For Halloween this year we decided to do something totally different and went to a burlesque show.
This is the second time we’ve been to such a show. The first time was in New Orleans and we loved it.
This time was at the Drake Hotel, in Toronto and it didn’t disappoint.
There were ten different dancers and they each had totally unique bodies, styles and acts. It was a smorgasbord of strong beautiful women (and one man) each fully in love and control of their own bodies.
Here are some of the performers we saw…
Coco Framboise
Charlie Quinn
Loretta Jean
Frenchie Fatale
Mina la Fleur
Miss DD Star
St. Stella
If you’ve never been to a burlesque show I highly recommend it.
What might surprise you about a burlesque show?
Often times there are more women than men in the audience. For the first half of this show it was 95% women in the audience. Women cheering on other women… I loved that!
The women are not all 20 years old. A couple of the ladies we saw were well into their 40’s.
They have every different type of body shape and size you can imagine and each of them celebrate their own unique form. It truly makes you see that every type of body is beautiful, not just the ones that marketing agencies are shoving down our throats all the time.
The vibe is very tongue and cheek.
The MC’s are normally hilarious.
The costumes can be spectacular.
The music is great.
There is no full nudity.
The dancers are artists, not strippers.
The women love their bodies. They love their sexuality. They are strong and powerful human beings and aren’t afraid to show it.
I felt an overwhelming sense of female pride exiting that show.
Would you ever go and see a burlesque show?
After this post, I probably would. Thanks for sharing.
I like the way you’ve described women cheering on other women and yes, its great that all shapes, sizes and both sexes are represented.
One of the locally held vintage fairs regularly has burlesque artists performing which I did find rather odd for a “family ” event on a Sunday morning. I’ve no problem women taking their clothes off but did object to the fact that the people who went to watch them (usually men of a certain age) were only there for the show as opposed to buying vintage clothing. xxx
I’ve never been to a burlesque show, although your description of it makes me think I would rather like it. I do love the styling, and the inclusivity when it comes to body shape. Would you fancy learning how to do burlesque? I can imagine you being brilliant at it, Suzanne – get thinking of a stage name! xxx
I took a burlesque workshop that I wrote a little bit about here. I’ve tried to find classes close to where I live but they are all a good 45 minutes from my house. Okay in the summer, not-so-good in the snow of winter. I would love to take more lessons though. I think you’d be quite good at it too Curtise : ) Especially after I saw your photos for VogueOff.
I go to burlesque whenever I can! Portland has a great burlesque scene. Everything you’ve said is spot on plus it makes for a really fun slightly naughty couples night out.
I would love to see a burlesque show, and I love the way you described it. Wonder if there are any in Seattle? Will have to check it out.
I have never been to a burlesque show. Don’t even know whether they have them in our cold country. (Sure they do, don’t they???) Oops… just Googled it… there is a Burlesque midnight show on New Years Eve… Sold out. Apparently I never looked for it, but it is there.
I do however adore Dita von Teese already for a long time.
Greetje
Wow! I had no idea that on a night like that there are so many different women performing. I also did not know that they come in all ages and sizes and costumes. That’s so very cool!
I have a friend who got asked to do Burlesque (in Canada, where she lives) when she was 50+. She didn’t, although she did go all nude in a solo theatre performance last year, 55 years old. She is so confident about her body and about nudity; amazing!
So yes, I would definitely go and check it out.
Oh! For sure I would see one! I am so happy that there were so many different body types. And they all look beautiful! I tried to get to one in Seattle when we were there but it was not on a night we were in town. Part of the Vegas Act we went to had two burlesque dancers but it was more tongue in cheek. Love this post! I agree! The female form rocks!
Jenni