{"id":197534,"date":"2026-06-03T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slugmag.com\/?p=197534"},"modified":"2026-06-03T15:21:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T21:21:57","slug":"sappho-slc-enter-the-sapphic-sphere-with-noche-de-lucha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slugmag.com\/community\/sappho-slc-enter-the-sapphic-sphere-with-noche-de-lucha\/","title":{"rendered":"Sappho SLC: Enter the Sapphic Sphere With Noche de Lucha"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sappho SLC<\/em><\/a> is Utah\u2019s first sapphic burlesque production focused on sapphics experiencing and learning more about the art of burlesque, with emphasis on the need for more BIPOC performers in Utah. \u201cI want to create a home in Utah for sapphics where it doesn\u2019t feel like we\u2019re in Utah,\u201d mother of its creation and Venezuela native Luna Sol <\/strong><\/a>says. \u201cWe are unapologetically centering BIPOC individuals, voices and experiences, but also [creating] an acceptable space where people can come and enjoy events.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are unapologetically centering BIPOC individuals, voices and experiences, but also [creating] an acceptable space where people can come and enjoy events.\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sol had a dream for Utah\u2019s BIPOC and queer communities alike to be able to feel seen and heard in safe spaces of their own. In sapphic burlesque, these queer performers focus on self-love while emphasizing the importance and inclusivity of bodies of all shapes and sizes to be the center of attention and to unapologetically take up space. Burlesque is performative, but also political, challenging norms centered around sexuality, gender and the patriarchy while reclaiming ownership of one\u2019s body image.<\/p>\n

\"two
With burlesque and wrestling in perfect
harmony, Sappho SLC is taking the gloves
off with Sappho After Dark. Photo: Victoria Hills<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWe focus a lot on daytime events, and then there is Sappho After Dark<\/em>, where we decide to take a leap and make things naughtier, taking chances, taking challenges,\u201d Sol says. Sol describes how Sappho After Dark <\/em>takes hetero spaces, themes and concepts and makes them sapphic. A good example of this was their previous Magic Masc <\/em>event, a sapphic parody of Magic Mike<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Sappho After Dark<\/em> held one of its first sapphic wrestling events in mid-March called Noche De Lucha<\/em> at Metro Music Hall<\/em>, with the help of The Lucha Project<\/em>, an established organization that introduces DIY wrestling into spaces where typical wrestling wouldn\u2019t happen. Miss Paradise<\/strong><\/a>, a wrestler who has been in the wrestling scene for almost 14 years, helped with the training ahead of the event.<\/p>\n

“The ring isn\u2019t as forgiving as some people think it is, so we just wanted to make sure they were familiar in that space and taking care of their bodies”<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cThey [luchadores] came in about once a week for two months, and they did little workshops where we taught them how to be safe in the ring; the ring isn\u2019t as forgiving as some people think it is, so we just wanted to make sure they were familiar in that space and taking care of their bodies,\u201d Paradise says. The night was full of chants, community and queerness as eight sapphic luchadores competed for prizes such as the golden strap and silver scissors. There were also go-go dancers, BIPOC vendors, DJs and, of course, it isn\u2019t Sappho SLC<\/em> without a burlesque performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cCultural appreciation over cultural appropriation; we wanted them to feel confident over choosing their characters and exploring them\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Rosa Rica<\/strong><\/a>, the co-host of the night, had led the matches with her charismatic wit and resonant presence. Rica helped the luchadores dive more into themselves to choose their fighters and learn about the history of luchalibre. \u201cCultural appreciation over cultural appropriation; we wanted them to feel confident over choosing their characters and exploring them,\u201d Rica says.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, the luchadores\u2019 personalities came to light with names like La Papussy Peligrosa, Dolores Muerta, Poundcake, Shortcake the Clown, Titanium T Girl <\/strong>and Transmutation X<\/strong>. \u201cIt was beautiful to see people stay \u2018til the very end of the finale. I was crying for the second half of the event because my body was releasing everything. I lost sleep because it took a lot of work to do this. We have to navigate so much as an event producer,\u201d Sol says.<\/p>\n

\"lucha
Clockwise from top: Rosa Rica, D, La Papussy Peligrosa, Dolores Muerta,
Luna Sol and Shortcake the Clown. Photo: Victoria Hills<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sol had given her blood, sweat and tears and had even injured her ankle just before the event began. In the end, it was all worth it as the entire event had completely sold out, with people still in line trying to get through the door and a waitlist of over 60 people.<\/p>\n

Burlesque is good for the soul; not only does it heal, but it also brings communities of queer and marginalized folk to take pride in themselves. Thank you, Sappho SLC<\/em> for your fervor in keeping our sapphic communities united through education and body positivity. Follow @sapphoslc<\/em> to keep up with future events and to stay up to date with their beloved performers.<\/p>\n

Read about other local burlesque performers:<\/strong>
\nBold & Beautiful: Baby Gorgeous<\/a><\/strong><\/em>
\nBold & Beautiful: Violet Ends<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

To help SLUG continue its support of the LGBTQ+ community, consider joining our community of donors.\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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