Burlesque mythbusters

I've been performing for a decade. And I can definitely say that there are a number of common myths that seem to float around when you tell people that you are a burlesque performer. 

Myth #1 - Anyone can be a burlesque performer

I definitely encourage a bit of DIY in burlesque and wouldn't knock anyone wanting to try it out.

But there's definitely a misconception that anyone can jump up on stage and entertain an audience. Sure. It's THAT easy (*insert eye roll)

Great performers put in the hard yards and work at the craft of burlesque. They work the same way that any singer, actor, artist or dancer has to train. I've not seen any performer I admire simply trot out on stage and whip their bra off.  It does take hard work and commitment.

Myth #2 - Burlesque is easy

In the same vein of 'anyone can do burlesque', I think there's a myth that it's easy. I can think of few other profession when you are your own producer, agent, PR, costumier, graphic designer, travel agent, roadie.....and the list goes on.

Myth #3 - You get paid lots and lots of money

Audience members commonly seem to think that we all earns heaps of money. Newsflash. We don't.

Perhaps to some, a basic wage of $150 per act for 3-4 minutes onstage seems a hefty price. But take into account the advertising, administration, training, costume supplies, website maintenance fees, makeup and accessories. Obviously you claw back many of these costs over the course of 12 months (particularly when you have some signature acts that you can perform repeatedly). But I think you are confused, if you think that burlesque is an easy way to make a quid.

#Myth 4 - Burlesque is a glamorous life

The idea that burlesque is a beautiful, vintage inspired glamour life seems to be a common myth.

To be fair, as performers we often feed this fantasy through social media. Because, that’s part of the appeal for many of our audience.

And sure the costumes can be pretty and look amazing. And there are some amazing upsides - like travelling, meeting sparkle queens and having some fantastic life experiences.

But if you are going into burlesque for the glamour, I hate to break it to you - but it’s the rare performer that is booking business class and staying in 5 star hotels. The performers that have that life are few and far between. They have also spent many years doing the hard yards to get to this point). It's a great job but not always a glamorous one. 

Myth #5 - Burlesque is not really stripping

I've saved the best 'til last. No burlesque and stripping aren't the exact same thing. But they are from the same stock. And they are in the same family (in my humble opinion). To perform burlesque or call yourself a burlesque performer (rather than a stripper) doesn't make you a better person.  It's not more classy or more glamorous. There's differences between them - like in any family. And there's differences between everyone's styles of burlesque. And I'd dispute the myth that there's no 'strip' in burlesque. If your reference point is the Burlesque movie....look a bit further afield. .