Belle Supper Club Burlesque Show

Photo by Diane DeHaven

September 2025

Contributor: Diane DeHaven

My First Taste of Burlesque at the Belle Supper Club

An Evening of Glamour and Expression at the Victorian Belle Mansion

I recently attended the Belle Supper Club Burlesque Dinner at the Victorian Belle Mansion, and it was nothing short of enchanting. This was my first-ever burlesque experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a more magical introduction.

Set on the lush grounds of a beautifully preserved 1880s mansion in Portland, the evening begins with guests invited to roam freely through the property. From the manicured lawns and rose gardens to the ornate, antique-filled rooms, the Victorian Belle feels like stepping into another era. Even before the show starts, it’s an experience worth savoring.

As the sun dipped low, the crowd gathered beneath a gazebo strung with glowing Edison bulbs, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere that set the stage for the night’s performances. The show featured an engaging mix of burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque acts, ranging from polished professionals to exciting newcomers finding their voice on stage.  That blend was perfect and it made the night feel vibrant, authentic, and full of heart.

The evening’s Emcee deserves special mention. Charismatic, witty, and clearly passionate about the art form, he kept the audience both informed and entertained throughout the night. He set expectations with grace and humor, covering the essentials of consent, tipping etiquette, and audience participation in a way that felt inviting rather than instructional. Between acts, he also offered a delightful mini-lesson on the herstory of burlesque, touching on its political and feminist roots while keeping the crowd laughing and engaged. His presence tied the whole evening together, bridging the performances with warmth, intelligence, and just the right amount of sass.

Each performance brought something different: sultry elegance, cheeky humor, bold gender play, and moments of pure theatrical surprise. Even as a first-timer, I felt completely at ease, drawn into a space that celebrated self-expression, confidence, and joy in all its glittering forms.

While food and drinks were available for purchase, they weren’t included in the ticket price, so I chose to simply enjoy the show and the atmosphere this time. Even without dining, the evening felt complete and immersive…an artful fusion of history, performance, and connection.

What struck me most was the sense of community. The audience was wonderfully diverse and welcoming, the performers radiated both passion and playfulness, and the entire event felt like a celebration of creativity in its purest form.

If you’ve ever been curious about burlesque but weren’t sure where to start, the Belle Supper Club is a perfect introduction. It’s intimate, inclusive, and delightfully unexpected…a night that lingers long after the final bow.

My only quibble with the event was the ticketing.  Eventbrite is a clunky site and the hostess had issues finding our name on her list.  We had SRO tickets, which meant we didn’t have to stand, but had space at a communal table.  Even so, there was the possibility she was going to have to shuffle us around and that didn’t feel great.  

Rainbow Rankings

Inclusivity Flag and Location:  5 Stars.  Even though there were no inclusivity flags or symbols present, they were not needed.  The event in itself was a celebration of inclusivity.

Ambiance:  5 Stars  

% of Queer/Melanated Staff:  4 Stars.  It was difficult to know who were the employees of the mansion and who were the Supper Club employees.  But it appeared to be fairly inclusive.

Food and Drink:  N/A  Did not eat or drink 

Out and Proud Score:  5 Stars

Inclusivity Accommodations:  3 Stars.  There were paths for wheelchair accommodations, but the restrooms available to attendees were on the second floor of the mansion.  And while there might have been elevators, the hallways were very narrow and would be difficult for a wheelchair to navigate.  Food options did include a vegetarian menu. 

Overall Rainbow Ranking:  4.4