In the centre is Laura Young (Churchlands) as Sugar du Joure with, from left, Sarah Rutherford (Wungong) as Bambi, Keren Schlink (Wembley Downs) as Lola Moore, Sylvia Sippl (Scarborough) as Lucinda Panties, Clara Loveny (Perth) as Lady Pussyfoot and Emily Cairns (Swanbourne) as Candy Cheeks.
Camera IconIn the centre is Laura Young (Churchlands) as Sugar du Joure with, from left, Sarah Rutherford (Wungong) as Bambi, Keren Schlink (Wembley Downs) as Lola Moore, Sylvia Sippl (Scarborough) as Lucinda Panties, Clara Loveny (Perth) as Lady Pussyfoot and Emily Cairns (Swanbourne) as Candy Cheeks. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson d435978

Sugar hits the sweet spot

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

THIRD time competing proved to be the charm for Laura Young, aka Sugar du Joure, when she was awarded runner up at last September's Miss Burlesque WA.

The placing spurred Young to submit footage of three burlesque acts to the prestigious London Burlesque Festival in the hope she would be invited to perform one at the event in May - festival organisers have asked her to present all three.

Before making her London debut, the Churchlands resident Lady Velvet Cabaret performer has organised a send-off in the best style she knows how, with the Sugar du Joure Sweet Treats Fundraiser at The Rosemount Hotel, North Perth this Sunday, April 19.

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"I've been able to pick my favourite Perth acts, so we've gathered different performers from different troupes and brought them all together for one show," Young said.

"We have some girls who are doing tributes to movies, which is what I love, group acts, students from classes I've taught here, stand-up comedy, an MC and of course, cupcakes."

The 24-year-old attended her first burlesque class in 2009 and immediately fell in love with the form of artistic expression that promoted her creativity and increased body confidence.

She decided to become a solo performer, soon finding her burlesque artistic space in combining comedy with sexy and joined Subiaco-based troupe, Lady Velvet Cabaret.

The clothing store manager, burlesque teacher and occasional live art class model said her performance style was all about finding her niche.

"Back in the day I was just doing what people told me, as in, this is what sexy is, this is how you walk and you dance to Fever by Michael Buble," she said.

These days, Young's acts range from a spaghetti western-inspired Hollywood tribute to dressing as a giant tube of toothpaste before revealing a minty, swirly costume underneath.

"I have no idea how I came up with it but I love watching burlesque performers and learning from them," she said.

"This will be my first overseas festival. We've had London performers come here who I have met and performed with, but I've never gone there and seen the scene for myself.

"Im very excited and devastated at the luggage allowance," she said.

Doors for Sugar du Joure's Sweet Treats Fundraiser open at 12pm on Sunday, with the show starting at 1pm.

Tickets are available for $15 from www.oztix.com.au or $25 with a high tea pre-order, with limited sales on the door.