What Is Burlesque Dancing?
You may have heard of the style of dance, but exactly what is burlesque dancing? While it may seem like a relatively modern dance, burlesque has ancient origins. However, what is considered burlesque dancing now rose as an art form centuries later. So, what is burlesque-style dance?
Burlesque is a seductive dance style that includes suggestive dialogue and often elaborate costumes. In America, it first gained popularity in the Victorian era but began losing traction during the 1930s, when popular culture began to fixate on morals and modesty, according to Modern Intimacy. However, the burlesque style had a resurgence in the 1970s and continues to be a popular entertainment style of dance today.
Neo-burlesque, which is what contemporary burlesque is often referred to, has been made popular by dancers such as Dita Von Teese and Raquel Reed. It also made an impact on pop culture with the movie Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher.
Recently, Burlesque the Musical, which is based on the movie, is coming to stages throughout England. This guide will dive into the question of “What is burlesque dancing?” and what a burlesque show is like.
Jump to Section
- So What Is Burlesque Dancing, for Beginners?
- How to Become a Burlesque Dancer
- What Happens at a Burlesque Show?
So What Is Burlesque Dancing, for Beginners?
What Are the Origins of Burlesque?
As stated, burlesque’s origins began in ancient Greece. During the 5th century BC in Athens, burlesque was often incorporated into plays. Playwright Aristophanes wrote Lysistrata, a sexual comedy set during the Peloponnesian War.
However, to get an answer to what burlesque dancing is in contemporary times, you have to first look at the Victorian era in Europe. During this time, modesty was the cultural norm. The first burlesque dancers in England bleached their hair and wore flesh-colored tights when they performed on stage.
These tights allowed the dancers to remain covered while appearing nude. But even the appearance of nudity was scandalizing to the modest Victorian audience. Using nude-colored tights was the ingenious thought of Lydia Thompson. This dancer created The British Blondes, a scandalous but best-selling dance troupe.
Despite the public outrage, burlesque performances continued to gain popularity. The Dancing Blondes went on to perform in New York in 1868 and thus American burlesque was born. However, burlesque gained popularity throughout the world. This was the beginning of the cancan, the Moulin Rouge and Follies Bergere became must-see shows in Paris.
Burlesque continued to gain popularity with stars like Gypsy Rose Lee, Rosita Royce, Evangeline the Oyster Girl and Lili St Cyr rising to fame. The style of dance also evolved. From once scandalous nude tights to the inclusion of over-the-top props and theatrical performances. Different styles of burlesque also developed, creating three main categories that contemporary burlesque is sorted into: cabaret, striptease and traditional burlesque.
So, since strip teases are a common part of burlesque, you may be wondering the difference between burlesque and stripping. Burlesque is focused on an overall performance and often has a theatrical element. Nudity isn’t expected in burlesque shows, unlike stripping. And burlesque performers tend to use a variety of different talents in their acts. The two also tend to differ based on music and performance style.
What is Burlesque Dancing Music?
It can range from classic jazz and blues to modern pop. Burlesque dances can be done to big bands or recorded music. The music can also be parodies of well-known songs if the performances are more comical.
What is the point of burlesque dancing? Burlesque dancing is an empowering theatrical performance combining many different forms of art and creativity. Many performers use it as a means of personal exploration into one’s sensuality and sexuality. A witty, racy, comical and satirical form of entertainment brings audiences in. And, of course, the love of the art itself drives many burlesque dancers.
Burlesque vs Cabaret
When going to see a show, you may wonder about the differences between burlesque and cabaret. While they may seem similar, the two styles of entertainment are quite different.
So, what is burlesque dancing, and how does it differ from cabaret? During a burlesque show, there are dance routines that often have seductive and comical elements. Burlesque dancing is typically done to recorded backing tracks or live bands and has more revealing costumes.
Cabaret, on the other hand, has much more of a comical element. Cabaret shows usually have performers singing humous songs to either live or recorded musical accompaniment. While there may be some dancing, the live singing is more of a draw for the cabaret. Cabaret also tends to have more audience interaction.
Both cabaret and burlesque provide engaging performances. Burlesque dancing is a diverse art form that incorporates many styles.
How to Become a Burlesque Dancer
Burlesque dancing is an enticing world, so many people wonder how they can become a burlesque dancer. To enter this fun and glittery world, it’s a good idea to start with dance classes in Chicago, dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in Seattle or online dance classes to learn the art of burlesque dancing. You’ll often learn some simple moves and dance choreography to help build a routine.
Because Burlesque dancing is often influenced by other styles, you may want to consider learning how to belly dance, how to slow dance, how to salsa dance or how to line dance to give yourself a few moves to draw from. It’s also important to do dance stretches and strength training to make yourself a stronger dancer.
Once you have done a few classes, look for burlesque clubs in your area. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local burlesque scene. Get to know performers and club owners and learn more about the industry.
Help in the back of the house by helping with burlesque dancer costumes or in the front of the house by helping with the box office. Networking is a great way to get to begin your burlesque career.
Many burlesque performers do it for the love of the art since a burlesque dancer salary isn’t very high. The average hourly pay in the United States is $17.18 an hour. Of course, this varies depending on the location, the club or venue and the performer’s experience.
It’s also important to note that a good portion of a burlesque dancer salary often goes to creating and maintaining acts. It wouldn’t be bad idea to improve your sewing skills to create your own burlesque dancer costume or be able to source your own props.
Experienced burlesque dancers may wonder how to become a dance teacher to teach others the art form. Working at or opening a studio is one of the best ways to bring burlesque to a new audience.
What Happens at a Burlesque Show?
Burlesque dancing is cheeky and sensual, so you can expect solo and group dance performances, comedic sketches and dirty jokes. So, what are burlesque dancing styles? There may be comedy, tap dancing, acrobatics and gymnastics.
There will usually be a host or a master of ceremonies that will introduce acts and keep the show moving forward. Burlesque dancing is meant for adults, so venues may have age restrictions that are 18 or 21 years or older.
Expect fun costumes with glitter and sequins that may be revealing. Some shows may have implied or full nudity. Intricate performances, fun props and upbeat music. Adaptions like the movie Burlesque and the stage performance Burlesque the Musical are great examples of the kind of acts you may see at a live burlesque show.
Some people have heard of the style, but many still do not completely understand what burlesque dancing is. Burlesque dancing is an art form that is witty, seductive and beautiful. Many burlesque dancers feel empowered when on stage, loving how entertainment and personal exploration converge into a visually pleasing art form.
You can’t explain burlesque dancing without acknowledging trailblazers like Dita Von Teese and Raquel Reed, who popularized contemporary burlesque dancing as entertainment. Through their efforts, burlesque dancing has grown significantly and now attracts dancers and audience members from all walks of life.
To learn even more about dance, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
