Get covered in glitter at this monthly Richmond burlesque show

Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor

“Pours and Pasties,” a monthly burlesque and variety show put on at Strangeways Brewing through Burlesque Right Meow, returned to Richmond on Sept. 12.  

Radiating in glitter and glamour, the event combined dance, comedy and storytelling into performances that left the crowd roaring in applause. The performers, shimmering in pink or adorned with golden snakes, were a stark contrast to the beer barrels decorating the walls of the stage and the glowing lights strung across the front. 

“Pours and Pasties” is open to more than just burlesque, according to Scarlet Starlet, the producer of Burlesque Right Meow and a burlesque performer.  

“It’s predominantly burlesque for sure,” Starlet said. “But sometimes I’ll have comedians, or I’ll have sideshow performers or flow artists.” 

The shows are open-themed — no one is required to stick to a specific concept or style to participate in “Pours and Pasties,” and there are all kinds of performers on stage. 

“Usually fun, upbeat stuff does great there, but it’s a big mix,” Starlet said. 

“Pours and Pasties” was different than other burlesque shows, according to attendee Helen Wasz.

“The local one was really interesting because there was a lot more diversity in themes as far as what the performers’ dances were themed around,” Wasz said. 

Richmond has a large burlesque community, according to D3ADP4NN, a performer based in the city. 

“It was just a very close-knit community, and everybody was super friendly,” D3ADP4NN said. 

D3ADP4NN performed a unique act at “Pours and Pasties,” one that she will never do again. It was for her and her girlfriend’s anniversary, she said. 

“I decided to take it a little bit slower and make it super sultry, but also something really special for my girlfriend,” D3ADP4NN said. “This is like the first time I’ve ever brought someone on to the stage.”

For D3ADP4NN, burlesque is strength. 

“You’re performing in such a vulnerable state, it takes a lot of confidence,” D3ADP4NN said. 

Luna Skyy, a burlesque performer from the DMV, had her “sweet 16” performance at “Pours and Pasties.” 

“I did a traditional burlesque performance, where typically I perform in more theatrical ways and involve audience members or have some element of process to my storyline,” Skyy said. 

Burlesque gives Skyy confidence, she said. It allows her to connect with her femininity and share her artistry with the community. 

“It gives me the opportunity to sometimes share a message with the audience and then other times just to share my costuming art or my dance,” Skyy said.

Attending burlesque events like “Pours and Pasties” is a great way to support local artists, according to Skyy. 

“We all have our own way of expressing ourselves and sharing our art with the community, and I think burlesque just gives us all the platform to be able to do that,” Skyy said. “So I’d love for more folks to bring friends who maybe haven’t had the chance to see burlesque yet, and just come find something new and have a great night.”

The next “Pours and Pasties” event will be a Halloween special on Oct. 10 at Strangeways Brewing.