This new downtown Montreal burlesque show dances between the risqué and the ridiculous

Montreal burlesque is baking up something fresh. Bagel Burlesque Expo is back this month with a lineup that tosses together sassy striptease, nerdy humour, and a full spread of body positivity, proving once and for all that variety is the spice of nightlife.

Neo-burlesque, the genre at the heart of the Expo, reimagines the art of attraction, infusing classic striptease with elements from theatre, comedy, and pop culture.

You're as likely to see horror meet vaudeville in a spine-tingling comedic routine as the peep of a pasty. The style celebrates more than physical beauty — although there's plenty of that too. It's also about storytelling, spectacle, and poking fun at societal norms.

Bagel Burlesque Expo will take over Le Studio TD from April 26 to 27, bringing provocative poses and playful perversion to the downtown Montreal venue. Over two nights, the stage will light up with international stars and local favourites set to redefine the art of the tease.

Headliner Mecav Kotobuki from Kyoto, Japan will enchant with her flirtatious, fierce moves and expressive antics. Montreal's own Mina Minou is set to mesmerize with her electric stage presence, known for captivating audiences with humour and seduction. The event also features a host of other talents from across North America and beyond, including local dynamo Baron von Styck and the cheeky Beau Creep from Edmonton.

Microphone duties on Friday will be handled by the quick-witted duo Sugarpuss & MC25POP (aka Cherry Typhoon), ensuring the tempo matches the talent.

The lineup includes Belle Jumelles and Cat Zaddy from Toronto, and King Leo Mane coming from Seattle. On Saturday, hosts Uma & Selma Gahd will tie the acts together with sharp banter, including mystical Aquarius Moon (Washington, DC), All The Way Mae (Vancouver), and the elegant duo Chanelle De Mai and Vicomte Harbourg (Paris).

Snagging a seat at this spectacle will set you back $51 for one night of revelry or $83 for a double dose of daring artistry. If you want the full VIP experience, that ranges between $72 for a single lavish evening and $125 for a full two-night affair.

Those inspired to shake things up themselves can also get a slice of the action with workshops on burlesque speed dating and building a stage persona, led by the illustrious MC25POP and Mecav Kotobuki. The sessions will run $35 each or $65 for both, if you're really serious about your shimmy, available Saturday morning at Le Studio TD

Come for the novelty, stay for the artistry, and leave with a new appreciation for how wonderfully weird a night out in Montreal can be.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.