Notable Figures

This section celebrates the people who helped build, inspire, and sustain burlesque in Nova Scotia. Whether born here or drawn here, each notable figure has left their mark on our stages, our stories, and our shared creative legacy.
Jinx Jezebelle

​Founder and Artistic director of The Halifax Burlesque Society (2003-2005). Jinx was a talented performer, costumer, and organizer. Her style ranged from classic solo teases to raunchy and hilarious acts where everyone involved ended up covered in milkshake or Timbits. 
Tanya Cheex

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Tanya Cheex was instrumental in spearheading the Neo Burlesque Revival in North America in 1998. She is the founder and artistic director of the Toronto troupe Skin Tight Outta Sight and co-founded The Toronto Burlesque Festival in 2008, serving as Creative Director until 2013. Tanya was the first inductee into The Canadian Burlesque Hall of Fame and was officially sanctioned as a fire tassel twirler by her dearly departed mentor and legend, Satan’s Angel.

Tanya has returned to perform in her hometown many times over the years, including bringing her Strummin’ and Strippin’ tour (2008), performing with Pink Velvet Burlesque (2010), on The Great Maritime Burlesque Tour (2012), and at The Atlantic Burlesque Festival (2025).

Photo by David Hawe
Land Acknowledgement 
PHAB NS acknowledges that the work we undertake takes place on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. These lands hold histories and knowledge systems that extend beyond colonial records, including those maintained through language, oral tradition, and cultural practice. As we document and preserve the history of theatre in this region, we do so with recognition of the longstanding presence and contributions of Mi’kmaq communities. We recognize the importance of listening to and respecting Indigenous knowledge, and of acknowledging the broader historical context in which this work takes place.