In the glittering oasis of Las Vegas, the art of burlesque is experiencing a dazzling renaissance. The city, a luminous beacon of entertainment, has witnessed the resurgence of this American art form, with the seductive allure of burlesque reclaiming the stage once dominated by the legendary showgirl.
Central to this revival is the inimitable Dita Von Teese, the internationally renowned queen of burlesque. Her captivating spectacle, “Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Revue,” graces the historic Jubilee Theater at Horseshoe Las Vegas. Von Teese’s mesmerizing performances have enraptured audiences, propelling the show to hit status since its splendid debut last October.
But the vibrant pulse of burlesque throbs beyond a single stage. Las Vegas abounds with performances that hark back to the golden era while fully embracing modern flair. Virgin Las Vegas hosts “Lady Like — A Retro Modern Burlesque Show,” a cheeky homage to ‘50s pin-up glamour, while “Fantasy” unfurls at the Luxor, and the Flamingo presents “X Burlesque.”
Even Lady Gaga, the pop chameleon and star extraordinaire, has introduced burlesque into the mix during her “Jazz + Pop” residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM. The beating heart of the city’s nightlife, the Cheapshot Showroom & Discotheque, also proudly features these audacious performers.
Dirty Martini, a burlesque dancer enchanting audiences in “Dita Las Vegas,” pondered the phenomenon on an episodic murmuring of “City Cast Las Vegas” podcast. According to Martini, producers are captivated by this wave of popularity, eager to embellish their lineups and entice more to bask in the glow of these spectacles.
Theatre goers are treated to a feast for the senses with talent brimming with “incredible chops.” It is the dancing prowess of these performers that has truly captivated the city. Indeed, the stage that once bore the sequins and feathers of classic showgirls now quivers beneath the sultry steps of burlesque dancers.
Fascinatingly, the revered stage of Von Teese’s show cradles not just her own creative vision but echoes of the past, sporting some of the original Bob Mackie masterpieces originally intended for traditional showgirls.
The burlesque legacy in Las Vegas unfurled its feather boas one winter day in 1950, with Gypsy Rose Lee igniting the Desert Inn’s stage. Its spellbinding reception carved a path for Lili St. Cyr’s provocative performances at El Rancho in 1956 and Tempest Storm’s high-octane allure at the Dunes in 1957. Despite burlesque conceding the spotlight to topless showgirl acts, the neo-burlesque movement emerged in the 1990s. Embracing a post-feminist spirit, performers seized control over their sexuality and bodies, with stars like Holly Madison championing and popularizing the genre in modern times.
Buttercup, a compelling figure in the world of burlesque, educates and entertains as both performer and program assistant at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. Addressing common misperceptions on the same podcast, Buttercup elaborated on the history and evolution of burlesque, emphasizing its inherent humor and constant reinvention—a legacy of laughter rooted in the Italian word “burla,” to mock.
Today’s neo-burlesque revels in inclusivity and audience diversity, extending beyond the confines of yesteryears’ audience demographics. Shows like Von Teese’s symbolize a breaking of traditional molds, inviting an array of performers to don the exquisite costumes. Women now outnumber men in the seats, finding empowerment in the celebration of the female form and voice.
On May 11th, the captivating artistry of burlesque will illuminate Fat Cat Las Vegas with “Sinful,” starring Buttercup herself. There, among the whirl of feathered fans and shimmering lights, the art of tease will be joyously unfurled, a testament to the enduring charm of Las Vegas burlesque.
