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After the candidates for Best Debut were done, the Tournament of Tease at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender continued with the Best Group category. The first group to come out — Land of Sweets from Seattle, Washington — was the group who would clinch the title. The trio consisted of Lily Verlaine and two of the nominees for Best Boylesque, twin brothers Trojan Original and Paris Original. They performed the “Countess of Coffee” number from the yearly holiday show “Land of Sweets” that’s held at Seattle’s Triple Door every Christmas season. The act was polished and graceful, and showcased Lily Verlaine’s flexibility and the Original brothers’ strength.

Next up, Lola Frost and Rita Star of Vancouver, Canada put on an exuberant performance, dancing together speakeasy style with heaps of bubbly joy. Kitten N’ Lou followed with their now infamous “Last Dance” act, a hilarious disco number where the couple drinks Drano and then cuts a rug like nobody’s business. The duo, who are married in real life (they call themselves the “World’s Show-busiest Couple”) are insanely fun to watch. You can’t help but smile at their fun choreography, goofy facial expressions, and over-the-top costumes and hair. Although they did not win Best Group, they were awarded “Most Comedic.” After them, Circus de Moccos of Tokyo came onstage and gleefully clowned around in perfect synch. Then Russell Bruner and Sandra Dore from Portland, Oregon — winners of Best Duo 2013 — did a special performance to lead into intermission.

The performances for Best Troupe were after intermission. The winners — The Ruby Revue from Dallas, Texas — did a gorgeous classic burlesque number displaying the colors of the rainbow.