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Burlesque & Big Band. A Visual Story - Part 3

Dive into the electrifying sparkle of Burlesque & Big Band at Hotel Arena, where seductive burlesque collides with the irresistible rhythms of JumpTown’s 8-piece big band. As a photographer, I was thrilled to freeze the glitz, attitude, and show-stopping moments of seven phenomenal performers at this Amsterdam Burlesque Festival matinee on February 16, 2025. Brace yourself for Part 2 of this vibrant journey, packed with retro flair, daring moves, and absolute enchantment!

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Preview picture of Calie Tee doing incredible floor work
Preview picture of Calie Tee doing incredible floor work
By Peter Rawgaze
2 min read
Burlesque & Big Band. A Visual Story - Part 3

An Elegant Explosion of Burlesque, Music, and Theatrical Storytelling in Amsterdam

Welcome to the grand finale of our Burlesque & Big Band visual series at Hotel Arena, set during the unforgettable Amsterdam Burlesque Festival 2025. This sold-out Sunday matinee was a one-of-a-kind celebration of contemporary burlesque, featuring stunning international performers and the exhilarating sounds of JumpTown’s live big band jazz.

In this final chapter, we spotlight three exceptional artists—Venuss Nightingale, Calie Tee, and Alekseï von Wosylius—who brought their distinct styles to life through story-driven burlesque, elegant boylesque, and avant-garde glamour. Each act stood out not only for its artistry, but also for pushing the boundaries of what modern European burlesque can be.

Venuss Nightingale - The embodiment of sacred femininity

Venuss Nightingale strutting on stage in fringed outfit with high boots and audience

Among the evening’s most unforgettable appearances was that of Venuss Nightingale, a femme burlesque artist known for combining fashion, spirituality, and fierce femininity into one commanding stage presence.

Venuss Nightingale on stage in fringed outfit with platform boots under purple lighting

Describing herself as a tailor, sinner, and “FEMME as the gods intended,” Venuss delivered an act steeped in sensual mystique and unapologetic power. Her performance showcased the best of contemporary burlesque in Amsterdam, with rich textures, precise movements, and an aura of ritualistic glamour.

Venuss Nightingale performing with striking pose on stage under red lighting and audience
Venuss Nightingale posing dramatically on stage with pink lighting and audience
Venuss Nightingale performing on stage in sparkly outfit with platform boots and audience

She is a must-see for fans of high-concept, emotionally resonant burlesque.

Calie Tee - A French Burlesque Performer with Bold New Energy

Calie Tee on stage in dramatic outfit with red lighting and musicians

Returning to the Hotel Arena stage with a brand-new creation, Calie Tee—a standout French burlesque performer—delivered a fresh act that fused theatricality with wit and elegance.

Calie Tee performing on stage with vibrant purple lighting and audience
Calie Tee bend over backwards on stage with audience in background
Calie Tee performing energetically on stage with audience in background

Drawing on her background in classical music and European cabaret, Calie offered a performance that was equal parts playful, polished, and unpredictable.

Calie Tee in dramatic pose with colorful stage lighting

With each movement, she reaffirmed her place as a rising figure in modern European burlesque, bringing the vibrant traditions of French stagecraft into the heart of Amsterdam’s burlesque scene.

Alekseï von Wosylius - Belgian Boylesque with Poetic Grace

Alekseï's powerful performance with hat, standing by chair, red lighting act

Alekseï von Wosylius, representing Belgium, brought breathtaking artistry to the stage with his emotionally rich boylesque performance.

Alekseï's expressive performance, arm extended, red lighting dance in costume
Alekseï's intense crouched pose, head down, red lighting theater performance
As a Burlesque Hall of Fame Small Group winner (2018) and a celebrated male burlesque dancer, Alekseï is known for fusing classical dance with powerful visual storytelling.
Alekseï's bold performance, pulling down pants, red lighting theater act
His act was a highlight of the evening—elegant, flexible, and layered with emotion.
Alekseï's dramatic seated pose on chair, open hand, red lighting theater act
Alekseï's dramatic performance on knees with chair, red lighting theater act
Alekseï's dynamic dance pose on chair, arm raised, red lighting performance
Alekseï's intense pose, dramatic red lighting theater performance
Alekseï's artistic performance with feathers, standing pose, red lighting dance

As one of the most respected boylesque performers in Europe, Alekseï captivated the audience with a seamless blend of physical control and dramatic depth, reminding us why his name continues to shine on the international stage.

Alekseï's open-arm performance, standing in costume, red lighting dance act

The Curtain Falls – But the Echo Lingers

With this third and final entry, i wrap up our visual journey through one of the standout moments of the Amsterdam Burlesque Festival 2025. The Burlesque & Big Band matinee proved that burlesque, when paired with the live energy of a jazz big band, becomes more than performance—it becomes a cinematic, sonic, and sensual experience. From dazzling costuming to elegant narratives, these performers redefined live burlesque in Amsterdam.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories and portraits!

Event, Burlesque
burlesqueandbigband Venuss Nightingale Calie Tee Alekseï von Wosylius
This post is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 by the author.