Red is seduction

The red lipstick is more than just a simple color. It symbolizes the character of the performer. “Red lipstick gives you that ability on stage to become someone new, something about red lipstick is seductive and sensual and I believe when someone is watching burlesque the red lipstick draws their attention, they are drawn to the performer on stage like a moth to the flame,”

“Red lipstick harks back to a classic era of burlesque, glamour and luxury. Movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and some burlesque performers identify strongly with the vintage and retro aesthetic,” Dottie Dangerfield, a burlesque dancer, trained in musical theater and classical voice, says.

Dangerfield’s shows are a fusion of lip-syncing, singing and burlesque. She likes to give the audience a show fill with theatrics, untamed expressions, humor and thrill. She isn’t afraid of go beyond her boundaries. She can be cute as well as gross, disgusting on the stage.

Lipstick was first worn in Ancient Mesopotamia where, it’s believed; women would crush up semi-precious gems to embellish their lips. During the sixteenth century in England, lip ruddiness started to gain popularity thanks to Queen Elizabeth I. Cosmetics became associated with prostitutes and performers, this is not longer the case. Nowadays, most of the performers wear red lipstick to demonstrate their character’s mood and emotions.

In the 1700s, Britain banned women from wearing it—it was a common belief that anyone who applied red lipstick was seducing men. New York almost banned it in the early 1920’s because it was believed women could poison someone with a kiss.

But what do red lips represent in burlesque? For Olive von Topp, a member of “The Femmes Rebelles,” a Guelph-based burlesque group, says that she chooses it to look more dramatic onstage. “Red is a hot, sexy colour,” she says. It represents looking good onstage. She wants her performance to stand out. She wants the audience to see her face, her facial expressions.

In burlesque community the red lipstick represent power, sensuality and statement. “I think burlesque performers and women in general started wearing red lipstick because it was defiant. To me red lipstick isn't just a simple color, red lipstick is a statement, when you wear that lipstick you are saying something about yourself,” Dangerfield explains.

“The red color make you available, make you stand up” says Monica Riutort, a former lecturer at the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at U of T. “It shows your sexuality and sensuality.” Riutort says the color typically represents fire, heat and availability. Back in the day burlesque dancers seek attention from the audience. This was a form of getting attention. Times have changed, now women are more independently, they use it because they like it.

Red Burlesque, a brand of lipstick that offers over 20 shades of red, was named after one of the most famous burlesque artists in the world, Dita Von Teese. “Nobody ever sees me without red lipstick except for a few people.” Von Teese said, in an interview with Vogue.July, 2015. She’s said that she enjoys the power that she feels when she wears red lipstick.

“Wearing lipstick on stage is powerful. There is nothing sexier than a bold and bright lip, a good lipstick can really lighten your mood and make you feel invincible,” Dangerfield concludes.