Burlesque is often misunderstood.
Some think of feather boas and corsets. Others picture old-fashioned striptease or bawdy comedy. While all of that can be part of it, burlesque is actually a dynamic performance art with deep roots in theater, satire, politics, and personal expression.
Burlesque is also more than a performance—it’s a practice.
As a performer, educator, director, and producer with over 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with hundreds of burlesque performers, especially dancers–from first-timers taking a class for fun to full-time professionals performing across the country. Through SpeakEasy Noir and Siren Pack, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of what burlesque is and what it can be. This article is here to give you a clear, updated answer from my original article written in 2018.
When people ask me, “What is burlesque?” I reference the definition I coined via SpeakEasy Noir. Burlesque is:
“Emotional Storytelling. Extreme Parody. Extravagant Reveals.”
It’s also a mirror. A wink. A liberation. A reset button.
Whether on stage or in a studio, burlesque is about using movement, costume, music, and presence to tell a story—with just enough tease to keep you curious.
Burlesque Then. Burlesque Now.
When I first wrote on the topic of “What Is Burlesque” 7 years ago, I was moving through yet another shift of processing and understanding in my burlesque tenets, philosophy, and methodology. I’m still articulating my viewpoints and marking my place in the burlesque world where I often fuse theater, dance, kink, spoken word, and nightlife with spirituality, eroticism, and ritual. Back then, I saw burlesque as a way to say the unsayable through performance. That hasn’t changed.
But since then, I’ve built spaces—like SpeakEasy Noir and Siren Pack—where performers, producers, and everyday people can use burlesque not just as entertainment, but as a tool for expression, identity, and embodiment.
The Short Answer? What Is Burlesque?
Burlesque is a form of theatrical entertainment that uses movement, character, costume, and reveal to tell a story, entertain, and express personal or cultural ideas. It is a theatrical art form rooted in tease, satire, and personal storytelling.
Historically, burlesque started as a parody of high society and “serious” theater, using comedy, music, and exaggeration. Over time, especially in the U.S., it evolved into a mix of variety acts, striptease, and satirical performance, often featuring showgirls, comedians, musicians, and dancers.
- It’s known for striptease, but it’s not defined by nudity. (And there’s also non-strip burlesque which is perfect for select corporate events and family-friendly events.)
- It’s known for glamour, but it’s not about perfection. (Glamour is used in many ways. By glamour, I mean an attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing. Enchantment; Magic.)
- It’s known for sex appeal, but it’s really about choice, authorship, and attention.
Today, modern burlesque includes:
- Solo or group performances (choreographed and/or freestyle & improvised)
- Classic or experimental movement styles (I’m into avant-garde and erotic-noir with an ode to Butoh, Dervish Whirling and ritual, though I’ve studied and performed many disciplines of dance.)
- Striptease as a tool for artistic expression, not just erotic entertainment. (Though the latter (erotic) is more than ok and is important when it comes to what I consider the “divine energy spectrum” as we explore full actualization as energetic beings.)
- Themes that range from glamorous and funny to political or deeply personal
The Long Answer? Burlesque Is…
- A Performance Genre – With roots in satire, cabaret, and vaudeville, it uses character, costume, and choreography to build tension and surprise.
- A Method of Storytelling – Whether the act is sexy, silly, sad, or shocking, it follows a structure that builds toward a reveal—physically, mentally, spiritually, psychologically, or emotionally.
- A Reclamation Practice – Many people use burlesque to reclaim their bodies, their voices, or their sensuality after trauma, transitions, or burnout.
- An Inclusive Art Form – All genders, all bodies, all backgrounds are welcome. There is no one way to “look” like a burlesque performer.
- A Career Path—or a Creative Outlet – You can be a touring pro, a passionate hobbyist, a weekend workshop regular, or a producer creating space for others. There’s no one “right” way to belong.
What Makes Something Burlesque (According to SpeakEasy Noir & Siren Pack)
Burlesque is more than a sexy dance—it has its own distinct structure and philosophy. These are some of the core elements that make a performance burlesque. This is not limited to burlesque dancers. A comedian, sideshow act or poet could each be considered burlesque, to me, if their performances embody some of these traits.
1. Tease Is Technique
Tease isn’t just about taking off clothes—it’s about pacing, eye contact, body awareness, and control. You reveal what you want, when you want, how you want. It builds anticipation, plays with timing, and it engages the audience’s imagination.
