The VIP Opening Ceremony of the World Burlesque Games 2012 is tonight. Presenting performances from Britain’s finest burlesque dancers and a buffet of international delectation. The ceremony in Soho is the hottest tassel twirling ticket in town.

The World Burlesque Games

Last week we asked assistant festival coordinator Betty D’Light about the event. Work on the festival takes most of the year prior to the event.

Betty said, “The most challenging part for me is the impact the festival has on our entire lives.

“Chaz [Royal] and I work on the festival for 10 months of the year and the closer it gets to the main event, the more it takes over our lives. There is no nine to five when you are self-employed and when you live with your boss. The work literally never stops!

“This is my first year working full time on the festival and even I didn’t fully realise what a big commitment working on the event would be. We eat, drink and sleep burlesque and this event comes as a priority before everything else.

“Although this can be overwhelming at times I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so passionate about burlesque and it’s an absolute honour to be working on the largest burlesque event in the world. I’m learning so much every day.

“For me, the most rewarding part is working so closely with the performers. Working for the World Burlesque Games has brought so many amazing international burlesque performers to my attention that I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to work so closely with.

“I also really love meeting the burlesque performers in the newcomer categories. There is always the possibility that you are working with and helping to shape the career of the Next Big Thing!”

Kicking off the competition tomorrow will be the Triple Crown event. It celebrates burlesque dancers with a variety twist in their acts.

The rest of the week includes competitions to find the best boylesque, beginning burlesque and female queen until the culmination and closing ceremony on 13th May 2012.

Tickets for some of the events are still available here.

Don’t forget to check out the art exhibition A Brush With Burlesque also running alongside the World Burlesque Games.

Find out about the World Burlesque Games 2013.

Burlexe is a sensational London burlesque show inspired by the women who created the genre and perform the art. It fuses burlesque performance with storytelling, dancing with acting.

Find out more about our unique burlesque show and join our mailing list.

(Main image from Fluid London)