Ringing in the New Year with Dita Von Teese

Vamp Jenn at Dita Von Teese's New Year's Eve Gala — Vamp Jenn at Dita Von Teese’s New Year’s Eve Gala

The ending of a year can be rife with mixed emotions. I find that how I celebrate can set the vibe for the next 12 months, and ushering in a new year with a burlesque show kickstarts it in a playful way. When Dita Von Teese announced she would be hosting a New Year’s Eve gala in Los Angeles, I knew that’s how I wanted to bid adieu to 2024. Curious to know what happens during a Von Teese burlesque extravaganza? Here’s a peek!

If you’ve been around here long enough, then you know I’m a huge admirer of Dita Von Teese. The burlesque queen and her “vontourage” put on spectacular performances filled with glamour, seduction, and plenty of teasing. Her New Year’s Eve affairs started a few years ago and I’ve attended nearly each one. Due to residencies she’s had going on in Las Vegas for the last couple of years, she hasn’t done any LA shows. Suffice it to say, I was not going to miss my chance to see her live before she whisked herself back to Sin City.

The event took place at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. The venue is opulent and quite fitting for this type of soiree. There were tons of people waiting to get in with the line going down the street and around the corner. Fortunately, things moved fast, and we didn’t have to stand in the chilly winter night for too long.

The air was buzzing with joviality upon entering the foyer. The space was adorned with Christmas trees and gold and silver holiday decorations. The merch table was set up on one side showcasing all kinds of Dita-inspired souvenirs, from posters to brooches. The Orpheum Club is in a separate room and houses the cocktail bar and lounge. One can’t help but feel simply elegant.

Then, it was time to venture into the main theatre. Words can’t do justice to the beauty of the structure. It brims with 1920s grandeur; the ceiling, the walls, the stage, and the massive chandeliers carry the spirit of a golden age. I got seats up on the balcony level and what a view! This section may be further from the stage but offers a bird’s eye glimpse of the scenery. I’ve sat in the orchestra area before and must say there really is no bad seat in the house. Although I’ve been to the venue multiple times, each visit is a refreshing experience.

Since the show is meant to align with the countdown to midnight, it started promptly at 10 p.m. There is a strict no photo or recording policy during Dita Von Teese’s events, so I’ll do my best to describe what I saw. She opened the performance with a magic-inspired act. She was accompanied by two other performers and the three of them were dressed identically. Von Teese surprised the audience when she revealed herself as the mystery third person.

Her companions proceeded to reenact the levitating illusion. Dita lay on a table and was covered from head to toe with a cloth. Suddenly, her body began to lift and float in the air, then poof, disappeared! She reappeared on stage out of nowhere and ended the number with, of course, a striptease. It was entertaining to watch. I’ve noticed Dita has started to incorporate more magic acts into her shows, and I feel this is her way of paying tribute to The Orpheum’s vaudeville roots.

She also showcased her carousel horse act, and it is just what it sounds like. There were three carousel horses as her two other partners rejoined her on stage. There were also huge feather fans being held and pink balloons being tossed around. At a point, one of Dita’s fans decided not to cooperate, but she playfully got it to work again.

For her New Year’s Eve soirees, Dita likes to debut new numbers. Back when she first started touring, she used to perform an opium den act. She reimagined it for this event and it was titillating to watch. It still retained its signature ending, which involves her standing against the back wall of the den while several hands protrude from behind and enticingly caress her body.

Before I get to the conclusion, I must mention the other talented performers that were also part of the evening’s entertainment. There was Jett Adore who performed his notorious Zorro-inspired striptease. Model Gia Genevieve, who has a Marilyn Monroe air about her, did a scintillating bathtub number. Performer Tosca did wonderous things with her enormous hula hoop while Dirty Martini did wonderous things with her enormous boobs.

Drag queen and former Rupaul’s Drag Race contestant Violet Chachki was also part of the festivities and slayed. Dancer Taylor Banks was a new performer who I hadn’t seen before. She has toured with many celebrity musicians and brought such vivacious energy. There was also an enchanting ballet performance inspired by Swan Lake featuring Marlowe Bassett. There were others but these are the artists I can remember off the top of my head. The cherry on the cake was our host, comedian Jonny McGovern. He is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community and produces his own show, Hey Qween. I adore his naughty sense of humor.

Dita Von Teese has made it a tradition to conclude her New Year’s Eve celebrations with her renowned Champagne glass act. It’s glitzy, glamorous, and grandiose. The audience went wild as soon as she dipped her body into the glass and began splashing around. And that’s where she remained when the countdown to midnight happened. The curtain came down for hardly a minute, then Jonny McGovern led the countdown…

“3,2,1, Happy New Year! “

The curtain lifted back up and sparkling confetti shot out from the sides of the stage. Dita was perched in her Champagne glass and joined by her entire cast. They each had a glass of sparking in hand. What an exquisite moment.

Vamp Jenn with Model Gia Genevieve and burlesque performer Jett Adore

A funny thing happened after the show on our way out. While standing by one of the doors in the foyer, Gia Genevieve popped her head out. She and Jetta Adore came out to mingle with the crowd, so I had the chance to take a photo with them. I was thrilled that it happened before I left. I also had the fortune of getting a picture with burlesque performer Candace Cane who was also part of the show.

It’s like walking through a fairy tale when I attend a Dita Von Teese burlesque event. I just love the atmosphere she and her entourage create. If you’re interested in seeing the queen of burlesque live, she’ll be continuing her residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas. She’ll be performing at Voltaire on select dates starting in January through May 2025. And if you’re ever in the City of Angels during the last week of December, there’s a good chance she’ll be hosting her New Year’s Eve gala.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!