Skymirrors is a series of stunning images that are mesmerizing to watch as they unfold to present recurring themes.  Throughout the 90 minute performance we see dancers referencing elements of nature in their movement—slow, sinuous, rhythmic movements that can be interpreted as “water,” anthropomorphic figures that appear divinely on stage, and more subtly, gestures that undeniably go beyond our human repertoire. The twitching fingers of dancers, for example, move out from their bodies like antennae sensing their surroundings, instinctively and purposefully.

There is very little decorative or embellished choreography in Skymirrors. But a certain beauty results from the exact and precise movements that are in sync with the expertly crafted sound environment of the piece. The base of this soundscape is akin to a radio frequency not quite in tune while trying to channel a clear signal from a distant place. The elements of wind, water and space are relayed to the stage through this fuzzy signal and somehow the dancers take their cues from it. They are in tune with it—connected to the earth-sounds that surround them. The meaning for the audience comes through the in-tuned movements of the dancers: there is an intrinsic link between humans and our surroundings, and a beautiful balance that results when that connection is made.

In the most engaging sequences, the dancers move to an evenly measured tempo in unison. There are elements of ritual here: rhythmic and repetitive movements that build in magnitude. These combined elements prompt a contemplative response in the audience. We are meant to be lulled and calmed in order to pay greater attention—not only to the unfolding events of the stage but more so to be conscious of what the performance is conveying. Skymirrors serves as a reflection of us, our awareness and connection to our surroundings, the devastation that results from our oblivion, and the beauty that results from us paying attention.

Birds with Skymirrors is at the National Arts Center tonight.

As a part of the launch of Northern Scene, a handful of galleries in Ottawa and Gatineau will be hosting events, exhibition openings and performances by some of the best talent coming from the North. Billed as “the largest gathering of artists from Yukon, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut”, the festival will showcase more than 250 artists over ten days.

SWARM starts with a gallery crawl at 6pm — to get around the city you can walk, bike or take a ride on the free shuttle bus. For a full listing of galleries and exhibitions, see below.

At 9pm, the National Arts Centre is throwing a party with Hip hop artist Aaron “Godson” Hernandez, DJ Madeskimo and throat boxer Nelson Tagoona. The foyer of the NAC will also feature Boundless, complete with a runway showcasing fashion from Northern designers.

The SWARM party continues throughout the night at Club SAW – don’t miss a special performance by Joseph Tisiga and Lauren Passmore at 11:30pm.

Gallery Listing

AXENÉO7
Not Real, Only In The Mind
Work by artist-in-residence sculptor (and Mayor of Ivujivik, QC) Mattiusi Iyaituk.

Carleton University Art Gallery
Dorset Seen and Dorset Gold
The first 100 visitors to stop in will get CUAG swag bags!

City Hall Art Gallery
The Soniferous Æther of The Land Beyond The Land Beyond
Film by Charles Stankievech – recorded at CFS Alert, the northernmost human settlement on Earth. Presented in collaboration with SAW Video Media Art Centre.

Cube Gallery
edge of the ‘knife
A contemporary group show featuring Yellowknife artists Rae Braden, Landon Peters, Jennifer Walden,  Terry Pamplin, Helene Girard, Angus Beaulieu and Margaret Nazon.

DAÏMÕN
Afriques: Art Video curated by Pierre Beaudoin. 

Galerie SAW Gallery 
Northern Exposures
Curated by Candice Hopkins. Featuring work by Steve Anderson, Janet Ripley Armstrong, Goota Ashoona, Joe Ashoona, Bob Kussy, Aidan Cartwright, Marcus Jackson, Jimmy Kamimmalik, Quvavau Manumie, Ohotaw Mikkigak, Leo Mukjunik, Willie Mukjunik, Danny Osborne, Itee Pootoogook, Monique Robert, Nicotye Samayualie, Doug Smarch, Joseph Tisiga, Jutai Toonoo, Papiara Tukiki and Mary Tutsweetok.

Gallery 101
Aurora Boreawesomer
Curated by Lynn Canney, in partnership with The Open Sky Creative Society. Opening ceremony at 7pm with Dehcho Elder Gerald Antoine.

