A History of Burlesque: From European Origins to Modern Revivals

Burlesque, a performance art with deep historical roots and a rich evolution, has captivated audiences around the world. Often perceived as a combination of comedy, music, dance, and sometimes strip-tease, burlesque has a complex heritage that spans numerous centuries and continents. This article will explore the origins and development of burlesque, from its European beginnings to its evolutions in the United States, and the recent resurgence of the art form.

Origins: European Burlesque (19th Century)

The story of burlesque begins in the 19th century, primarily in Europe, particularly in England. Burlesque originated as a theatrical form that often used comic sketches, music, and dance to parody serious works and societal norms (content in italics refers to key terms). The term itself is derived from the Italian word burlesco, literally meaning laughter, jest, or parody. An early example of this can be found in the works of the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, whose plays often ridiculed and parodied Greek society (content in italics refers to key terms).

19th Century Europe

In the British music halls, burlesque took the form of bawdy parodies of the opposite sex, the upper classes, and other societal norms. A seminal figure in the history of burlesque was Lydia Thompson, who formed the dance troupe called The British Blondes. This troupe, featuring dancers with bleached hair, flesh-colored tights, and male-inspired outfits, traveled to the United States where they gained popularity. The performances were characterized by their irrefutable comedic and vintage elements, solidifying the basis of American burlesque (content in italics refers to key terms).

American Burlesque (Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries)

As burlesque spread to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it evolved significantly. American burlesque shows combined elements of variety shows and vaudeville. The typical structure of a burlesque show during this period included a series of songs, coarse humorous sketches or bits, comic monologues, an assortment of variety acts like acrobats, magicians, and musical performances, and a finale featuring exotic dancers or wrestling matches (content in italics refers to key terms).

Viktorian Burlesque and Further Developments

Victorian burlesque, also popular in England and the New York theater in the mid-19th century, featured a diverse range of music scores, from popular contemporary songs to operatic arias. By the 1880s, burlesque shows began to include original musical scores. Dance was a significant component, with great emphasis placed on staging, costumes, and other spectacular elements, often staging pieces as extravaganzas (content in italics refers to key terms).

The American Boom (Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century)

The American burlesque scene experienced a significant boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It featured several elements, including slapstick sketches, dirty jokes, chorus numbers, and solo dances, often marketed as "daring" or "sensational" (content in italics refers to key terms). Female nudity was common, engaging male patrons, and these shows were not considered respectable. Many venues faced censorship and raids by local police. However, burlesque was not as obscene as modern standards would suggest (content in italics refers to key terms).

Mid-20th Century to Recent Revivals

By the early 20th century, burlesque had become a thriving industry, with large national circuits and resident companies in major cities like New York City, such as Minskys Burlesque at the Winter Garden. This period produced many comedians and performers, including W.C. Fields, Al Jolson, Fannie Brice, Bert Lahr, and Phil Silvers, who refined their skills in burlesque shows. The addition of strip-tease dancing solidified the fame of stars like Gypsy Rose Lee.

By the early 1960s, the decline of burlesque was evident, with motion pictures and stricter censorship policies causing the disappearance of most burlesque houses (content in italics refers to key terms). However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of the original forms of burlesque, with performances centered on comedy, dance, and art. This revival has sparked renewed interest in the rich history and unique art form of burlesque (content in italics refers to key terms).