The Titans of Tease Reunion Showcase is arguably the most important, vital showcase of Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend benefiting The Burlesque Hall of Fame. The living legends who perform and participate in the Walk of Fame are a source of infinite inspiration to the younger generation of burlesque performers, and seeing them perform is remarkable. You guys, I saw a 87-year-old do a striptease and it was fabulous. As the night’s hostess, The World Famous BOB, said, “These women are redefining what it means to age in our society!”

Due to some personal issues I won’t get into here, I did not make it to the show until the third act. As a fan of the showcase (I absolutely loved it last year), I was extremely sad to learn what I had missed: April March’s grand opening number and a graceful cape act by Isis Star. From what I hear they were spectacular. I did, fortunately, get to see April March named Legend of the Year later on the during the show.

I started off the show during Ellion Ness’s performance. She did a classic dance, stripping out of a sparkly red dress — she even did floor work and a back bend over a chair! Next up, Lovey Goldmine came out and did some fancy footwork in front of the red velvet curtain. Then, the curtain was drawn back to reveal Shannon Doah. Lovey and Shannon have not performed together in 40 years, so this was a very special reunion! Kitten n’ Lou accompanied them onstage. Lou’s antics as the thirsty skirtchaser were hilarious, full of the drag king’s signature graceful stumbling and physical comedy. Kitten flipped her giant ponytail like she was painting calligraphy with it. The chair dance that Kitten, Shannon, and Lovey performed was fabulous and sensual, and I’m pretty sure they melted their chairs. I was wowed by Shannon Doah last year, and again, she had my jaw dropping.

Next up was Dee Milo, the Venus of Dance. Dee was born in 1930 and was once a burlesque dancer, but quit upon her mother’s request. Her mother had her burn all of her costumes and memorabilia. Many years later, after Dee had children of her own, her child was playing in the attic and discovered a sparkly red gown. It was a long-forgotten relic from Dee’s days as a performer — she didn’t even know it still existed. Dee kept the dress and performed in it during the showcase!

Judith Stein, The Lady Divine, The Grand Beaver of Canadian Burlesque, followed, and she gave an explosive performance that earned her an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience. As she removed her garments, she sassily threw them at audience members and photographers. Her act was extremely well choreographed and she nailed it.

Next up were performances by Marinka, Queen of the Amazons, and Dusty Summers, the Naked Magician. Dusty’s fluffy white dress was a precursor to the white doves she made appear out of thin air. Her cape work was quite beautiful as well. Grant Avenue Follies — veterans of clubs in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1950s — followed. I am so happy I got to see their performance this year. The group dance was wonderful as well, and the audience ate it up. The two soloists were amazing, so beautiful, sweet, and graceful — I can’t believe that the soloist that came on after the group act, Coby Yee, was 87 years old!

The burlesque world lost one of its legends this year, Wild Cherry, and Coco Lectric and Indigo Blue teamed up to do a gorgeous tribute. Prior to Wild Cherry’s passing, Cherry had tutored Coco Lectric, training her to perform Cherry’s legendary “Temptation” act. The performance left me breathless. Both Indigo and Coco are super intense performers, and the passion they both had for this specific act was evident. They did an amazing job.

The 5th Annual Burlesque Walk of Fame was hosted by Mat Fraser — performer, husband of burlesque performer Julie Atlas Muz, and star of “American Horror Story: Freak Show.” Hearing the short story that he relayed about each legend’s life as they paraded the stage was amazing. These ladies ran with the mob, dated celebrities, traveled the world…oh, the stories they have to tell.

Next, Julie Atlas Muz and Peekaboo Pointe did a tribute to Loie Fuller, a performer who revolutionized lighting design in the 1980s. They swirled like fluffy tornados as bright lights flashed on the stage. It was mesmerizing.

After the Walk of Fame, Camille 2000 dedicated a performance to all of the neo-burlesquers. She is basically the godmother of neo-burlesque, doing wild routines that blended performance art and burlesque that drew criticism from her peers (for example, a “Black Widow” act in which she kills herself onstage). She loves what the art form has become and wanted to express her love for the up-and-comers. She did a beautiful fan dance to Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings”

Val Valentine came out after Camille 2000 in a set of wings of her own, this time day-glo butterfly wings. After her Viva La Fever walked out playing live saxaphone and then Toni Elling — 87 years old and last year’s Legend of the Year — did a graceful performance using a big, fluffy, purple boa.

Gabriella Maze and Madame E performed an amazing “Killer Queen” act with grand costumes and assistance from some great dancers. At the end, everyone ripped off their bottoms and there was an assel-filled twerk fest when the music switched to the “Cake, cake, cake, cake…” part of Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake.” For the uninitiated, assels are little pasties with tassels that go on butt cheeks.

The World Famous BOB could hardly contain herself after the act, coming out and smacking Gabriella Maze on the ass. She made an appeal for us to find a wealthy benefactor to fund a legends tour for her to host. She thinks everyone needs to experience these performers greatness, and also, she wants to granny chase full time. Honestly? Sounds like a pretty great idea to me.

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Heather Schofner is the features editor of VerbicideMagazine.com and the owner of Olympia, Washington-based Heather Schofner Photography.