For those of you who have never attended a burlesque show, seeing Dizzy Von Damn and her troupe of wicked dancers is like eating dessert before dinner and then licking your lips to make sure you got all the chocolate syrup off.

I attended Uncommon Burlesque at Commonwealth Lounge on Wednesday night.

Once a month at Commonwealth Lounge in Newport Beach, dancer and comedian Dizzy Von Damn (Miss Viva Las Vegas 2008) hosts a burlesque-themed show with guests dancers. I know this phrase has probably never been used in the history of critiquing a burlesque show, but it was infectiously adorable.

Von Damn and her dancers were funny, cute, sexy, clever, original, nostalgic and daring all wrapped up in a tiny package with pink glitter ribbon tied around it. From the elaborate and playful costumes to the innocent tease in the choreography, the show was a perfect blend of fantasy and fun.

The show opens with Von Damn, full of brash humor, introducing her dancers from the Commonwealth's intimate stage. Each routine is about five minutes and each is themed. The dances are choreographed perfectly, with every bump and grind in sync with the beat of the music. Using props like peacock feathers and Silly String to tease the audience, the dancers are seasoned professionals in the burlesque style.

One of the highlights of the show was a routine with The Simpsons as the theme. A cardboard cutout of Homer Simpson was brought on stage and a dancer dressed as Marge, complete with blue beehive hair-do, danced and teased the cardboard Homer.

The show is equally attended by both men and women. It is tasteful yet sexy. The dancers strip down to their skivvies and pasties, but I wouldn't call it a strip show (but it's not ballet, either). It's more like live theatre, with the costumes and choreography. I imagine this is what it was like to attend a burlesque show starring Gypsy Rose Lee—Hold your hats and hallelujah, Mama's gonna show it to you.

Most of the dancers in the show have traveled around the world and have the charisma and playful coyness to not only keep an audience's attention, but also to elicit hoots and hollers from the crowd—men and women, alike—as a bra strap slowly slides down a performer's arm. 

Having been to Forty Deuce in Los Angeles in previous years, I already had an idea of what to expect. However, Von Damn and her girls proved to be top shelf burlesque dancers. There wasn't a hiccup in the show. Dancer Kira Von Sutra dressed in all green and with feathers, much like a peacock, had the crowd cheering before anything came off. In burlesque, it's really more about the tease and playing of the game then the actual prize at the end. 

The show is free, but reservations are recommended to get a good seat. I highly recommend this show and bring a large group of people because it's an experience unlike any other in Newport Beach. Check the Commonwealth Calender for upcoming show dates.