Bijoux Burlesque Nottingham

Burlesque can be traced back as early as the late eighteen hundreds starting life as cabaret and variety shows featuring music, comedy and dance. As the shows gained popularity the dance evolved to incorporate the seductive striptease that now dominates the performances today. It is important to note that it is striptease, and not simply ‘stripping’ as some may perceive it, the aim of the game being to tantalise the audience without ever giving too much away. The show is as much about the elaborate costumes and props as it is about the girls themselves. However, many people do not realise this and shun the idea as a degrading objectification of the female body, when in fact the truth is very much the opposite.


The art of Burlesque has undergone something of a renaissance over the past few years, and as a result, burlesque groups both amateur, and professional have been emerging across the UK Nottingham based troupe Bijoux Burlesque is among many groups of aspiring performers; they provide a starting point for girls of all ages and abilities, and any shape or size who are keen to perform, be it as a hobby or for those with greater aspirations in mind. The girls, collectively known as the Bijoux Belles Have spent weeks rehearsing for a show at the Rose of England. For many of the girls this would be the first time they would perform in front of an audience. After some welcoming introductions the girls set about practicing routines, while the lovely Miss Daisy D’Arcelle explained a bit more of what it is about. “It’s important to note that unlike many forms of erotic, or suggestive dance burlesque isn’t just for your pin-up girls, or Page 3 wannabes, but is for any woman who is proud of who they are, and is happy to show the world.” But not showing everything of course, as it is after all not simply stripping off. “In fact, some of the girls take very little off; it is the art of tease, by leaving some things to the imagination the whole performance is more sensual and mysterious, and the performers maintain a hold on the audience in a more dignified manner.”

A week later came the night they had all been preparing for. It may have only been a small venue, but it was a full house. Surprisingly, the audience was predominantly female, many of whom had come with their partners. Some had come in dress reflecting that worn in the 1920’s and the golden age of burlesque, women in elegant gowns and men in fine vintage suits. It was definitely not the atmosphere of a strip club. The girls performed a variety of dance routines, some fast paced, cheeky and flirtatious while others where a lot slower, and more seductive. The rules where simple, if an item of clothing came off, be it a lacy glove or an elaborate corset the audience would go wild! For those new to Burlesque, the show’s compare eased the crowd into the mood with some classic jokes, while introducing each of the performers. Each act was unique, with a mix of group, and solo performances. A nautical themed number to Christina Aguilera’s Candyman proved to be a highlight of the group acts, if for nothing more than the elaborate sequined sailor costumes. While Miss Angelic Whispers stole the show with her butterfly solo act. The variety was a great throwback to Burlesque’s cabaret routes.

The show closed with the entire troupe taking the stage to perform the classic Can-can. The crowd roared as the girls took their final bows. There was a sense of relief back stage as the girls reflected on what had been a successful show for everyone. There was no doubt that Burlesque was far more than a strip show. It was more finessed, more stylish and far more entertaining. A combination of seductive dance moves, exciting costumes and beautiful girls put it in a different league, making such comparisons completely unjustified. It is well worth checking out a local show, taking some friends (your partner, if you like) and experiencing a night unlike anything you have seen before.