We take a look at this burlesque documentary to get the must-know burlesque costume terms. How many of these do you have in your wardrobe?
Burlesque Costume Terms
This month Immodesty Blaize completed her Strictly Burlesque residency in Bournemouth. She has also been seen this year on ITV Perspectives. Paul O’Grady spoke to the British burlesque dancer for his documentary, Gypsy Rose Lee: The Queen of Burlesque.
To celebrate Immodesty Blaize championing British burlesque we’re sharing a slice of her burlesque documentary, Burlesque Undressed. It lists all the must-know burlesque costume terms. This is important knowledge for any aspiring burlesque dancer so lets take a look.
As narrator, Immodesty Blaize begins from the top with the headdresses. It connotes classic showgirl glamour often with spouting feathers. Then there’s the Isis wings which can be used to hide and reveal, tease and tantalise.
This is followed by corsets and waspies. These come in overbust and underbust. Not to mention the variety of fastenings and designs.
Then there’s the 50s burlesque panels that are practically synonymous with bump ‘n’ grind. Not forgetting merkins and pasties for modesty.
They’re shown off by a parade of famous burlesque dancers. You can see, Kalani Kokonuts, Catherine D’Lish, Kitten De Ville, Perle Noire and Michelle L’amour. Most of which were seen in Immodesty Blaize’s burlesque show before featuring in the documentary.
You will find any of those items, in many varieties, inside any burlesque dancer’s wardrobe. To find some more specialist burlesque costume items head over to our burlesque boutique.
Check out our burlesque costume ideas with Miss Betsy Rose and watch our answer to: what is burlesque?