National Arts Centre
Artists’ Marketplace - Panorama Room
Boundless: Fashion from Canada’s North - Main Lobby (foyer)
Whalebone, Beads, Fur, Feathers, Fibre and Soapstone - Mezzanine
From the collection of the Canada Council Art Bank
Relish Gourmet Food Truck
Chef Paul Bergeron will lure you in with smoked Arctic char tacos and braised elk poutine.

National Gallery of Canada
New Voices from the New North
Curated by Heather Campbell. Featuring work by Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, Luke Anguhadluq, Tony Anguhalluq, Kenojuak Ashevak, Karoo Ashevak, Kiugak Ashoona, Shuvinai Ashoona, Igloolik Isuma Productions, Elisapee Ishulutaq, Mattiusi Iyaituk, Helen Kalvak, Qavavau Manumie, Michael Massie, William Noah, Jessie Oonark, Jacoposie Oopakak, Kananginak Pootoogook, Itee Pootoogook, Pudlo Pudlat, David Ruben Piqtoukun, Nick Sikkuark and Ningeokuluk Teevee.

Ottawa Art Gallery
Larger Than Life
Work by Sonja Ahlers, Rosemary Scanlon, Joseph Tisiga, Veronica Verkley.
Whitehorse artist Sonja Ahlers will be hosting a drop-in workshop where party-goers can make their own art inspired by her installation of found objects.
ᑕᑯᓱᕐᓀᑐᖅ (Ta•ku•shur•nai•tuk) n. 1. Things Never Seen Before 2. Aisa Qumaaluk Sivuaraapik and Others
On display in the Firestone Gallery, with work from Bobby Najummialu Novalinga, Levi Alaasuaq Pirti (Smith), Mattiusi Manukuluk Qilurqi, Mattiusi Ilimasaut Amarualik, Aisa Qumaaluk Sivuaraapik and Aliva Tuktu Tulugak. Curated by Catherine Sinclair.

For more information on events, performances, workshops and happenings occurring throughout the Northern Scene festival (April 25-May 4), check the NAC website.

Sonja Ahlers, Untitled (detail) 2013. Toe shoes, fur, glass, ephemera, porcelain leg by Shary Boyle. Courtesy of the artist.

There’s a stellar line up of Northern artists, musicians and more stopping by our city for the next week for Northern Scene – it’s well worth your time to seek some out! There’s a fashion show, an art party featuring 15 artists in one night, and a welcome ceremony to kick it all off tonight. Also? One of your favourite Robert Munsch stories comes to life.

Herd Magazine launches their latest issue this weekend down at Mercury Lounge – the folks behind the magazine are hard (er, herd?) partiers  and so it’s likely to be an epic event.

Film lovers, you’ve got your pick: a film fest all about being outside, a teen tech video contest and award ceremony, and an Arctic film series.

Foodies will delight in Dishcrawl, taking a surprise culinary tour through the Market.

Music-wise, you should probably check out Shotgun Jimmie’s record release party at Raw Sugar Friday night, brought to you by the Arboretum festival. Or stop by Zaphod’s for a triple bill on Friday, featuring Thread, Full Tipped Sleeve and Carl Hornswater. John Carroll and the Epic Proportions will be out at the Black Sheep with Birdie White, while bands Her Harbour and The Meek (members of Timber Timbre) will be at St Luke’s. Metal fans will stop by Cafe Dekcuf for Bison BC and Swarm of Spheres, while punk rock lovers should be at Mavericks for what might be the fullest night yet.

There’s plenty of dancing to be had this weekend, outside of those music shows. Ceremony is a-happening, as mentioned, and the Museum of Nature is having their final Nature Nocturne of the season. It’s also Double Barrel at Mugshots, and the newly revamped Elmdale Tavern takes a trip through the 70s and 80s on Saturday night, or you can just have a dose of the 80s down in Old Ottawa South.

Sunday? Burlesque brunch is back.

Anything else you’re up to this weekend, Ottawa?

Spring is coming – we promise. While the weather might seem otherwise, this leafy green event out at Kichesippi Brewery will prove to you that fresh produce isn’t too far away. At the very least, the food and music and beer will distract you from a snowy reality.

Tonight at Babylon, it’s Raw Hip Hop with Blakdenim, hosted by VCX, Precice Kenny Creole and Diamond. Some of you, though, might just want to camp out in Wakefield this weekend – with Jenn Grant tonight, Harlan Pepper tomorrow, and New Country Rehab on Saturday, you’d be guaranteed a foot-tappin’ good time.

