1 How did you get interested in burlesque? When was the first time you see it? What did know about it at that time? What did you feel?
I saw my first burlesque performance in 1990 after being re-acquainted with my friend Tanya Cheex; creator of Skin Tight Outta Sight. She told me that she was a burlesque dancer and invited me to photograph one of her shows. This was in the early days and they were only a handful of dancers doing this kind of work. I had never heard about burlesque before. Tanya Cheex was at the forefront of burlesque revival in North American. The first performance I attended was funny and sexy at the same time. The theatrical parodies combined with ‘turn of the century style’ stripping made me laugh and feel excited at the same time.
2 How long have you been working on this project? Are there any changes of burlesque that you have seen during these years?
I have been working on this project for over ten years. When burlesque resurfaced they weren’t many dance troupes in Toronto or the world for that matter. Many of the female fans started their own troupes after seeing Skin Tight Outta Sight, the Dangerettes and Pynky Love Goddess. Now there are a lot of burlesque dancers. Over the last ten years I watched Skin Tight Outta Sight fan base grow from a handful of fans in a small bar to the Toronto Burlesque Festival which draws thousands of people. The festival features performers from Canada , the U.S and around the world.
3 Where did you take these pictures? Is camera prohibited during the show? Do they mind your camera when they are dressing up and performing?
All of the photos were taken in Toronto , Canada but some of the guest performers are from the U.S or Europe . They welcome professional photographers to take pictures because they are proud of what they are doing. Although most troupes don’t allow backstage photography Skin Tight allowed me to take some pictures for awhile because of my affiliation with the troupe.
4 You should know and talk with some “exotic dancers” during your work, right? Do most of them do this job willingly or are forced by life? Are there any special stories or people that you want to talk about? Please tell us something about them.
No-one does burlesque because they are forced. They do it because they love it and they find it empowering. Today's burlesque challenges the stereotypes of what is sexy and beautiful. Although some of the performers have formal dance training, worked as models or even strippers the majority are regular woman. They fit all body types: voluptuous, skinny, tall and short.
Burlesque is very popular and the shows sell out in major cities across North America and Europe . However self producing is expensive so most dancers in Toronto have day jobs as well.
I saw my first burlesque performance in 1990 after being re-acquainted with my friend Tanya Cheex; creator of Skin Tight Outta Sight. She told me that she was a burlesque dancer and invited me to photograph one of her shows. This was in the early days and they were only a handful of dancers doing this kind of work. I had never heard about burlesque before. Tanya Cheex was at the forefront of burlesque revival in North American. The first performance I attended was funny and sexy at the same time. The theatrical parodies combined with ‘turn of the century style’ stripping made me laugh and feel excited at the same time.
2 How long have you been working on this project? Are there any changes of burlesque that you have seen during these years?
I have been working on this project for over ten years. When burlesque resurfaced they weren’t many dance troupes in Toronto or the world for that matter. Many of the female fans started their own troupes after seeing Skin Tight Outta Sight, the Dangerettes and Pynky Love Goddess. Now there are a lot of burlesque dancers. Over the last ten years I watched Skin Tight Outta Sight fan base grow from a handful of fans in a small bar to the Toronto Burlesque Festival which draws thousands of people. The festival features performers from Canada , the U.S and around the world.
3 Where did you take these pictures? Is camera prohibited during the show? Do they mind your camera when they are dressing up and performing?
All of the photos were taken in Toronto , Canada but some of the guest performers are from the U.S or Europe . They welcome professional photographers to take pictures because they are proud of what they are doing. Although most troupes don’t allow backstage photography Skin Tight allowed me to take some pictures for awhile because of my affiliation with the troupe.
4 You should know and talk with some “exotic dancers” during your work, right? Do most of them do this job willingly or are forced by life? Are there any special stories or people that you want to talk about? Please tell us something about them.
No-one does burlesque because they are forced. They do it because they love it and they find it empowering. Today's burlesque challenges the stereotypes of what is sexy and beautiful. Although some of the performers have formal dance training, worked as models or even strippers the majority are regular woman. They fit all body types: voluptuous, skinny, tall and short.
Burlesque is very popular and the shows sell out in major cities across North America and Europe . However self producing is expensive so most dancers in Toronto have day jobs as well.
Sauci Calla Horra of Skin Tight and co-producer/ coordinator of the Toronto Burlesque Festival has an Honours degree in Theatre and Psychology. By day she works as a social worker helping homeless woman and by night she takes to the stage as the always sexy ‘Sauci Calla Horra’.
5 Generally speaking, who are the producers and composers? Who design the costumes?
Dancers make their own costumes, produce their own shows and market themselves. Burlesque revival is grassroots, creativity and passion are the driving forces behind this scene.
6 Do the performers do some training everyday?
Some train everyday on their own or train several times a week as a group. They have a busy schedule. They do everything themselves from designing their clothes to self promoting and marketing.
7. As far as you know, how popular burlesque is in your place and around the world? Why do you think it is so popular?
Until recently it was very underground but now that it is more mainstream it’s become very popular across the world. You can see how its influenced fashion.
I think burlesque is popular because its entertaining and funny. Burlesque creates a sex positive space that both woman and men can enjoy.
8 Why do you think there are more and more women audiences?
In the new burlesque the woman are in control. I think the female fans recognize this and they find the material more sexy than what the mainstream offers them. Many attend the shows with their boyfriends or spouses.
9 What is your attitude toward burlesque after your long time working on this project?
Burlesque is becoming more popular and it’s fan base is also becoming more diverse. Corporations are hiring dancers to perform at their events. Some men have started their own burlesque troupes.
I find it interesting in an age when sexually graphic images are available with a mouse click that burlesque is more titillating.
5 Generally speaking, who are the producers and composers? Who design the costumes?
Dancers make their own costumes, produce their own shows and market themselves. Burlesque revival is grassroots, creativity and passion are the driving forces behind this scene.
6 Do the performers do some training everyday?
Some train everyday on their own or train several times a week as a group. They have a busy schedule. They do everything themselves from designing their clothes to self promoting and marketing.
7. As far as you know, how popular burlesque is in your place and around the world? Why do you think it is so popular?
Until recently it was very underground but now that it is more mainstream it’s become very popular across the world. You can see how its influenced fashion.
I think burlesque is popular because its entertaining and funny. Burlesque creates a sex positive space that both woman and men can enjoy.
8 Why do you think there are more and more women audiences?
In the new burlesque the woman are in control. I think the female fans recognize this and they find the material more sexy than what the mainstream offers them. Many attend the shows with their boyfriends or spouses.
9 What is your attitude toward burlesque after your long time working on this project?
Burlesque is becoming more popular and it’s fan base is also becoming more diverse. Corporations are hiring dancers to perform at their events. Some men have started their own burlesque troupes.
I find it interesting in an age when sexually graphic images are available with a mouse click that burlesque is more titillating.
Brennan O'Connor : http://www.nomadphotos.ca/bio.php?id=6
*All photos by permission from performer and photographer*
