The Tab tries: UEA Burlesque Society

Danielle Ball gives us a peek into a thrilling world that is for the most part shielded from view. Come give it a try, no nipple tassels necessary.


‘Her attitude, her eyes, that’s the most important, the steam that rises from them. That’s the most important thing to me. She has magic. Some people have it.’ 

– The artist Olivia De Berardinis on Bettie Page.

Ever since my first pair of high waisted shorts, I have been hooked on 1950’s glamour. My bedroom walls are adorned with pin ups up the past, the smouldering look of Gypsy Rose Lee or proud glow of lili St. Cyr.

I have always been fascinated by the effortless charm of Bettie Page, to the point of being accused of being in love with her. (It is a platonic love, honest!)

There is something about the grace and elegance of these women that draws me to them. But it is not just the pretty waist clinching outfits and cheeky smiles- these women have gumption.

There is an untouchable quality to their provocative poses that somehow make the wailing women of Jeremy Kyle look like a circus parade.

So where better for me to explore my passion than at the UEA Burlesque Society! Inspired by Dita Von Teese and all things glamorous, UEA Burlesque has gumption in abundance. This society:

-Advocates the glitzy fashions of the 1940s and 50s

-Holds classes in perfecting the art of striptease

-Is open to all female students

From the first lesson I was greeted with thirty smiling faces and made to feel at ease. The routines we practiced were not the strict, synced moves seen in street dancing, but instead soft, sensual and personal to you.

The routines do not require any previous dancing experience, just enthusiasm and a love of the great ‘shimmy.’ I cannot wait for next week when the secrets of the elusive ‘glove peel’ will be revealed.

The origins of Burlesque stem from as way back as the 1840’s. It was used by working class performers to mock the upper classes, their traditions, social mannerisms, and fashion.

Many of the performances were spoofs of operas, classic literature and plays. The performances played on the audience’s desire for laughter and lust.

Due to the ‘naughty’ nature of the performances, Burlesque usually targeted men, but as it gained interest it drew a wider audience, including women who revelled in the social taboo.

Today Burlesque is at the forefront of popular culture. Forget Fifty Shades of Grey, the art of Burlesque brings a subtle, elegant note to what it means to be erotic.

There are many things about Burlesque that appeal to human nature- the sensuality, the secrecy, the alluring charm. There is a delicious naughtiness that cannot be found in ‘grinding’ on a sticky dance floor.

These days Burlesque empowers women, encouraging them to embrace their sexuality, and to be more confident with their bodies.

Joining a new society is always a nerve wracking experience. But joining one as vibrant, exciting and confidence-building as the Burlesque Society is an opportunity too good to miss.

This society gives us a window into a thrilling world that is for the most part shielded from view. Come give it a try, no nipple tassels necessary.