One of my most incredible New York City moments was the first time that I ever witnessed a burlesque performance. I was mentally in that space between the final line of sobriety and “all cares to the wind” drunkenness when I came across a performance at Nurse Bettie. 

I stood in a crowd of people who whooped and hollered as a full figured woman with impeccable make up began to remove articles of clothing piece by piece on a small stage set up in the back of the bar. I was not the one taking off my clothing, and yet, there was something gratifying and liberating about watching this woman on stage who moved with grace and confidence. She wasn’t worried about people taking photos and later posting them on the internet for her boss to see.

In fact, both the men and women in the crowd seemed to be impressed by her artistic way of moving as opposed to intimidated. An inebriated, tall, skinny man standing next to me ribbed with his elbow as he sipped a can of beer with his other hand. “Hey, I know you won’t believe me, but that’s my wife up there. She has a competition coming up soon, and I’m really proud of her.” As if to prove to me the honesty of that statement, he hollered, “yeah baby,” up toward the stage wherein she spotted him and blew a kiss. I was floored.

Watching this burlesque performance was the first time that I had ever seen, in real time, a woman’s sexuality in an empowering way. It was the first time in my life that a woman had shown her sexuality in the open, and it was not weaponized against her by people who felt threatened. The experience changed me profoundly. It gave me hope. I felt relief.

Many industries in New York City have had to re-imagine business as usual and embrace “business as unusual” instead. We’ve been able to applaud the ingenuity of restaurants, bars, salons, small boutiques, and yoga studios as we collectively watch how our most beloved and frequented places to “blow off steam” pivot in a time of uncertainty. 

But what about those who have a career without such high day to day visibility? What about those in the performing arts and theater realm? Specifically, what about burlesque performers? 

I caught up with one performer who goes by Jack Rabbit Slims [@jackburlesque] to ask how she as well as other performers have adjusted to these bizarre times. 

What is Burlesque?

First, I realize not everyone has had the fortune to experience the vodka induced epiphany that I had on the Lower East Side. Many people might think that “stripping” and burlesque are interchangeable forms of artistic expression, which is not necessarily true. Jack Rabbit Slims tells us,

“The proper definition of the word burlesque is, “an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something, a parody” It parallels my own personal adaptation of burlesque because every time I get on a stage I poke fun of what society thinks is sexy. Burlesque is the art of striptease. There is no distinct right or wrong for there are so many different adaptations, and interpretations to what you do with the art of strip tease.”

Why is Burlesque SO Popular in NYC? 

When I researched for a candidate to interview for this piece, I was stunned by the hundreds, if not thousands, of burlesque stars that we are fortunate enough to house in the City That Never Sleeps. I had no idea that burlesque had such a following and was apparently only growing in popularity in recent years. 

When reflecting on the growing popularity of the art form, Slims says: 

 “I think burlesque will always have a proper place in nightlife. NYC being the heart and soul of entertainment, burlesque will always be a part of the city’s nightlife culture whether at a club, bar, or show. NYC is also home to all that is weird, wonderful and rock and roll when it comes to art which is why burlesque will always be alive here. What’s a variety show with a burlesque act or two? Burlesque in NYC can be so flexible for instance, a restaurant with live jazz could be complimented perfectly with a burlesque performer, A variety show, a Drag show, A nightclub, dare I go on…”

What Inspires One to Become a Burlesque Performer?

I know how I first experienced burlesque, but how does an actual performer become inspired to immerse themselves in the art form?

JRS: “I was invited to The Slipper Room one evening (one of my favorite places to see live burlesque, after a night of working in production for a party. There I was handed a dollar by the person who’d taken me and taught to tip the person go-going on the stage. After seeing a night of radical, godly, powerfully captivating acts I could not stop thinking about it since and what place I have in the art form.”

How Does a Burlesque Performer Develop an “On-Stage Persona?” 

I have always been fascinated by burlesque and drag performers abilities to create entire personas for their performances. I was hoping that Jack Rabbit Slims could walk us through the process of developing a personality entirely for the spotlight, and they did not disappoint!

JRS: The process is different for everyone. I started from the core of who I am. What films moved me throughout my life, who were the women that inspired me, what music would I dance to, what icons did I want my appearance to embody, and my love for pin-up. Figuring out who you want to create takes studying, in that process you put together the pieces of who you are. And most importantly I was inspired by Drag. I knew the persona I wanted to create was not myself but the being who lives inside of me who doesn’t get to come out. Jack Rabbit Slims ( named after the diner in pulp fiction ) was born out of all the art I’ve ever loved my whole life. I was well trained in makeup so I had a couple wigs, painted my face and danced around my room to Nina Simone, Etta James, Minnie Ripperton, and the Pink Panther theme song- I knew I wanted to have a vintage pinup feel with a rock and roll twist. 

How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the Way that Jack Rabbit Slims Performs? 

JRS: The pandemic truly put a halt into any live art possible. It was devastating as an up and coming performer who was finally getting gigs. That didn’t stop any of us though, zoom and Instagram shows have had a glorious run and really gave us the opportunity to still create, entertain and inspire and get tipped for it! The pandemic taught me to put a little more love into my online presence and much behind the scenes work learning how to film and edit my own photos and videos because I had no other choice was a blessing in disguise and even encouraged me to create a Halloween photo series. I now can perform from the comfort of my own room and a little magic of illusion but nothing compares to the real life stage. If there is anything burlesque needs is that powerful energy exchange from audience to performer. 

How Do Burlesque Performers in General Adapt to Such Chaotic and Uncertain Times? 

JRS: My friends in the field have been so vividly creative throughout this pandemic, making short videos, figuring out how to make a fun engaging variety show via zoom or Instagram and many other platforms, performing in backyards and park spaces and other outdoor situations, creating photo series, live cooking shows, you name it. Any way we can safely share our personalities and art form we will adjust and make due!

How Can We Make Sure You All Are Seen, Valued, Happy, Hydrated, Making Rent and Fed? 

Follow us burlesque performers on the socials! We are always blabbing when we are about to do something online, and hopefully soon on a stage again, never be shy to come watch us or message us. Only fans and Patreon are a wonderful way to support a lot of us too. I know we all cannot wait to embrace an audience again.