By Nicole Mitchell
Photos by Travis Young

Kansas City’s newest LGBTQIA+-owned burlesque group VAMP KC welcomes you to its all-inclusive classes and performances.

Penelope Mais Oui isn’t from Kansas City, but since moving here from Colorado Springs, she’s been creating noise in the burlesque and LGBTQIA+ scenes. Before moving to the city, Penelope produced a series of classic and classic-inspired burlesque shoes at a locally-owned Colorado Springs art theatre.

“I spent the pandemic not working on a stage,” Penelope says about moving to KC. “When I decided to dip my toes into the burlesque waters again…,” which was first as part of a local troupe, “I found there was a space, a desire, even a need in Kansas City for classic-style burlesque.” By using her previous experience, Penelope knew just what Kansas City was missing. “I already had a vision of what that could look like,” she says.

Penelope produced her first KC burlesque show in December 2022, “with almost no budget and a terrible sound system in a warehouse in the West Bottoms,” she explains. “The show sold out, which was the first surprise. The second was the way the energy felt in that room. I hadn’t felt that in years, and many of the incredible artists on stage expressed the same feeling. I knew we had to keep going.” Penelope took that as a sign.

The name VAMP KC was created with two important meanings in mind. Based on a jazz term, VAMP means “a repeated chord progression or rhythmic figure leading either into or out of a tune or composition,” according to the Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University. “[The term] plays into the rich history of jazz in Kansas City,” Penelope says. “That’s why the tagline is ‘Tease on repeat.’ A VAMP is also a woman who lures a man to their destruction.”

VAMP gives a double meaning to the art form and is perfect for a Kansas City-based burlesque show, due to the rich jazz history in the area. “It seemed a fitting name for an art form that has empowered many to rebel against the patriarchy,” Penelope continues.

Along with her focus on Kansas City’s history, Penelope has goals for the future of the city too. “I have a vision to make Kansas City a hub for burlesque in the Midwest, developing new talent and attracting performers from across the country,” she says. Since her first show, Penelope has been able to grow performances to a monthly thing—with two shows a month in Westport and the Crossroads, as well as one-offs and special productions—and, of course, classes for those looking to learn the art.

“I am passionate about how this art form has transformed my life. If I can send a small part of that transformation out into the world with each audience member, I have succeeded in my mission for VAMP.”

Penelope Mais Oui

VAMP offers the chance to be independent performers, as opposed to sticking to one troupe. “Burlesque troupes can be a great way to build community and secure bookings, but I’m a bit too free-spirited for that,” Penelope explains.

Casting for each show is done by Penelope and with the audience in mind. “I have been fortunate to have other individual performers and artists who are also excited about this vision,” she says. Featured performers of VAMP shows include Kansas City Canaries, Petite Sarah, Annie Mae Allure, and others.

“I believe every audience member deserves a great show,” Penelope explains. “I want to experience shows that prioritize the relationship a performer cultivates with their audience, and that conversation really can do so much for each person. I am passionate about how this art form has transformed my life. If I can send a small part of that transformation out into the world with each audience member, I have succeeded in my mission for VAMP.”

It’s no secret that everyone has their own opinions about burlesque—whether that knowledge is based on the 2010 movie, internalized misogyny, or general curiosity. However, there is plenty for those outside of the scene to learn. “Burlesque is a really liberating art form. Early burlesque performers were champions for women’s rights and queer inclusion,” Penelope says. “It’s a way to both perform and take ownership over gender and sexuality.”

“A good performer controls the space; they control the whole room,” Penelope explains. “Burlesque is about taking something that was meant to be oppressive and returning all of that power to the performer. No longer the object, performers tell you where to look, for how long, and how to appreciate them. Burlesque is for everybody, and everybody is sexy and powerful and in charge of themselves.”

“Burlesque is for everybody, and everybody is sexy and powerful and in charge of themselves.”

Penelope Mais Oui

VAMP is an exciting new addition to Kansas City, but it’s not the only space for performers—and Penelope appreciates all burlesque, drag, and dance performers in the area. “I value all of the local Kansas City burlesque shows and what they bring to the scene,” she says. “We’ve got some really great performers and producers here, catering to lots of types of audiences.”

But VAMP is also here to help performers reclaim who they are: “I believe what makes VAMP stand apart is that every aspect of the evening has been carefully curated,” Penelope says. “From the event space and the cocktails available to the performers and acts booked; instead of seeing a show, the audience is enjoying an experience. That’s the commitment I make to my audiences, when you join us for an evening you’ll experience the perfect night out.”

For future performances and classes, visit the VAMP website here.

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