We’re looking back at past competitors and see how they took on the budget burlesque competition.
Miss Jossofine, NSW
Miss Jossofine is a Wagga Wagga based burlesque performer who competed in the 2020 DIY BurlesKoala competition. She describes herself as not having a usual burlesque style, but rather “an eclectic library of music and my style is wherever the song takes me.” I asked Jossofine about her experiences competing in the 2020 DIY BurlesKoala Competition.
Why did you enter DIY BurlesKoala?
MJ: I entered purely for myself, not to win or compete, just to broaden my experience as a performer. Plus I love creating and the challenge of the budget intrigued me greatly.
Where did the inspiration for your act come from?
MJ: Aurora Galore had an act that I fell in love with a few years back, she is one of my biggest inspirations. I love her huge costume and presence on the stage. And of course, Nikki Minage, you can’t do a Nikki song without some ass shakin’.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in creating your DIY act?
Time constraints, with working full time, a Mum of 5 and a small business owner, sometimes it’s hard to find the “spare” time and then there was covid lockdowns that was preventing travel…
What was the biggest achievement or win you had in creating your DIY act?
That I did it!! This was my first interstate competition, and just making it all happen for myself was my biggest achievement.
What was your favourite aspect of competing in DIY BurlesKoala?
Meeting new people, there’s only a small community of burlesque left in Wagga, it was lovely to meet others performers.
If you were to enter again, what would you do differently?
Give myself more time to complete everything up to my standards.
What advice would you give someone considering entering?
Just do it!! The challenge is worth it!! Anything goes!! Don’t underestimate the power of up cycling, and definitely don’t be afraid to experiment with different mediums.
Have you performed your DIY act again, and if so, where/ when? If not, do you hope too?
Yes, I used this act for Burlesque Muse 21 in Canberra.
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 did a complete rebuild, the skirt and neck piece is now lots and lots of tulle and I incorporated green fairy lights through out.
What is one DIY trick, skill or experience you learned/ had during the creation of your act that you are most proud of?
It’s amazing how versatile bin liners are…
DIY BurlesKoala 2022
The DIY BurlesKoala 2022 competition twill be held on Saturday 3 December 2022 at Metro Arts, Brisbane. Tickets available now.
Follow Miss Jossofine on Instagram and Facebook.