2. The Tellings of Your Story
Burlesque tells a story, makes a point, or explores a theme—even in a 3-minute act. It could be humorous, satirical, sensual, or powerful.
3. Theatricality and Scenography – Every Piece Has a Point
Props, costume choices, choreography, music, lighting, props, stage presence—all of it serves a theme or message. You’re saying something, even if the message is “I’m having fun.” They all are a part of creating an immersive experience. Even minimalistic acts have intention and style.
4. You Don’t Just Perform—You Transform
In every act, something changes. The energy shifts. The performer reveals something new—not just fabric, but intention. This is the heart of burlesque. A reveal can be literal (removing a glove or gown), emotional (sharing a deeper truth), or symbolic (a costume change or character shift).
5. The Role and Play of Archetypes
Performers often take on a stage persona or specific characters per act—glamorous, funny, political, mysterious, or otherworldly. Burlesque invites you to “become” something bigger than yourself and/or to become more of yourself than you’ve ever been.
6. The Audience Is a Co-Conspirator
Burlesque thrives on interaction. Even in silence, the audience is part of the rhythm. A good act invites them in, winks at them, teases them, dares them to respond.
7. Spectacle Meets Soul
The glitter is real—but so is the grit. Burlesque isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. Funny, fierce, emotional, awkward, grand—it all belongs here.
Different Types of Burlesque Shows
Burlesque performances can take many forms, including:
- Classic Burlesque Shows – Glamorous, vintage-inspired, often with jazz or big band music
- Modern Burlesque Shows – Contemporary, creative, often with pop culture, political, or humorous themes
- Variety Shows – Mix of acts: burlesque, drag, comedy, aerial arts, live music, and more
- Immersive Burlesque Experiences – Produced experiences that blend storytelling, dance, and environment (like those by Siren Pack or Company XIV)
- Themed Nights – Nerdlesque, holiday shows, rock ‘n’ roll revues, or kink-inspired cabarets
Within each of these show types, there are various subgenres of burlesque. Also, within each of these show types, events can be fully scripted and choreographed or may be curated productions where each performer crafts their own independent act.
Who Is Burlesque For?
Everyone who wants to try it.
- Performers building acts and characters
- Producers creating interactive and/or immersive shows and experiences
- Dancers and Movers expanding their style and storytelling
- Everyday people looking for creative confidence, body connection, or a new way to move
- Survivors & seekers using burlesque to process, reclaim, or reconnect
There is no wrong door. Whether you want a stage name or just one powerful moment in front of the mirror – burlesque holds space for both. I invite you to read my 2018 article, “Why Do People Take Burlesque Striptease Dance Classes?”
Burlesque In The Studio As A Mind-Body Practice.
In recent years, many people have discovered burlesque not just as performance, but as a wellness and embodiment practice. At SpeakEasy Noir, we teach that burlesque can help people:
- Reconnect with their bodies in a freeing empowered way
- Explore sensuality and confidence in an open-minded and encouraging space
- Express complex emotions and identity through movement and story
- Develop presence and creativity for any area of life
It’s not about being “sexy”—it’s about being yourself, on purpose, in full presence. And while my students sometimes reference how “sexy” they feel during and after a SpeakEasy Noir class, it’s helpful to note that within SpeakEasy Noir, we NEVER reference the word “sexy” in our classes. We don’t teach sexy dancing. We don’t know what sexy is from one person to the next. However, one of the results that may come out of your experience is SEXY, and we celebrate that!
Here are some testimonials from past SpeakEasy Noir students.
- Read more testimonials on SpeakEasy Noir.
- Read What’s the word? Otherworldly, ecstatic, possibly a divine hallucination.
- Also check out 31 Days of Sensuality Day 31: Emotion Through Motion via Madame Noire featuring Shay Au Lait and the SpeakEasy Noir methodology).
- Read Burlesque As A Mind Body Wellness Practice.
In my classes, burlesque becomes a wellness practice—yes, a wellness practice.
That doesn’t mean it’s about fitness or perfection. It means we use:
- Movement to process emotion
- Music to shape memory
- Costume to explore identity
- The act of revealing to remember who we are
It’s fun, yes. But it’s also transformative.
