WTF iz Burlesque?

WTF iz burlesque?

Pssssht…I don’t even know how to begin to crack the surface of such a broad question. Well, like with anything, it’s prob best to start at the beginning right? Ok…here goes…

You’d be surprised how many people don’t know the literal definition of what “Burlesque” means. If someone asked you right now, could you tell them? If they said “hey, tell me in 1-2 sentences what burlesque means…” I bet you’d have a difficult time tryin’. Am I right? Well, here…lemme help!

The werd Burlesque in a nutshell means “in an upside down style”. A burlesque will usually over exaggerate a popular social topic making it a parody of it’s self. The parody can be humorous or grotesque. The performance is usually live n’ can be done in a multitude of ways…most of us are familiar with the “strip” element. It doesn’t always have to be this way, but that’s what most of us associate with burlesque….

Za Boobiez!!

I’m not gonna lie, the common use of that word is NOT my favzie. I feel like it demeans the artistic integrity behind what I am doin’ as a performer…but here’s the thing… Boobiez ARE funny. And if that’s yer whole “gimmick”, as a performer or producer…ain’t no shame right (I can get down with that)?

However boobiez are the least of my worries…

We’re now getting into hybrids of burlesque that include elements from the world of fetish, cirque, performance art etc…which is muthafuggin awesome! It starts to make the world of burlesque so much more colorful and interesting, BUT when you start to mix…things can get muddled n’ unclear as to what is truly being performed. I’ve been to too many shows lately that have been deemed “burlesque”…when it’s clearly NOT a burlesque show. Just cuz you’re wearin’ pasties whilst you whip and dominate doesn’t necessarily mean you’re now a burlesque performer, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Hate to break it to yah, but pasties are not the only thing that make burlesque, burlesque! Try again…

Burlesque is becoming a “thing”. The community, the artistry, and the complexity have grown tremendously…and continue to do so. Burlesque was not always considered “socially acceptable”; people never took the time to understand just how layered this art form can be. I can safely say I was one of those people for quite some time. But I think as it becomes more socially acceptable people will have a better idea about what burlesque actually is.

Over the next couple of blogs, I’m gonna continue to talk about burlesque and what it means to be a burlesque performer. You ready? Buckle your seatbelts kidz, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!