Providence Does Burlesque

Modern entertainment has been reduced to glowing screens in dimly lit movie theaters, the only sense of human connection coming from the smell of your neighbor's popcorn. The problem is greatly exaggerated in a world in which instant communication via cell phones leaves two strangers talking to electronic devices rather than each other.

Here in Providence, gorgeous ladies in all shapes and sizes don fishnets and costumes with feathers, sequins, and corsets, wigs, gloves and pasties in the hopes of turning entertainment on its ear. These women are not performers, but crusaders of the art of burlesque.

Burlesque is experiencing a rebirth in cities worldwide, because in this increasingly isolated society, we still desire human contact. Our short attention spans flourish from the spectacle provided by these daring ladies: the more they challenge the rules, the more we need them. And, most importantly, we need to see breasts.

Lady Miss Iris, a solo performer, reigns as the Providence Queen of Burlesque: she's been performing since 2001, and, by many accounts, she is the gorgeous creature responsible for bringing burlesque to Providence. Lady Miss Iris describes burlesque as "a glamorous dance recital with grown women and bare boobs."

"The time is perfectly ripe for burlesque to be experiencing a new heyday," says Keri King, who founded the Danger Danger Birds, Providence's first burlesque troupe, in 2005. "You get pure entertainment in bite-sized pieces." Often seen performing at Providence Roller Derby half-time shows, the Danger Danger Birds are known for their connection to the independent arts and music scene.

But what is burlesque? Neo-burlesque knows no boundaries and has no strict definitions. Performances run the gamut from cabaret to comedy. Most performances have three common elements: dancing, comedy, and striptease.

"The simplest way to describe burlesque is a striptease," says Legs L'amour, founder of the Dazzling Dames, who hit the stage in 2006. "But, it is also an art. It can be a satire, performance art, or purely entertainment. It can be campy, alluring, amazing, or strange." A little bit rockabilly and a little bit goth, the Dames feature Legs L'amour, Paige Turner, La Femme Natalia, and Allison Wonderland.

Perhaps the best known of the Providence burlesque performers are the gals of BellaMinx Burly-Q. By day the ladies work for social justice, but by night, Miss B, Eva Destruction, Jew-l of the Nile, and Miss Honey Pot transform into bawdy beauties who frequently donate a portion of their earnings to lefty charities.

Founded in 2007, the troupe focuses on the art of the variety show. Ranging from magic to mentalism, variety shows feature juggling, acrobatics, clowning, comedy, and, sometimes, the lost "freak" acts from early circus tradition. "In the variety show, we're going to give you the whole shebang," says co-founder Miss B, "You're going to laugh, you're going to cry, you're going to be turned on."

While the art of the striptease is an important part of every burlesque show, the way that the performers relate to the audience is a big part of why burlesque is not stripping. Stripping focuses on body parts, while burlesque considers the whole woman. "Stripping makes the woman the object," says Miss B. "Whereas burlesque makes women the subject."

"You will see real women with real bodies, in all their diverse, beautiful glory," says Lady Miss Iris. "You will not see perfect Barbie Dolls with fake tans and surgically enhanced breasts." And it's not all about the boobs: "Providence burlesque artists are super creative and disciplined about using the form to create great routines."

"We're totally anal about our choreography," agrees Miss B. "Nothing's going on stage unless it's polished, practiced, and perfect." It's exactly this attitude that earned Miss B the title "choreographer / physical torturer" on the troupe's webpage. "We appreciate our audience for putting money out to come see us, and we believe that they deserve to see nothing but the highest quality entertainment."

The audience ranges from college students and young professionals to married couples in their 30s all the way to folks in their 50s and 60s. Whether you love Gypsy Rose Lee, Bettie Page, or Nancy Sinatra, burlesque has your number. The ladies cite inspirations that range from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to Charlie Chaplin to Miss Piggy and the Muppet Show.

They love Dita Von Teese, the Pontani Sisters, and Michelle L'amour. They love glitter, sequins, and platform stilettos. They even love each other: "I feel very lucky to be doing burlesque in RI," says Legs L'amour. "Even though we are in different troupes (or soloists), we have become friends and work with each other."

"Anyone with the confidence to get on stage and take his/her clothes off for the pure enjoyment of it is inspiring in my book," says Sugar Dish, founder and creative director for Boston-based Babes in Boinkland. "Everyone (over the age of 18) should check out a burlesque show. Period."

Seen bad burlesque? Miss B urges you to give BellaMinx Burly-Q a chance to change your perceptions: "If we can get you into the theater, then I guarantee you will come back," says Miss B. "I promise, if you come see us, you'll love it, and you'll have an awesome time."

What's next? Most of the gals are gearing up for their Christmas spectaculars. The Danger Danger Birds are currently planning a gallery show and live performance in November in celebration of the release of their 2009 calendar. Miss B and Lady Miss Iris both offer classes through the Perishable theatre. The Blackstone in Pawtucket hosts the monthly ProvSketchy anti-art classes, where the ladies of burlesque pose for artists.

The ladies advise the would-be burlesque viewer:

"Be ready to participate actively!" Miss B says audience participation is essential to the burlesque experience. If you wanted to sit and stare without interacting, why did you leave the house?

"Hoot and holler, laugh and shout, ooh and ahhh, for cryin' out loud," urges Lady Miss Iris. "This ain't the ballet!"

"Whistle, yell, and scream," says Legs L'amour, "but, don't yell 'Take your clothes off' ... we will in due time."

"Be open-minded," says Sugar Dish. "And bring dollar bills."