Burlesque Shows - Still Alive and Kicking!

Circus music. Pretty girls. Heavy make-up. These are just a few terms one could use when describing the experience of a burlesque show. The sexy, satirical performances put on by the ladies are in your face yet teasing at the same time. Revealing as much as possible while still letting the imaginations of their customers run wild with curiosity, craving just a little more. And then just like that, she walks off the stage. Of course, she will be back for the next performance in an hour; will she provoke your inner passions by showing off a little more or instead maybe the dancer shows even less. Either way, you'll have to stick around to find out.

Many people automatically relate burlesque dancing with stripping and even pornography, and while it may have helped bring these forms of entertainment into the mainstream, they are by no means the same thing and should never be confused in this day and age. One big difference is that cabaret or burlesque does not necessarily include nudity. While many performances do, there are groups and shows that are focused on providing fun, wholesome, classic entertainment for the entire family.

The world of burlesque is all about fun and exciting entertainment, and living for the moment at hand. With its roots dating all the way back to the mid 1800's, burlesque dancing reached its peak in the early 1900's. But many shows are still around today. There are still permanent establishments dedicated strictly to burlesque entertainment, as well as travelling shows that tour from city to city and perform in arenas, clubs and even bars.

Hollywood, California hosts several of the most popular burlesque establishments in the world, such as Jumbo's Clown Room, the Spanish-themed El Cid, and King King just to name a few. But you don't need to go all the way to Hollywood to enjoy a classically-styled cabaret or burlesque show. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania you can find The Hellcat Burlesque, the Boston Babydolls who even offer classes in their area, as well as the numerous weekend shows that highlight the night life in New York City.

But some many burlesque and cabaret performance shows will come to you, as well. For example, performers such as Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey, a burlesque entertainment group based out of New York play regular shows at establishments and venues all around the United States. They have even been recently featured on the updated version of The Gong Show on Comedy Central.

The Yard Dogs Road Show combines their burlesque stage performance with fire-eating, sword swallowing and other old routines that help make circus and carnival sideshows famous all around the world. This group, who describes themselves as a 'hobo cabaret', has been playing in arenas, bars, and at outdoor festivals for years; legends date the group's origins as far back as the psychedelic era of the 1960's.

Believe it or not, burlesque shows are making a comeback in the modern age. And with more people reverting back to the simpler things in life, and embracing vintage and classic ideas like never before, the art form of burlesque is only going to grow more popular as time goes on.