Author: Bridget Benevides
When I told my peers I was attending Seattle’s Fourth Annual Boylesque Festival, I was met with questioning looks. “Isn’t that, like, naked dancing?” one asked. And to be honest, I did not know what to expect, sure, maybe naked dancingI thought. But let me tell you: Seattle’s Fourth Annual Boylesque Festival at The Triple Door was so much more than that.
On Friday, April 13th, my friend and I dressed up and went downtown, unsure of what was in store for our evening. The Triple Door mainstage was filled with smiling individuals, many of whom were dressed theatrically or colorfully. It was filled with individuals expressing themselves regardless of societal norms, of assumed gender, or of body type, and it was a liberating sight to see.
The host of the night was a lovely lady named Sailor St. Claire. She was comical and crude, but made the crowd laugh easily. She gave us some background on boylesque and on each of the performers as they came out one by one. She has done, and continues to do, a lot of work in the burlesque scene of Seattle, even performing sometimes herself. It was a comedy show, it had me smiling and laughing out loud, whooping and hollering from start to finish. Like I said, not what you would instantly assume from burlesque.
There were a number of different acts, each one unique to itself. There was a man who came out and sang for us (all the while stripping down to some magnificently sparkly costumes). There were a number of comical dancing acts where performers played different parts and danced to different tunes (all the while stripping down to some magnificently sparkly costumes). There was even an acrobatic act where a man swung from the ceiling by just his legs or arms (and in just a speedo).
There were three raffles with gifts donated from small businesses in Capitol Hill and around Seattle. We were told briefly about one Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque which teaches individuals the basics of burlesque! They “nurture and foster each student’s ideas while providing effective guidance and instruction”. They believe “Being brave means being afraid and doing it anyway.”
This night was one of surprise, laughter, and love for all the amazing humans I share this world and this city with. It was so inspiring to see men of all ages, shapes and sizes get on stage and shake their tail feathers like they were the greatest being in the world, and to hear the audience react in agreement. Burlesque opened my eyes to a new art form focused on self-love, acceptance and FUN! It might be something I have to try out some day. Who knows… when in Seattle…
For more information on burlesque boylesque you can visit Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque website here, or visit the Boylesque Festival website here!Now go out there and try something new!
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | Why not? | KXSU Music Reporter