Hi folks, this is a common worry we hear about and it is one of frustration over facts.
It may help to point out to mothers and fathers, employers and aunties' neighbours that Burlesque and Striptease are different forms of entertainment and that Striptease is in many ways, the antithesis to stripping since it focuses on what you don't show rather than what you do show.
Also, Fleur- it's probably helpful to do a wee bit of research in to stars of old and today on both sides of the Atlantic in order to show your mother the range and variety on offer to you - and her.
If she is determined to follow the misconception that burlesque is striptease and that striptease is stripping, then you will do better to show her an alternative, older interpretation rather than try and change her mindset on modern imagery. Go to it's theatrical roots and show her that it is a healthy and enduring form - it just has two different cultural branches now.
My short history might help -
click here.
i.e. If your mum finds Carry On movies acceptable viewing, then you are half way to winning her over. Burlesque really is the main pillar of British humour - it's satirical, silly and saucy and it has been the backbone of popular theatre since the 18th century. Even Morcambe and Wise burlesqued 'The Stripper'!
The striptease elements are really modern and not actually relevant to Traditional Burlesque unless they are part of a narrative.
If you can get her to appreciate that the word 'burlesque' means exactly the kind of light hearted bawdy entertainment that she grew up with, you may find it easier to show her that the more modern American reinterpretation of burlesque is although more risque than satirical, still all about the theatrical side of saucy.
If she recognises that your doing a routine doesn't necessarily mean you will be taking your clothes off in public for the sake of titillating others, she may loosen up to the idea. Comedy is a powerful negotiator.
Perhaps if she saw our site, she'd be more reassured? Our
agency site gives definitions for each category and i doubt there is anything on there to offend.
If it helps, you could mention that the MoB (i.e. James and I) have never had any interest in the stripping industry (it has simply never entered our lives) and our brand of entertainment is popular with all sorts of people - we often produce shows for major corporate firms including Vodaphone and The BBC.
Mums and dads are probably more worried about their offspring been seen as a 'sex object' and becoming vulnerable rather than worrying about what we actually do whilst performing.
Perhaps your mum would enjoy a good burlesque show and be reassured in seeing the range of ages and the number of women in attendance - why not take her out?
I hope this helps!
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