What Is Burlesque? The Ultimate Glamour Guide (2026)
By Red Hot Annie — Performer, Educator, and Velvet Key of Modern Burlesque
Burlesque is an art form where tease meets storytelling, glamour meets rebellion, and the body becomes the boldest language onstage.
It’s history, empowerment, comedy, satire, spectacle, femininity, masculinity, sensuality, and freedom — all framed through performance.
Today, burlesque spans:
- glittering showgirl spectacle
- neo-burlesque performance art
- classic glove peels
- comedic striptease
- dance-forward numbers
- political satire
- wildly creative character work
- and a global community of performers and fans
Whether you’re new to burlesque, curious about shows, or ready to step into the spotlight yourself, this guide brings you everything you need to know — from origins to modern expression.
⭐️ The Meaning of Burlesque
Where the Word “Burlesque” Comes From
“Burlesque” comes from the Italian burla, meaning joke, parody, or playful mimicry.
At its core, burlesque began as satire of the elite — bold, brilliant, and irreverently funny.
What Burlesque Is — and What It Isn’t
Burlesque is not merely striptease.
Burlesque is:
- theatrical storytelling
- character work
- sensual expression
- humor and exaggeration
- staged seduction
- creative costuming
- intentional reveals
Unlike exotic dance, burlesque isn’t about explicitness — it’s about the tease, artistry, and the performer–audience dance.
Why Burlesque Is So Popular Today
Modern burlesque has surged because it:
- empowers all bodies
- celebrates individuality
- blends modern movement with vintage glamour
- builds inclusive performance spaces
- offers radically playful self-expression
⭐️ A Brief History of Burlesque
Victorian Satire (1800s)
Early burlesque mocked social elites through comedy, music, and gender-bending performance.
American Burlesque (Late 1800s–1930s)
Burlesque became variety shows with comedians, singers, dancers, and early striptease pioneers.
Golden Age Showgirls (1940s–1960s)
Feathers, rhinestones, dramatic fans, iconic glove peels — the era of glamour.
Neo-Burlesque Revival (1990s–Today)
A fusion of:
- dance
- drag
- performance art
- cosplay
- satire
- live music
It is more inclusive, artistic, and expansive than ever.
⭐️ The Main Types of Burlesque
Classic Burlesque (Old Hollywood Glamour)
Feathers, boas, satin gloves, and slow, elegant tease.
Neo-Burlesque (Modern Expression)
Anything goes — LED wings, narrative acts, politics, surrealism.
Comedy Burlesque
Parody, clowning, satire — full permission to be absurd.
Nerdlesque / Pop-Culture Burlesque
Cosplay meets rhinestones. Entire conventions celebrate this.
Showgirl & Cabaret Fusion
Big feathers, big kicks, big spectacle.
Dance-Driven Burlesque
Jazz, heels, contemporary, ballet fusion.
Boylesque & Draglesque
Burlesque through masc and drag lenses.
Touring & Festival Styles
High production, multimedia, curated lineups.
⭐️ Burlesque Dancing: Movement, Storytelling & Stagecraft
What Makes Something Burlesque
Burlesque uses:
- reveal as punctuation
- movement as metaphor
- costume as narrative
- character as anchor
- comedy and camp
- seduction & surprise
Striptease vs Burlesque
Striptease = erotic removal
Burlesque = intention + timing + character + narrative
Props, Costumes & Character
Expect:
- feather fans
- boas
- gloves
- gowns
- corsets
- rhinestoned props
⭐️ Burlesque Costumes & Props (A Performer’s Essentials)
Feathers, Fans, Boas, Gloves
Iconic reveals built on silhouette, timing, and drama.
DIY Burlesque Costumes
Rhinestones, snap panels, fringe secrets, and custom shaping.
👉 Explore tutorials & handmade accessories
Where to Buy Burlesque Costumes
Local designers, vintage shops, Etsy creators — and custom pieces from my shop.
⭐️ Burlesque Shows: What to Expect
What Happens at a Burlesque Show
Live acts, an emcee, costuming, comedy, glamour, and creative surprise.
Classic vs Modern Shows
Classic = traditional glamour
Modern = experimental, narrative
Chicago Burlesque Shows (My Home City)
Chicago is a global burlesque hub with influential shows and artists.
👉 See current Chicago shows
👉 Explore unforgettable shows around the world
⭐️ How to Start Burlesque (Beginner’s Guide)
How to Get Into Burlesque
Start with a class, learn movement foundations, explore character.
What to Wear to Your First Class
Comfortable, stretchy clothing — no pressure to perform immediately.
Find Classes in Chicago
👉 Start your burlesque journey with a class
Online Learning
👉 Learn burlesque from anywhere
⭐️ Burlesque Today: Trends, Communities & Global Influence
Body Positivity & Inclusivity
Burlesque celebrates every body, identity, and experience.
Film Noir & Storytelling Revival
Theatrical storytelling, silhouette, and mystery are returning to center stage.
👉 Explore the Velvet Key identity
Festivals, Competitions & Tours
Burlesque thrives globally through festivals and curated showcases.
Burlesque in Pop Culture
From Chicago to Vegas to Tokyo — burlesque is everywhere.
⭐️ About Red Hot Annie
Performer. Educator. Producer. Velvet Key.
For 20 years, I’ve performed, taught, produced, toured, and helped shape Chicago’s burlesque scene.
Founder of Vaudezilla and the noir production Midnight Confession, I’ve guided thousands of students into the art.
👉 Learn more about my work
👉 Get in touch
⭐️ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Burlesque
What is burlesque?
Do performers always strip?
Is burlesque beginner-friendly?
Can anyone do burlesque?
Burlesque vs exotic dance?
How do shows work?
What do I wear?
How do I pick a stage name?
coming soon!
⭐️ The Showgirl Glossary (A–Z)
A curated vocabulary for modern burlesque:
- Boas — iconic feather accessories
- Gowning — the art of gown removal
- Panel Skirt — a performer staple
- Reveal — the timed surprise
- Tease — the heart of burlesque
coming soon!
⭐️ Ready to Experience Burlesque?
👉 Take a class, see a show, or explore digital courses
👉 Contact Red Hot Annie
