Please, tease me more

Heard of Dita Von Teese? Fabulous. Heard of The Pussycat Dolls? Fabulous. Heard of The Dirty Pretty Jewels? Watch this space, fellow cabaret and burlesque lovers.

At the smart Kings Cross bar known as The Lincoln, The Dirty Pretty Jewels have managed to please and tease the lucky few who are in on the hot new secret.

Well, pretty boys and girls, the secret is out and I’m about to tell you why.

With its origins in the 19th century, burlesque originally referred to the theatrical entertainment of parody. This emerged as adult entertainment featuring sexually suggestive dialogue that eventually evolved into the striptease.

Today a new generation nostalgic for the spectacle and perceived glamour has modernised the old pastiche elements into popular, seductive showcases. Australia has recently slipped on its stilettos in the revival of burlesque with acts turning on every city including our shiny, sparkling Sydney.

Four professional and internationally acclaimed dancers reclaimed the essence of burlesque when Mary Luangkhoth created The Dirty Pretty Jewels and her partner and manager David Doutney brought them to The Lincoln’s underground nightclub, The Box.

Rebecca Chamberlain (Diamond), Sarah Jane Coombe (Emerald), Jess Stokes (Sapphire) and Mary Luangkhoth (Ruby) are as glamorous and exotic as jewels, with one of Australia’s most renowned choreographers Wil Sabin producing each stimulating showcase. Wil, who has performed alongside Elton John, was influenced by the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls Club concept of dance acts featuring celebrity singers.

This dynamic exposure has allowed The Dirty Pretty Jewels to present upbeat and alluring routines to popular cabaret pieces sung by celebrity entertainers. The seductive impression has already mesmerised the masses with the likes of Courtney Act, Melissa Tkautz and Belinda Chapple. Courtney’s electrifying performance has promised her a second act for this Friday 23 May.

Elegant corsets, French lingerie and satin gloves are hot. That’s the beauty of The Dirty Pretty Jewels: they delight The Box crowd in the utmost satisfying manner without baring it all.

The girls currently call The Lincoln their Friday night home, as its charm and chic appeal entice the ideal crowd. The Lincoln’s design was inspired by bars in Paris and New York in the 1930s and captures the elegance and style of the art deco era. The Lincoln is a three-split-level venue with a lush lounge and restaurant, cocktail deck bar and the lavish red velvet club, The Box.

The Jewels are hopeful to develop as a pop group, but for now all we can do is catch a glimpse at The Lincoln, with palms slightly sweaty and jaws slightly dropped.

The Lincoln is at 36 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross. The Dirty Pretty Jewels play every Friday from 10pm. See www.thelincoln.com.au.