Submitted to the Burlesque Forum Mail:
I feel like I don't have a very good idea of what burlesque is like outside of maybe New York or Los Angeles. I kind of feel like that's all I ever hear about. It seems like there is at least a troupe/show or two going on in most of the big cities across the US. I would think everybody has a different flavor going on and I'd be interested to hear about that.
What is your local burlesque scene like? How many shows/troupes/performance venues are there? What styles are present? What do you think sets your city apart? Share with us a little about your local "flavor."
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6 comments:
Non existant.
Although there is a bit of a vaudville/varity scene kicking off at the moment. Hopefully that might hlep things get moving.
Over the last few years, Chicago has gone from having almost no burlesque community to having a fairly vibrant one.
There seems to be three styles of burlesque show:
-the gay/bi/lesbian themed shows
-the "Vegas-style" revue shows (similiar to a Pussycat Dolls show)
-the traditional burlesque shows
The group I perform with (The Belmont Burlesque Revue... www.belmontburlesque.com) falls into the third catagory. We've had a fair amount of success lately branching out into the larger rock clubs and doing some regional touring.
I'd like to see some more heat on our Chicago scene... right now, it seems that the only performer getting much attention is Michelle L'Amour, but our scene here is much richer and more vibrant than just one performer with just one troupe.
The scene in New Mexico is booming!
We have two burlesque troupes, one is a vintage style troupe (Belladonna Burlesque) and the other that I founded is a very neo burlesque company (Burlesque Noir, www.burlesquenoir.com).
We also have a few solo performers that produce variety shows (September Smith, Kitty Irreverent).
I am also very thankful that our local papers are very supportive and we regularly do interviews with two of them. I am also very thankful that we have done a show every month and our large shows bring in a crowd of 400-600 people.
We have a diverse audience that is very wonderful and supportive. This year Burlesque Noir was named best local performance troupe taking over the title from a local theatre group who has dominated the category for many years. I am definitely enjoying living here and doing burlesque!
We have two burlesque troupes here in New Orleans presently: Bustout Burlesque and Fleur de Tease. I haven't seen either, but am interested...haven't seen a good burlesque show since the Shim Shamettes were around.
What became of the Shim Shamettes, and Lorelei Lane, their founder? Curious to find out.
Hollie -
I don't know all the details, but if I remember correctly the Shim Shamettes parted ways a number of years ago. The remainder of the group renamed themselves the Southern Jeze-belles and continued performing after Lorelei left. No clue what happened to her.
Thanks for the update! I enjoyed seeing the Shim Shamettes and Lorelei. I have an acquaintance who was a Shim Shamette...maybe I can find out from her about what happened.
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