The world of burlesque is full of sequins, beautiful women, and exotic dance moves. It allows women to feel sexy and confident, while entertaining a larger audience. But the community itself goes beyond that, and it involves more than just good looks and fancy dresses. It's sexy and empowering for the women involved in it. Here, we go inside the world of the professional burlesque community.
History. Burlesque has been around since the 17th century, and was initially used to describe a type of humorous theatre that was often performed in the 1600s and 1700s.
Community. But nowadays, burlesque is akin to sequins, nipple tassels, and bright red lipstick. But the people involved in the burlesque community will tell you that to them, it’s much more than that.
Body image. ”Doing burlesque has definitely had a positive effect on my body image. I've always enjoyed my body, but as a woman, I've been bombarded with advertisements and popular media telling me how I ‘should' look my entire life and have gone through various stages of insecurities. Burlesque has opened my eyes to what people look like when they're not photoshopped and has helped me to accept and be proud of every bit of me: my freckles, stretch marks, cellulite, etc,” says burlesque performer Bunny Buxom, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
Sexuality. For a lot of women, burlesque has not only helped them become more comfortable with their bodies, but it has also allowed them to get in touch with their sexuality.
Beauty. "Burlesque was the start of me really getting in touch with my body and my sexuality in ways that I hadn't done before. I used to be the type of person who would be happy as a brain in a jar and was very disconnected from my body — mostly because the only physical things that were prized growing up were athleticism or mainstream beauty, and I have neither,” said another burlesque performer, Creatrix Tiara, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
Acceptance. For some people, the burlesque community has helped them find a community and a sense of belonging that they may not have otherwise ever felt like they had before.
Passion. "It certainly changed my life. The playground wasn’t kind to me, and I’ve spent most of my thirty years battling with health problems, PTSD and crippling self doubt. But for the past ten years I have had passion and purpose as a documenter of burlesque,” writes Holli-Mae Johnson, via 21stCenturyBurlesque.com.
Thrill. Some people do burlesque for the thrill of performing, and love the feeling they get when they hit the stage. Burlesque also accepts anyone, no mater what shape or size.
Support. For one woman named Miranda, burlesque is "a supportive community who loves me for who I am, both inside and out. Even after gaining ten pounds freshman year, I still had never felt more confident in myself or my body,” reports the Tab.
Audience. Audience members that attend these shows vary, and all types of people come to see a burlesque show, but the community also has a large LGBT community.
Focus. ”The audiences are really diverse, but lately I've been focusing my energy on events that are catered toward queer, people of color, and/or feminist audiences and causes,” says Tiara, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
Experiment. A lot of burlesque performers also come into the community to explore their sexuality without fear of being judged.
Safe space. "For many women, burlesque is a safe space to explore and celebrate their sexual identities. The troupe I dance for has historically featured “QGD,” or “Queer Girl Dance,” in its shows, which features all female-identifiers and choreography that is tailored more specifically to queer sexualities,” writes burlesque choreographer, Amanda Danielson, via the Tab.
Be yourself. What people don’t know, is that burlesque varies and there are all different types of performances. But more importantly, the burlesque community is one of acceptance, and a place where you can be yourself.
No fear. "Don't be afraid to look silly, don't be afraid to stand out, and know that the glitter will cling to you for the rest of your life,” says burlesque performer Iris, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
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