First Runner Up, Anna Fur Laxis discusses her BHoF 2011 experience, and one of the most talked about performances of the weekend…

Anna Fur Laxis on stage at BHoF 2011 (©Don Spiro)

Congratulations Anna! Are you happy with the result?

Thank you! It was wonderful, and the feedback and responses I have had, both from the live performance and from the video have been incredible!

It’s abundantly clear that a lot of work and practice went into your act – can you tell us a little about the process and conception?

The concept for this act was conceived on a visit to L.A’s Magic Castle two years ago – I decided I wanted make my clothes vanish...

For more of JD’s Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend coverage, please visit BurlesqueBeat.com.

54th Annual Burlesque Reunion Showcase
Orleans Showroom, Las Vegas
Friday, June 3, 2011

Every year, I gallop out to Vegas with three rambunctious questions bouncing around in my belly:  What new and exciting performers will I get to see for the first time? Will I make any money on the craps table?  And, how much time will I have to hang out and talk smack with the Legends?  Because let’s face it—those of us immersed in the burlesque world spend a lot of time watching women take their clothes off, but not nearly enough time hearing racy stories from our elders.  THIS is why we’re here.

Tiffany Carter

Which reminds me.  Have I ever told you how much I love Tiffany Carter?  Yeah yeah, she’s a ...

In the first of a series of BHoF Winners Interviews, Indigo Blue shares her thoughts, feelings and future plans as the Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011…

Indigo Blue, Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011. (©S.H.Photo)

When you were announced, my heart leapt for you – the wave of love and happiness for you in the theatre was so affecting. Did you sense that affection, or were you too overwhelmed?

Thank you so much!  I was pretty overwhelmed when my name was announced, but my mind was actually very clear.  I felt full of emotion and gratitude, and also very calm, all at the same time.

We were treated to some first class Indigo Blue victory clowning, but what was actually going through your mind, if that isn’t too cliched a question?

I wanted to really acknowledge every person in the theatr...

Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011

Miss Indigo Blue

(©Holli-Mae Johnson)

First Runner-Up: Anna Fur Laxis

Second Runner-Up: Lily Verlaine

Best Boylesque: Captain Kidd

Best Debut: LouLou D’Vil

Best Group: The Stage Door Johnnies

Most Dazzling: Captain Kidd

Most Classic: Miss Indigo Blue

Most Comical: The Dolls of Doom

Most Innovative: Jett Adore

For those of you who did not attend and have not had a chance to enjoy the edited version in the BHoF ’11 programme, here are some words of advice and best wishes for BHoF competitors and would-be queens and kings from some of the previous title holders…

Reigning Queen 2005, Michelle L’amour at the BHoF 2011 Superstar Sunday Closing Gala (©Don Spiro).

“If the Burlesque Hall of Fame crowns you as a Queen or King, you are now an official ambassador for burlesque and the museum. Show the world what it’s all about! Spread the good news of burlesque! Amen!”

Michelle L’amour (Miss Exotic World 2005)

“For me, being Miss Exotic World two years in a row has meant lots of attention and a lot of requests for me to perform...