Burlesque Hamilton

Burlesque Hamilton is a inclusive space where performers of all shapes, sizes, gender, and skill come together to celebrate and perform the art of Burlesque in Hamilton, Ontario.

When & Where?

We are currently running on a Bi-monthly schedule, this gives ample time for performers to create new routines and new performers to enter the mix.

We are hosted at Tracie’s Place Restaurant and Karaoke, 592 Upper James St., Hamilton, ON, Canada, Ontario

Keep an eye out on the facebook page for the next date (CLICK HERE)

How to Join

We are always looking for new performers, that said there are some things to keep in mind to please see below.

Here are some house rules to be aware of before applying:

As this event is being hosted at a bar, you must be over 19+ years of age with valid photo ID (to be presented at the venue)
We are welcoming of performers of all skill sets (from new to seasoned performers), of all shapes, sizes, and genders.
Performances cannot include violence, cultural appropriation, racism, sexism, hyper-realistic sex toys, smoking, or vaping.
Nipple pasties and G-strings / merkins are permitted, no full nudity.
As the stage is small & carpeted, no oils, glitters, or anything that is staining are permitted.
For health and safety reasons, if any performers are intoxicated they will not be permitted onstage.
Performers are responsible to get to-and-from the venue (592 Upper James St, Hamilton); travel expenses will not be covered. Paid parking is located directly behind venue, free parking on side streets. Many buses pass by Tracie’s place, the bus stop is: “Upper James at Brucedale”.
Performers are expected to arrive at 7:30pm to check in (please bring valid photo ID)
Green room space is limited; please come as ready as you can.
Honorarium payment to be sent 3-5 days after the show (via emt); profits after expenses will be split between all performers.

Applications are always open and you can contact us at burlesque.hamilton@gmail.com

Corporate Events

Burlesque workshop hosted by Chubby Chibi of Burlesque Hamilton This class includes:

Kick-ass presentation from our guest speaker
Corsets for Try on & Sale
Burlesque props / memorabilia you can touch (and take some amazing instagram worthy photos with!)
You will learn all about burlesque
How to create your own “Burlesque Name”
Finally a instruction on a sexy “glove peel” move.
Participants of all shapes, sizes, skill, and gender are able to participate. Event is 19+

History of Burlesque in Hamilton

Burlesque in Hamilton specifically has not always been looked on as the true art it is, in 2016 a by-law officer with something to prove decided to ruin it for everyone by inviting themselves to an event and imposing fines on two performers based on a vaguely worded by-law that lumped burlesque performers in with Adult Entertainers.

After this there were no burlesque performances in the city until Lydia of Burlesque Hamilton went toe-to-toe at City Hall, arguing before the City of Hamilton counselors in 2017, fighting for years to Amend the bylaws to allow for Burlesque in Hamilton and ultimately won.

Now the city is able to host burlesque events with no fear of repercussions

City of Hamilton Presentation Files for By-Law Amendments

News Article by CBC “Hamilton looks at updating laws to include burlesque”

News Article by Hamilton Spectator “Burlesque bylaw needed,Hamilton councillorstold”