What is the Victorian Burlesque Archive?

The project will comprise a photobook of images of professional burlesque performers who have actively performed and are/were based in Victoria, Australia  in 2025.

I’ve chosen to do only Victoria because this is a self funded project of a small team, so realistically working with one start is the extend we’ll be able to do. If the project is sucessful, I would love to do some per state but that currently isn’t possible.

The goal in to do another book in a year or two to document the changes.

Who am I?

I’m Frenchie Holiday and I have been working as a photographer for over 10 years.
I startedperforming burlesque professionally in 2017 and have a deep love and appreciation for the community we have built around Burlesque in Victoria.

This has allowed me to be part of and observe the changes in Victoria’s Burlesque scene and how quickly it has changed over time. My qualifications and my interest in history have led me to develop what I hope will be an ongoing project visually documenting the Victorian Burlesque industry as it grows and evolves.

What do I need to do?

I will schedule a time for performers to visit my studio on a particular time and date. You will be asked to bring one costume you have performed in in 2025.

What happens if I can’t come to the photoshoot?

If you are unable to participate on the day I would still love to document your interest by including your name on a list of those unable to attend the photoshoot. This is entirely optional and will only be done with your written consent.

I’m a burlesque performer, how to I get involved?

If you are interested in learning more about the project and how to be involved, please fill out the form below.