The Fierce Lux LaCroix

I'm listening to the Dresden Dolls' "Coin Operated Boy" as I write this. In fact, it was this particular song popping up on my iPod that inspired these words. I can't hear this song without thinking about Lux. She's an incredible dancer and burlesque performer, and I figure since I haven't done one of these "Artists I Love" posts in a while, I would inaugurate a new, burlesque-oriented direction by highlighting this incredible artist.

photo of Lux swiped from her MySpace profile

There is a reason why, when being introduced by emcees all across the burlesque scene, she is called "The Fierce Lux LaCroix." She is a dynamo, both on stage and in person, who can disarm and confound an audience with her energetic stage presence. She has a lithe sexiness, which she displays through her athletic and high-energy choreography. If Lux were merely a great dancer, that would be enough reason to enjoy her as a performer. Combining her prowess as a dancer with a wicked sense of humor and keen aesthetic judgment, Lux never fails to bring down the house.

"Coin-Operated Boy" is my favorite of her numbers. She only performs it in February, just in time for Valentine's Day. Lux takes the stage as a ballerina, dancing with large coin cut-outs. She perfectly captures the wistful whimsy of the Dresden Dolls song, coyly flitting about the stage. At the song's bridge, she begins turning, releasing her large tu-tu-like skirt as she does. The effect is very beautiful and breath-taking; it is both a blossoming and an emergence, and Lux is both flower and butterfly.

This weekend Lux will be competing for the title of Miss Exotic World 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately, I can't be there to cheer her on, but I'm certain there will be no shortage of cheers, no lack of applause when she takes the stage. She's an incredible artist and I wish her the best of luck!

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Visit Lux LaCroix's MySpace profile for her latest performance calendar, or check out Burlesque411.com.

You can hear an interview with Lux from the Burlesque Podcast (note: NSFW), hosted by Lili VonSchtupp and Chris Beyond. A couple of updates: Burlesque a Go-Go is currently produced and hosted by Lux and Vixen Violette, and can be found the third Thursday of the month at Mr. T's Bowl in Highland Park.

Here's an all-too-brief clip of Lux performing at Bordello in Downtown LA: