a love note to burlesque

where I ramble about my new favourite hobby and obsession

Ash

Ash

— 4 min read

I didn't mean to fall for burlesque.

But really, do any of us ever really plan to fall for the things we love?

Burlesque has always been something I was vaguely aware of, at the edges of my periphery. I didn't really know exactly what it was, and I'll admit I definitely spent a long time assuming it was for the hetero male gaze- where women are ditzy, skinny, showgirls.

But then in November of 2024 I actually went to a burlesque show[1]. To be honest, I didn't realise how many there actually were (I assumed that my city was too small and boring to have a thriving burlesque scene, but it absolutely does). A girl I hadn't seen since primary school had been doing burlesque for a few years, and one of her posts promoting the show appeared on my instagram feed. It looked really cool and interesting, so I bought my partner and I tickets and went to watch and support her.

A dramatic burlesque performance on stage under glowing blue lights. A group of performers in black latex, mesh, and strappy costumes strike powerful, sensual poses across the stage. At the center, a performer in thigh-high boots and a striking outfit with glowing wings commands the scene, framed by dancers in front and behind. The atmosphere is electric, bold, and unapologetically queer and body-positive. The word "Licentious" appears at the bottom of the image, marking the show.
The show that sparked it all!!!

The show absolutely blew my mind. I remember sitting there watching these acts and just thinking to myself "I want to do that". I could tell that the performers were doing acts they felt good doing, and that it was more about self expression than just "societally attractive woman being sexy". There were so many different types of bodies, types of identities, up on stage. It was a celebration of individuality and self love.

So I did. I signed up for a 6 week beginner term starting in Jan[2], and that first class is one of the best things I've ever done. My teacher[3] was an absolutely incredible person who taught us about the origins of burlesque*, how it began as parody and satire and over time included more risque content in opposition to censorship laws of the time. How so many staple burlesque costumes and themes were created specifically as ways to work around legal loopholes. She spoke of how nowadays the burlesque community is majority female & queer, and reminded everyone of the importance of intersectionality and diversity- that burlesque celebrates all bodies, ages, races, and ability levels, and that if a producer doesn't show that in their lineups then they're not producers worth working with.

*If you don't know much about it, I highly recommend having a read and learning more! It's really interesting history.

Places to start:
The History of Burlesque Dancing
From Bloomers to G-Strings: A History of Burlesque Underwear
Bebe Bardeaux's Burlesque History
So, Why DO We $trip?
Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show
Burlesque Documentaries

The routine we learnt was centered around the theme of self love. We were learning choreography, but also learning to connect with our bodies. The room was always full with camraderie. We'd cheer for each other, hype each other up, and laugh together at shared mistakes without it feeling embarrassing. The students from more advanced class after us would help us record our progress and when we checked the videos after we'd hear them cheering in the background as well. The people I've met through burlesque have been some of the kindest, most supportive, most fun people I've ever met.

A joyful, slightly blurry backstage selfie of myself and a group of burlesque classmates in costume. Everyone is dressed in light-colored satin slips, gloves, and accessories, smiling and laughing together. Faces of everyone apart from myself are pixellated for their privacy.
Me & some of the amazing people in my class during my first term of burlesque having a case of the giggles backstage

Performing on stage for the first time was euphoric. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more alive than standing under those lights. The crowd at a burlesque show is always so supportive, the cheering and shouting is encouraged so even the most simple glove reveal makes you feel proud. I found in a strange way that, as an agender person, it felt really euphoric. I'm a femme presenting person, I like to present as femme, but presenting as femme in life makes people assume you're a she/her cis woman, and that makes me feel gross. With burlesque though, I'm putting on this show of gender, of femininity. It's a character. Honestly, sometimes it feels like drag. But it means I can connect with that part of myself without feeling like I'm being misgendered because its about the persona and performance. Something about it is just so very Gender.

A Facebook post by Ash on the 25th of February. Identifying details are blocked out. It reads: In my neverending quest to try new things, I stumbled into the world of burlesque (sparkle emoji). I love how warm and welcoming everyone is. How diverse the community can be. How supportive and accepting everyone is. I am so so thankful to (redacted) for creating such a safe space, leading us through a wonderful 6 weeks of classes, and hyping us up on showcase night. You're an absolute delight and I'm so glad I got to start my burly journey with you, especially with such a meaningful routine!! (heart emoji). I absolutely adored our class- it was full of amazing people and it was a joy being with everyone, even just hanging out backstage or chatting around a bowl of chippies in the lead up to the show. Cue "Start of Something New" from High School Musical & a fade to black (laughing emoji). Beginners Burlesque Dance (redacted). Taught by (redacted). With (redacted).
The Facebook post I made after my first burlesque performance

So far, I've performed six groups acts, with five more I've already signed up for. I've taken classes at three different schools, and multiple one off workshops from folks in Perth as well as from visiting instructors. I've performed with poi and feather fans. I've been silly and camp, flirty and cheeky, and serious and sensual. I've learnt how to tassel (and assel!) twirl. I've done multiple photoshoots[4]. I have a growing collection of costumes, a stage name, and an instagram account where I post my videos and photos. I have two solo ideas rattling around in my brain that I'm actively working on and hoping to bring to life next year.

Ash on stage in a playful cowboy-inspired burlesque look, including a drawn on moustache. With one hand on the hat brim and the other on their hip, they strike a confident, campy pose.
I even did a WWE themed routine where I was a cowboy wrestler because the WW in WWE stands for Wild West

Maybe I'll post some more photos here later or link to videos! All I know right now is that I'm having an amazing time and I am so glad I made that decision to sign up for that January class.

-ash

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  1. The show in question was actually a kink themed burlesque show called Licentious that I highly recommend and will be performing in later this year!!
  2. There are actually a fair few burlesque schools in WA! I personally went with Sugar Blue Burlesque.
  3. The incredible Ronnie Rum Punch.
  4. CHAYLA TAYLOR MY BELOVED!!!