Starlet of NZ

Starlet of NZ Annual amateur Burlesque competition. Open to NZ performers. Competition for Burlesque performers with 2 years or less experience.

We have a nurturing approach to this competition where the focus is on having fun and learning from one another. We want this experience to help you on your sparkly journey and, as previous winners have done - use it as a launchpad for your burlesque career.

25/02/2026

✨Starlet of Starlets ✨

From 2013 Starlet of Nelson to 2025 Starlet of Aotearoa.
What a journey.
Always in awe of every performer who has graced the Starlet stage.
You each did something incredible.
Keep on shining.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Eve Bambina, Whakatu/Nelson - Winner 2014Aeon Eversong - Winner 2020Shout out to 2 spectacular previo...
29/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Eve Bambina, Whakatu/Nelson - Winner 2014
Aeon Eversong - Winner 2020

Shout out to 2 spectacular previous winners who are no longer performing, but still a cherished part of the Starlet of Aotearoa Roll of Honour.

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You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Cherry Tart, Otautahi/Christchurch - Winner 2022Cherry Tart is originally from Southland, now strutti...
29/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Cherry Tart, Otautahi/Christchurch - Winner 2022

Cherry Tart is originally from Southland, now strutting her way through Christchurch’s burlesque scene. Known for serving a whole lot of laughs with an extra-generous helping of ass, this sweet treat has built a reputation for cheek, charm, and finding the bright side of life usually under a spotlight.
A decorated darling, Cherry is the Winner of Starlet of New Zealand 2022, taking home Most Comedic and the coveted Backstage Babe title, and she’s a proud member of the Belles of BOA, winners of Bling It On 2022. Her recipe? Sugar, spice, and impeccable comic timing.

Right now, Cherry Tart is heavily pregnant and due so close to show time she’ll be cheering from the sidelines instead of the stage and the FOMO is real. While she may be temporarily benched, make no mistake: this tart is still rising. Even when she can’t be there in person, her spirit, sparkle, and scandalous sense of humour are absolutely stealing the show. Consider this a brief intermission. Cherry will be back, buns first, and ready to serve fresh chaos once again. 🍒✨

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You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Verona Vega, Otepoti/Dunedin - Winner 2013Verona Vega is known for her deep passion for classic burle...
24/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Verona Vega, Otepoti/Dunedin - Winner 2013

Verona Vega is known for her deep passion for classic burlesque. Originally from Nelson and now thriving in Dunedin, She manages multiple businesses, regularly performs all over the country, creates stunning rhinestone costumes, and choreographs award-winning group routines.

Since winning the OG Starlet competition in 2013 she traveled to Australia where she worked part time as a showgirl and performed several times a week. She is now a dedicated mentor to aspiring performers committed to empowering women to embrace their sexuality.
Verona produces a series of shows in Dunedin called Femme, and last year she produced a sold-out run of her debut fringe show, “Burly Q,” which showcased 200 years of burlesque history in just 50 minutes.

Whether enchanting audiences with a sensual fan dance, dazzling them with her tassels, or covering herself in baked beans, this whirlwind from the South is sure to leave a lasting impression…..Just be sure you don’t slip off your seat!

*************************
You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Delilah Deluxe Burlesque, Greymouth - Winner 2018Delilah Deluxe, born and bred in Nelson/Whakatu, beg...
24/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Delilah Deluxe Burlesque, Greymouth - Winner 2018

Delilah Deluxe, born and bred in Nelson/Whakatu, began her burlesque journey at the Nelson Showgirl Academy in 2017.
In 2020, as the pandemic hit New Zealand, she moved to Greymouth/Ma Whera at the end of the first lock down.

After winning Starlet of New Zealand (2018), Delilah went on to compete in The Grand Tease, making it through to the finals, placed 2nd at The Burlesque Rumble (2022) and most recently won D.I.Y Burles-kiwi (2025).
Delilah has also had the privilege of judging Bling it on! (2018), Starlet of New Zealand (2020), The Burlesque Rumble (2023) and Bling it on! (2023).

She has performed throughout the nation, developing her own personal brand of Tease; serving up subtle suggestion and artful indecency.
Sexy and Sweet with lashings of heat, and her curves are downright dangerous! She puts the 'Luxe' in 'Deluxe' - Delilah Deluxe!

*************************
You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Tara King,  - Winner 2024Tara King has been dabbling in the art of burlesque for the last couple of y...
24/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Tara King, - Winner 2024

Tara King has been dabbling in the art of burlesque for the last couple of years.
Creating her own style by drawing on her years of dancing as a kid. She has competed in DIY Burleskiwi in 2022 and came away with Runner Up and 2023 she walked away with the Most Sustainable award.
Her lastest achievement is being crown the Winner at Starlet of NZ in 2024. She was honoured to perform at the 2025 Burleskiwi International Festival of Aotearoa.

At the moment Tara is taking a bit of a break from performing and competing to focus on growth and family life. But she will be back before you know it.

