NLAmsterdam Burlesque Festival
Burlesque & Bigband
Sunday, February 16th
Hotel Arena / De Kapel – ‘s-Gravesandestraat 55 Amsterdam
Open: 14:30 – 19:30 – Show starts: 15:00
Mainly standing – seating is not reserved.
Amsterdam Burlesque Festival
Burlesque & Bigband: A Sensational Combination
Experience the perfect blend of swinging big band music and sizzling burlesque at this unique matinee! JumpTown, Amsterdam’s grooviest big band, brings the atmosphere of smoky nightclubs and classic ballrooms into the present. Meanwhile, the most captivating burlesque artists will treat you to a show filled with sensuality, elegance, and pure seduction. This combination of live music and burlesque guarantees an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying the music, the dance, or both, you won’t be able to stay still! After the show, the DJ will keep the vibe high with delightful rhythms and swinging beats.
Sensual Homegrown Talent
Get ready for a line-up of world-class local talent! Our performers will take you on a journey filled with glamour, humor, and sensuality.
Let yourself be seduced by the powerful and mysterious Miss Venuss Nightingale, who will lead you into a world of FEMME power and seduction. Enjoy the humor and rhythmic magic of Dori LeGray, who gives tap dance a sensual and surprising twist. The sensual Juliette Sway brings her graceful props and flowing movements, while the enchanting Indy Love captivates you with her smoldering eyes and opulent feather act.
Caramella Cream, your fiery host, ties the evening together with her charm and humor. Behind the scenes, Maggie Leroux, our essential stage kitten, ensures a smooth and sparkling show.
And this is just the beginning! Keep an eye out for our announcements, as more sensational burlesque artists will be added to the line-up soon.
Swinging with JumpTown
JumpTown is an eight-piece Amsterdam-based music collective that brings the sounds of ballrooms and smoky nightclubs into the 21st century. With a mix of well-known and obscure swing, rhythm ’n blues, jump blues, and (Northern) soul songs, even the most reluctant dancer won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re doing the Lindy Hop, Jive, Funky Chicken, or creating your own moves, JumpTown has the perfect rhythm for you. No disco tonight—just a swinging rhythm section, sparkling guitar, juicy horns, and soulful vocals to ignite the dance floor. It’s the recipe for a whole new kind of dance party!
Indy Love
With her Russian-Vietnamese roots and smoldering eyes, Indy Love possesses an irresistible charm. Watch as she frames her beautiful figure with lush feathers and captivates you with her allure.
Juliette Sway
A familiar face returns! Juliette Sway brings her lavish props and sensual movements back to the stage. Prepare for a show dripping with glamour and seduction.
Caramella Cream
Our very own Caramella Cream is switching careers! She’s your sparkling host for the evening. With her irresistible voice and Mediterranean temperament, she’ll guide you through the show— but beware, if you don’t cheer loud enough, she’ll show you her fiery side!
Maggie Leroux
World-class stage kitten Maggie Leroux is back! She ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so our performers can shine, and you can have a fantastic evening. Maggie is not only a performer but also a pillar within the international burlesque community.
Miss Venuss Nightingale
She’s a tailor, a sinner, and above all, a FEMME as the gods intended. A work in progress, as she says herself. Miss Venuss has embraced her inner demons and now invites you to experience her seductive and dark side. Get ready for a breathtaking act filled with power and mystery!
Dori LeGray
We bring the timeless art of tap dance to the stage, and no one does it better than Dori LeGray. With a unique mix of humor, sensuality, absurdity, and mind-blowing rhythms, she effortlessly captivates the audience. Laugh, enjoy, and dance along with her surprising act “Be Careful What You Wish For”!
The Band
Vocals: Fenne
Guitar: Hans
Bass: Mark
Trombone: Jan Maarten
Drums: Emiel
Tenor Sax: Fritz
Trumpet: Jake
Alto Sax: Tamar
A Unique Location: Hotel Arena
In the heart of the beautiful Oosterpark lies Hotel Arena, a monumental four-star hotel that combines history and modern luxury. The hotel’s absolute highlight is De Kapel, a charming space full of character and history. This former chapel of the Catholic orphanage, built in 1886, still breathes the grandeur of a bygone era.
With its high vaulted ceilings, impressive stained-glass windows, and intimate layout, De Kapel offers a unique ambiance that is perfect for an event like Burlesque & Bigband. It is a place where history and contemporary art meet, and where you are immediately enveloped in a warm and magical atmosphere. Before and after the show, you can enjoy a bite to eat in the cozy café of Hotel Arena, while admiring the beauty of Oosterpark or reminiscing about the spectacular show. In short, a place that not only makes the show unforgettable but also gives the entire experience an extra special touch.
LOCATION
Public Transport
Hotel Arena is easily accessible by public transport, with the following stops nearby:
Tram
- Line 14: Stop Alexanderplein
- Line 19: Stop Korte ’s-Gravensandestraat
Metro
- Lines 51, 53, 54: Stop Weesperplein
Bus
- Line 37: Stop Beukenplein
By Car
The hotel is 30 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and offers underground parking (subject to availability, no reservations). Rates are €5.00 per hour, with a maximum of €50.00 per day.
The Organizers: Sultry Sway & Tessa Hermelink
Sultry Sway was born from the passion and friendship of three burlesque enthusiasts: Juliette Sway, Lady Lou l’Amour, and Caramella Cream. The three friends met as students at the Amsterdam School of Burlesque and immediately shared the dream of creating their own burlesque show. After inspiring and encouraging each other, they decided to collaborate on an event that would combine the sensuality and glamour of burlesque with the energy of live music.
Their path led them to Tessa Hermelink from De Verbroederij, a foundation focused on connecting local residents in Amsterdam-Noord. Together, they organized a donation-based show, where the iconic big band JumpTown turned out to be the perfect musical partner—a true match made in burlesque heaven.
To honor the social character of their origins and involve the residents of Amsterdam, they are offering a limited number of tickets at a lower rate for city pass holders. This initiative reflects their desire to make burlesque accessible to everyone, with a focus on connection and community spirit.
