Thu 11/1 @ 7:30PM
Anyone who knows Bella Sin, founder of Cleveland’s longest-running burlesque troupe Le Femme Mystique and the Ohio Burlesque Festival, knows a couple of things about her. One is how committed she is to diversity in ALL its forms. The other is how proud she is of her Mexican heritage.
Last year, she staged her first Hispanic Burlesque Showcase, featuring performers from a variety of backgrounds and celebrating Latinx, Mexican, Hispano & Afro-Latino culture in all its manifestations. It demonstrated the wide range of styles that Hispanic culture embraces.
Of course, it was an idea too good to just do once — and respect and admiration for what Hispanic people bring to this country is needed now more than ever.
As Bella says, “As of late speaking honestly with you, I have not felt like I’m wanted in this country. As you know, as a Mexican immigrant, the last few years have been quite stressful, to say the least. The worry for my family and friends has been high
but I am keeping faith that soon things will change. The Hispanic Burlesque Showcase in these times is a way to create not only a space for my people but for those who celebrate us and support us.”
Among “Las Burlesqueros” performing at this year’s Hispanic showcase at the Beachland Ballroom are Bella herself, Chicago-based Vivi Valens, Clevelander Lily Von Matterhorn, Portland’s Lola Coquette, Alejandra Love of Akron and Gya Mongciel of Columbus. Yes, they are here in the U.S., adding to the rich fabric of our culture, and no, they aren’t going anywhere.
VIP tickets are $40, reserved seats are $25, general admission is $15 in advance, $20 day of show.