To burlesque or not to burlesque…

[almostwitty]

Burlesque

Originally uploaded by Oh Lenna

So … I’ve been semi-invited to a Burlesque and Blues night this week - and a Burlesque birthday party in July.

Now, of course, I like seeing scantily-clad ladies disrobing as much as the next heterosexual male - the weekend’s soaring temperatures in London proved that as much as anything. But I still can’t decide if it’s the sort of thing I can go to myself and come out feeling, well, good about myself.

It is a world away from seedy stripclubs with strippers who only see you as walking wallets, but I can’t help wondering if I’d come out still feeling slightly seedy and unsure of myself, if only because I hate paying for things.

The Guardian suggests that it has itself become somewhat of an industry that is itself rife for exploitation. But all the railing by feminists against the porn industry hasn’t stopped today’s yoof exposing themselves to anyone and everyone for a bit of fun.

Expression or exploitation?

Originally published at almost witty. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[amanda.livejournal.com]

So wait. One girl writes an article stating she did it for all the 'wrong reasons', and suddenly every female who decides to become a stripper of sorts is being exploited?

Sorry, no.

I worked in a lapdancing club for a while. I wasn't a stripper/lapdancer - I was a barmaid. But I can tell you that all the lapdancers there were in it for one thing and one thing only. Money. They liked the money they earned - they earned much more than they ever would have working in an office doing a 9-5 job.

Hell, some of them were even married or in committed relationships. They had families. They provided for their families in a way that they wanted to. One of the girls I worked with was actually a fully qualified doctor - she chose to dance because she made more money than she ever did working as a doctor.

I'm not saying that there aren't girls out there who are absolutely not being exploited. I'm sure there are some - probably many. But I don't think the whole industry should be classed as exploitation when that's not the case.

[anivair.livejournal.com]

I think a burlesque show is fine, but I think a strip club is fine, too.

At a strip club there's a very simple transaction. There are girls. I give them my money. They show me their boobies. More money generally = more boobies. End of transaction. The problem arises when guys forget this general transaction and either expect more boobies for no money or expect more than boobie showing. It's not a singles club. The girls are not up for auction.

A burlesque show is really more of a talent showcase. It's definately performance art, IME and I think definately worth seeing.

[radiantsoul.livejournal.com]

Boobs are one of the few things worth paying for.

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

The young burlesque-dancing lady who used to be married to Marilyn Manson, and was on Eurovision, scared me with her teeny tiny waist.

[choirgrrl.livejournal.com]

As a woman, I see nothing wrong with burlesque. Then again, I see nothing wrong with strip clubs, so maybe I'm not the best to ask! lol
If you've never been to a burlesque show, you should really go. It is nowhere as seedy as you may think, and quite tasteful. Most times, there is little to no nudity involved- but if you like boobies you will be pleased. :D

[girlincambourne.livejournal.com]

I think woman enjoy the burlesque type dancing, you shouldn't feel seedy, it's quite fun!