The time is nearly here for our reigning Great DIY BurlesKoala 2023 Venus Adored to hand over the crown (well technically, bestow the crown she has made) to this year’s winner. I asked Venus what reigning for the last 2 years had been like since winning in 2023.
Here’s what Venus Adored had to say:
The Great DIY BurlesKoala 2023, Venus Adored. Photo by Stuart Bucknell Photography
It’s not an exaggeration to say that winning The Great BurlesK Contest (Formerly DIY BurlesKoala) in 2023 has been life changing. Before winning, no-one sent me Sloth based memes and videos. Since winning, my life has been full of Sloth content sent by many and varied individuals, all of whom I want to thank for showing me I am not alone in my appreciation of these Koalas of the Americas.
Joking aside, I want to acknowledge the honour and privilege it has been carrying the title for the past couple of years and the opportunities and growth this competition afforded to me as a Burlesque Artist.
Following my win in 2023, I took full advantage of everything in the prize pack. Particularly the feedback provided by the judges, private tutorial with Bella De Jac and workshop opportunities. The Sloth act has been enhanced with more bling and refinement to the choreography. I’ve continued to perform the act in Sydney and Interstate. One highlight being not only to perform the act but expand the Sloth Universe at The Salon in Melbourne, produced by Whisky Falls, where the audience were able to participate in Synchronised Sloth Swimming and I was able to nap in artistic repose while many hands drew my fabulous furry form.
The most lasting legacy of the contest was the opportunity to meet Burlesque artists from all over Australia, it’s been wonderful bumping into one another since the competition and seeing all the things they’ve been up to on socials. And it’s clear this legacy continues. I’ve been witness to this years Competitor Group chat, and the support and camaraderie displayed there has forged bonds stronger than anything in the E6000 range. It may be corny to say, it’s the friends you made along the way, but saying it’s wonderful to meet other rhinestone obsessed individuals who delight in creating fun ways to take your clothes off to a room full of willing viewers, is lit, or sigma or whatever the youth are saying.
I was only a year from debuting my first solo act when I entered the competition in 2023. While time allows for growth, I feel that the challenge of the Great DIY BurlesK Contest was pivotal in spurring on my journey. I had to engage in skills I may have been too timid to try. From planning, sewing and troubleshooting a costume to reflecting on and putting the knowledge I’d gained from teachers into practice to choreograph the act. The safe but challenging space of preparing for the competition fostered a courage to continue trying my hand at new things. One of the other by products I should mention is that I now see the potential in every item in op shops and council clean ups as costume or props for a new act.
Some may think it would be bittersweet to hand over the title, but I have ADHD so I’m honestly just chomping at the bit to see who this years winner is and finally plonk… I mean gracefully place the super sick crown I’ve been making, on their head.
The Great DIY BurlesK Contest 2025
If you’d like to see Venus Adored’s handover performance, and see who’s head she will place that super slick crown, be sure to be at:
The Great DIY BurlesK Contest
Saturday 22 November 2025
Sutherland Arts Theatre, 25 East Parade, Sutherland
Tickets selling fast – available online now