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You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Candy Villiane/Ms Domina Villiane, Nelson - Winner 2016Then and Now,I, Candy Villiane, was crowned th...
24/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Candy Villiane/Ms Domina Villiane, Nelson - Winner 2016

Then and Now,
I, Candy Villiane, was crowned the 2016 Starlet of Nelson and enjoyed a vibrant reign filled with performances and unforgettable events across New Zealand and Australia.
Through this journey, I connected with an incredible community of talented, inspiring performers.
Adorned in my candy bra, I delivered high energy, flirtatious routines that celebrated confidence, playfulness, and stage presence.
Being Starlet of Nelson pushed me far beyond my comfort zone in the most empowering ways.
I cherished being part of Starlet of NZ events and witnessing so many beautiful souls step into their own starlet power over the years.
With gratitude to Jasmine, her team, and everyone involved in Starlet of Nelson and Starlet of NZ over the past 12 years.
In 2019, I underwent a complete energetic transformation.
I then embraced my dark sexuality and the world of B**M. From this rebirth, Ms Domina Villiane emerged.
Ms Domina Villiane brings command, control, and unapologetic sensuality to the stage, captivating audiences near and far, and most recently commanding the SPANKD stage in Wellington.

She is a sultry temptress and a commanding mistress of the night.
Draped in PVC, lace, and leather, she wields pain and pleasure with exquisite precision.
Every glance drips with danger.
Every movement is intentional in a calculated act of seduction.
She thrives on exploring boundaries, pulling her audience deeper into her realm of desire, discipline, and surrender.
Ms Domina Villiane is not simply seen I am experienced.
A living embodiment of dark allure, her performances ignite lust, devotion, and reverent submission.

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You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Jack Swallows , Christchurch - Winner 2019 Since being crowned in 2019 Jack has gone on to become a p...
24/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jack Swallows , Christchurch - Winner 2019

Since being crowned in 2019 Jack has gone on to become a producer of shows, a mentor and a community staple within Ōtautahi's/Christchurch's burlesque and drag scene.
They have travelled across the country from Auckland all the way to Invercargill spreading cheer, love and their legs 😉
Starlet of New Zealand was just the beginning of the competition run for Jack, who has gained multiple titles and awards since with some of the most recent being:

🌟The Entertainer at Mx Burlesque Aotearoa 24/25
🌟Favourite Draglesque performance 2025 at The Twirling Tassles awards
🌟Best NZ Hens party entertainer Australian Adult Industry awards 2025
🌟Best NZ Drag and Best NZ Burlesque at the Australian Adult industry awards 2024
🌟 Second runner-up at Burlesque Noir 2024

Jack 'The Entertainer' Swallows – the Jack of all trades, Swallows by name, Swallows by nature.

A chaotic producer and wild MC, Jack is a force to be reckoned with in the drag and burlesque universes. Whether serving up glam, comedy, or pure freaktastic energy, Jack always delivers a show-stopping performance.

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You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? , Palmerston North - Winner 2025After she was crowned in 2025 the 'feline in fuchsia' performed in t...
19/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

, Palmerston North - Winner 2025

After she was crowned in 2025 the 'feline in fuchsia' performed in the BurlesKiwi International Festival Aotearoa alongside performers from across the globe including many previous Starlets of Aotearoa.

She’s developed a thirst for competition, going on to nab First Place of Bling it on 2025 part of the tantalising trio “Belle, Banks & Puss.”

Other highlights since you’ve seen her last include performing in the closing act of Miss Pole Dance New Zealand and alongside her students at the Corps de burlesque Graduate Showcases.

She’s scratching at the door waiting for Nelson to let her back in.. 😻

*************************
You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?  Wellington - Winner 2023After winning Starlet 2023, Shania has gone on to perform on a number of st...
19/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Wellington - Winner 2023

After winning Starlet 2023, Shania has gone on to perform on a number of stages across Aotearoa.
Highlights include winning Bling it On 2023 with her group Throuple Trouble, making her NZ Fringe Festival debut in 2025 and regularly performing as her country lovin’ drag king sibling, Johnny Pash.

From this moment on, prepare to be impressed, because she’s got the moves and she’s got the touch, it’s Shania Came!

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You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?cyr , Nelson - Winner 2017Where is she now since winning Starlet ‘17 you ask? Well, she has performed...
19/01/2026

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
cyr , Nelson - Winner 2017

Where is she now since winning Starlet ‘17 you ask?
Well, she has performed all over the country, been a part of Grandiose Cabaret for many years, dipped her toes into the world of Drag as Dirk Wriggler and was one part of the duo H***y Punch with fellow showgirl, Pinkie Delicious.
She took a step back from performing in 2023 to kick cancer's ass, but was back by late 2024 for the Halloween Ball.
She then reluctantly hung up her pasties in favour of becoming the velvet-clad femme noir cabaret darling that will be taking the stage at this year's Starlet of Starlets.
Hope to see you there 💋

Siren St. Cyr is here to serenade her way into your hearts by drawing you in with her powerful, sultry voice. Her unique vocal charms and sassy attitude make her a powerhouse performer, so much that you will come up to her after the show and say “oh my god, I thought you were lip syncing”, (true story, I swear). A lifelong performer and a native of Nelson, she is fun, flirty, and eager to entertain you.

*************************
You won't want to miss this incredible evening celebrating burlesque in all of its glory.
28th February at Red Door Theatre
Tickets via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/18121

Address

Nelson
7010

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