What is Burlesque?
Burlesque has been a word used since the 17th century, deriving from the Italian word ‘burlesco’, itself from ‘burla’ meaning a joke or mockery. It was used to describe this type of shows during the Victorian era, played in the suburbs of the big cities, where performers made a parody of the most famous actresses from the prestigious theatres. From this derives its typical dose of irony and the use of excessive and flamboyant costumes.
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Nowadays Burlesque is extremely popular in the UK, the US, Australia, Italy, Germany, France and in many other European countries. There are hundreds of clubs and venues where performers dance, and schools as well where women enjoy taking lessons.
It’s dancing and acting together: each performer also plays characters and from time to time she can be a diva, a pin-up, a secretary, a housewife, etc., in the game of discovering our innate power of seduction and sensuality. It’s teasing and irony together in a female form of art, light and sophisticated at the same time, with a supreme retro aesthetic.
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Burlesque combines cabaret, performing art and exotic acts. One of the distinctive features is the use of particular props and accessories, such as: long gloves, feather boas, umbrellas, balloons, hats, fans, etc. Any piece of the costume can become an accessory performers play with.
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Burlesque, as seen on the most prestigious stages worldwide, elevates the striptease to an artform, provided that official limits are set and respected. Please do not confuse Burlesque with the striptease one sees in strip-clubs!
Burlesque combines cabaret, performing art and exotic acts. It is a sensual dance, as much as belly dancing and high heels dance are. That's it.
And in addition to this, it's so much fun!
Watch the video about Burlesque's revival
World Burlesque Day is a day to celebrate Burlesque created by SapphiraMusic and SapphirasShowGirls.
Its purpose is to invite newcomers to try Burlesque because we believe it brings confidence and wellbeing benefits. All the events are aimed to let newcomers feel Burlesque the way we -passionate performers - feel it and live it.
Its purpose is to also unite the global Burlesque scene with a sense of harmony and appreciation for each other.
The date is chosen in memorial to a famous American burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee. Sunday 26 April 2020 commemorates 50 years since her sad passing. Without Gypsy Rose Lee Burlesque would not have the legacy it has today so World Burlesque Day is in her honour.
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