What is Burlesque?
Burlesque is a risque performance style that rails against conventional structures and ideals. It is satirical with a saucy edge. Traditionally the genre encompasses a variety of acts, comedy, dance, mime, and strip tease. Burlesque has been around since the 1840’s and has evolved dramatically since its beginnings as a parody of the social classes. New burlesque or neo-burlesque tends to try to shock the audience and takes on many forms. It includes acts based on the earlier conventions of strip tease, cabaret, comedy and elaborate costumes.
