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Here is a rare, backstage, behind-the-scenes look at Friday night’s show of the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Usually cameras are not allowed backstage but my long time involvement with the community brought out smiles and flourishes from the performers when I started pointing my lens around.

A little sensitivity goes a long way and gotten my camera into several no-go zones in the past. I love and respect it when people trust me to take their photo when it may otherwise feel vulnerable or taboo.

Most of these shots follow the show from Sweet Soul Burlesque. These girls brought the house down with their usual brand of sexy, sassy fun. Not all of these shots are safe for work

click on image for gallery

I’ve been a fan of burlesque for a while now and wanted to share some of my unpublished editorial images to celebrate the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival‘s fifth year of feathers, sparkles, pasties and ta-tas.

From May 6th -9th, the Rickshaw Theatre will host 14 unique productions and two performer showcases. Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at Scout, Virgin Mary’s, Zulu Records, Flaming Angels and Cherry Bomb.

I’ve written some thoughts here about the burlesque scene, but let’s face it, pretty pictures are much more interesting than me blabbering about how awesome these girls are. Tune in again soon to see if I got my camera backstage for a behind-the-scenes look!