Over the last few weeks I have come into contact with so many more people with opinions on burlesque than I have ever done. Whether this is due to the fact (and probably) I have been scheduled to the hilt with shows or the fact I actually spoke to people about it; my eyes and mind have been opened to how burlesque is being perceived.
With such a saturation of burlesque in today’s entertainment market its almost impossible not to meet someone who hasnt seen, read or heard about our beloved BurlyQ. What is sad however is the amount of people who appear jaded by it, they almost recoil at the mere mention of it. Why? Well the reasons are vast and varied. Here are just a few of them that I managed to write down/remember:
- some burlesque performers diva like attitude towards their audiences. Appearing aloof and higher status to those watching you. Doesnt sit well with some people.
- demanding own dressing room despite all other acts bunched in together. Thus appearing more important.
- same old routines: sparkling wine, Fever, bit of jiggle.
- some look like they are merely going through the motions without actually performing.
- lack of substance in concept or in process.
- its everywhere and thus no longer unique or special.
- Too much clicky and incestuous.
- everyone is a burlesque performer now so its not special.
- not always very skilled even in the basics.
- burlesque dancers just drone on about their ‘art’ like they invented it.
Some of comments were deliberately left out…they were rather mean.
I have to say with some regret I have had similar thoughts to a few of these over times. Burlesque isn’t neuroscience, its entertainment.
The world of burlesque is amazing if people put the effort in to progressing it. Without driving forward we stagnant and worse yet, die out though lack of interest. Also less of the douche mentality.
What are your views?
