Thru out the last 10 years burlesque has been gathering popularity every day and depending on the location they are to hold shows daily basis like NYC's Slipper Room and others like Cleveland's The Beachland Ballroom bi-monthly. Many people are starting to convert their friends to this amazing tradition of historical live entertainment. Many do not know what to expect or what they are about, We took some time here at OBF to count down 12 reasons to see a burlesque show! - We searched high and low and then we went lower... then we checked craigslist! (Kidding) 
But here they are Enjoy- OBF

Burlesque is not only about tantalizing the audience with risque sensual overly dramatic costuming removal techniques. There is a lot more involved in a burlesque revue, Some actually are called "Varie-Tease" The show producers do not limit their self's to one facet of entertainer they search high and low to find sideshow, drag, variety, vaudeville, comedians, musical acts, singers, ariel acts even spoken word poetry comes to stage. All these act like a pallet cleanser to the audience since every single interaction is different and not to mention the music styles are unique to each act. This makes every show different, every entertainer different and there is truly something for everyone. 

You don't just sit there at these shows and stare at the stage and clap when it's over, You interact with with the performers on stage. The more you encourage their costuming removal the more fun and exciting the show will be, Hook, Holler, Scream, Cat Calls (with in reason) trust us - they like to hear you!
The MC plays a very important role as they guide you thru the journey of a show, They will help you get pumped up between the numbers and they are a bit comedic and sassy, Some can be drag queens hosting they are well rounded in audience interaction. So please the louder you get the better we tease! 

Quick lesson- Burlesque is originally satire comedy, The mockery of every day life. The over the top theatrical dramatic numbers that you can see on stage can go from emotionally moving to comedic, The satire can also be political and in many ways the statements of the Neo Burlesque world can be so profound and moving but yet severely entertaining. 

There is so many characters in movies, literature and comics that these entertainers bring to life. Their are unique in each way not to mention reinventing a classic is amazingly difficult, They really masters at story telling in every way and the reinvention of these characters are truly worth the time at a show. 

Having more then one girl on stage and achieving a well choreograph number is magic! Embrace the unison of woman moving as one creating something very unique to pay attention to TEAM WORK!  Yes, We love group numbers! 

You have had those moments you tell friends about, The "You just had to be there" Moments. Live entertainment is uncontrollable, A beast that cannot be tamed and in those minutes on stage there is the ability to create iconic moments in burlesque history. We are lucky to have photographers capture such moments on film, Moments of passion and expression that will live on as treasures for the rest of our lives as performers images like this are epic to have and as audience great memories to relive! 

Burlesque accepts different shapes, sizes, colors, sexual orientations and life style choices. This has come to some degree of discussion in every interview we have given, Burlesque is Entertainment and forth and foremost we are here to entertain you! Every one is unique from mind and body, Burlesque holds the ability to display every one in their ultimate body beautiful image. Burlesque is timeless and boundaries are there if you set them and we choice to never set boundaries for the acceptance of every single human being that is body beautiful. 
Show It Off! 

Most of the performers make their own costumes, The detail and time placed in these master pieces is incredible. A costume can make or break your number and half of the fun of burlesque is seeing a performer well costumed, We are all different but when it comes to bringing something special to stage you will see every one create immaculate ideas to bring forth to the audience that truly shows their passion and devotion to the craft. Some are reinvented vintage finds, thrift store treasures that come back to life or creations from scratch. All this time and effort for you! 

Nothing says burlesque like feather fans, but trust us when we say prop use in burlesque is quite amazing. They get so inventive from chairs, feather fans, boas to martini glasses. These entertainers have it out for the audience pulling all the stops to really embrace the stage in full. Still there is nothing more beautiful then seeing an amazing fan dance. Simple yet Lavish!  

Men too have joined the racks of burlesque for quite some time now and the boylesque movement is taking the country by storm, They are not just any "male dancers" they are unique characters that can truly capture sensuality and comedy as well as drive woman crazy! Their unique take on burlesque has made this a popular medium for men to join. More power to them! you should hear the audience going crazy when a boylesquer hits the stage! 

We in some areas are a tight community or as we like to call it a large beautiful amazing family, The friendships that this scene creates are priceless and amazing. We are a very supportive unique and interesting group of people that manages to come together and support and love one another in every way possible and that translates to the stage!  You are joining a family gathering every time you go to a show and trust us we love you coming to shows. You are not only supporting our family but feeding our souls. It really would be pointless with out you! *Hand us those tissues* 

Burlesque has been present thru out history and reinvented thru time, You are not only attending a show - You are attending an supporting a beautiful tradition in the world. This has been as much as a part of humanity and live entertainment has proven better for your mind, heart and health. Engaging in an interactive event gets your spirit soaring and well it makes you smile! Even in this the age of technology nothing beats live entertainment. This is a classical tradition very different from place to place, do not judge a book by it's cover. Check out a show and find the right one for you then bring friends, Trust us when we say... We will love, adore and be honored to see your faces at a show! After all with out the audience being there what fun is it to tell a story to an empty room. 

Images Courtesy of Eric Paul Owens (Director of Graphics and Photography in OBF), Anastasia Pantsios, Bob Perkoski and Zoe Renne Lapin. Thank you for their time in our shows.