Under the radar of even the most astute denizens of Kansas City’s entertainment scene there was a recent no-holds-barred dust up among competing burlesque events. I only wish I had more photos of the ruckus if only because my imagination leads me to believe there were feather boas and pasties flying everywhere.
I'd like to point out that this "dust up" was not so much about gender, but about people who have worked incredibly hard in our specific field, and essentially made the Kansas City burlesque scene from scratch, not being consulted and or contacted/invited to participate in an event which clearly intended to capitalize on our hard work and effort. Anyone would be upset if put in the same situation. Burlesque is not simply a bunch of gals showing their tits to some dudes for a little scratch, as this Beaumont show was clearly intended to be.
Burlesque is not only about (the overused word) "empowerment". It means different things to different performers. It's not necessarily something that's done as a political statement, and I think to reduce it to that is missing the point. But I think we can all agree that it's fun, we like to do what we do, and it is an art form which (ideally) entails planning, rehearsal, finesse, and hopefully talent, just like any other performing art form. The thing is, many of the performers currently working in our area ARE indeed professionals. What we do is professional burlesque. We have studied and practiced and cultivated our individual styles. Time and effort and money and talent go into our routines. If the Beaumont wants amateur night, they should call it that. Not claim that "Local Burlesque Beauties" are going to compete (before what judges, with what credentials?)for $500 in cash. Very presumptiopus on their part. The THIS IS BURLESQUE show on the fourth should demonstrate a broad spectrum of what burlesque can be... From campy to sexy to even political, in some cases. It is something best experienced, not explained. Cheers, Annie Cherry
I'd like to point out that this "dust up" was not so much about gender, but about people who have worked incredibly hard in our specific field, and essentially made the Kansas City burlesque scene from scratch, not being consulted and or contacted/invited to participate in an event which clearly intended to capitalize on our hard work and effort. Anyone would be upset if put in the same situation. Burlesque is not simply a bunch of gals showing their tits to some dudes for a little scratch, as this Beaumont show was clearly intended to be.
ReplyDeleteBurlesque is not only about (the overused word) "empowerment". It means different things to different performers. It's not necessarily something that's done as a political statement, and I think to reduce it to that is missing the point. But I think we can all agree that it's fun, we like to do what we do, and it is an art form which (ideally) entails planning, rehearsal, finesse, and hopefully talent, just like any other performing art form. The thing is, many of the performers currently working in our area ARE indeed professionals. What we do is professional burlesque. We have studied and practiced and cultivated our individual styles. Time and effort and money and talent go into our routines. If the Beaumont wants amateur night, they should call it that. Not claim that "Local Burlesque Beauties" are going to compete (before what judges, with what credentials?)for $500 in cash. Very presumptiopus on their part. The THIS IS BURLESQUE show on the fourth should demonstrate a broad spectrum of what burlesque can be... From campy to sexy to even political, in some cases. It is something best experienced, not explained. Cheers, Annie Cherry