Here’s what you need to know about Shimmy LaRoux: she is genuinely having the time of her life up there, and it shows.

A Chicago burlesque performer, host, and teacher, Shimmy brings the kind of energy you can’t fake — equal parts classic Hollywood, playful chaos, and “yes, I absolutely just did that.” She’s been called a bad girl with good home training, which is probably the most accurate thing anyone has ever said about her.

She was crowned Miss Burlesque World 2022. She’s been named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Burlesque Performers in the World five times over. She’s a two-time Mover, Shaker & Innovator at the Burlesque Hall of Fame. In 2023, she headlined the Baby Grand Festival in Cape Town, South Africa — the first Black performer to do so.

She’s also a two-time International Playboy Playmate and FHM Cover Model, which she mentions mostly because it still makes her laugh a little.

HOWEVER… none of that is the point. The point is that when Shimmy walks on stage, you’re going to leave with a smile on your face, your shoulders a little looser, and the distinct feeling that you needed exactly that.

Sassy, classy…but never ashy.