World Burlesque Day, celebrated on April 26 every year, is a tribute to a unique art form. Burlesque dancing shows have dramatic and musical performances by women that is both comedic and provocative. World Burlesque Day is devoted to the celebration and elevation of burlesque and provides a way of boosting the art form’s global visibility.
History of World Burlesque Day
For those who are not aware of what burlesque is, it is a form of entertainment that is similar to a cabaret. It was extremely popular during the early part of the 20th century. It is a glamorous, satirical, raunchy, and irreverent performance that would consist of strippers, comedians, and a master of ceremonies.
World Burlesque Day was created in 2022 by Sapphira, a showgirl, author, and mental-health ambassador. She created World Burlesque Day as a way of bringing together people who love everything to do with burlesque. She also wanted this holiday to serve as a platform for people to share their stories and, in so doing, encourage others to find their own sense of style and freedom through burlesque. Sapphira has been a showgirl since 2004 and claims that burlesque has helped her to overcome mental health problems and believes that it can give confidence to others who are struggling too.
She chose April 26 as the day to celebrate World Burlesque Day to commemorate 50 years since the passing of Gypsy Rose Lee who was one of the greatest burlesque performers in the 1930s. Today, burlesque has evolved into neo-burlesque, which is based on traditional burlesque. Although burlesque has changed throughout the years, people still enjoy all types of burlesque.
On World Burlesque Day, burlesque lovers from all over the world come together to celebrate the different activities designed by the founder to showcase the art form and bring new performers into the fold.
World Burlesque Day timeline
Burlesque emerges in Italy, France, and England.
Sapphire begins her career as a showgirl.
Burlesque lovers across the world celebrate the first World Burlesque Day.
People celebrate World Burlesque Day online to support the art form.
World Burlesque Day FAQs
Do burlesque shows have nudity in them?
No, a burlesque show is not like going to a strip club. You should not necessarily expect nudity from a burlesque show.
Are burlesque dancers male or female?
For many years, since its inception, women have dominated burlesque. However, today, many men have emerged on the burlesque scene, taking it to the next level.
How do I become a burlesque dancer?
Like all other art forms, if you want to become a burlesque dancer, you must take a class, do your research, get experience and build your skill level.
World Burlesque Day Activities
Learn burlesque
The best way to celebrate World Burlesque Day is by learning the art form. You can take up a class, watch tutorials on the internet or interact with burlesque performers to learn about it.
Join the events
On World Burlesque Day, there will be hundreds of activities happening all across the globe. These activities range from book readings about burlesque, and tutorials to live performances, among other things.
Encourage others to watch
One of the greatest things you can do on World Burlesque Day is to introduce this wonderful art form to your friends, family, or co-workers. Who knows? Maybe they’ll fall in love with burlesque!
5 Interesting Facts About Burlesque
There are different types of burlesque
Classic burlesque performances are more glamorous, elegant, and poised.
Tease is more important
According to burlesque artists, the tease is more important than the strip.
Wardrobe is very important in burlesque
Burlesque shows are generally performed on smaller stages, making for a more intimate setting and being closer to the audience, which means that the audience will have a better view of the costumes.
It is a huge industry
Burlesque shows feature hundreds of performers who serve thousands of audiences.
It has its own lingo
Burlesque shows have different titles and more names than any other show.
Why We Love World Burlesque Day
It is a much-needed day
In today’s world where oppression and the suppression of freedom are happening all over the globe, burlesque can offer an avenue of escapism as it is an art form that encourages people to exercise freedom and express their true selves. We love this!
It is body-positive
Burlesque is open to all body types, and the new form of burlesque called neo-burlesque is turning into a third wave of feminism. Feminists worldwide are embracing neo-burlesque as it spreads body positivity.
It is fun
With all the stressors and challenges we face daily, it is important to remember to make time to still have fun and enjoy our lives. When we look back at our lives and how we spent our days, ask yourself: “Did I have fun?” “Was it worth my time?” “Is it an experience to remember?” Burlesque answers “Yes” to all these questions.
World Burlesque Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 26 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 26 | Monday |
| 2028 | April 26 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | April 26 | Thursday |
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