In 2008, filmmaker Deidre Timmons, followed ten ordinary women as they learned the art of burlesque at Seattle’s Academy of Burlesque under the tutelage of Miss Indigo Blue, who most recently won the esteemed title of Queen of Burlesque at this year’s Burlesque Hall of Fame. This resulted in the documentary film “A Wink and a Smile,” which follows a home-maker, a reporter, a doctor, an opera singer, a taxidermist and a student as they transform themselves into burlesque divas over the course of six weeks. Their story is complemented by performances from Seattle’s finest burlesque divas strutting their stuff on Seattle stages.

While this incredible documentary sheds light on the unique burlesque scene that exists in Seattle, it also illustrates the powerful role burlesque plays in helping these women better understand their bodies, their sexuality and their social identity. This film is not only an expose of the burlesque revival, it shows how the neo-burlesque movement has taken the art form and transformed it into a powerful, creative and sometimes hilarious expression of gender and sexuality.

This Thursday, July 12, “A Wink and a Smile” will be screened in the Jewelbox Theater at The Rendezvous in Belltown and we encourage anyone interested in Seattle’s thriving burlesque scene or the neo-burlesque scene in general, to check it out. Not only will you see local burlesque stars like Miss Indigo Blue, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, the Shanghai Pearl, Lily Verlaine, Waxie Moon and others, but you’ll get a unique insight into just what it takes to become an honest-to-goodness burlesque diva and how empowering it can be. The Jewelbox is a small space so be sure to pick up your tickets right over here.

And, if you’re inspired by the film and want to learn the skills it takes to become a burlesque performer yourself, be sure to register for one of Miss Indigo Blue’s upcoming classes at the Academy of Burlesque. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to train under a bonafide Queen of Burlesque so don’t miss the opportunity to make your life a little more glamorous! You’ll be glad you did.