Punk rockers will likely be heading out to Scotiabank Place on Friday for big names like Billy Talent and Sum 41. If that’s just too far, you can get a bit of pop-punk with Remember the Fire and Set it Off at Cafe Dekcuf that same night. Also that evening? Jokers of the Scene stop by Mercury Lounge along with a few DJs to get you dancing.

Need more dancing? Kitchen Party!

Saturday is a busy, busy night: The Yips and some friends will be at Club SAW, SUUNS will be playing at Ritual, and local folk artist Andrea Simms-Karp will open for Belle Starr at Raw Sugar.

Ottawa is the latest stop on the Burlesque Vanguard Tour, bringing American and Canadian teasers our way for a show. Some of our own local burlesque darlings will take to the stage with Paco Fish and a few other internationally-renowned artists.

In the world of art, we’ve got a few options. Orange Gallery is hosting the Big 100, a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa. Fibre artists will be everywhere at the Fibre Fling all day Friday and Saturday. There will be a juried exhibition of local pottery all weekend long, where you’ll also be able to purchase a few finely-crafted goods.

If you’re hankering for days of yore, this gala should meet your needs with Ottawa’s own Boardwalk Empire taking over the conference centre.

And lastly? Kick off next week by doing something nice – not your usual nice, but a little out-of-the-ordinary nice. C’mon, everyone is doing it!

What else is on your agenda of fun this weekend? Let us know below!

Last week I went for a trip to the museum to reconnect with nature and was met by a raucous crowd of hundreds of party-goers sipping on cocktails and dancing to the loud beats of a DJ.  This was the third of a now monthly installment of Nature Nocturne, a social evening at the Nature Museum bringing in a new crowd of visitors to reconnect with Nature while they dance the night away.

It was this last aspect of the program that was the topic of my scrutiny upon my visit Thursday night, during which I mostly stayed in an upstairs area whose installation had the theme of ‘Birds’.  I enjoyed a few drinks, danced a bit to the music, oggled a video projection mash-up of local avi-fauna and abstract shapes, all while observing the dancing crowd and the clusters of loudly chatting groups of friends… realizing only too late that this is what uncool older types like myself have a habit of doing at parties.  However, I kept asking myself, are we getting closer to nature at the moment?  It was unfortunately too loud for me to ask that question to anyone else.

I decided to explore a few more of the exhibits on my way out and really enjoyed the fossils depicting Archaeopteryx, a feathered bird-like dinosaur, as well as the transitional reconstructions of the evolution of whales from terrestrial mammals.  But was I alone in this learning experience at the museum? Happily, there was a constant stream of traffic through these exhibit halls and in some cases party-goers would exclaim aloud when their minds had been blown by a fact of natural history that they had just learned…. But mostly, these side rooms to the main attraction were used as chill zones and areas where gaggles of teenage girls could huddle and frantically consult the world according to their smartphones.

Whether or not these social events constitute a scientific learning experience and a chance to reconnect to nature for most of its revelers is still up for debate, but to address the issue is of absolute importance.  We are now several generations into a society that has had little meaningful experience in terms of contact with nature.  What for me were the bugs, the forest and the creeks of my youth’s playtime, have long since been replaced by video games, popular media, texting and Facebook in the lives of today’s youth.  As scientists we have a duty and an opportunity to reach out to society and help to inspire people with awe and respect for nature, the environment and the universe.  However, the traditional scientist’s delivery of facts and figures are often met with tedium or miscomprehension and another method is now needed to bring science and nature back to the people.  I am convinced that one of the important components in this process will be through the delivery of science and nature content in arts and entertainment.

So if everyone had a good time dancing and partying at Nature Nocturne last Thursday and just a few of us got something extra in terms of a more meaningful understanding and connection to nature, then I would consider it a successful event.

It’s St. Paddy’s day this weekend, folks, and we’ve got just the burlesque show to celebrate. Need something a little more traditional? Head out to your local pub, Irish or not! Guaranteed they’ll be in a festive mood.

Tonight at the NAC, you can catch the hip-hop/rock/soul music of Sound of Lions, while Algoma releases her new album down at the Mercury Lounge. Three local bands will take to the stage at the Lunenburg Pub for their weekly battle of the bands – this week, Go Long (!), Leadfoot Pretty, and The Way compete for your affection (and votes). Friday night, Glorious MoonRockets play at Burgers on Main (on Somerset), while those of you needing to dance should head to Mercury Lounge or Timekode. Also on Friday, the Cafe Alt concert series continues, with cheap local beer and great music – John McKiel and Scattered Clouds are up this time. Saturday? Inlet Sound and Amos the Transparent stop by Zaphod’s for the early show.

