Miss Eli Fury

Miss Eli Fury from Haus Of Fury. Photo: New Photography Studios

Miss Eli Fury doesn’t just light up the stage. She ignites a sense of empowerment in women who dare to step into their own power. Originally from New Zealand and now based in Australia, she has built a career around pushing boundaries, embracing femininity, and creating a safe space for others to explore their own empowerment.

“I grew up dancing but didn’t actually know what burlesque was when I started,” said Fury in this interview with Pario.

From Corporate to Fire Performer

Before the dazzling performances, Fury spent years in a corporate sales role, seeking an outlet to disconnect from the rigid demands of the business world. “I was looking for a bit of a brain switch-off, something physical,” she said. A burlesque class at Sydney Pole Studios changed everything.

What started as a simple dance class soon spiralled into a passion for striptease, sideshow acts, and eventually, fire performance. “I ordered all the gear before I even found a teacher,” she admitted, explaining how she first explored fire dancing during the lockdown. “It became a bit of a project over a couple of years.”

Despite an unconventional start, she sought out experts worldwide, learning from performers in London, Vegas, and India. This broad exposure allowed her to refine her skills and ensure her approach prioritised safety. “One second can change your life,” she cautioned, referencing the dangers of fire performance.

The Power of Fire and Burlesque in Female Empowerment

Fury believes burlesque and fire performance provide a profound sense of self-discovery. “Everyone goes through self-doubt — am I too big, too thin, is my hair too short? But I found that with burlesque, none of that mattered,” she said. Instead, the very things people often see as imperfections become what makes them unique on stage.

Add a fire element, and the spectacle becomes more than just performance art — it’s a way to connect with oneself and feel alive. “There’s nothing like lighting your arms on fire to make you feel alive,” she said. This sentiment resonates with the women who attend her classes, many of whom are seeking a sense of empowerment and community.  

Since launching her classes Miss Fury has seen women from all walks of life come through the doors. “I’ve had commercial dancers, circus performers, a lot of mums — women just wanting to do something for themselves,” she said. Many initially join for personal growth rather than a performance career. “Some just want to learn for their friends, for a 40th birthday, or even as a private show for their husband,” she noted.

But regardless of their motivations, most leave with a newfound confidence. “By the end of the term, they’re like, ‘How do I get on stage with this?’” she shared.

Creating a Safe Space for Exploration

Miss Eli Fury’s commitment to safety and education is a cornerstone of her work. After a mishap with a flaming prop, she realised the importance of proper training.

“One second can change your life. One thing going wrong for one second can bring a building down, can kill people, can ruin the rest of your career.”.  

This realisation led her to create a safe space for others to learn and grow. Thus, Haus Of Fury was born and now provides a space where students can build skills with proper guidance. 

“Fire is still very much a sideshow skill — it’s not something widely shared,” Fury told Pario. “I wanted to create a place where people knew they’d be looked after.”

Her focus extends beyond technique, incorporating mental resilience. “A lot of fire training is about reprogramming your brain and telling yourself that you’re okay if you don’t panic,” she explained.

For those interested in igniting their own spark and beginning a fire and burlesque journey, Fury’s Haus Of Fury provides a gateway to self-exploration and empowerment. 

“If you want to try fire or burlesque, there’s a place for you!”

Follow Miss Eli Fury’s creative journey on social media at: @miss.eli.fury

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