What is Burlesque? Burlesk/Exotic Dancing as its also known by is a historic art form, originating from the Italian word “burla” meaning “mockery,” that has evolved since the 17th century into a celebrated expression of sensuality and feminine empowerment.
Tracing its roots back to the 1800s, burlesque began as a playful parody, often incorporating striptease elements within a variety show context.
The art form progressed through the decades but technology nearly wiped this art form out, until the new wave in the 1990s. Since its renaissance, burlesque has embraced new genres like boylesque and nerdlesque, allowing for diverse perspectives and identities to be represented on stage.
Today, burlesque stands as a powerful symbol of feminism, providing a platform for performers to unapologetically celebrate their bodies, challenge societal norms, and reclaim their agency through alluring movements and theatrical self-expression.
At its core, burlesque is an art of tease, inviting audiences to appreciate the beauty and confidence that radiates from within each performer’s unabashed embodiment of their authentic, sensual selves.
There are two main historical tranches that influenced the evolution of burlesque – the European and American traditions.
The European origins can be traced back to the Italian theatrical form of “burla” and French operas, where burlesque initially manifested as satirical sketches or parodies performed between arias.
This comedic style of burlesque eventually made its way to British opera houses and theaters.
In the 1860s, the American tranche emerged when British performer Lydia Thompson toured to New York with her burlesque troupe, introducing the art form to American audiences.
From there, burlesque flourished in the United States, often incorporating revealing costumes and shapely dancers to captivate viewers.
Both the British and American influences helped shape burlesque’s development in New Zealand over the subsequent decades due to the touring performers who came here.
While the theatrical elements evolved, one tactic remained constant through the centuries – using alluring, scantily-clad feminine performers to entice and entertain audiences with a tantalizing display of beauty and humor.
Burlesque’s roots in satirical sketches eventually blossomed into a celebrated art form celebrating unapologetic self-expression through the sensual movements and confident self-presentation of the performers on stage.
While burlesque today still captivates audiences through tantalising reveals and displays of the unclothed female form, the art has evolved to encompass multifaceted forms of expression.
Present day performers masterfully blend comedy, satire, social commentary, and creative prop work to communicate provocative narratives and entertain.
A time-honored tradition persists as well – the mentorship of burlesque elders to the next generation. Just as house mothers once took performers under their wings, legendary burlesque figures now share their invaluable knowledge and artistry with those they’ve formed close creative bonds.
Moreover, burlesque has emerged as a powerful vehicle for feminist voices and bodies. The unapologetic presence of the female-presenting performer commands the stage, their sensual self-expression becoming an act of rebellion against patriarchal norms. Through this radical self-love and reclamation of agency, burlesque asserts itself as a political force.
Rooted in satirical sketches yet blossoming into a celebrated forum for diverse stories, burlesque of the modern era retains its capacity to enthrall while advancing daring perspectives on sexuality, identity, and the human experience.
At SparkleForce Academy of Burlesque, we offer a transformative path: confidence classes #ConfidenceSchool using dance as the vehicle. Our founder, Crystal Mischief, has pioneered a proprietary framework backed by scientific research that underpins curriculum.
In #ConfidenceSchool, students learn the iconic burlesque moves and choreography, meticulously selected not just for their artistic flair but for their ability to spark physiological shifts within the body. These classes go beyond technique, harnessing the power of movement to ignite profound personal metamorphosis.
The tools and methods taught at SparkleForce can quite literally change your life. This is a bold claim, but one that Crystal Mischief stands firmly behind through firsthand experience.
The vibrant, empowered existence Crystal leads today is light years from where they began their burlesque journey – a transformation mirrored time and again through the testimonies of countless students.
#ConfidenceSchool evolved organically from the building blocks of Crystal’s own path to embodied confidence. As a fat, middle-aged performer who unapologetically bares all on stage, Crystal defies societal expectations of invisibility. “In a time when society tells me I am supposed to be invisible and not have stage time, I am creating my best work,” Crystal declares.
If you’ve ever felt too old, too fat, too tall, too short – too anything to step into your radiance, SparkleForce invites you to join this revolution of self-love and uninhibited self-expression.
Let’s create some mischief together!
Sparkleforce is a sanctuary of self-love and sisterhood. The bonds I’ve formed with other students have been just as transformative as the classes themselves.
Crystal creates an environment where every body is celebrated and every story is honored.
