Burlesque mocks. It is a parody, which fits with the Italian origination of the word ‘burla’ meaning mockery, satire. It is tongue in cheek or the overt ‘making fun’ of something earnest. It is taking a serious issue and making it funny. It can make you laugh, but also cry. It is provocative, fun; buzzy and audience enjoyment or participation. It can be a hobby; stress relief; a bit of fun. It can be performed by amateurs and professionals alike. Burlesque feels good
History
Burlesque is a form of theatrical entertainment featuring parodic humor, usually consisting of comic skits and a chorus lines.
The burlesque genre originated in the 1840s, early in the Victorian Era, a time of culture clashes between the social rules of established aristocracy and a working-class society.
Early burlesque featured shows that emphasized comic sketches, often lampooning the social attitudes of the upper classes, alternating with dance routines. It developed alongside vaudeville in the late nineteenth century, running on competing circuits. Indeed, many vaudeville acts were indistinguishable from burlesque.
The popular burlesque show of the 1870s through the 1920s was a raucous, bawdy style of variety theater. It was inspired by Lydia Thompson and her troupe, the British Blondes, who first appeared in the United States in the 1860s.
Burlesque returned to the mainstream in 1959 thanks to the American ‘Gypsy Rose Lee’ and her memoir being made into a stage musical called ‘Gypsy’. On the late 70s the film Cabaret featuring Liza Minelli was released: a film based around Burlesque and set in pre-war Germany.
Burlesque is old fashioned, but never goes out of fashion. It is regaining popularity thanks to Dita Von Tease and many other neo Burlesque artists.
Now
Burlesque is a platform for a woman to express her current views of the world through either a short satirical sketch, or a dark dystopian peek into our future. Either way, it is beautiful as all naked female bodies are. Burlesque is the expression of oneself through art and dance while feeling at one with your body and wearing as much or as little as you please.
It is an art form; a celebration of the body. It is empowerment for women and a performance that leaves the audience wanting more of what can vary from classic striptease to downright weird.
Burlesque embraces womanhood in all its glory. It is often performed in a theatrical way with singing and dancing. It is ‘bad ass’ as you have to be really fit and acts can include aerial work or pole dancing.
Burlesque is the need to take the 5th amendment. It is women that timidly put on an outfit and immediately gain the confidence to joke and proposition a man in front of their wife! It is blue feathers on a red carpet; strangers helping each other tie laces and stiletto shoes. It is collaboration and outing art into the public arena.
Burlesque is self-expression that doesn’t seem to be demeaning. It is ‘my girl’s passion’. It is total empowerment and not about body image, but about its expression. It is freedom!
Burlesque is for every shape and size. It is a transformation from being slumped to being ladylike. It is seeing each other in a new light. It is being helped and inspired by others.
Burlesque is getting your twinkle back; getting your Goddess back. You arrive feeling
downtrodden and leave feeling good about yourself; wanting to conquer the world.
Burlesque CAN be naked sexy dancing for the curvier woman. But it IS rocking it; Diva-ing it up; smiles and self-expression. It is encouragement and showing your best features. It’s looking amazing in shape wear and remembering you rock without it.