More Burlesque then You Can Shake A Feathered Fan At

By Michele Lenni in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 3, 2010 7:40PM

In a time of year known for multiple layers to protect your flesh from the harsh elements (this Chicagoista maintains a four-layer policy) to the point that one can barely even see a person's ocular cavities when venturing outdoors, the popularity of the nearly naked ladies of burlesque seems to have truly peaked. This is probably in part due to the over-the-top, recently release sequined-spectacle, Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher poised more as drag queen wannabees than the actual bawdy, humorous vaudeville experience that burlesque was intended to be.

Burlesque actually got its start right here in Chicago in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition. Burlesque is known more for the art of the tease, double entendre and all-out belly laughs than the highly choreographed, music video inspired dance sequences that it is portrayed as today. If you are interested in more than a cheap imitation and are willing to spend a couple more bucks for the real deal then Vaudezilla's Lincoln Fair Monthly Burlesque Exposition and Show and Tell Variety Show is probably the way to go. Vaudezilla, Lakeview's Lincoln Tap and The Greenhouse Theater Center present three burlesque spectacles (the first two are free) plus other fun stuff like their Newlywed Game and henna tattoos.

Don't get us wrong, there will be plenty of barely clothed ladies in outlandish costumes to go around, but we think that you will definitely find the entertainment is more than skin deep. Live burlesque is much, much more funny, tantalizing and extravagant then what you'll see in the movie theatre. Besides, haven't you seen enough of half-naked dance numbers with Cher and X-tina in overly sexualized costumes? I know we sure have.

Vaudezilla Presents Lincoln Fair, A Monthly Burlesque Exposition, Free Chicago Burlesque Show, December 10 at 9 p.m. & 11 p.m. at The Lincoln Tap, 3010 N Lincoln Ave. and Show & Tell Cabaret, (Burlesque & Variety), December 18 at 11 p.m. at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave, $18