Burlesque Competitions: 9 Ways to Win (with Case Studies)
Go get that crown with advice from an expert competition judge
So you got accepted (see my ‘How to get Selected for Festivals’ Guide from a juror POV here) and now you’re prepping for the competition. Yey! But how do you break through and get that crown? Or place? Or maybe get an award? I got you.
As a seasoned burlesque judge who has spent 20 years scoring competitions from the Burlesque Hall of Fame Tournament of Tease (Miss Exotic World) to newcomer contests, I’m asked the same questions repeatedly:
What does it take to actually win?
How do I stand out and place?
What impresses you and makes your mind up?
What’s she doing that I’m not - and how do I tap into that ‘certain something’ that got her over the line?
Do I need to have a certain type of act to stand a chance?
Well, let’s get into it, shall we? I’m going to take you through some of the key elements that ‘put a crown on it’. Specifically, what I’m noticing and looking for when I’m scoring your act and deciding who to place.
Above: The winners of the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2025, including Miss Exotic World Jessabelle Thunder (crowned, centre right) by shphotografia.
It’s helpful to remember - especially if you’re getting frustrated with not placing - that there are so many variables in play on a given night that may have nothing to do with your talent, hard work and worthiness.
Someone can have an off-night, and someone else can produce the performance of their life. Sometimes a lineup is skewed in your favour and you really stand out, but another night you might get diluted by similarly paced and themed acts. It can depend on the running order, the preference or interpretation of certain judges, and the particular chemistry and energy in the room that day.
All you can do is give yourself the best possible chance by optimising your act as much as possible, and being crystal clear on your strengths and advantages.
After I’ve taken you through my 9 key areas and action points, I’ve included three in-depth case studies of title-winning acts, explaining how these areas apply to them.
Let’s get started...
Note: If you’re not an Editor’s Desk member yet, no sweat! You can get this full guide AND my Festival Selection Guide for just $20. After that, you can stay subscribed for future tutorials and analysis, or you can take what you learn from these expert tutorials and call it a day. Either way, I’m here to help.