NIGHTLIFE
Burlesque Academy of Malta - Photo: ScheiMedia
“Apart from its sex appeal, burlesque has an inclusive role in the performing arts too.” “The greatest attribute, in my opinion, is the community aspect of burlesque, which is run by women, queer women and men, and their allies. The performers manage themselves completely. They produce their own shows, create their own roles, characters and styling. There's no one interfering with your artistic vision – I have managed myself for 10 years!” Undine discovered burlesque at the age of 18 through a Canadian performer who was living in Malta at the time. When she eventually moved back to Canada, Undine was left without a mentor, and decided to make the brave move, aged 19, to the Big Apple. New York was a huge eye-opener, and she was both awe-struck and amazed at the glamorous scene, practiced by the likes of Lady Gaga in her early days. Fast forward a few years and Undine has performed on many local and international stages, including, most recently, in Germany. “I love performing abroad – I got hooked 78
ever since my first international show in 2012 in Amsterdam. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel far and wide with my art, but Germany remains one of my absolute favourite countries to perform in,” says Undine. “Last year’s tour was composed of a number of very different shows, from huge theatre stages at the Bavarian Burlesque Festival, to a small stage in Stuttgart and to a charity gala in Hamburg, to mention a few.” She also draws huge satisfaction from performing on home turf. Undine started producing burlesque shows in Malta five years ago, and last November produced the third edition of “the show that is my baby – MalTease! This is my celebration of my art and a showcase for my home of the very best artists I can bring over,” she explains. “Last year, I topped myself again and had a stellar cast of incredible performers, as well as my student from BAM (Burlesque Academy
Photo: ScheiMedia
of Malta) who performed for the first time and made me so proud.” And while she’s already started thinking of the 2020 edition of MalTease, Undine’s first production this year is a Valentine’s Day dinner show, which will be held at the Thirsty Lawyer in Valletta. In the coming months, she’ll be embarking on another tour, getting involved in Malta Fashion Week, as well as the Adult Panto in June, among others. “The Adult Panto is my annual guilty and naughty pleasure. I don’t just do burlesque, I like to have a finger in every pie, however I am a burlesque performer first and foremost, and there are many exciting plans in the pipeline this year.” Follow Undine on Fb/Instagram: Undine LaVerve