The word “burlesque” was originally used to describe works of musical and theatrical parody,often risquee or comic interpretations of classic works. In the late 19th and 20th Century burlesque was performed in the vaudeville theatre and music halls of America and France alongside the striptease acts with which it is now associated.

Contemporary burlesque revues comprise of striptease, music and comedy, often encompassing
elements from several genres of performance. While the art of the tease may be central to the act
dancers use ballet, belly dance, circus skills and magic to enliven their performances.

Costume is paramount to the art of burlesque with performers taking inspiration from vintage fashions, from French Revolution to Film Noir. Burlesque dancers favor heavily embellished extravagant costumes accessorised with gloves and stockings. Feathers, jewels, fascinator hats and corsets are all commonplace in a burlesque dancers wardrobe. Burlesque is often reminiscent of latter day polished glamour and sartorial intricacy. Props too are essential. Feather fans, first used by Sally Rand in the 1930’s, parasols, powder puffs and giant balloons are used to cover and reveal the figure in various states of undress thus lengthening and intensifying the tease.

Neo burlesque also boasts a fabulous array of large props for posing on such as giant shoes, powder
boxes and birdcages which help to create a nostalgic and magical effect.

Burlesque’s popularity has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, rising from relative
obscurity to an undeniable influence on art, music, fashion, film and advertising. It’s popularity is
testimony to it’s appeal to both men and women and it’s atmospheric escapism.