Burlesque dancer, Sukki Singapora first got in touch with us to share her story. We were entranced and created a burlesque monologue for the Burlexe show.
Here’s a little taster with our latest Sukki Singapora interview.
Sukki Singapora Burlesque
Name: Sukki Singapora
Burlesque Highlight: Being shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in Arts & Culture for outstanding contribution to Burlesque – an unbelievable honour!
Top burlesque tip for non-burlesquers: Everyone starts somewhere, even your greatest inspirations.
How/Why did you get into burlesque: When I was younger I trained in classical ballet, so was always interested in performance art. It was not until I got older, and discovered vintage style and fashion that I heard about Burlesque through that. I’ve been hooked on it ever since.
Nobody knows that burlesque is… a political responsibilty as well as a passion.
Watch Sukki Singapora’s tribute to burlesque legend Barbara Yung and find out more on her website:
The Sukki sINGAPORA Story
Crowned one of the most beautiful women in Burlesque (Female First) and Ambassador of Burlesque for Singapore (Chwennyland). Sukki gained phenomenal global recognition by being the World’s first Professional Burlesque Performer from Singapore, capturing the imagination and heart of the nation. A truly international artist with a fanbase in the 100s of 1000s!
Sukki built her reputation in the United Kingdom, starting in 2011. She then returned to Singapore, where her family has its roots, and gained phenomenal global recognition. She did this by becoming the first woman in history to perform a full legal burlesque show in Singapore
After four years of campaigning, a society, a club and a whole load of girl power, I can’t tell you what an emotional moment this is.
“From the moment I started in burlesque I dreamt of this day. I fought so hard for this, and tonight, in the year of Singapore’s 50th birthday, I actually did it!
“To anyone who has ever wanted to “live the impossible dream” I hope this is an inspiring message to show that no matter what the odds, anything is possible.”
In 2016 Sukki Singapora was nominated and shortlisted for the United Nations Women’s He For She Awards. This lead to international recognition by the BBC. She now travels the world as a Global Ambassador for The Sharan Project, a charity providing support for vulnerable women.
In 2017, she accepted the Tatler Generation T Award for being one of the Top 50 individuals who are shaping and changing society in Singapore. She performed a spellbinding performance at the awards ceremony with fellow winner, rapper Shigga Shay.
In February 2017 she was welcomed into Hollywood and has been dubbed ‘the next big thing’ by the founder of Haute Living magazine and her mentor, legend David Foster.
Sukki is known for her lavish and elaborate performances and costumes, which she intertwines with a unique Bollywood-influenced style. Her uncompromising dedication to Burlesque despite her stringent cultural background has gained her an overwhelming following.
Her latest reincarnation is as a reality star, currently gracing our screens in Netflix’s Singapore Social.
And you can also catch her in one of the most loved monologues from our show.
