It’s a mix of Old Hollywood glamour and Thai traditional elegance, where costumes can weigh over 40 pounds and cost thousands of dollars. 2. The Ring: Muay Thai "Beauty"

This involves radical bone restructuring—shaving the jaw, moving the hairline, and altering the brow—to remove any trace of male bone structure. 4. The Nightlife Athletes

Here is a feature look at the "Extreme" side of this vibrant community. 1. The Art of the Ultra-Femme

Contestants often undergo years of vocal training, deportment lessons (the "glide" walk), and extreme skin-care regimens.