Show Business – A Growing Industry and Community
In addition to the plethora of local burlesque shows happening in almost every city, burlesque today includes:
- Schools and studios offering beginner to advanced classes and training programs
- Festivals, competitions, and showcases across the U.S. and internationally
- Burlesque troupes and collectives that create opportunities for collaboration
- Online platforms and communities that support performers and fans
- Professional development in costuming, choreography, branding, and producing
While its origins are tied to the poor and working class, creating art and parodying culture and high society, it’s an ever-evolving industry that blends art, education, and entertainment. One in which, with intentional effort, you may even find your own supportive community. Please remember first, though, it’s a business industry. It is SHOW business, not show friends! It’s also important to note that while there are many classes, workshops, immersions, retreats, training, and certifications, there isn’t one professional burlesque industry-recognized organization that exists and verifies and certifies this art form. Neither to date, is there a burlesque union. (There is, however, organizations such as American Guild of Variety Artists.)
Burlesque is for You
Whether you’re:
- Curious about taking your first class,
- A studio looking to host a unique workshop,
- A venue seeking an unforgettable show,
- A client looking to add burlesque entertainment to an event (It could be a special lunch at home with friends, a bachelorette party produced by a chaplain for her best friend, a divorce party thrown by a girlfriend, now that her boyfriend’s two-year separation was final, a birthday celebration at a historical gothic church, and so much more. My private clients have booked me for some of EVERYTHING including each example I just provided!)
- Or someone looking to explore creative expression and confidence—
Burlesque is a powerful, accessible, and transformative art form. It honors history while evolving with the times. It can be silly or serious, polished or raw, glamorous or gritty. And it’s open to you.
So, what is burlesque?
Burlesque is theatrical. Burlesque is expressive. Burlesque is powerful. It’s an invitation to take the stage—and reveal the story only you can tell.
Burlesque is the art of seduction through story. It’s where parody meets presence, glamour meets guts, and every reveal or gaze says, “Look closer—I’m telling you something real.”
Ready to Explore Burlesque?
Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to the stage, there’s room for you here.
Learn more at SpeakEasy Noir. We offer class series in burlesque, pole dance, as well as specialty workshops that focus on burlesque wellness rituals, theatrical burlesque and professional development for burlesque. We also offer a Burlesque Alchemy: Act Development & Performance Mastery 6-month program, a Burlesque Teacher Training Program and coming soon, a Burlesque Producer Apprenticeship program. Or join me for the next Siren Pack production.
Additional Resources and References
- “Perle Noire at Lincoln Center with The House of Noire”–
- “Burlesque Beginnings“ via JStor
- “I take my clothes off for a job. When people judge my choices, this is my response” via The Sydney Morning Herald by Evana De Lune (It’s behind a paywall, fyi)
- “Secrets Revealed from an International Burlesque Star” via Joe Marler’s Things People Do featuring Jessabelle Thunder
What would you say if someone asked you, “What Is Burlesque?”
ABOUT SWITCHRESS SHAY AU LAIT: Interdisciplinary EroticNoir Artist, Maya Angelou of Kink, BDSM Educator and Practitioner, CoCreator of “Sensing Race” embodied intensives. Switchtress Shay Au Lait, equal parts playfully innocent and dangerously kinky, is a provocative, intoxicating Sorcerer and Shapeshifter originally hailing from the Windy City (Chicago,IL).
Shay of SpeakEasy Noir (erotic wellness + sensual movement) and Siren Pack Productions (provocative + immersive events) is a producer, director, performer, and instructor specializing in BDSM, burlesque, theatre, pole dance, variety, and corporate event production through immersive & transformative experiences. As an Educator and Keynote Speaker, Shay is known for their creative and poignant philosophical approach that speaks to and facilitates personal development and self-awareness. Shay’s practical, actionable, and sensual techniques have earned them the nicknames of “Vulnerability Doula,” “Intellectual Sensual Shaman,” and “Cultural Provocateur.”
ABOUT SIREN PACK: A subversive production company known for curating high-end, avant-garde luxury experiences. Created in 2018 by a collective of Black Queer Producers, Siren Pack is known for its theatrical shows, corporate entertainment productions, and immersive event activations.
ABOUT SPEAKEASY NOIR: SpeakEasy Noir is a mind-body erotic wellness practice and immersive movement experience for intensely sensuous and deeply curious souls. Explore power, pleasure ,and play through archetypal exploration, sensual movement, erotic expression, freestyle flow, photography, burlesque, pole dance, enchantments, mind-body rituals, and creative healing arts. Explore shadow play for your shadow work.