The Last Graduating Class of Becoming Burlesque, March 18 2011, Photo by Ian West of Wedo Photo
I recently had the opportunity to attend a seminar with Judith Marcuse about Arts and Social change and it was a truly inspiring experience. Her work has helped me form a stronger sense on where I stand regarding the debate of Burlesque hobbyists and/or newer performers and the resulting issues that have come up for the Burlesque community.
I like to argue that its not necessary for everyone in BQ to be involved for the same reasons and that allowance for diversity in intention helps to create the diversity in performance and style and even people involved that makes our community a richer and more beautiful place to be.
I’ve since been able to add this to my argument.
Now every kind of dance, including Burlesque, is a form of non-violent communication. Its a way for people to express themselves and their experiences which in turn tell the stories of their communities. For most of us- its the story of a sect of middle class that NEED to create art and have stumbled into this niche. And its a niche, that by power of who is involved at this point and whether we market it as such or not, promises acceptance and expression. I think that that is a beautiful thing and is truly why I am here. I can see us sometimes getting stuck focussing on the fear that hobbyists or newer performers will somehow destroy everything we love, but forgetting that they are part of what we love. I think that we need to actively start saying that what we are doing isn’t therapy, but by nature of what we exploring and creating, things may come up and that these results can be therapeutic for both performer and audience. Got it? Not therapy, but it can be therapeutic. Art is self expression; but great art has meaning. Burlesque can be a place where we learn to trust each other, create connections, build relationships and exchange knowledge which in turn can only create meaning and value in the lives of those involved- but thats only if we let it.
