The World Famous *BOB* explains the difference between the two: “Strippers make money, and burlesque dancers spend the little they make on their next costume.”
LOL. I love that woman.
Anyways, Burlesque was the forerunner of modern stripping. No. Fucking. Question.
Anyone with some sense of burlesque's history wouldn't be so quick to separate the two. For it's time, burlesque was pretty racy. But as laws (and peoples attitudes) relating to nudity changed, the burlesque format became less relevant. Wikipedia says: "Burlesque became increasingly neglected, and by the 1970s, with nudity commonplace in theatres, reached its final shabby demise."
Basically, I am writing an article about Burlesque dancers, and the (imho, really, really frustrating) tendency of burlesquers to make a big deal about how they are "not strippers" and generally seem to consider themselves better than strippers...despite the fact that they are also, y'know, taking their clothes off on a stage, sometimes for money.
^^^^^^ This attitude is unfortunately held by SOME neo-burlesque performers. The whole burlesque revival movement created an explosion of burlesque performers, burlesque groups, burlesque fans, etc. and as with any large subculture there are going to be varied opinions about how that culture is "supposed" to be defined. Neo-burlesque is a different incarnation of burlesque... you wouldn't see Boylesque or Alt-Burlesque back in the day. Please see: http://www.theantiroom.com/2011/04/0...nd-everything/
The modern burlesque movement is difficult to pin down in terms of what it is and isn't but as far as I am concerned, there is a greater emphasis on props and costuming, more rehearsed routines, and a greater proclivity to making a statement (whether it be artistic, political, or comedic.) The other thing that I will go out on a limb and say is that the vast majority of modern burlesque performers do it as a hobby and not a profession. There are exceptions, to be sure, but serious touring performers and local mainstays make up a small percentage of the folks that dabble in burlesque for fun.
Beyond that, I can say that burlesque shows are self-contained entities. I mean, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. The show runs for a set period of time and then it is done. There are designated performers and designated acts. Strip clubs differ in the sense that there is always someone on stage but things just sort of flow throughout the day or night with no well-defined structure.
There is certainly more variety in burlesque. You'd be hard pressed to find cross-dressers, full-figured women, etc. in most strip clubs. It's a more inclusive scene that doesn't adhere to the regimented social norms regarding what's considered sexy and what isn't generally accepted.
I wouldn't say that burlesque is better or worse than stripping (or vice versa). Luckily I haven't had to tolerate much snobbery in NYC.
I'll say that we are comparing apples to oranges and both are equally tasty... and one of those fruits just happens to make me money.
More History:
While burlesque went out of fashion in England towards the end of the 19th century, to be replaced by Edwardian musical comedy, the American style of burlesque flourished, but with increasing focus on female nudity. Exotic "cooch" dances were brought in, ostensibly Syrian in origin. The entertainments were given in clubs and cabarets, as well as music halls and theatres. By the early 20th century, there were two national circuits of burlesque shows competing with the vaudeville circuit, as well as resident companies in New York.
The transition from burlesque on the old lines to striptease was gradual. At first soubrettes showed off their figures while singing and dancing; some were less active but compensated by appearing in elaborate stage costumes. The strippers gradually supplanted the singing and dancing soubrettes; by 1932 there were at least 150 strip principals in the US. By the late 1930s, burlesque shows would have up to six strippers supported by one or two comics and a master of ceremonies.--- Wikipedia
Also see: http://employees.oneonta.edu/bealt/quinn.htm
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