Evelyn Valentine

A woman with blonde hair is posing against a pink wall in a shiny, colour-blocked, sleeveless jumpsuit with black and red sections. She is wearing black lace-up high-heeled shoes and matching black gloves, with her left leg raised and bent.

Evelyn Valentine is a Meanjin-based burlesque artist, actor, aerialist, and facilitator. A lifelong dancer, she began her training in ballet and performed internationally with the National Conservatoire Ballet Company. Evelyn also holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in Theatre, from the University of Southern Queensland.

 In 2019, Evelyn discovered burlesque and was immediately drawn to the freedom, confidence, and self-expression the art form offered. She immersed herself in training and collaboration within the burlesque community, which led to her helping establish the QUT Burlesque Society along with Emma Davis. Under their leadership, the society grew into a thriving community, welcoming performers of all experience levels. Through regular classes and creative opportunities, members were encouraged to develop their skills in choreography, performance, and teaching in a supportive environment.

 In 2023, Evelyn co-produced the QUT Burlesque Society's first showcase, laying the foundation for a vibrant community that continued to flourish long after her and Emma passed the baton to the next generation of leaders.

Evelyn made her solo burlesque debut with Shut Up and Drive at the Altimate Showdown in 2024, where she was awarded Runner-Up for Audience Choice. Later that year, she premiered her first full-length original production, BEE-BEE'S Fantasies, as writer, choreographer, and producer.

With BEE-BEE'S Fantasies, Evelyn set out to create an empowering, joyful, and unapologetically queer work that encourages audiences to embrace vulnerability, laugh at the awkwardness of relationships, and celebrate both self-love and the love we share with others. The comedy cabaret and burlesque production follows BEE-BEE RIOT on a journey of self-discovery as they encounter a cast of iconic pop culture characters who embody their wildest fantasies and deepest desires.

Evelyn's newest offering, Strut Your Way to Confidence, was developed in collaboration with Backbone's Workshop2 program. Inspired by her own journey through burlesque, the workshop invites participants to explore confidence, self-expression, and body autonomy through movement and performance. Drawing on the rebellious spirit of burlesque, Evelyn encourages participants to embrace their individuality, celebrate their bodies, and find empowerment through authentic expression.

For Evelyn, burlesque has never been about perfection or appearance—it's about presence, intention, and owning your story. It is the confidence to declare: I am here. I am loud. I am unapologetic.