"There's an old joke that strippers work for money and burlesque dancers work for applause. For many of them, it's not the way they make a living - they just do it because they like to do it." – Eric Hall; former show business agent
Burlesque is a form of entertainment and, indeed way of life that constantly wriggles free from definition. Not surprising considering its Victorian upbringing; the naughty bastard child of the stage. Lambasting the social hypocrisies of the day, provoking the working class to jeer the plays, operas and acceptable entertainments enjoyed by the rich. The risqué aspect of the performers’ costumes only adding to the shaking of the convention tree; far from mindless titillation here was an essential element in the evolution of social satire.
Burlesque Today – the Boa Bites Back
After having almost completely dropped off the radar burlesque has in recent years seen a decided resurgence. But times have changed and ironically it is burlesque, once the mocker, who is now at the receiving end of society’s lash. We live in an era where all must be categorized, sanitized and filed; in which dusty drawer is burlesque to be hidden? Its new face has many forms – those that continue with the tradition and incorporate tongue-in-cheek humor with meticulously costumed and choreographed performances.
These are true aficionados, both professional and amateur, that revel in the spotlight; addicted to a corseted moment that squeezes inhibition and summons untapped confidence. But there are also those that carelessly use the word to describe an altogether different entertainment. A pole hugging strip show to the tempo of Britney’s latest offering does not a Burlesque show make; no matter how many feathers are present.
Regulating Performing Art
In certain districts authorities have been pushing for adult licensing for club owners intent on presenting burlesque acts. This offers a confusing situation that highlights the divide between what is considered art, exploitation and purely sexual entertainment.
"It is an art form and if you start banning or licensing art forms, you’ve got to go across the board and look at everything." – Ruby Rose, founder of the Burlesque Women’s Institute.
Many burlesque performers fear that adult licensing will further stigmatize their profession and drive away audiences. There is much debate on both sides concerning the proposed regulations. Supporters fear the possibility of female intimidation outside of unregulated venues and the feminist view of burlesque has also been widely discussed. Empowerment, it would seem, is very much in the eye of the beholder.
Burlesque – Stripping by any other Name?
It is testament that many frequenters of strip shows would be braying in minutes at a burlesque revue for a refund. Although acts vary widely it is not about the strip as much as the tease; entire performances can conclude without any nudity at all. Many lovers of burlesque are drawn more to what’s being worn that what is not; antique stockings, corsets, flamboyant hats and of course the mandatory fans.
This is performance art with a rich history. It has incorporated aspects of vaudeville and cabaret whilst always retaining its core elements; a refreshing tendency to not take itself too seriously, bawdy parody and a sense that it is a true theatrical experience. Unlike the world of stripping, that of burlesque is largely run by women. It is an environment that prides itself, and is well known for attracting a feminine form that does not require judgment for admittance.
Accessable Free Expression
"While I still hold a few reservations, and have no doubt that many see burlesque as exploitative and demeaning, I cannot bring myself to disapprove of something that let me celebrate my body and feel utterly at home in my skin. In these days of the ever-raging ‘size-zero’ debate, cosmetic surgery and surveys which constantly tell us how few women actually feel happy with their bodies. I think that we should not totally discredit something that makes many women feel happy and confident about themselves so easily, and we are perhaps missing some wider issues with how society views and expresses female sexuality by narrowly condemning things such as burlesque". – Chloe Emmott, The F-Word; Contemporary UK feminism (2007).
Burlesque has always thrived on being non-conformist and who now isn’t crying out for entertainment with an edge? Our movies invariably fall into formula; our music has few stars of substance. Performers of another age cut their teeth on the spontaneity of burlesque and maybe this is where its real power lays. It is a platform from which almost anyone can throw on an alternate persona and shed their inhibitions – even if it’s just for their few minutes beneath the hot lights.
Resources:
- Stripping vs. Burlesque; It’s a Bombshell’s World (2008)
- Empower burlesque? BBC News Magazine; Dangerfield, Andy (2009)
Related Articles:
- Burlesque Classes and Workshops - Where to Find Burlesque Schools in the USA
- New York's Battle over Burlesque - The Skinny on Striptease in Depression-Era New York
- The Burlesque Hall of Fame: Miss Exotic World, a Weekend Long Celebration of the Best of Burlesque
Sources:
- The New York School of Burlesque
- Burlesque FAQs – Sharon Davis
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