We all love burlesque, there is no doubting that. We know that it is a fabulous, empowering and fun art form that gives us all so much. However, not everyone is lucky enough to understand just how amazing burlesque is. Because of this we are often faced with questions or statements that anger us so much our tassels could fall off.Now, I’m not saying that people shouldn’t want to find out more, we want them to ask us stuff.
It would just be nice if people thought about what they were going to say before opening their mouths.
Some people just don’t seem to be able to do this when talking about burlesque, even though they can with other topics.
Here are some of the things you should never ask or say to a burlesque dancer:
Is your partner okay with you doing it?
This is one that angers me every single time.
If you genuinely want to know, yes. My partner is super supportive and loves to watch me perform.
However, if I am bluntly honest, that is none of your business.
As women we should not have to ask permission from our husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, dogs, cats, house plants. Anyone.
It is our body and we can do whatever we want with it.
I like to think if that person would ask me the same question if I was taking part in a different artform, such as singing or poetry. I doubt they would.
So basically you are a stripper?
Stop.
Strippers are incredible. They are performers, incredible performers, but burlesque is something different.
Burlesque does often contain striptease but it doesn’t have to.
When burlesque dancers do take clothes off, they do it in a way that is completely different to dancers at a strip club.
The audience for burlesque is also completely different, and people watch a burlesque show and visit a strip club for different reasons.
There are undoubtedly crossovers, but they are two different art forms, please stop saying they are the same.
Are you sure you need more rhinestones?
Okay maybe this is a bit more of a lighter one.
However, don’t you dare ever tell me to stop adding rhinestones.
In my opinion everything is better if it is sparkly.
Rhinestones are a vital part of burlesque.
Got a bra? Rhinestone it.
Need to give a bit of life back to an old costume? Add some rhinestones.
Have some shoes that are really comfortable but don’t look the best? Guess what you can add… rhinestones!
Seriously, if you think you have added enough, add a few more for good measure.
That’s not burlesque… it’s not sexy
First of all, we all find different things sexy so just because you don’t think something is, it doesn’t mean no one does.
Secondly, burlesque doesn’t actually have to be sexy.
A lot of mainstream burlesque is, so people who haven’t chosen to find out more may believe it all is.
However, burlesque can literally be anything.
It can be funny, political, about serious issues or just really really fun.
I can’t dance so I can’t do burlesque
Please don’t believe this.
Burlesque is for everyone, dance background or not.
Sure, having some dance experience under your belt and knowing certain techniques can be helpful but it really isn’t essential.
All you need to be able to do burlesque is a body.
That body can be any shape, size, age and ability.
You don’t have to be able to do the splits, be able to high kick or pirouette to do burlesque.
Some of the best burlesque acts barely move around the stage.
If you are worried about not being experienced enough to try burlesque please do give it ago – I’m sure you will be surprised.
Look after yourselves and keep sparkling,
Magenta