Photos: Black Cherry Burlesque
Tucson's Black Cherry Burlesque performs the first Friday of each month at the Surly Wench Pub on 4th Ave. in Tucson.
Black Cherry Burlesque
Lady L'Creme, a graduate of the troupe's mentorship program and guest performer, swirls her skirt during July's monthly installment of the Black Cherry Burlesque show. L'Creme says she learned to, "be comfortable with [her] body and embrace sexuality." Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Lola Torch slowly takes off her bra with her back to the audience during July's Black Cherry Burlesque show at the Surly Wench Pub on 4th Avenue on July 3, 2015. Torch said, "10 years later and here I am." Photo taken: July 3, 2015 Photo by: Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Stormy Leigh discards the first of her two gloves during her Statue of Liberty inspired performance in the Black Cherry Burlesque show. Doing burlesque allows Leigh to access her glamorous side outside of her day job and is inspired by Lucille Ball. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Ginger SinClaire makes a face at Lola Torch during a coffee waitress-themed routine in July's Black Cherry Burlesque show at the Surly Wench Pub. Performing burlesque makes SinClaire feel empowered and as though she, "has this crowd of people in her hand." Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Emcee Stephka Von Snatch introduces the next performer in the Black Cherry Burlesque show. Black Cherry Burlesque puts on two back-to-back performances on the first Friday of every month at the Surly Wench Pub. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Jacqueline Boxx, a graduate of the mentorship program and guest performer, sways her arms as a mermaid during July's Black Cherry Burlesque show. Boxx has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects connective tissues in body, but has not allowed it to prevent her from doing burlesque. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Diamonda Morgue performs to "Low Rider" in July's installment of the Black Cherry Burlesque show at the Surly Wench Pub on 4th Avenue on July 3, 2015. Morgue hails Michael Jackson as the, "most amazing performer," and cites Jackson as her key inspiration. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Crumpled bills and props lay at emcee Stephka Von Snatch's feet after Stormy Leigh's first performance of the night at the Surly Wench Pub. Von Snatch is the host and creator of the Manly Manlesque show. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Stormy Leigh twirls fabric around herself during July's Black Cherry Burlesque show at the Surly Wench Pub. "I wanna do that!" upon hearing of the inception of the troupe in 2006 and has been performing ever since. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Lola Torch shrugs to the audience during the Surly Wench Pub's monthly Black Cherry Burlesque show. Torch is inspired by Marlene Dietrich and enjoys doing burlesque shows because it, "allows [her] to be all sorts of crazy characters." Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Ginger SinClaire tosses away a glove during July's Black Cherry Burlesque show at the Surly Wench Pub on 4th Avenue on July 3, 2015. SinClaire feels as though doing burlesque is a, "really fierce way to get your power back." Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Diamonda Morgue prances across the stage at the Surly Wench Pub to "Hot in Here" on July 3, 2015. Morgue has wanted to be an entertainer since childhood and, "jumped on," the opportunity to join the troupe when it began in 2006. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star
Black Cherry Burlesque
Bunny Boom Boom peaks out from feather fans during July's Black Cherry Burlesque show on July 3, 2015. Boom Boom worked as a stage kitten and merch girl for a year before trying out for and joining the troupe about 5 years ago. Rebecca Noble / for Arizona Daily Star