Last Friday, Malefice presented 'Firetease,' two uniquely choreographed burlesque performances at Club Sin (Montreal's longest running fetish event).

Inspired by cabaret, the dancers (Delvida, Jasmine, Morxia and Mlle. A Samantha) took on the personas of coquettish beauties and seductive femme fatales. The aim of the event was to showcase Malefice's hand-made fashion designs coupled with Mlle A. Samantha's choreography, and in a broader context, to promote the preservation of Club Sin, whose location is now threatened by the planned gentrification of St. Laurent.

The first routine was a solo cabaret chair dance performed by Delvida. When the music began, she strutted out in head-to-toe black; stockings with garters under old-fashioned ruffled underwear, a tightly-laced corset (hourglass ahoy!) over a silk blouse, and finally, a glittery top hat. The whole look was delightfully reminiscent of Liza Minnelli. Delvida's performance was coquettery at its finest; leg kicks, a come hither finger motion, a glamorous flip of her hat, all executed with a sly grin on her face. What I enjoyed the most about Delvida's routine was her unique interpretation of the dance moves. Her body moved in a way that was slightly stiff, which was a throwback to vintage cabaret. This also gave off a sense of reservation, and fit in well with the idea of the shy, but seductive coquette.

Despite putting on an excellent performance, Delvida faced some unforeseen obstacles:

"I had broken my toe three weeks prior to the event and with the toe still swollen I had a difficult time finding high heel shoes that I could dance comfortably in," said Delvida. "I was also experiencing the onset of a nasty cold that night; a cold I am currently trying to get rid of! Nevertheless I got lots of positive feedback for this debut."

Delvida's passion and understanding of cabaret was apparent in her performance and wardrobe choice:

"I like the power and mystery that a person exudes when they get into the cabaret look and when they jive with the music. I'm also a huge corset and foundation garment enthusiast, so performing to a cabaret theme allowed me to play up my love of tight-lacing and wearing stockings," said Delvida. "Furthermore, I think lots of people have a hidden love for cabaret, it really gets an audience focused on the act and left wanting more; I know that's how I feel every time I see a cabaret inspired show. Basically, I love any aesthetic with a timeless and mysterious quality to it."

The second routine involved Jasmine, Morxia and Mlle. A Samantha. It began with Morxia and Mlle A. Samantha. doing a doubles routine, styled in identical, glittery red costumes. The dance moves were sensual, however, the pigtail buns that the women were sporting, along with the oriental umbrellas they used added a touch of whimsy and levity to the routine. Later in the set, Jasmine made a dramatic entrance in a detachable, floor-length sequined red dress, which highlighted her exceptional, fire-red hair. The dress was slowly removed to reveal an exquisite, hand-sequined, front-lace corset. The three women danced in unison, but also interacted with each other, and with a few lucky male audience members!

Malefice, whose fashions were worn by three of the four dancers, (Malefice styled Delvida, but did not make her costume) had the unique opportunity to literally see her work in motion during the show:

"What I like most is blackness, feathers, corsets, sequins, beads and sparkles. The shinier the better and in burlesque, there is a lot of that," said Malefice. "Plus I like to promote the female body. I don't see it as something we have to hide, but instead, as a work of art we should show off. Not complete nakedness however, I like to keep "une p'tite gene" by not showing the privates areas. Burlesque is the best place to do that well."

Malefice chooses her models carefully, based on how well they resonate with her:

"The models for live presentations have to be flexible dancers who can learn quickly," said Malefice. "Also, what I'm looking for the most is that they are hard workers and self-disciplined; it's important because we practice a lot, and they have to come to practices and actually be there on time. Beauty is really just a luxury and comes last."

'Firetease' was truly an event I will not forget because it was something that greatly deviated from the art shows or indie-rock performances I'm used to. While the idea of a fetish event may seem intimidating at first, what I discovered was that this is a very open and accepting community who are happy to be themselves.

I experienced this acceptance firsthand as I, rather comically, arrived in steampunk attire having hastily read the event invite as a broader goth and Victorian affair. However, while most everyone else was in black, leathery materials, they did not shun or eyeball my cream petticoat, brown Western vest and oodles of gold keys, locks and chains.

Malefice and her models are constantly working and planning events, so one might soon have the opportunity to witness firsthand the beautiful clothing, choreography and women I have described in this article:

"Word on the street is Malefice will have another Club Sin performance in May and yours truly might be opening for the main act once more," said Delvida.

In the meantime, Club Sin (located above Cafe Cleopatre) is open on the first Friday of every month to promote the local fetish community by providing a space for them to celebrate fetish and goth lifestyle, fashion, dance and music.

Photo by Julie Nicole. Malefice adjusting Jasmine's corset before the performance.