Vancouver troupe Sweet Soul Burlesque celebrates its 10th anniversary

Members of Vancouver’s Sweet Soul Burlesque. Photo courtesy Sweet Soul Burlesque

Thanks to some dedicated individuals and groups, Vancouver’s burlesque scene is probably as health as it’s ever been. We have the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival (more on which in an upcoming post) returning, Kitty Nights at the Biltmore every Sunday and Sweet Sip at the Keefer Bar every Thursday.

Now, Sweet Soul Burlesque, the troupe that dances at Sweet Sip, is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a burlesque extravaganza Feb 2 at the Rio Theatre.

Western Canada’s longest running professional neo-burlesque troupe, Sweet Soul Burlesque has hosted and produced over 100 events (including stadium shows and tours).

SSB has co-founded one of the first international burlesque festivals, built and ran their own infamous underground venue Dollhouse Studios, opened the body/sass-positive dance studio Vancouver Burlesque Centre, and been nominated six times at the Burlesque Hall of Fame (including World’s Best).

Members of Vancouver’s Sweet Soul Burlesque. Photo courtesy Sweet Soul Burlesque

The dancers include Cara Milk, Cherry OnTop, Crystal Precious, Little Miss Risk, Lola Frost and Rita Star. Each has spent years developing her own persona and performance style. Sweet Soul Burlesque shows typically combine classic striptease with elements of hip hop, underground dance culture and punk rock.

Members of Vancouver’s Sweet Soul Burlesque. Photo courtesy Sweet Soul Burlesque

For the troupe’s 10th anniversary celebration, Sweet Soul Burlesque will bring in special guests, show video clips and a slide show and roll out the red carpet for attendees. More importantly, the gals will showcase their “greatest hits”—their best and favourite pieces, including group numbers and special musical guests.

The tickets are only $12 in advance and available at Scout Boutique (152 8th Ave. E.), the Vancouver Burlesque Centre (124 W. 6th) and the Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway).

The red carpet gala begins at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m.