No show has been as memorable as the Toronto Burlesque Festival. This is its 4th year and I have never missed it. Every year, it gives me so much to think about with all the themes explored in every act and all the different ways of self expression. It’s a rollercoaster ride that makes me fall in love with Burlesque even more.
Burlesque has seen a serious revival since the 1990’s and now, Toronto has become one it’s most fantastical playgrounds. It’s made me think about how it came to be what it is today. Burlesque, in the 1860’s, originally began as a troupe that produced a parody of the popular theatre play on at the time, with women playing the men’s roles. Since then, it has assimilated music, comedy, striptease and cabaret and evolved into the pin-up girl type shows popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Following its 1990’s resurgence, it now includes an eclectic range of performance styles.
From the hilarious performers to the talented ones, from the drop-dead gorgeous women to the very eccentric characters, or a perfect blend of all of the above. Basically it has always been the art form that incorporates other art forms and continues to push the envelope. It is the place where creative minds come together and think about the different elements they can bring together to create a show that is completely unique.
Jen's thoughts were:
Ishy convinced me to go to the World Burlesque Festival in Toronto this past summer. Normally, when someone pitches the idea of going to a show with half-dressed women, I'm usually not one to jump in line. But this show was extraordinary.
I admire that the artists not afraid to be so open on stage, which many of us consider to be one of the most private aspects of our lives. It was a mind-blowing collage of music from techno to Andrea Bocelli, costumes (owls, butterflies, birds, it's like the Lion King and then some) themes performed by tons of different body types.
This is one of the songs I can recollect: Ooh La La by Goldfrapp
As for the pics by Jen:
Ottawa’s Bambi Van Boom brought together the best of ballet and fan dance as she performed her entire striptease en pointe to the nostalgic, French sound of Edith Piaf.
Toronto’s Charlotte Webber and Dew Lily (of The Coquettes) sensually undressed each other while performing acrobatics on a spinning aerial hoop. I proclaim this moment to have been the most mouth-watering of the show, I felt like I had been let in on a juicy secret.
Burlesque has seen a serious revival since the 1990’s and now, Toronto has become one it’s most fantastical playgrounds. It’s made me think about how it came to be what it is today. Burlesque, in the 1860’s, originally began as a troupe that produced a parody of the popular theatre play on at the time, with women playing the men’s roles. Since then, it has assimilated music, comedy, striptease and cabaret and evolved into the pin-up girl type shows popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Following its 1990’s resurgence, it now includes an eclectic range of performance styles.
From the hilarious performers to the talented ones, from the drop-dead gorgeous women to the very eccentric characters, or a perfect blend of all of the above. Basically it has always been the art form that incorporates other art forms and continues to push the envelope. It is the place where creative minds come together and think about the different elements they can bring together to create a show that is completely unique.
Jen's thoughts were:
Ishy convinced me to go to the World Burlesque Festival in Toronto this past summer. Normally, when someone pitches the idea of going to a show with half-dressed women, I'm usually not one to jump in line. But this show was extraordinary.
I admire that the artists not afraid to be so open on stage, which many of us consider to be one of the most private aspects of our lives. It was a mind-blowing collage of music from techno to Andrea Bocelli, costumes (owls, butterflies, birds, it's like the Lion King and then some) themes performed by tons of different body types.
This is one of the songs I can recollect: Ooh La La by Goldfrapp
As for the pics by Jen:
Ottawa’s Bambi Van Boom brought together the best of ballet and fan dance as she performed her entire striptease en pointe to the nostalgic, French sound of Edith Piaf.
Toronto’s Charlotte Webber and Dew Lily (of The Coquettes) sensually undressed each other while performing acrobatics on a spinning aerial hoop. I proclaim this moment to have been the most mouth-watering of the show, I felt like I had been let in on a juicy secret.
Fast-paced, sizzling, salsa inspired Burlesque by Toronto’s Frenchie Fatale(of Glamour Puss Burlesque) and Carlos Caliente.
Toronto’s Mahogany storm might just be sexier than Prince. Strutting around in heels and a magnificent body, his moves could put Beyonce to shame.
Les Coquette’s Billie Black, tied up with red rope in the Japanese bondage art style, performs her aerial silks act. I loved the contrast of the free flowing silks wrapped around her body and the rope binding.
I’m going to let the Evil-Hate Monkey speak for himself. En pointe.
No show is complete without a little bit of political humour!
Toronto’s Mahogany storm might just be sexier than Prince. Strutting around in heels and a magnificent body, his moves could put Beyonce to shame.
Toronto’s Coco Framboise is the queen of tease. Her luxurious costumes are like props that come off little by little. She is known to captivate her audience just using her alluring eyes.
Melody Mangler left me dreamy with her surreal, wind blown tease. Complete with butterflies that flew out of her clothes.
One of the most spectacular performances. To the sounds of opera, Chicago’s Jett adore contemplates and expresses the dance of the peacock. Alternating between strutting his peacock feathers and strutting his sexy self hidden underneath, he used his entire body to become one with his peacock alter-ego.
Roxi Dlite, also known as the Drinkin’, Smokin’, Strippin’ Machine, plays an exquisite creature of the jungle.
Burlesque is about loving ourselves exactly as we are and having a ton of fun with it. You set the standard. Which is why the audience is a diverse mix of people from all ages and backgrounds. And have a huge participating role in cheering on the performers and arriving dressed up their sexiest.
Which is why next year, you should go. Another great reason is that it is produced by Toronto’s own Burlesque community (Members of Skin Tight Outta Sight, Coco Framboise and more!). See http://www.torontoburlesque.com/ for more yummy pics.
Melody Mangler left me dreamy with her surreal, wind blown tease. Complete with butterflies that flew out of her clothes.
One of the most spectacular performances. To the sounds of opera, Chicago’s Jett adore contemplates and expresses the dance of the peacock. Alternating between strutting his peacock feathers and strutting his sexy self hidden underneath, he used his entire body to become one with his peacock alter-ego.
Roxi Dlite, also known as the Drinkin’, Smokin’, Strippin’ Machine, plays an exquisite creature of the jungle.
Burlesque is about loving ourselves exactly as we are and having a ton of fun with it. You set the standard. Which is why the audience is a diverse mix of people from all ages and backgrounds. And have a huge participating role in cheering on the performers and arriving dressed up their sexiest.
Which is why next year, you should go. Another great reason is that it is produced by Toronto’s own Burlesque community (Members of Skin Tight Outta Sight, Coco Framboise and more!). See http://www.torontoburlesque.com/ for more yummy pics.
Sultry glances,
Ish
Being illegally young In the 80’s, I was unable to fully enjoy the joys of spandex body suits and big hair. That’s okay because Les Coquettes 80’s themed show ‘Where’s the Beef?!’ taught me everything I need to know about the 80’s. Here’s a glimpse of what I learnt:
Georgie Gates introduced me to a much sexier version of Paula Abdul’s ‘Straight Up’. I do want to love you forever, Georgie.
Dew Lily does Prince. Dew Lily is definitely the cherry on every pie.
I loved the Ninja Turtles as a little girl. Now I love them more.
