Burlesque is alive and well in the nation’s capital! Thanks, in part, to the gals over at Burlesque Classique, who describe themselves as a “modern day traditional burlesque troupe.” They are a relatively new troupe and are gearing up for their upcoming version of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” entitled “Land of the Sweets” happening this Saturday and Sunday at the DC Arts Center. Pick up tickets for both shows right over here.

The troupe’s director Lola Rose was kind enough to take time off from her busy schedule to talk to me about the troupe, their upcoming show and some advice to those of you just getting started out in the burlesque scene.

Can we get a little back story on Burlesque Classique? When did you get started?

I have been dancing for over 20 years. I am a classically trained dancer. I co-directed a burlesque dance troupe in San Diego in 2007-2009. I moved to this area in late 2010 and danced as a soloist for 18 months or so. I have too many ideas for group numbers and whole shows that dance around in my brain, so I started Burlesque Classique in late September. We had our first show at the beginning of November.

You call yourselves a “modern day traditional burlesque troupe.” What does being a “traditional” burlesque troupe mean to you?

Burlesque is a rich source of music, dance and comedy. Burlesque in the beginning questioned traditional roles and ideas of both gender and sexuality – both in public and private domains. The burlesque show is a high-energy romp. It is fun and titillating. It is light hearted in its suggestiveness. It is playfully naughty. It is not ever demeaning. It celebrates humanity, sensuality, and relationships in a wide variety of performance, not just “peeling”. My dance company does not just do a variety of strip tease; we dance, we sing, we have group numbers, solos, duets. We take off clothes, we put on clothes, we wear large costumes, or hardly anything. We dance in pointe shoes.

Burlesque Classique “Dance of Many Kings” from the Peverell Family Day of the Dead Burlesque Revue:

Who are some of your influences?

I have quite a few influences – some that are well known, and some lesser known. Gypsy Rose Lee, Margot Fonteyn, Lili St. Cyr, Gene Kelly, Anita Arden, Josephine Baker, Catherine Zeta-Jones and the Ziegfeld Follies are a few. Paul Morokoff was a choreographer in the 30’s and 40s that was known for turning strippers into dancers. As a dancer and choreographer, I am of course influenced by Bob Fosse. One of my underlying influences is William Shakespeare – that man was bawdy!!! I also love how Joffrey Ballet began screwing with the rigid lines of ballet in the early 90s with the ballet “Billboards,” which was set to music by Prince.

Are there any other East Coast burlesque performers that are catching your eye right now?

I am having a love affair with all of the Nerd Burlesque that is happening on the East Coast right now. There are producers putting together whole shows based on Joss Wheedon. This week at Red Palace is a Middle Earth Burlesque Show. There is a troupe called Star Wars Burlesque. D20 in New York are nerds, too.

You have a Christmas show coming up this weekend, “Land of Sweets” based on The Nutcracker. What can audiences expect from your version of this holiday classic?

Not your regular Nutcracker, Burlesque Classique offers up a sassy, sexy romp through the Land of Sweets. Come treat yourself to a delicious collection of burlesque acts! There are some “traditional” variations from the Nutcracker, for example the Chinese and the Snow dances. There are some Sweet-themed dances. And, of course, there is a Sugar Plum Fairy in pointe shoes I can guarantee laughs, maybe even guffaws. I can also guarantee it will get so hot, you’ll want to take off all your clothes. Just sayin’.

What does Burlesque Classique have coming up in the new year?

We will be doing a Burlesque of Broadway show in late February/early March and we will be hosting the Cherry Blossom Burlesque Festival in late March/early April. We are also waiting to hear back from DC Fringe Festival for a summer show.

Do you have any advice for burlesque performers just starting out?

Advice for new burlesque performers:
– Go to burlesque shows – watch lots of different performers with different styles

– Take some dance classes, or burlesque workshops, learn some basic moves and have some poses

– Volunteer to be a stage kitten at burlesque shows

– Watch burlesque legends on You Tube

– Find a mentor

– Learn how to use a sewing machine, a hot glue gun, and a staple gun

– Start stock piling crystals, sequins, and glitter

– Get on stage with a veteran performer

– Join a group – get a support network

A big, glittery thank you to Lola for taking the time to chat with us about the troupe and their upcoming show “Land of the Sweets.” Keep your eyes on Burlesque Classique and check their Brown Paper Tickets Producer Profile for tickets to any of their upcoming shows.

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Not in DC but want to attend a Christmas-themed burlesque event this week? Check these out:

TOMORROW! Wednesday, December 12 I Tempting Tarts Burlesque Presents: Visions of Sugar Plums! – Seattle, Washington  Mark your Mayan Calendars! 12-12-12. This could possibly be the very last Burlesque show you will ever see! The Tempting Tarts are hanging their stockings by the chimney with care. Wouldn’t you like to watch them take ’em off?

Thursday, December 13 and Thursday, December 20 I Cora Vette’s 4th Annual Naughty Noel – Denver, Colorado  Cora Vette presents a risqué holiday burlesque show! Cora Vette’s 4th Annual – Naughty Noel (Have you been bawdy or nice?) features gorgeous sparkling snow-showgirls, holiday hi-jinks, live singing and holiday craziness! This show will combine fabulous sets, lighting and effects to create a winter wonderland in their home venue, the beautiful art deco-themed Bar Standard.

Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15 I VivaVoom Brr-Lesque Presents: Surprise Santa! A Nut-Crackin’ Bedtime Burlesque Story – Anchorage, Alaska  VivaVoom Brr-Lesqe has ALL of it in THEIR version of the famous Russian story. PLUS Boobie Prizes, live music, comedy and STRIPTEASE! Can’t beat a holiday story with BOOBIES!

Saturday, December 15 I D20 Burlesque Fan Favorites Holiday Party! – New York, New York  Think of this as your nerdy office holiday party, but if you worked with burlesque performers. As a gift to their fans this December’s D20 Burlesque show will have a show roster chosen by their fan’s own votes, special musical guests, a special secret awards ceremony and multiple ways to win prizes – all packed into one big holiday show.

Saturday, December 15 I Randy Dandies- FA LA LA LA LA TITS! – St. Louis, Missouri  A heart-warming holiday spectacular benefiting the Red Cross.

Have a great week out there in burly-land and we’ll see you next week on the Tuesday Tease.