Last week, we explored the origins of Boudoir Rouge; how a simple desire to perform sparked the creation of something bigger. This week, we explore what happens when people finally step into the spotlight.
Many assume dancers perform for others — that “spotlight” means seeking attention or validation. “If you asked all the dancers,” founder Rachel Holliday shared with me “they would say they are doing it for themselves.” Just like an athlete who performs for personal challenge, a graduate who walks the stage to celebrate their educational milestone, or a tattoo that tells a personal journey, so too the burlesque performance is an act of personal expression and growth.
Burlesque has always been about more than entertainment — it’s been about defiance. In the 1860s, Lydia Thompson and the British Blondes shook up theater with performances that parodied Shakespeare and mocked societal expectations, putting women at the centre as both comedians and disruptors.
Similarly, Boudoir Rouge’s dancers challenge current social standards, embracing the personal transformation experienced as a result. Rachel told me about a dancer, Stella Fox, who feared she was “too old” to perform. Indeed, women constantly receive societal reinforcement that our sexuality somehow “ages out.” Said Rachel, “I watched her go from ‘I don’t know if I can do this, I’m too old’ to ‘f— that, yes I can,’” taking the stage with her children in full self-expression. While we as audience members experience the show as the main event, the journey there is possibly even more dazzling. For the dancers, Boudoir Rouge is a transformational community, one that provides a container to love the full range of yourself. To challenge deeply rooted narratives of harm and reduction, to be actively uplifted by one another.
At the upcoming show in April, four strong Indigenous women will tell one such narrative, combining burlesque and Indigenous storytelling and dance to bring awareness to MMWIG, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. When performed for their fellow Boudoir dancers, it was undeniable — invoking tears, cheers and a massive standing ovation. The dancers have also been weaving their own cedar corsets, creating their stage personas that will bring this important narrative to life.
The stage persona is more than a character or a costume. It’s a way to embody personal power, history and healing. It’s also an amplified, uninhibited version of self –– bringing out the parts of us that are free to be as bold, playful or outrageous as they want. You want pink? Green? Spikes? The answer is yes. Is this too much? No. In this space, it’s never too much.
Ready to be dazzled? On April 12 at 7:30 p.m., the dancers of Boudoir Rouge take the stage at Roberts Creek Hall for a wild and sexy night of play, tease, and body-loving performance. Even as audience members, we can step into our own alter egos — wearing something fierce and embracing parts of ourselves that rarely come out to play. For anyone —myself included — who has hesitated at the “striptease stigma,” here’s a chance to rewrite that story. Burlesque is radical storytelling, empowerment, and joy. How lucky are we to witness it? Find Boudoir Rouge on Facebook or Instagram to purchase tickets.
More events in the community:
Rainbow Bridge, a psychedelic/classic ‘60s rock band - March 29 at Roberts Creek Legion
Seedy Saturday, April 5 at Roberts Creek Hall
Women’s Well-Being Series: The Art of the Ayurvedic Cleanse, April 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roberts Creek Wellbeing
I’ll be away for spring break, but you’ll be in good hands with local writer Kim Kerr-Fenton covering Gumboot Nation. See you on April 11! Want to reach out? Contact me at [email protected] or on Facebook messenger.
