Curtain rises on inaugural burlesque festival
Two nights of comedy, glamour and sexy shows by locals and performers from across the country
It will likely start with a saucy wink, a twist of the hips and probably showing some leg.
The first Atlantic Burlesque Festival, hosted by Atlantic Burlesque Co-operative, will be held in Halifax on May 17-18 at Neptune Theatre’s Scotiabank Studio Stage.
“For me, it’s glamour and fun and a lot of tongue in cheek, a little comedy here and there, and maybe it will be sexy,” said Laura Selenzi (a.k.a. Madam Selenzi).
A lot of people think burlesque is like the 2010 movie starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, Selenzi said, but Halifax burlesque is goofy and sometimes very clever.
“People will often have a gimmick or a hidden joke within their costume or the way they’re performing the song so it’s often very funny. It’s of course sexy but in a way that feels really empowering.”
Burlesque was a form of theatrical entertainment that started in Europe in the 19th century. It was all about parodying serious works of literature, drama or music. In the early days, it featured scantily clad performers doing comedy acts and musical numbers with a side of social commentary and political satire.
Those elements run strong through burlesque today with elaborate costumes and stripteases, providing performers with elements of empowerment and self expression.
BUMS IN SEATS
When burlesque legend Judith Stein — who will be headlining the festival — transitioned from topless go-go girl to burlesque in the early ’70s, it was the beginning of a career.
“In my generation and the generation before me, burlesque was a job as opposed to a hobby. As a job, you were paid to entertain, to put bums in the seats and most of our audiences were men,” Stein said in a phone interview from her home in Nelson, B.C.
Back then, burlesque performers were expected to be sexy, provocative and not expected to make a statement other than it was a way for women to support themselves. It should be a walk through memory lane when Stein lands in Halifax next month — she last performed here many decades ago “at the infamous Lobster Trap” (The Fabulous Lobster Trap Cabaret), she remembered. “I loved that place. I ate my own weight in seafood.”
Stein is slated to run a workshop and perform at the festival. But burlesque is a different beast at 76.
“I can’t do the splits anymore. The boobs are a little lower and the thighs are a little bit more flabby,” Stein said.
“But the bottom line is I still know how to entertain.”
IT’S TIME FOR HALIFAX
It was time to spotlight Halifax’s burlesque scene with a festival, said organizer Catherine Richardson (a.k.a. Vanessa Buttercup).
“We have a creative and talented group of people out here that are in the burlesque scene.”
Selenzi said the tight, supportive community in Halifax is one of the best parts about it.
“I think what’s really special here is an attitude of collaboration. A lot of different people have put on burlesque shows but I find the community is very collaborative and welcoming.”
The festival will give artists some of the same opportunities to connect and learn like there is in larger cities, Richardson said.
“We’re certainly getting there but this will help as a great first step.”
The two-day festival will have vendors and workshops, plus two main showcases with performances from artists across Canada.
“I hope it shows how fantastic we are as a community. I also love how much we can encourage more collaboration and communication between troupes in the city. I hope it’s a great inspiration to really launch more burlesque across Atlantic Canada,” Richardson said.
“I think we have a small but mighty community.”
MEET MIAMI MINX
Miami Minx (a.k.a. Fabian Moreno) is ready to go. The Montrealer, originally from Miami, Fla., is headlining in Halifax.
“If you’re to go see a burlesque show from Miami Minx, there is definitely going to be a lot of razzle dazzle, grandiose costuming and over the top energy,” Moreno said in a recent phone interview. “I’m really emotive and I’m really just a ball of energy when I’m performing on stage.”
The first Halifax festival shows how burlesque is flourishing even outside of the country’s biggest cities.
“It goes to speak to how our industry and craft is growing across Canada. I think it’s important for the artform but also for the artists who partake in it,” said Moreno. “It allows for more space and opportunities and bigger stages for local performers.”
Tickets for the Atlantic Burlesque Festival are on sale now.