For Sharon K (aka Indiana Belle) the art of striptease and burlesque extends far beyond the stage. Since arriving in London, from hometown Perth, eight years ago, she has worked her way from a performer and choreographer to a burlesque entrepreneur to be reckoned with. She tells Ruby TV how and why she created Retro Tease and Burlesque Baby and keeps us guessing on her next moves. A professional tease…
How did you first become involved in burlesque?
I have been a dancer from as young as 8, and was a lover of the old school musicals and the gorgeous show girls from Paris and Vegas, so I tried my hand at stripping at the age of 24- it was the next closest thing in Perth. But this was not enough. I researched the history as much as I could… and I really fell in love with the American style burlesque. I loved the old school strippers that were around in the 30s, 40s and 50s and all the fabulous comedy acts between. I incorporated a lot of my moves from the old classics, and that’s really how it came about for me.
How do you define burlesque?
That’s always an interesting question. Since the word burlesque goes far back, lots of people define it in different ways and many will argue that burlesque has nothing to do with striptease and will say: “Burlesque is a humorous, theatrical entertainment involving parody and sometimes grotesque exaggeration and striptease has nothing to do with Burlesque”. I think it’s really open, and there are many slants on it. And a lot of people take parts of burlesque from the Victorian era… or maybe the 1950’s… or whatever! It does not matter. It’s much more exciting to see different ideas and I do not think people should judge others on what they think TRUE BURLESQUE IS.
I think you can go to a show and see a comedic style routine, a classic striptease and maybe an act which tells a story and can be quite deep. My personal preference is for something that makes me laugh or is very classic. I think it’s so mixed, but I definitely will say my idea of Burlesque is a fabulous routine beforehand which has an element of striptease in the result. And basically it’s the execution of the routine that finishes it for me.
Does burlesque mean the same thing in Europe, Australia, UK and the States or are there different interpretations?
I think around the world there is a basic understanding of what everyone is doing globally and it’s mostly the same. I believe the Americans are a little less shy in using the word striptease, which is a good thing.
Where else in the world can one find burlesque?
Burlesque is in many cities around the world and is much bigger in some than others, so pretty much in every country. Obviously the bigger the city, the more it grows.
Some cities are awash, like London, and then there are cities that have maybe only one or two [venues] , so it definitely needs to grow still in some places. The more the competition, the healthier the industry.
What led you to create Burlesque Baby? Tell us a little about it.
I had done a of teaching and choreographing in Australia and in London I was asked by different performers to help choreograph burlesque routines for cabaret auditions, and I did, and they did very well. So I decided to start something. You could get occasional lessons in London or go to striptease school, but there was not an actual burlesque school in London. So I started Burlesque Baby. That was in 2005 and I basically started from the name. I really researched so that I was not stepping on anyone’s toes. I started, teaching classic burlesque and burlesque baby went through the roof and has not stopped since. We have taught all sorts of women- from celebrities to ‘girl next doors’. It’s a school for everyone really. The number one element apart from turning out lots of great performers is that we really have helped a bunch of women increase their confidence in their lives and bring back the sexiness that they once had.
And Retro Tease?
Retro is an international burlesque network for communication really. It is about 90% performers and the rest is festival organisers, agencies and suppliers (of costumes etc)… It’s really a very cool place to get in touch with other people in the industry and network and we have a lot of great events posted here daily.
You also run an agency?
Currently this is a small part of Burlesque Baby. We represent a few of the best performers in the industry.
When and what does Indiana Belle, your burlesque alter ego, perform? Is this a side or past project or are you still performing and if so where?
These days, as I run Burlesque Baby and Retro Tease, this is not my main priority. I can occasionally be spotted at an event or sometimes internationally, but usually at private affairs. However, there is a project this year which is quite exciting, that will be public. But that’s all under wraps for now…
Why has burlesque become so popular?
I believe that apart from the obvious elements, like Dita Von Tease helping to bring burlesque back into the forefront, it is generally seen as much more acceptable and fun for women to do.
How has burlesque and the scene changed over the past five years?
Burlesque is not as underground as it once was. It has become more mainstream. So many women want to get out there and have ago. It’s very cool.
What qualities mark the difference between a great and mediocre burlesque performance for you?
It’s so hard to say. Sometimes people just have that stage element that just has something and you don’t even know what it is. Other times it’s a great combination of fantastic costumes and great performance and the performer really understanding what works for them the best and works that. Mediocre performances come from people not being true to themselves on stage but just running through the motions and not really understanding what they are doing up there, and not making an effort with costume and presentation.
What are the best places to see good burlesque in London?
The Wam Bam cabaret club at Cafe De Paris is great followed by The Tassel Club.
Does popularity have its downsides? And do you see any/much burlesque rivalry or is the competition healthy?
Popularity does have its downsides. You get elements of people who believe they can judge you when they have not even met you. Competition is great for business. I Love it, it helps business grow.
Will burlesque come out of fashion? What do you think is the future of burlesque?
Burlesque is definitely not in the papers as much as it was, but it’s definitely not going anywhere, it will just become more mainstream.
How has burlesque changed you?
I have been doing this for 16 years, I am the same person as I was way back then, just more experienced. I’m very down to earth, work damn hard and I only work and associate with other performers who have the same ethics. Some of the best performers I have worked with are super down to earth.
Retro Tease, Burlesque Baby… what’s next?
I do have about three very cool projects in the pipeline. But it’s always best to not broadcast until you’re up and running…
Ah yes, of course. In burlesque one never, ever reveals all…
Sharon has been asked to appear as a speaker on an International panel/discussion of burlesque as a cultural and business phenomenon to be held in May at The Brighton Salon.
