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Roux La La - Seeing Burlesque, Circus & Drag in NOLA

  • Writer: Guide Michelle
    Guide Michelle
  • Nov 6
  • 4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Locals & tourists know that catching a performance in one of the more risque arts is quintessential to the experience of New Orleans. Lots of local talent- musicians, performers, dancers, circus folks, comedians- call this city home and there's many opportunities and venues to catch an unforgettable show. Here's a glimpse into what's on offer- always check the links for up-to-date info before planning, since this is an industry where things change often!

Click the green and pink links for websites:

Before hitting a show, join me for the French Quarter Cocktail Tour- rethink the drink with a tour of the city's vibrant cocktail history and experience the French Quarter like a local!


New Orleans burlesque show

The documentary I Love You, Allways describes it as such: "New Orleans is one of the cabaret, burlesque and drag capitals of the world and at its center lies The AllWays Lounge, the queer and dear home for the city's community of performance artists." During Covid shutdown, the bar transformed its street-facing windows into a peep-show and has been the fertile ground for many acts, troupes and performers, offering a dizzying variety of shows. A glimpse at their bar stage calendar might include "live fantasy improv adventure drag", horror erotica readings, swing dance lessons to live music and a slew of burlesque for every quirk and kink. Their blackbox theater, the Twilight Room, hosts ticketed shows in theater, comedy and cabaret. Lots of nearby bars and eateries make this a perfect night out in Bywater if you're visiting New Orleans. Allways Lounge is home to The Van Ella Bordella, New Orleans’ beloved immersive, theatrical, storytelling burlesque experience, and the Betsy Propane Smoke Show, a live jazz/burlesque cabaret.


New Orleans burlesque and strip show

New Orleans burlesque dancer

Keep up with this event producer/showgirl on Instagram or her website to find out about shows around town that are full of talent sourced from performers in burlesque, circus and dance. Current New Orleans productions (many of them at the Allways or Joy Theater) include Psychedelic Speakeasy, KAPOW! Burlesque with a BANG!, Night Moves, The Vivacious Burlesque Experience & Nutcracker Erotique.


The website doesn't offer much info, but this venue inside the New Orleans Healing Center offers traveling & local circus shows that have been really impressive! My recommendation is to peep the calendar and then google tickets & info for shows that sound interesting, like the Sideshow Hootenanny or The After Circus in November.


New Orleans burlesque club

Local burlesque legend Bella Blue is known in the community of performers and alternative acts for her activism and outspoken support of workers rights in the community. She and her partners recently opened Pulcinella! and the Original Nightcap as a duo Italian restaurant, bar & performance space for pole acts, burlesque, music and variety. A speakeasy vibe with shows every night of the week (and brunch) make it a sure thing. A sex-positive vibe, shows can be everything from Stripperaoke to muscle babes to live music and comedy!


A hilarious performer and darling of the scene, Trixie is another showgirl & producer- her classic burlesque shows have a residency every Friday at 7:30pm & 9pm in The Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta. These are tamer than many of the Allways Lounge shows & is in the heart of the French Quarter so this is my go-to recommendation for tourists looking to start in the shallow end of the burlesque pool. Currently, she hosts bingo the last Friday of every month at Abita's New Orleans taproom.

*** If your planning a group trip for a birthday or bachelorette party, learn the Art of the Tease and have an unforgettable time by booking a private class at her studio location in the French Quarter! NOLA Pole & Aerials (where I take my aerial classes) also offer private party classes for your group in pole dancing and/or aerial arts such as sling/hammock and hoop/lyra.


Mardi Gras burlesque dancer parade

Like a little sports with your performance? Chokehole is campy wrestling fun and Jock Strap Lube Wrestling is exactly what it sounds like- both are regular New Orleans out, loud & proud events that celebrate the weird, kinky & queer!


A few final tips from the folks at New Orleans tourism: 

1. Fuel the fun and cheer if you see something you like

2. Tip your performers! Bring your $1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s! 

3. Consent! Do not touch those performing for you without it. (This also goes for your involvement in their acts).

4. Things that come off do not belong to you! If you catch a falling star, please do not put it in your pocket. 

5. Share the experience on social & tag them! 



 
 
 
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