We’ve also got a new record label in town – head to Spins and Needles Friday night to get a limited edition copy of their first album! If you need more craft in your life, get your fill at their silkscreening workshop on Sunday.

You know spring is really in the air when sugar bush spots start opening, and you start craving the epic breakfasts they serve. Planned Parenthood also has Spring Fever, their fundraiser and rock show tonight at Babylon. In other fundraisers, CHUO continues to hold their funding drive, and Saturday night will have StillNative, Hearts and Mines, and DJ Adam Saikaley at Mavericks to raise a bit o’ cash. A night of spoken word will raise money for cancer research down at Bijou Lounge on Saturday night. ICAfrica is also holding a fundraiser, this one with a few comedy greats. Need even more laughs? Grounded can hook you up!

If you can’t wait for what summer is going to bring, Arboretum Arts Festival + Party is throwing a little fundraising bash with the Hilotrons and Silkken Laumann at Babylon on Friday night.

Are you an aspiring art writer or critic? On Saturday, the Ottawa Art Gallery is hosting Articulation, a critical art writing workshop – and we have a ticket to give away! From 10am-4pm, the lucky winner spend the day learning from prominent members of the national art writing community. Email us the name of the facilitator of Articulation at apartment613[a]gmail.com and we’ll enter you into the draw. Contest closes at 6pm today.

What else are you up to this weekend, Ottawa?

In 3  O’Clock in the Afternoon, Johannessen questions the notion of boundaries – geographical, political and emotional – either created by or imposed upon us. The piece explores the impositions, necessity and navigation of those boundaries, and what it means to live within or outside of their delineations.

The stage, subtly set, relays this theme. Painted in natural colors on what appears to be a solid backdrop, the stage forms a rudimentary patchwork of shapes stitched together to look like a map. The stitches set out the boundaries and, simultaneously, the entire backdrop appears as an official declaration of countries and as marks/scars left on the skin.

Hidden on this seemingly impenetrable wall are five doors. Throughout the performance the 12 dancers in plain clothes—simple representations of us every day—timidly move in, out of and through this false barrier.

3 O’Clock in the Afternoon begins with an empty stage occupied by only one dancer and lit starkly from above by four fluorescents lights, like those found in a parking garage. His solo, although long, is an honest take on self-doubt, hesitation and reflection; an appropriate introduction for a performance that uses refined choreography and theatrics to make its point.

From here, the choreography builds in complexity to explore the impositions of what boundaries declare: that which is included versus that which is separate. The state of being connected, isolated, alone and together is the emotional basis of this piece.

Repeated throughout the piece, for example, is the placement of one dancer apart from the central group. At points throughout the performance, they stand completely still and watch, perplexed by the very precise, cohesive movements of the other dancers on stage. Or, more unsettling, a single dancer occupies the space in front of a very tightly choreographed group. This solitary dancer, alone in a crowd of people, is separated visually by the very nature of her movement—awkward and jarring—while the group moves in unison, fluid and graceful.

This contrast continues the length of the piece: separated, the dancers’ movements are stunted and strained; together, their movement is expressed as a cohesive unit which instinctively makes sense both visually and emotionally. Their movements clearly convey that, by nature, we long to be connected.

Although the impact of political and geographical boundaries is addressed (indirectly) in 3 O’Clock in the Afternoon, it is the handling of the emotional negotiation of boundaries that hits the mark.

The final performance of 3 O’Clock in the Afternoon is tonight at the NAC.

Indie/folk band Joe Pug is up from Chicago to share some of their tunes, and Serena Ryder is also stopping by to play at Mavericks. Dessy Di Lauro is having a cd release party for her latest ragtime-urban album tonight at Mercury Lounge. That’s also where StillNative is having their album release party on Friday, the same night that Sal Piamonte will be down at Zaphod’s. Those of you hoping for a more intimate show should check out the jazz house show with Tom McMahon out in Almonte. Emm Gryner‘s lyrical songs will be heard at the NAC on Saturday, and Badbadnotgood will be onstage at Ritual that same night. The Strain is playing out at the Black Sheep this weekend, and they’ve taken pity on the car-less Ottawa folks: they’ve rented a bus to get you there and back, and have included admission to the show in the bus ticket price. If you’re looking for something to wind down your weekend with, stop by the Manx for some karaoke and commentary with Remi Royal on Sunday night.

