Twirling tassels. Sparkling sequins. Flowing feather costumes. Entrancing theatrical performances.
A growing number of men and women are finding burlesque a new, engaging and fun source of creative expression.
Burlesque is an empowering experience for women and men alike. It features a striptease highlighting satire, comedy and drama without revealing full nudity.
Burlesque embraces women and men of all races, sizes and shapes, giving them an opportunity to develop and showcase their individual performing talents in a new way.
“One of the beautiful things about burlesque is that it doesn’t matter who you are,” Peaks and Pasties Burlesque Troupe co-founder, April Robinson said. “Some people just love having the spotlight, and burlesque gives everyone the opportunity to be creative, be sexy and embrace your body to be fabulous!”
In the late 1800's, burlesque was brought to America by Lydia Thomson and her British Blondes. The country was fascinated with this new way of performing because before this, oftentimes female characters on the stage were played by males.
By the early 20th century , burlesque was seen as a popular theatrical movement that blended adult entertainment with broad comedy acts to create a saucy edge. After experiencing a gradual decline in the 1940s, burlesque has enjoyed resurgence in popularity over the past few years.
When Lindzey Martucci founded Peaks and Pasties in 2007, it was the first ever burlesque troupe in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Starting off with only eight girls, they put on their first show on March 15, 2008. Peaks and Pasties now has over 80 members with an off-branch called Boylesque that includes 25 male performers.
Burlesque is not just a female art form anymore; many men do take part in it. Anything goes in what is known today as neo-burlesque, the modern term for the classic and traditional American way of burlesque.
Martucci said one of the best parts of the experience was picking her stage name. She chooses to go by Lola Spitfire because it represents her eccentric personality.
“I am Bunny Bee on stage, but much of that creation comes through my own works of art and emotions I have attached to my burlesque life,” said Judy Mattie-Brackel, Peaks and Pasties co-founder.
By contrast, Robinson makes herself an alter ego. She said, “In my real life I am April, a hairstylist, wife and mom. In burlesque, I am Boopsie, a side show clown who branched off from the dark circus to show off her derriere to all."
At the end of the day, the men and women of Peaks and Pasties use their popularity to give back to the community. “We are constantly participating and holding events to support notable organizations such as the Suicide Prevention Society, American Diabetes Association, and local LGBT and arts organizations,” said Martucci.
“If you ask any news station within our community who Peaks and Pasties is, they all know us very well, not just because of our performances, but because of the many different ways we contribute to society,” said Mattie-Brackel.
Burlesque allows the performers to be sensual, sexy and funny. The artists creatively and dramatically remove articles of clothing to music on stage. What they reveal can be anything from a bra and panties to pasties and a thong. It gives them the opportunity to enjoy the emotional response they wish to receive from the audience.
“If someone wishes to partake in an empowering, free-form expressive entertainment with no boundaries, then burlesque is for them,” said Martucci. “Burlesque is theatrical, it is imaginative, it is uproarious and lewd, and arousing and weird. It is art!"
