“The art of the strip becomes a shedding of layers. We shed layers of doubt, of insecurity, and of cultural taboos that have held us and that so many are still held by. We dance for ourselves and we dance for others. We dance for a type of freedom that very few ever have the privilege to feel.” -Madame Merci
I have been a Madame of Boulder Burlesque for several years now and have led Conscious Burlesque workshops across the United States. We practice a form of burlesque that is called Conscious Burlesque. In Conscious Burlesque the traditional burlesque performance is modernized and infused with personal narratives and often the dancer’s individual relationship with sexuality and intimacy. It is a bit like neo-burlesque meeting fine art narratives.
Our troupe has been through many renditions. We have experienced continuous changes in performers, types of acts, and venues. The thread that remains continuous is the power of the dance and the power of intention with which our performers engage in their art. We have put on performance pieces that are sweet, light and funny, and also darker shadowy pieces that explore sexual taboos and edges. Each piece, regardless of the genre, is a teaching for both performer and audience. More recently our troupe has delved into gender-bending exploration and we have put on a number of Drag-lesque performances (drag + burlesque). This exploration has unearthed more questions then answers and left both performers and audience caught in the intrigue and beauty of the grey area between gender norms.
Initially embarking in this work I had no idea what I was doing or where it would go. I was a young girl with passion and drive and clear that I wanted something to change. I was studying to become a therapist at Naropa University in Colorado. Our courses content had no sexuality component. I was shocked. How could there be no sexual exploration in a therapeutic training. Boulder Burlesque became a study of group dynamics, therapeutic sexual process, and a sensuality study. Each member of our troupe is expected to be looking deeply into what they are representing, why they are performing, who are they performing for, and what specifically they attempting to convey.
We meet weekly and have one hour of sexual discussion and group process work followed by an hour and a half of group choreography. With this format we have the opportunity to study sexual dynamics in the group such as envy, attraction, and distaste. We also know one another very intimately and there are far less competition dynamics as compared to other performance troupes. Sexuality by its very nature is a volatile energy. It is an energy that continually destroys and creates. Our group is continually changing growing and transforming and we have the opportunity to discuss and study this as it unfolds.
Throughout my time as a Madame I have learned a great deal about group dynamics, working with divas, and riding the storm that can be performance art. From challenges with strong personalities, pressure of venues, sound delays my most recent mantra is “be reverent to the stage.” They say often it is rare to have been given a human birth. It is even rarer to have the luxury to be an artist and to be able to express yourself fully. Most recently I am awe struck by having a stage to stand on. To have a platform to articulate, express, and explore and be received by an enthusiastic applause. I am reverent to the basic privilege and the beauty it is to perform. Performing is a privilege and this is easily forgotten when you begin performing more actively.
As our venues and performance opportunities increase it is easy to forget the preciousness it is to have impact. In a culture and a time where shame still fills so many there is great significance in being able to stand in your sexuality, your body, your being and say, “This is it, this is me.” The art of the strip becomes a shedding of layers. We shed layers of doubt, of insecurity, and of cultural taboo that have held us and that so many are still held by. We dance for ourselves and we dance for others. We dance for a type of freedom that very few ever have the privilege to feel. Each time I set foot on the stage I bow internally and I recognize the significance of this opportunity.
Learn Conscious Burlesque with Madame Merci. Check out the next Conscious Burlesque Workshop.