As mentioned, Ceremony turns 1 this weekend, and they’ll be at Mugshots for an epic party. Transmit is back for their version 2.0 at Raw Sugar, and will have more DJs spinning along to experimental videos. We’ve got a Boobie Ball on Saturday, the Nature Nocturne party is back, and if you need even more dancing, hit up Double Barrel. Rather be part of an epic dance production? Auditions at the NAC on Saturday!

If modern dance is your cup o’ tea, email us at apartment613@gmail.com with ‘Carte Blanche‘ in the subject line. We’re giving away a pair of tickets to that show happening Saturday night at the NAC – contact us by Friday at 9am to be entered in our draw!

If you’re skeptical about winning those tickets, you should probably be at Skepticamp on Sunday afternoon, with presentations on science and skepticism – and plenty of Q&A time.

And finally: think you’ve got the best caesar making skills in town? Prove it!

The duet provides a perfect idiom for choreographers to explore the intricacies and negotiations of relationships. In one of these performances, Still Standing You? the assumptions, pitfalls and beauty of relationships is tackled by the two very different choreographers/creators/dancers, Pieter Ampe and Guilherme Garrido.

Still Standing You? demonstrates how dance can so expertly explore the complexity existing between two people—in this case two men. Through their raw, physical maneuvers these performers are able to access the layers of what a relationship between two men can be. It’s a tricky landscape.

The piece opens with Garrido balanced in a seated position on top of the outstretched legs of Ampe, who lies on his back on the floor. Garrido charmingly converses with the audience, asking if they are comfortable—oblivious to the obvious strain Ampe feels under his weight. It’s a suitable introduction to what becomes a series of amplified and charged physical entwinements ranging from playful to painful to supportive.

Music would be simply out of place in this literally stripped-down performance where the body is integral to its meaning. Instead, the performers provide acoustic accompaniment through their highly amusing feral and guttural sounds, as well as the sound of their feet hitting the floor and their bodies hitting the ground. At times they evoke a boyish, teasing playfulness. At times they are rough and aggressive. The two, for example, run full-out at each other to smash their chests together in a test of strength—masculinity portrayed at its most basic.

But it becomes apparent this brutish façade is only one layer. What belies this harshness are the subtleties in their performance—a sly smile, a soft landing, or more substantially, an incredible embrace. One of these had both on the floor, exhausted, with Garrido slowly gathering Ampe into his arms, ending in a contemporary presentation of the pietà. Wow.

There is not much clarity about what the dancers mean to each other. What is clear is why they continue to endure and exhaust each other—the juxtaposition of aggressive and gentle interactions all point to a common complicity in their undeniable bond.

This all gives shape to the premise of this piece. Relationships are blurry, and instinct is to sometimes coerce clear distinctions rather than let that ambiguity remain. Throughout this piece, the question persists: Are they friends? Enemies? Lovers? And the only answer is “yes.”

This pieces challenges notions of contemporary dance. It is the presenting and pulling apart of the notions masculinity, friendship, love, and the balancing of it all that will undoubtedly resonant with the audience.

Les Coquettes co-founder Kathryn Romanow was kind enough to speak to us in advance of the show. She plays multiple roles within Les Coquettes, including choreographer and production manager, and you can even see her performing on stage this Saturday as the buxom Lilli Bubalotovich.

Apt613: Your shows seem to take their cues from different eras and genres, from 1940s era film noire to 1980s b-boyism. What can Ottawa expect to see during your show?

KR: Actually we go even further back and further forward. Les Coquettes was originally inspired by the late 1890s Folies Bergère in Paris, a time when it was scandalous to show your ankles. We incorporate some traditional costuming from that early period and mix it with contemporary music and choreography. In Ottawa, we will be ranging from that early period, as well as some very 40s style numbers, musical theatre pieces, clown, aerial silks and some very 50s styled burlesque. There also might be some Canadiana thrown in there for good measure.

Apt613: You describe Les Coquettes as ‘cabaret burlesque’. Do you see a distinction between burlesque and cabaret?

