In July 2012 a gaggle of excited burlesque performers and affiliates gathered at Wrong Note Rusty‘s studio to take part in a photo shoot directed by Percy Katt depicting boylesque sensation Jett Adore, surrounded by a flurry of nude blondes. I was one of them! Somehow I missed the unveiling of the final portrait and am only seeing the result now, and it really is gorgeous!
The shoot took place during the Toronto Burlesque Festival weekend, on a very warm Sunday morning prior to the Brunch event and evening event that I was performing in, so needless to say after the Saturday Mod Club showcase the night before, I recall making the decision to head home (which was down the street at the time), and down a few glasses of rather than attend the after party at Oasis in the east end. I may have missed some fun and shenanigans, but I was able to wake up and get my bum down to the shoot!
The “male-in-charge-surrounded-by-naked-women” is a familiar narrative in burlesque, and has even been parodied by women such as Jo Boobs, but I honestly have to say there is nothing oppressive or misogynistic about this portrait. Yes, we are all in adoration of the beautiful Jett (how could we not be?!), but there are little side-stories going on, different expressions of lust or joy layered into our tableau. He’s not a “pimp”, he’s a human aphrodisiac! I think it really is very beautiful. In real life I remember him being very sweet as well, he brought little tokens of appreciation and flowers for the girls; a true true gentleman.
Thanks Rusty, Percy & Jett for having me as one of your blondes!
Direction & editing: Percy Katt
Dolly Berlin | Burlesque Performer | Toronto 
