
We’re looking back at past competitors and see how they took on the budget burlesque competition.
Lizzy Van Der Kray, ACT
Lizzy Van Der Kray is a Canberra based burlesque performer who competed in the 2020 DIY BurlesKoala competition. She describes her usual burlesque style as “cute, quirky and always full of fun.” I asked Lizzy about her experiences competing in the 2020 DIY BurlesKoala Competition.
Why did you enter DIY BurlesKoala?
LVDK: To challenge my self to build a new act and do it with strange and unique items
Where did the inspiration for your act come from?
LVDK: A friend put the song idea forward and I loved the idea of bride saying f**k this, I am better than you!
What was the biggest challenge you faced in creating your DIY act?
Not being able rely on some standard costume bits I use (like my corsets and wigs).
What was the biggest achievement or win you had in creating your DIY act?
Finding the chair on the side of the road as I was thinking about what to do for my choreography. The dumpster gods provided at my hour of need!
What was your favourite aspect of competing in DIY BurlesKoala?
The people. Getting ready with the performers back stage was such a fun experience and everyone was so supportive!
If you were to enter again, what would you do differently?
I would find more unique items to make my costume out of. I saw some amaizng costumes made of all sorts of recycled and discarded items and was really inspired!
What advice would you give someone considering entering?
Prep early! The sooner you know what your doing the easier it will be gather what you need cheaply. And be ready to accept inspiration from anywhere!
Have you performed your DIY act again, and if so, where/ when? If not, do you hope too?
I have not yet, I left my free chair in Sydney as it was too hard to bring home. I do want to redo the act with more practiced chair moves!
Have you since upgraded your DIY act? If so, what changes have you made? If not, are there changes and upgrades you plan to make?
I plan to upgrade wedding dress to come off easier and I would get new shoes first off!
What is one DIY trick, skill or experience you learned/ had during the creation of your act that you are most proud of?
I learnt some basic chair choreography that I would love to build on
Lastly…
It’s a great time, the performers, the producers, the venue, all were amazing to work with and I would do it again in a heart beat
DIY BurlesKoala 2022
The DIY BurlesKoala 2022 competition twill be held on Saturday 3 December 2022 at Metro Arts, Brisbane. Tickets available now.
Follow Lizzy Van Der Kray on Instagram and Facebook.