Today we’d like to introduce you to Leena Allure.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For my first official burlesque performance I picked up a black bra set from Walmart, added fringe from Joanns, and borrowed my dad’s tuxedo. I spent weeks mixing music, adding all the details, and figuring out choreography. I drove from Frankenmuth to the Phoenix Cafe in Hazel Park and learned the hard way what a “dressing room” isn’t. But the moment I stepped on stage, I fell in love and was hooked.
I dabbled in some performing arts prior, but I was best known for my classic pinup work. I learned to become comfortable in front of a camera in every state of undress, but also how to work a stage, since photoshop doesn’t exist in live entertainment. 2015 is when I decided to fully focus on burlesque and I was able to hit the ground running.
Back then, Detroit only had 2 other active performers, and since we kept getting booked for the same events, we naturally became friends. We were everywhere: art galleries, fashion shows, nightclubs, theaters, basement shows, drag events, conventions… We found a home at Cliff Bells and everything starting clicking into place, but then the pandemic threw a wrench in the mix for everyone.
Today, I am now a self taught seamstress and been creating more elaborate costumes since. Burlesque isn’t quite back to thriving yet, but it’s still a popular staple in a lot of variety shows. I’ve been able to get back to traveling while reconnecting and making new friends. I’ve even helped kick off 2 burlesque schools, create costumes for others, help grow the community, and hire to produce for multiple events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest part isn’t the late nights or the travel — it’s the mental side. When your work is so visual, every “no” can feel personal. If I’m not getting booked, it’s easy to turn that disappointment inward, or even outward at venues, producers, or other performers. You catch yourself thinking, “why not me?”
I’ve been turned down for multiple reasons: wrong color costume, wrong music, they booked a gogo, my rates are too high, I under-sold myself, or they weren’t really aware of what burlesque is. I’ve also been passed over due to things I physically can’t change about myself or for a talent I don’t possess, but I’m always happy to be able to suggest someone else for the gig.
I always say Burlesque is for every body, but it’s not for everyone. Learning that distinction, and not letting rejection define my worth, has been the real education. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every bump made me better at the craft and more solid in who I am.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for my costume and styling work. I never thought I could sew, but when you’re a burlesque dancer, you wear a lot of hats out of necessity. I learned to build pieces from scratch and find ways to make reveals feel effortless and intentional. I have a multitude of acts to choose from. Some I created myself, some I commissioned out, and some are restylings of fast fashion. Costumes have become my specialty and even my most established acts are always getting upgraded somehow.
I am also a big collector of vintage headdresses and showgirl pieces. Almost to the point I now feel like a hoarder in a tiny living room museum. I love breaking down old costumes and seeing how they were constructed. Respectfully, recycling & resizing pieces where possible. Some pieces are meant to be loved and appreciated from afar and some items are meant to continue bringing joy, possibly on a larger body. Those pieces influence the way I design and style today.
I love reading the history of a costume through how it was made and how its been repaired. For example, I’m currently resizing a vintage belly dance costume made for someone with a 30-inch hip. When I opened up the hip belt I found blue and white striped towels used as batting and when I broke down the bra I discovered that the bra strap had been extended multiple times but the bra cups were padded so heavily that boobs may not have been required. It was well made, well loved, and the craftsmanship is unique. I can only hope that I do this costume justice and keep it close to its original look while also making its new owner, another local performer, happy.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
For most people, just stepping on stage in front of hundreds is nerve-wracking. Plus getting nearly nude also runs some real risks.
But one of the biggest risks is becoming a producer.
You can run the most professional, straightforward, inclusive show and still only sell 1 ticket and then you’re staring down the possibility of losing money. Most producers may find that they frequently can’t pay themselves, maybe even having to pay out of pocket to cover the cost of the venue or making sure cast & performers get paid reliably.
Then there is also the risk that comes with live entertainment, and that is there will always be someone ready to tear you down. All while we are pushing to keep venues opens, promote multiple events, fight social media to unflag your paid ad for using the word “burlesque”, and all the while making sure these pressures don’t bleed into our civilian life.
I don’t think of myself as a reckless risk-taker. I think about risk as: if I don’t try, the scene doesn’t grow. If we don’t put a show on, Detroit loses another stage. So I weigh the fear against the purpose.
I can only hope everyone feels inspired to attend a burlesque show at some point in their life. It’s not just about sex appeal. Plenty of performances are rooted in comedy, body positivity, queer joy, and activism. Best girls’ night out you’ll find.
If you’re curious, Tip Top Showbar in Greek Town, Ant Hall and High Dive in Hamtramck, and Baru in Detroit all offer their own varieties of burlesque, with colorful crews of locals & touring performers. So enter at your own risk, hoot, holler, and enjoy! ♡
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michiganburlesque.com/leenaallure
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenaallure
