past events
Illumi-Naughtie Rites of Spring 2024
Our 2024 Rites of Spring was a journey from the Underworld to crowning of the May Queen at the height of Spring! Beginning with the distraught Orpheus happening upon the Maenads, Mae the Bellydancer, Jacquelina, and Beloved Freya performed a seductive dance and ended with the head of Orpheus! Vivian Meretrix set the scene for our dancers, while Marla Wyrd performed as Persephone in her aspect of Underworld Queen. Lady Ginger brought us from the Underworld to the green forests of Earth. Meg Mesmeric shook off winter with her mesmerizing hoops, and Secret Mermaid emerged from the waters as Venus on the half shell. Finally, Vivian Meretrix was crowned as the May Queen, bringing blessings upon all who witnessed!
Illumi-Naughtie Occult Burlesque Premiere
The Illumi-Naughtie Occult Burlesque premiered to a sold out audience at the Newport Theater on October 7, 2023. It was a magical night of sacred dance ritual that payed tribute to the occult history of Chicago and the spiritual paths of the performers. Our opening ritual initiated Frater Fabulosa as our MC and priestess Vivian Meretrix invoked the Saints of Shimmy with her dance. We told the story of Ida Craddock, Chicago’s own sex magick therapist (the first ever!) and her support of Little Egypt, the bellydancer that introduced the artform to American audiences for the 1893 Columbian Expo. Our bellydancer Jacquelina paid tribute to Little Egypt and the traditions she brought to our shore.
The incomparable Sio Bast and Dragzilla Queen performed a piece that demonstrated questioning mainstream religion and exploring…alternative paths. Princess of Pain sword-swallower Sally Marvel represented the sword suit of the tarot, embodying the Goddess. And hoop artist Ashley showed us the power of Disks in the tarot. In the grand finale, Sally Marvel performed a rite of sacrifice on Vivian Meretrix, piercing her with peacock feathers, invoking Divine Love and Creativity for all!
Roots of the Illumi-Naughtie
Vivian began exploring the ideas of the Illumi-Naughtie for a pop-up fundraiser in 2017. She continued with solo and duo performances at various venues over the following years until the Illumi-Naughtie Burlesque was formed!
Performance at Winter Tribal Stomp featuring Wendy Rule at Ojo de Fortuna, February 8, 2020.