Ministry Of Burlesque Community - View Single Post - Share your opinions for my research project?

Mat Ricardo · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:32 AM

1) What do you find appealing about the burlesque style, performance, or experience?

When it's done right - wit, charisma, good use of theatrical power, glamour.

2) Do you think that burlesque challenges or subverts mainstream norms of gender and beauty?

Depends who's doing it. Burlesque is just another sphere of the performing arts, so it is reliant on those that do it - which in the current burlesque world veers wildly between those that get it and use and advance the form in a smart, knowing, witty way, and those that shoot their creative load on choosing a name, and have no ideas left over for the actual performance. So: depending on the exponent of the art, it can subvert and challenge the mindset of the mainstream, or it can go right along with it and be as mainstream as Alan Tichmarsh, and about as interesting and sexy.

I guess, bearing in mind it's underground roots, it kinda should be there to challenge and subvert, but honestly, it's just another artform and like all the others, is constantly in flux.

2) What do you think about Dita Von Teese? Does she reflect authentic burlesque, or is she too commercial and mainstream?

Well, she's very successful and kinda good looking, but as a performer I think she's pretty awful. Dull act. No connection between performer and audience. No wit, or spark. Nothing special at all, in my humble opinion.