Burlesque & Big Band. A Visual Story - Part 1
Step into the dazzling world of Burlesque & Big Band at Hotel Arena, where sultry burlesque meets the infectious swing of JumpTown’s 8-piece band. As a photographer, I captured the glamour, sass, and unforgettable performances of seven iconic artists during this Amsterdam Burlesque Festival matinee on February 16, 2025. Get ready for a night of vintage vibes, bold moves, and pure magic!
Hey there, gorgeous! ✨ If you missed Burlesque & Big Band at Hotel Arena on Sunday, February 16, 2025, let me tell ya—you missed a vibe. As a photographer, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing the magic of this sizzling matinee, part of the Amsterdam Burlesque Festival and holy smokes, it was everything.
Picture this: the sultry allure of burlesque meets the unstoppable energy of an 8-piece big band called JumpTown. Amsterdam’s coolest big band brought the heat with swing, rhythm ‘n’ blues and soulful beats that would make even the most reluctant dancer move. (Seriously, resisting that groove? Impossible.)
And the performers? Iconic. I had the honor of photographing seven incredible artists, each bringing their own flavor of seduction, humor, and jaw-dropping talent. Think glitter, corsets, cheeky winks, and moves so smooth they could melt steel. Plus, four fabulous support roles kept the night sparkling from start to finish.
The venue? A total dream. Hotel Arena’s De Kapel—a former chapel turned ultra-chic event space—was the perfect backdrop. High ceilings, stained-glass windows, and an intimate vibe that made the whole night feel like a secret, glamorous party. (And yes, the after-show DJ kept the energy high.)
If you love bold performances, live music that makes your hips sway, and an atmosphere dripping with vintage charm, mark your calendar for next time. This isn’t just a show—it’s an experience. Let me take you through the night with a peek at the performers I captured through my lens. Ready to feel inspired? Let’s dive in!
the Sultry showgirls
The Sultry Showgirls, a group of young burlesque artists, brought fresh energy to the stage.
Their group act was a burst of talent and teamwork, and I had a blast capturing their synchronized moves and vibrant costumes.
These rising stars are proof that the future of burlesque is bright!
Venuss Nightingale
Talk about a showstopper! Miss Venuss Nightingale is a “tailor, sinner and FEMME as the gods intended” and wow, does she deliver.
Her act was sensual, powerful and dripping with mystery. My lens caught every intense glance and bold move as she invited us into her world.
Calie Tee
Calie Tee is a total powerhouse. This French artist started as a classical musician but found her true calling in burlesque and thank goodness for that!
Her iconic crocodile act had us laughing and gasping, blending retro charm with a modern edge.
My camera adored her vibrant energy and quirky style. Plus, she debuted a brand-new act that left everyone buzzing. I’ll give you a sneak-peak in my follow-up post. She’s one to watch!
Maggie Leroux
Maggie Leroux, our world-class stage kitten, is the unsung hero of the night. She kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring the performers could shine. Her presence is pure warmth, and I loved snapping shots of her graceful efficiency. Maggie’s not just a performer—she’s a pillar of the burlesque community, and it shows.
Juliette Sway
Juliette Sway is back, and she’s serving glamour with a capital G!
She’s got this way of making every gesture feel like a secret just for you.
Pure seduction…
This queen of the stage rolled out her jaw-dropping champagne act, and let me tell you, my camera was working overtime to keep up.
Picture this: Juliette, radiating elegance, sprays a cascade of champagne into the air, the bubbles catching the light like a shower of stars.
Then, with a sultry kneel, she pours the rest over her nearly bare body, every move dripping with sophistication and seduction. It’s bold, it’s sensual, and it’s so unmistakably Juliette.
Her lavish props and silky-smooth moves made the stage her playground, and every gesture felt like a private invitation to revel in her world of sparkle and sass.
