admired themselves in a handheld mirror, dancing seductively and teasing glimpses of their violet dress beneath the cloak. The performance transitioned to Billie Eilish’s you should see me in a crown, where Leona performed a dynamic floor routine, pulled the mirror from their pocket and slid it on the floor between their legs before defiantly flipping it off and tossing it aside. As Power by Little Mix began, they unbuttoned their dress to reveal a striking firetruck red lingerie set and a chain garter belt. Leona showcased impressive prowess with the chain, whipping it around and striking powerful poses, before ending with a reveal of two black glittery “x” pasties and a triumphant pose with their crowned head held high.
Sequin Le Noir commanded the stage with a sultry performance set to Chris de Burgh’s Patricia The Stripper. Dressed in a houndstooth poncho, navy blue long gloves adorned with silver rhinestones, and a matching blue pom-pom in her updo, she strutted confidently to the cheeky tune. With a sassy flair, she undid the tie of her poncho, whipping it around and tossing it aside to reveal a light and dark blue tasselled lingerie ensemble underneath. She playfully removed her gloves, first taking one off by sliding it between her thighs, then turning her back to the audience to pull off the other glove from in between her outstretched legs. As the song crescendoed, she undid her fringed outfit to reveal blue glittery pasties with tassels, shimmying energetically and delivering a finale that left the audience in awe.
An honourable mention goes to Sabre Delight, who unfortunately could not complete her act due to an onstage injury. We extend our best wishes for a swift and full recovery and eagerly anticipate her return and full performance in The Apprentease 2025.
Lacey La Faye put on a sultry smokeshow to a cover of Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) by Lady Gaga. She began with a slow, sensual entrance, her floor-length sheer black and red glittery skirt fluttering around her as she moved with flamenco-inspired grace. Her routine transitioned into an exotic floor work segment set to a jazzy saxophone solo. Lacey then picked up a pair of silk fans, reminiscent of a sunset in red and orange hues, and moved into an energetic routine as the song shifted to Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. The climax of her silk fans routine saw her kneel with her back to the audience, dramatically fluttering the fans on either side of her and bending back so she could face the audience with a smile. The act culminated with Lacey brandishing two toy pistols and pulling the trigger, sending unfurling red flags with “bang” written on them to cover her red rhinestone heart pasties, perfectly timed with the final resounding beat of the song.
In a dazzling display of artistry, Dorian Courtisan, the reigning titleholder of The Apprentease SA 2023, graced the stage with a spellbinding hand-over performance that reaffirmed their title. With an exquisite blend of flawless technique and magnetic charisma, Dorian Courtisan’s act not only captured the attention (and hearts!) of the audience, but also illuminated the sheer level of brilliance that earned them last year’s coveted crown.
Congratulations to all the talented performers who graced the stage at The Apprentease SA 2024! We are thrilled to announce that the “Rising Star” award, recognising a performer poised for future greatness, was awarded to Miss Honey Amour. Coming in second place was Athena Darling for her remarkable routine. The winner of The Apprentease 2025 was the incredible Lacey La Faye, whose sensational act captivated one and all! We look forward to seeing what the future holds for all competitors involved and can’t wait to witness the continued growth and success of these amazing talents on the burlesque scene.
The Apprentease SA Final 2024
Date: Saturday 31 August | 7pm
Location: Nexus Arts, Lion Arts Centre, 68 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
The Adelaide Insider 
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