Abi Romeril (32) is hoping her alter ego, Molly Soleil, will win the day at the Miss Burlesque New Zealand competition in Hamilton this weekend.
The University of Otago masters student in genetics also teaches American-style burlesque, a "glamorous, fun, sexy" dance form with its roots in vaudeville, cabaret and showgirls.
She believes she is the only South Island entry in the competition, which requires her to perform for four to six minutes and answer questions about the dance form in front of a judging panel of five and an audience.
"It is scary and daunting. I don't know what to expect."
There were many misconceptions about burlesque being a form of stripping, but what she performed was the more conservative, theatre-type style, she said.
"There's a wide range of styles, from those who get down to panties and g-strings to the comedy routines."
Always a keen dancer and "showboat", she became hooked on burlesque after being introduced to it by a cousin while she was living in Auckland.
When she moved back to Dunedin 18 months ago, she had the opportunity to keep up her burlesque interest by taking on the franchise and teaching it.
"I loved it, the dress ups, the theatre of the performance and engaging with the audience."
She finds burlesque the perfect foil to her day job and even answers to her stage name Molly Soleil - French for sun.
"I can forget all my worries. Molly is flirty and fun. Its nice having the switch."
Her routine for the competition had been developed with the help of her Dunedin students and she hoped to make them proud this weekend.
