Brooklyn Burlesque
In September of 2022, my friend and burlesque show producer Vulgar Divine asked me if I would photograph their new monthly show in Brooklyn.
Though I hadn’t done much event photography, I was immediately interested in getting involved with more NYC nightlife scenes, especially one centered on aesthetics and self-expression.
Burlesque is a curated and suggestive form of performance that can vary from classic roots in old Hollywood to variety acts that include sword swallowing and fake blood.
I’ve seen performances to a wide variety of music, including “I Can’t Do It Alone” from Chicago, “It’s Not Easy Being Green” by Kermit the Frog, any of the Green Day or Lana Del Rey catalog, and even Duran Duran.
Living in the city can be such a mixed bag but I never tire of how many different ways people nurture their creativity. The burlesque community is an open and Queer friendly circle that strives to support their longevity. They produce shows to cast fellow performers in and push to set the standard for a kind and respectful show with the rule that “consent is not only sexy but mandatory.”
Seated at a show in a low-lit bar like Club Cumming, you can have a near-speakeasy experience watching the classic dancers with their feather boas and ruffled shorts. Meanwhile, the neo-burlesque fans can catch a cowboy’s abandoned chaps or a nun’s discarded habit.
The shows I’ve photographed at a local bar, Secret Pour, are usually centered on a theme and create a dynamic and extensive definition of that theme. Each dancer has their own take on everything from “Heaven and Hell” to the “2013 Tumblr”.
My favorites have always been the Halloween shows where fake weapons, lit candles, and glitter of all kinds decorated the ballroom floor.
If you’re interested in going to a NYC Burlesque show, there are pockets of great performances all over the city, though I love to check out the Brooklyn venues. Be sure to show up with a collection of one-dollar bills to tip a dancer personally when invited to or to crumble up and toss on stage for the Stage Kitten to gather between acts.
Collecting the scattered pieces of shed costume between dancers and the tips strewn around the floor, the Stage Kitten helps keep the show rolling. Burlesque gets active between the dancing and the liveliness of a good crowd. Often, halfway through a show, there will be an intermission for the audience to refresh their drinks and cheer the Kitten on when they take a turn on the stage.
Photographing burlesque has been such a dazzling opportunity. It has challenged me creatively and technically and given me the skills to extend to photographing music and other nightlife. Not to mention several new friends and an appreciation for the dedicated flashiness and theatrics of such a fun form of artistic performance.
The above performers can be found on social media and include Daddy Dallan, Ann Arky, Dorienne Dreadful, Sapphic Fire, Deelishis, Phoenix Fvcktoy, Vivien Rose, Queen Rose, and of course, Vulgar Divine.
