CELEBRATING THE ART OF REBELLION
Step into the exotic world of Spiegelworld burlesque, where every twist, tease, and tantalizing step evokes the illicit thrill of a whispered secret. World Burlesque Day (April 26) isn’t just a celebration; it’s a sumptuous feast for the senses – a daring dip into the decadent depths of theatrical seduction.
Originating from the playful Italian ‘burlesco’, meaning a riotous mockery, burlesque exploded onto the Victorian stage with a flourish of satire and skin. It mocked the stiff upper lips of society through scandalous parodies of high art, featuring audacious women who dared to lead and dazzle. These sirens in silk and lace pirouetted past boundaries, their boldness a beacon that crossed oceans.
When burlesque strutted onto American shores in 1868, thanks to the visionary Lydia Thompson, it morphed – a chameleon in the spotlight. It embraced the raw, raucous energy of slapstick, the sultry sway of striptease, and the pulsing beat of jazz-infused melodies. The roaring ’30s saw queens like Gypsy Rose Lee and Sally Rand reigning supreme, their every shimmy and shake a stroke of rebellious artistry.
But as the second World War’s shadow lengthened, this glorious spectacle dimmed, nudged aside by the flickering lights of new entertainment. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, the late 20th century witnessed a blazing revival. Neo-burlesque emerged, winking at its roots while wrapping its arms around themes of empowerment and unabashed body positivity.
World Burlesque Day salutes this spectacular resurgence. It’s a day to don feathers and defiance, to celebrate the art that dances on the edge of daring and the sublime. Across the globe, performers and patrons gather, their hearts beating in unison to the rhythm of ruffled skirts and raised glasses.
Today, we celebrate Spiegelworld’s finest burlesque performers, and to commemorate them, we sat down to learn more about their introductions and passions for the art.
Mayven Missbehavin
*On select performance dates.
What inspired you to enter the world of burlesque?
I grew up in a supportive home, surrounded by different art forms, and very involved in performing arts myself. Singing, dancing, acting, drumming, gymnastics, and more! When I was 17 years old and browsing MySpace, I discovered a buxom, multi-talented, stunningly sparkly woman advertising a burlesque show that would tour clubs around the country. I started researching what I could into this burlesque art form and immediately messaged her with interest. I had never really done burlesque, but I knew what cabaret was, and I wanted to learn more about the art of tease. I told her my skill sets and my dreams of being involved with her shows. She asked me my age, and I responded, and she said, “I wouldn’t be able to get you into most clubs or bars to perform, but I love your enthusiasm, and message me when you’re older.” I looked up to her and all the talented people I discovered while researching. I loved the glamour, the individuality, the passion, and the history. I fell utterly in-love.
What is your favorite part of performing burlesque?
To put it quite simply, everything! It’s been a massive part of my glittering world, and every aspect of performing burlesque brings me joy. I love the creation process and all the details coming together for an act. Telling stories, making people laugh, having people gasp, and taking people on a journey with me during my performances. The colorfully creative community of talented performers I’ve met along the way and the passion placed on stages worldwide. Performing burlesque feels electric, and it will always have a big piece of my heart now and for many years to come.
Laurie Hagen
*On select performance dates.
What inspired you to enter the world of burlesque?
While researching a showgirl role I had just landed for a play about the scandalous Profumo Affair in London (2007), I discovered a thriving underground burlesque scene in Soho, where performers had complete creative control over every aspect of their performance. Those thrown-together shows were funny, titillating, subversive, messy, and an absolute hoot! Shortly thereafter, I attended one of Miss Polly Rae’s burlesque classes, which made my face hurt from smiling so much. After class, Miss Rae invited me to audition for her troupe ‘Hurly Burly’, and a month later, I was winging my novice tassel twirling on stage. I haven’t looked back, though my twirling is just as inconsistent, I’m afraid. I blame/celebrate my lopsided boobs.
What is your favorite part of performing burlesque?
The immediate and close contact with the audience with its thrills and spills. Surprising myself, I have the guts to do it (I’m ever so shy, darling!) and how burlesque performers genuinely root for each other. Coming from a cut throat musical theatre background, where hundreds of hopefuls compete for a handful of dancing cutlery parts in the West End, it was a welcome change. Backstabbing triple threat forks!
Louis Biggs
*On select performance dates.
What inspired you to enter the world of burlesque?
I’d say, ultimately, what/who inspired me to do burlesque is a brilliant company in Australia called Briefs Factory International. They have created a unique style of male burlesque. I had such a special opportunity to perform with them, along with the likes of all the amazing shiny people part of the neo-burlesque scene in London… and of course, all the glitter and feathers.
What is your favorite part of performing burlesque?
My favorite part of performing Burlesque would absolutely be the protest. With such versatility in the art form you’re given the platform to challenge ideas like sexuality, comedy, and self-image, in your own unique style. Plus, there’s no personal growth you’ll find like taking your your clothes off for a room full of strangers.
Penny Wren
*On select performance dates.
What inspired you to enter the world of burlesque?
I first experienced burlesque as a young modern dancer, hustling to make ends meet in NYC nightlife. The creativity, power, and humor of these performers blew me away. I grew up in a highly religious household…that I didn’t agree with. So, subversive art has always caught my attention. There are so many layers of storytelling through the vehicle of nudity: nakedness that was angst, autonomy, empowerment, irreverence, joy, brains, silliness, and fun. Did I mention sensuality? I don’t think I need to, because all those things ARE sexy. Burlesque is our animal instincts beautified. It’s a realm that accepts all and embraces exploration. I am so grateful to contribute my perspective to the art form and even more thankful to be in the audience.
What is your favorite part of performing burlesque?
I want to make people laugh! Seeing someone crack up is the most gratifying experience. If I can break down someone’s walls with comedy and boobies, it’s a job well done.
Charlie Quinn Starling
*On select performance dates.
What inspired you to enter the world of burlesque?
I started in Musical Theatre, but my knowledge of burlesque in the early years came from Gypsy The Musical and learning about Josephine Baker in theatre history classes. During college and my first few jobs, I was always cast in a “sexy” or burlesque-y role, and after leaning into it, I started learning about the irreverent history of the art and that it was a haven and means of independence for women, queer and neurodivergent folks throughout history. It is and has always been inherently political. As I’ve grown in burlesque, I find more and more affinity with it and love honoring those who’ve gone before me and indulging my interests with things like drag, neo, and burlesque.
What’s my favorite thing about performing burlesque?
How involved it is. There’s the buzz of being on stage, and that comes from all types of entertainment. I’ve done theatre and sung in bands and gotten the same rush. Burlesque is so individual, though. The performer curates every aspect, from concept to costume, choreography, music, and marketing. Once you get on stage, the power dynamic and expectations are fun to play with. Burlesque is a conversation with the audience, whether we’re eliciting excitement, thought, or emotion. As a performer, I want to give everyone joy, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. As neo-burlesque performer and teacher Tigger says: “Fuck ‘em in the heart!”
Hazel Honeysuckle
*On select performance dates.
What inspired you to enter the world of burlesque?
I was living in New York City, and after going to a few shows for fun, I was hooked! The power and freedom of expression in the performers up on those stages was just so joyful and so inspiring. I took classes from Jo Boobs at the New York School of Burlesque, and I haven’t stopped since!
What’s my favorite thing about performing burlesque?
For me, it’s the freedom. I can decide to be anything I want on the burlesque stage. Whether I’m being sexy, silly, cute, creepy, or just plain strange, I know the audience will be there with me. Looking out and watching the faces change into smiles or laughter or whatever else they are feeling gives me the greatest joy.