Burlesque

Although in many people’s minds “Burlesque” may conjour images of female strippers nothing is further from the truth. In its hey day, from the 1840s to the 1960s, it was a source of music and comedy wrapped around sexuality that kept audiences entertained.

In the 1860s, Lydia Thompson’s British burlesque troupe became the toast of New York City with their first hit Ixion, a spoof that had women playing men’s roles in revealing tights. It wasn’t until the later part of the twentieth century that burlesque gained its notorious reputation.

In the early 2000s, burlesque made a resurgence with many new shows cropping up in both Europe and the Americas.  There are now shows in Manhattan, Chicago, Seattle, Montreal, and Oslo as well as Iowa (“American Pickers” Danielle Colby-Cushman’s Burlesque Le’Moustache).

The vintage look is always popular and right now Burlesque get-ups themselves are really hot. This look is especially popular because of the movie Burlesque, which embodies that showgirl vibe.

Premiering in 2010,  it featured Christina Aguilera as a small-town girl who finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by former dancer Cher.

    

Taking some of these burlesquish tidbits and integrating them into your everyday life can be fun. Personally, as you know, I love the 50’s retro style in general, so its great to mess around with this. I don’t have a lot of time to get dressed in the morning, but if I experiment a little on the weekend, then I can try it out the following week at work. Remember, it’s never too late to become a fan, you won’t regret it!

Here are some cute outfits for inspiration.

And don’t forget to show off those legs! This panty and thigh high set are from StockinGirl.

Becka Panty and Thigh High Set

Pearls, leather, feathers, corsets, and hosiery, what more does a girl need? Oh yeah, your smouldering confidence. Get out there and knock ’em dead!

– Azucena