KR: Yes. Cabaret to me involves more disciplines than just the art of striptease. Les Coquettes wrap our numbers with singing, acting, dancing, clown, aerial cirque and more.

Apt613: The members of Les Coquettes seem to have a lot of professional theater and dance training under their (garter) belts. Is there an advantage to having formal dance, theatrical and musical training before coming to burlesque, or can interested people start fresh?

KR: The answer to both your questions is, absolutely yes. Since burlesque is so much about the tease, it’s important to not just be a trained dancer but to add the element of engagement with the audience. Trained dancers can focus on selling a number and not be worried about the steps. They engage the audience and tell a story, all the while performing some clever dance steps, weaving a story from beginning to end and possibly revealing a bit of skin.

As for musical training, not all of our performers are singer. This is not traditionally a requirement of burlesque which is one of the reasons why we classify ourselves as “cabaret burlesque”. With our troupe, it is certainly a bonus to have a background in music but not a necessity. As for “fresh flesh”, anyone can learn the art of tease. We’ve all been doing it for centuries whether we recognize it or not. Les Coquettes even offers group classes on the basics of striptease.

Apt613: You’ll be joined by Toronto burlesque royalty Coco Framboise. How much of a coup is it for her to be coming to Ottawa, and what can we expect her to bring?

KR: We are madly in love with Coco Framboise and it is quite a coup that this show worked out. She has performed with us many times in the past and we are delighted that she is coming to play with us in Ottawa. You can expect Coco to epitomize the sparkle and grandeur of what most people think a burlesque artist is. She is classic and larger than life and the number she is doing for you in Ottawa is, like her, stunningly beautiful and pulls out all the stops.

Apt613: Les Coquettes are known for audience interaction. What can we expect audience members to get up to during the Ottawa show?

KR: Oh if I tell you that it may spoil the surprise. But suffice it to say there is no “fourth wall” in our playing space. We’re in the house, we’re in your lap, and you…well you are IN the show.

Apt613: The male Coquettes are called Man Props. Are they really just props for the ladies to work around, or do the guys get to strut their masculinity too?

KR: Originally the Man Props did just pick up after us ladies. (It’s so unlady-like to pick up your own costumes at the end of your number). But our men, like our ladies, evolved over time and wanted to strut their own stuff. As a result you will see a couple of male solos in Ottawa. We like to give something for everyone. I’m also excited that the men are performing one of our classic group “Man Prop numbers” – with a twist.

Apt613: Les Coquettes have performed in some small-ish towns. What has the reception been like so far?

KR: Great! Two years ago we performed at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound, a town well-known to have their own “prohibition” until 1972! Before we got there we’d heard rumblings about us coming to town and we feared the worst. What we found was a sold out show and a lineup of people hoping to get last minute tickets if there were cancellations.  They were truly the best house we had performed to as of that date.

New Years Eve 2011 brought us to the amazing Sanderson Centre in Brantford. This theatre is a gem, built in 1919, seats over 1,000 and is a fitting home for our show. We were so well received that we were asked back for New Years Eve 2012 and performed TWO shows this time around. After our first show there in 2011, Brantford residents started coming to Toronto to see our shows. I think they like us.

It’s interesting to note that both of these theatres use to be old vaudeville houses. We were in very good company.

Apt613: After nine years in existence, Les Coquettes seem to be one of the more established Canadian troupes. How has the scene evolved over nine years?

KR: The Toronto scene has grown a lot in the last 9 years. There are more troupes every year and more solo artists popping up all the time. I think a big influence has been the Toronto Burlesque Festival (first started in 2008). What’s really great to see is the diversity of talent and types of acts being performed now at shows. It’s inspiring to see what others are doing in the scene. It makes me strive to be even more ambitious.

The very best thing about Les Coquettes’ show this Saturday is that you can see it for free (with a friend) by way of a little contest we’re running. All you have to do is send us your fictional burlesque stage names. If you are already a burlesque performer, make up a new name! For inspiration, check out the awesome stage names on Les Coquettes‘ website!

Email your names to apartment613 [at] gmail [dot] com with the subject line “Coquettes”. All respondents will be entered into a draw for tickets. Be sure to get us your answers by Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 at 3 p.m.!

Les Coquettes Cabaret Burlesque perform at Centrepointe Theatre on Saturday, February 9th at 8:00 p.m. Ticket information is available here. This one’s adults only folks.