Photo by Jenny Fisher
While burlesque has a long history, it has recently been catching on across the continent as a form of performance art, in part because of its being woman and LGBTQ–friendly, as well as its distinct emphasis on body and sex-positivity.
Moreover it’s multi-genre and collaborative approach attracts a wide variety of talents, as a single show can include everything from more traditional burlesque dancing and performances to comedy, music, and even poetry/spoken word.
Babelesque is hoping to bring that culture to Peterborough, thanks to coordinator and instructor Amy Jane Von Purr (aka Miss Von Purr, aka The Glamour Ghoul), a PhD student at Trent University in the Cultural Studies program.
Babelesque is a new class sponsored by the Trent Queer Collective, held on Tuesdays at 6pm at Sadleir House.
The classes are open to anybody and serve as an introduction to the world of burlesque, as well as DIY prop construction and costume design.
Miss Von Purr says, “In addition to learning a history of burlesque, the art of the tease, and how to mould the perfect, personalized onstage persona, Babelesque focuses heavily on body confidence. This class is intended to help people (re)discover their inner babe and celebrate their individual brand of sexiness.”
In the past, however, burlesque has suffered from various misunderstandings – “First off, burlesque is not stripping. The strip-tease is an important element of burlesque, but certainly not the primary focus. We are learning about performance, about casting a seductive spell over an audience. Some people do not realize that burlesque has a very long and colourful history. Our modern perception of burlesque is best defined as ‘neo-burlesque’ – and I want people to understand this art is informed by a classic tradition. Babelesque combines neo-burlesque with classic burlesque and never forgets its vaudeville, cabaret roots.”
Miss Von Purr herself says that she came to it almost ‘by accident’ in Ottawa, saying, “I have had experience on stage since childhood and I have always adored musicals, cabaret, stage-shows, and elaborate costumes. I knew about burlesque, but always thought that someone like myself wouldn’t be capable of performing that type of act. I went to see several shows in Ottawa and I fell in love with the community. Suddenly, a friend volunteered us to perform in a show! I was terrified! Then, the friend dropped out and I had to scramble for another partner. I ended up collaborating with the phenomenal Bendy LaRule, and we performed our first show called “B is for Burlesque” – a Jim Henson themed burlesque show. It was such an incredible experience and I was hooked.”
In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the medium Miss Von Purr is participant in a wide variety of arts and culture events in the city. She takes Belly Dance classes, spins poi, is involved with the Trent Film Society, and is heavily involved in several fandoms and fan culture, particularly with horror films.
She also has big plans for Peterborough, hoping to expand the burlesque scene to the Electric City.
“I would love to see burlesque turn into an inclusive and vibrant community of dancers and performers,” she says. “In Ottawa, there is a strong burlesque community and several separate dance troupes. I would love to see a few troupes (or at least one) spring up here in Peterborough. We are a much smaller city, but this town is bursting with talent! In Ottawa, the burlesque community is heavily involved with community groups, charities, fundraisers, and local events- I think burlesque in PTBO could do the same thing and become an entity synonymous with sexiness, talent, and compassion.”
To contact Miss Von Purr about the Babelesque classes, e-mail her at burlesque.ptbo@gmail.com or find “Amy Jane Von Purr” on Facebook.