Past Talks

Reclaiming Exoticism: Part One & Two

The class begins with the question: what comes to mind when we think of the word “exotic”? What images does the word conjure? And what does all that mean in relation to burlesque? In this previously sold-out class series, Força shares some of the key ideas behind her dissertation research on exoticism in contemporary burlesque performance. Together, attendees will explore colonial histories that inform the invention of the “exotic other”, and how that figure helps directly shape striptease history thereafter. The class also discusses how “playing exotic” can also offer an important opportunity for marginalized people to create agency and speak back to oppressive systems which dictate who they can or cannot be. Through closely looking at the work of some of burlesque’s leading figures, Força illustrates how contemporary burlesque performance offers a platform to respond to many of these pressures. 

(In order to accommodate various requests for content, this class has been split into two parts. Each class has been designed so that it can be taken on its own, but will speak to each other for those who can sign up for both!)

Part One — History

Will focus on foundational historic information and some key ideas or concepts. The lecture covers a variety of colonial influences that lead to the creation of the burlesque striptease artist, how playing an “exotic character” came to be a common gimmick during this period, and how engagement with these characters differed for performers of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.


Part Two — Present

Will discuss how performers deal with legacies of exoticism today, focusing on a few core performers who heavily use the “exotic” as a tool to respond to their own lived realities in their work. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Get Into Glamour

This class invites its participants to tap into the transformative power of glamour— intentional, meaningful, and magical self-presentation. While so often we are told that putting effort into fashion or beauty is practiced for “other people”, or even “vain", expressing ourselves on our own terms is always a radical act. After a year of social isolation, this relationship with meaningful self-presentation for yourself has become even more necessary. Class will open with a brief discussion of the concept of glamour and its radical potential, followed by group exercises to help participants connect to their relationship with their own unique version of glamour.

The workshop will then move into a brief hair and makeup tutorial, where Força will share with you some of her signature tips, tricks and hacks around achieving her version of the glamor: bombshell hair and makeup fit for the stage. Participants will be invited to follow along with their own tools if they would like to! This class will equip participants with the tools to not only look glamorous-but think glamorously.