Women empowerment in burlesque
Embracing a woman’s form is what the pinup and burlesque culture is about. Burlesque allows the everyday woman to be funny, sexy and charming while embracing her inner siren and allowing the public to share in on her story.
Historically,’ the Victorian era was not so kind to flesh,’ says Dita Von Teese, in her book Burlesque and the Art of the Teese/Fetish and the Art of the Teese.
“The softer and lovelier the skin, the more fabric they dumped on top of it. Thus, when a group of young Englishwomen bleached their hair and donned flesh-coloured tights for the stage, they scandalised - and thrilled - Britain. The tights were an ingenious coup, giving the impression of naked flesh while remaining covered. What was the Queen to say? Who cared? Aristophanes was hooting from his grave.”
Nowadays, Vintage inspired women like Elle, find strength within their powerful ‘golden era’ role models.
“The people that I have obsessed about through my lifetime. were musicians like Billie Holiday and women that have persevered in an environment that was really difficult.”
Kitten Monroe, a burlesque performer, model and Toronto’s own Marilyn Monroe tribute artist gets the name from her looks and impeccable style. It is well-deserved since sitting with her is like a glimpse back in time with Marilyn herself. She arrives at our interview wearing classic Marilyn look - baby blue high-waisted pants, and neatly pinned curls tied up in a headscarf.
She admits that her journey hasn’t always been an easy road for her.
“Becoming a performer was a part of me finding myself,” she said. “I have a very storied history and growing into this person was kind of like the rainbow at the end of that story.”
Even while suffering with severe anxiety, Monroe was able to overcome her fear and get onstage.
“It’s about being present in the moment, it’s not worrying about where you were before or where you’ll be tomorrow, but loving that moment and saying, ‘this is really good and I’m going to take this idea and run with it.’” - Her motto? “Have fun and throw up later!” she jokes.
Dolly Berlin, a Toronto performer of six years tells us, “It is a joyful experience for everyone, it’s something they want to experience both onstage and off,” she adds,“I think that burlesque is something that you see and want to imitate. I see it a lot more than in any other art form.”
Burlesque is about making women feel comfortable in their own skin - no matter if you’re a size two or 22. Times have changed. In the modern age, a woman can feel free to embrace their sexuality in any way they choose. There are more than a handful of workshops and mentorships offered in the GTA alone, Dolly Berlin, and other performers have made their way into the spotlight and are now making room for other burlesque enthusiasts to join them.
