Spotlight on Burlesque: Extravagance, Style and Empowerment
At Westward Bound, we are lovers of all things avant-garde, appreciators of the eccentric and enamoured by all that seek to thrill and excite. This passion naturally leads us to the world of burlesque. Daring, extravagant and over-the-top, burlesque is an enduring art form for good reason. From modest roots to opulent costumes and custom-built sets, we explore the rich history of burlesque in the UK and across the pond.
Contents
What is the origin of burlesque?
What is the history of burlesque in the UK?
What is the origin of burlesque?
The word “burlesque” is derived from the Italian “burlesco”. This, in turn, comes from the Spanish “burla”, meaning a joke, ridicule or mockery. Burlesque’s origin is theatrical and extravagant, overlapping with caricature, parody and travesty. The word burlesque first appeared in satirical European literature in the early 14th century. In the early 18th century, “burlesque” described musical works combining serious and comic elements.
The earliest aspects of burlesque were seen in ancient Greek comedy and Roman theatre.
What is the history of burlesque in the UK?
In the early iterations of UK burlesque, performances revolved around satire and bawdy comedy, poking fun at the class system. Despite popular belief, burlesque was very much a clothed art form. Aside from the occasional flash of ankle or snug trousers, burlesque relied primarily on saucy sketches and clever parody to draw in the audience.
Lydia Thompson
One of the UK’s most prominent burlesque performers was Lydia Thompson. Lydia was a trailblazing figure. She was the first woman to wear tights on stage in 19th-century England and took her unique brand of Victorian burlesque stateside in 1868.
Lydia and her burlesque troupe “The British Blondes” took their first production, “Ixion, or, The Man at the Wheel”, to New York theatres, shocking audiences with their revealing attire and women depicting male roles. The production was immensely popular, making Lydia and her troupe over $370,000 in their first season in the US.
Lydia continued performing until she was 66. Her final performance was in 1904 as the Duchesse du Albuquerque in “A Queen’s Romance.” She died in 1908 at the age of 70. Lydia is remembered for her and her troupe’s contribution to burlesque and feminism, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the societal pressures women face.
USA – striptease burlesque
In the early 20th century, burlesque began to boom in the US. Unlike the UK iteration, American performers leaned into the art of striptease. Giant props, extravagant costumes and over-the-top sets were the cornerstones of American burlesque. Classic stars like Sally Rand and Gypsy Rose Lee were noted for their fan dancing, witty style and casual approach to striptease that made burlesque so popular in the mid-1900s.
Modern burlesque
The modern take on burlesque honours the history of the art form while surging it forward into the 21st century. Dita Von Teese is credited with bringing the art form back into the spotlight as she rose to fame throughout the 1990s and remains one of burlesque’s most popular figures. Dazzling sets, haute-couture costumes and collaborations with designers like Elie Saab and Christian Dior have made Dita Von Teese the face of modern burlesque.
From the glitz and glamour, burlesque thrives on the smaller stages. With a focus on body-positivity and shame-free self-expression, modern burlesque is stylish, and fun, incorporating elements of striptease, cabaret, aerial skills and humour.
The purpose of burlesque no longer lies in gratification for men but self-expression of the performer and empowerment of the women in the audience.
What is a burlesque look?
Many people associate burlesque with nudity, but arguably, burlesque is more about keeping clothes on than taking them off.
Costumes are vital to a burlesque performance, and each artist has a unique style. From classic corsets to custom-made props, burlesque attire is an art form in itself.
That said, certain garments and accessories make frequent appearances in burlesque costumes.
Corsets
Corsets accentuate all your best features by design, so it’s no wonder they have become commonplace in burlesque performances. A latex corset adds an extra layer of intrigue to a burlesque look with its inimitable shine. Plus, with customisable colours from Westward Bound, your latex corset can fit effortlessly into your show.
Mitts & Gloves
Sophistication in the form of latex gloves adds a playful touch to any burlesque performance. Whether you’re keeping them on or stripping them away, gloves are especially alluring when the rest of your look is minimal.
Pasties and tassels
A classic sight in burlesque performances, pasties and tassels are perfect for bringing out any inner showgirl. Provocative and playful, the history of pasties and tassels in burlesque can be traced back to the late 19th century. They are synonymous with the illusion of nudity throughout burlesque and showgirl history.
Our latex collection is perfect for burlesque performers. With customisable colour options and various themed collections, from couture styling in our Cirque-Bourgeois range to the commanding feel of the Signature Pinstripe Collection, there is something to suit every performer.
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