Burlesque and the city

miss hell’s belle by piglicker

Glasgow is a dear green place. Glasgow is rainy, friendly, and unique. But I bet that what you do not know is that Glasgow has a titillating secret: it is one of the burlesque centres of Europe. When you think about it, it makes sense: the cheek, the humour, even the parody are all there to be seen.

Next time you happen to be in one of its lovely cafes, or shopping in Sauchiehall Street, look around you. The shy lady behind you in the queue of Boots could, at night, take her gloves off at one of the numerous clubs around town. Burlesque even has its own Ministry! And have you heard of boylesque? Yes, this performative dance is not only the domain of females. Check out Impressive Johnson or Lucky Strikes, for example.

Club Noir is by far the most popular of clubs in town, with performers showing both American style burlesque – think Dita von Tease – and the more satirical British variety. There is usually a theme so make sure you shop, plan and dress accordingly for the night. Standards are high so try to avoid cliches such as feather boas, as they are hated there.

Touring around the main UK cities, High Tease often comes to Glasgow and, when it does, it is a night to celebrate. If you happen to be here for the next one, keep an eye out for related events at the Ministry of Burlesque. Last time, Viva Misadventure and Gipsy Charms ran a master class, with participants performing that very same night. The most difficult thing will be to chose your stage name (perhaps this site can help?). The rest will be giggles, fun, sass and good exercise. Not to mention what it will do to your confidence- Come on, you know you want to. Viva and Gipsy also organize hen parties with a difference, starting with a two-hour burlesque ABC. After they show you the simple peel, pose and tease technique, you will never take off your coat in the same way! They will even tell you how to be sexy while waiting for a bus. You will need props, of course. Gloves, frou-frous, feather-fans, frilly underwear, corsets, petticoats- Vintage is best but if you are in a pickle, head down to Hellfire in Queen Street or Beautifully Boudoir in Great Western Road. The more risque amongst you will even find tassels there.

The ‘Movers and Shakers’ nights, which usually take place at the beautiful Britannia Panopticon – worth seeing without needing an excuse -, are full of exciting new talent and short, sharp acts. These are great to get inspiration and see a wide variety of burlesque, from pin-up and showgirl to cheesecake, cabaret, and more straightforward strip-tease. Rockaburley, La Cheetah, Enchante!, Scarlett Fever, and the Art Club Cabaret are a few more of the many clubs that take place in Glasgow. Some stay, some go, some come back, but there are always new ones appearing. Keep up with it at the Ministry’s Scotland Burlesque Scene forum pages.

If you want to participate but have awful stage fright – I understand undressing in public is not for everyone -, do not worry; burlesque is not only about performing. If you have an artistic mind, you can always go to Dr Sketchy’s Anti Art School at the Arches. This is a drawing class with a twist: the models are burlesque dancers. Beginners are more than welcome and they usually make available all art materials you are likely to need, if you don’t know where to get them. The atmosphere is great, you get to meet arty types, laugh a lot and, who knows, you may create a masterpiece!

While Dita is undeniably very elegant and talented, her style shows only a few of the possibilities of burlesque. She is excellent at the theatrical and the tease (of course) but she could do more with the critique, the satire and the humour. Glasgow’s scene offers the complete package. Keep your eyes peeled for posters of shows around town. Apart from the brilliant Viva and Gipsy, you can always trust Cat Aclysmic, Hell’s Belle and Daiquiri Dusk. Ultimately, though, let any name entice you. If anything arouses your curiosity, follow your instinct and go to see them. Sex and the city is, oh, so 2008. Burlesque and the city is where is at now. And the city, of course, is Glasgow.

Laura Gonzalez

About

Laura Gonzalez is the Editor of Visit Glasgow. She is an artist and writer whose practice encompasses drawing, photography and sculpture, and her work has been exhibited in the UK, Spain and Portugal. When she is not following Freud, Lacan and Marx's footsteps with her camera, she lectures postgraduate students at the Glasgow School of Art.

2 Responses to “Burlesque and the city”

  1. Woody Allan says:

    Burlesque performers are on the bills of many variety nights and charity nights in Glasgow.

    I run a Monthly Burlesque Comedy Magic night in Glasgow where we put the Tease into Entertainment – it’s called Enterteasement.

    Details of the show can be found on our website and we’re always looking for performers

  2. Craig Hausman says:

    Hey. My name is Craig Hausman, Im currently working on an Arts projects with an upcoming show on the 27th of July 2012. I currently am putting together a film/documentary and dance show around the theme of The Fetish and would like to know if you would like to be part of it. I would like to possibly do some interviews, and record various fetishes being carried out on myself or the cameraman. The whole project is strictly confidential and utmost respect will be present at all times so really looking for advertisement and if you know of any dancers whom would be willing to be involved too.

    The reason for this show is to put forward the fetish as something that should not be viewed upon as weird but beautiful, thus would be utterly grateful if you could offer any help whatsoever. We have small budget but are willing to negotiate on prices for fetishes etc.

    If you could be involved this would be fantastic!
    Please reply for more info and would be happy to have a discussion

    Thanks

    Craig Hausman

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