Burlesque redefines the blasé standard of beauty, counteracting all of those skinny nymphs strutting catwalks ready to collapse from hunger. Poor things are starving their brains out during important milestones of human development.

How can one think with so few calories?

Please take care that I speak only of the poor dears who have to sacrifice food to fit into the model figure. I dare not take a jab at the women who are brillantly designed to wear the clothes of the latest designers.

I believe in a healthy inclusion of all body sizes as a standard of beauty. I don't believe in a narrow set of guidelines that leave most of the population of women worried they to either not eat or have several surgeries.

Nevertheless, we are not here to cause a revolution. We are only here to revel in one: the Burlesque rebellion that combines beauty, brains and voluptuous curves to idolize some of the most sensational women of twenty-first century. These goddess who are true body outlaws willing to step out of their comfort zone “to expose people to a body type that had practically disappeared from the cultural imagination.” (Ophira Edut, 2003)

Shaboobie Boobarella, a performer out of Vancouver B.C., raises the bar of beauty and bravado. Her intellect matched with imaginative performance work incites animal reactions in all her audience members.

Shaboobie on beauty…

“I find ideas of mainstream beauty so amazingly boring, safe, ignorant and negative. I genuinely never aspired to that and was far more impressed with hourglass curves, full chests and shapely bum bums. But society and even family can be cruel and wish to impose their own insecurities on women.

I refuse to buy into that madness - and through burlesque, I have found an outlet where I can let it all hang out and be appreciated and accepted for it.

I adore the instant backstage sisterhood of (most) burlesque shows. We’re not there to judge and criticize, but to revel in our sensuality and imaginations.

After spending several months in Paris, I was seduced by the liberal sexuality of the people and the reverence of older women as sex symbols. European culture seems more focused on sensuality rather than the hard body mentality of North American taste.

To me, there is no sexual value in some vacuous, fake-tittied, spray tanned, eating disordered ‘Girls Gone Wild’ person. On the other side of the coin, you have people like Isabella Rosselini and Sophia Loren. Now they’re WOMEN!”

Who is Shaboobie Boobarella hero?

“My main hero is my grandmother, Misty Morning Star. She is First Nations (Cree) and was a burlesque dancer in the 1950’s! Despite living through residential school and having several children, she has a remarkable spirit and more energy than a 16 year old. She taught me to shimmy when I was 3. As she says of her life, she is a thriver, not a survivor!

I also madly adore Eartha Kitt (whom I met in 2005), for her extreme talent, strength, beauty and humanitarian works. I also love Bjork for her immense creativity and individuality.”

Ms. Boobarella’s most memorable moment with a mentor…

“When I was 7, I was very shy. I saw a cabaret performance by a wildly talented, eccentric and voluptuous redhead named FiFi L’Amour. She got me to sit onstage with her on a swing and sang to me.

I knew then that when I grew up that I wanted to be just like her!

I believe she is still performing in Amsterdam.”

Dancing Burlesque

The history of Burlesque as a form of entertainment and technique of dance is very complex. There are different moves within the genre such as the “shimmy,” “bump and grind,” and the “glove peel.”

Once understood, each one of these Burlesque moves possesses its own story. For example, several moves are said to originate from the introduction of belly dancing into Burlesque at the turn of the twentieth century.

One can watch contemporary performers of Burlesque to identify references to other influences upon their act – be it routines of the legends or from other types of dance or entertainment. Of course, their influences are drawn from a wide range of sources.

Shaboobie explains…

“I am an animated performer of Burlesque who utilizes the dance stylings of 1960’s Go-Go, Disco, Polynesian, West African, Cabaret, Shimmying and Tap Dancing. I am also a freelance pin-up model and a writer (you can read my 'limerick-ese' poetry on my myspace blog).

I love performance for the sake of creativity and 'soulshine,' - not for egotistical purposes!

I've been performing cabaret-style since 1993 and love the 'art' of choreographing dance routines. I've also written a children's book, co-written a play, have appeared on television programs and have been in many short films.

The first time I ever Go-Go danced on stage was with none other than the legendary late Wilson Pickett. The song - Land of a Thousand Dances (naturally!).

I went on to being a Go-Go dancer with Australian surf-guitar band, The Supertronics, for several years. I then formed The Best Dancers in the World and performed many 'thematical' routines, including Prince tributes and customized political satire numbers for the wonderful and legendary Australian comedian, Rod Quantock.”

She adds…

“Since I was 6 or 7, I had a passion for Marilyn, John Waters films and old movies with lavish dance routines and costumes. Starting from the age of 12, I have always had a video permanently ready to record in case anything relevant comes on TV. Over the years, I have built a huge collection of clips and resources.

I tried several dance classes when I was a child, but these always felt too ‘straight’ for me. I did one jazz ballet class and cringed at the ‘uncool-ness’ of it all.

At the age of 16, I found the best tap dancing teacher ever – Miss Lou Lou and Her Tapping Starlettes. She was a vintage goddess and taught us the most kitsch and hilarious routines. She helped to validate and legitimize my love of ‘silly’ dancing. She was burlesque without the stripping.

99% of burlesque dancers today inspire me. I don’t want to be them, but I want to be in their company.”

The Birth of Shaboobie Boobarella.

“In late 2004, I moved to Vancouver from Melbourne, Australia. When I made the move to Canada I brought two suitcases with me - one of clothes etc, and one jam packed with costumes.

Shaboobie Boobarella was born.

My style is certainly a tad odd at times, but I'd rather wear my imagination on my sleeve over being 'hot!!!' I have performed with Sweet Soul Burlesque, Malaika Millions and Her Breast Friends, 2006 & 2007 Vancouver Burlesque Festivals, The Pink Flamingo Burlesque, The Seattle Sinner, and countless other events and happenings.”

What is Shaboobie Boobarella up to next?

“I come from a background network of musicians and love the energy of performing to live music. I put out a call (thanks to Craig’s List!) for a band to develop a burlesque show with. Blue of the Blue Morris 6 contacted me and we knew immediately that we wanted to collaborate. He found a gorgeous and sensational singer named Red. We put together our ‘dream’ songs, which they learned and thus, The Pink Flamingo Burlesque was born! We have had two wildly successful shows so far, and we plan to bust out big in 2008. This will also enable me to give guest spots to musicians and dancers from Vancouver and beyond.

I am also a board member of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, which shall run from April 24^th – May 4^th, 2008. See www.vanburlesquefest.com for details.”

While I am packing to immediately drive to Vancouver BC to see Ms. Shaboobie Boobarella’s next show – you may go to http://www.myspace.com/shaboobieboobarella for more of this incredible decadent woman.

I think I could be in love…