What is Burlesque?
What kind of Burlesque exists in the DFW Metroplex?
What can I expect?
Is this a good date night entertainment?
Is there a dress code?
Do you have group rates?
Is there an age requirement?
So….what else?
What is DFWBurlesque.com?

** NOTE: DFWBurlesque is an archived page, there are no active social media accounts that are represented by this website **

 

What is Burlesque?

 

Main Entry: bur·lesque
Pronunciation: (ˌ)bər-ˈlesk
Function: noun
Etymology: burlesque, adjective, comic, droll, from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla joke, from Spanish
Date: 1667
1 : a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation
2 : mockery usually by caricature
3 : theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns, comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts
synonyms see caricature
— burlesque adjective
— bur·lesque·ly adverb

Many of the shows in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area do include all aspects of point 3. Some shows do include sideshow and comic elements, most are focused on striptease acts – with or without a general show theme. Some are more sideshow heavy, you’ll have to do your research to find your interest or comfort level. For the moment, however, we’ll use the word burlesque as a synonym for “art of the tease”, that’s the majority of what you’ll see in DFW.

 

 

What kind of Burlesque exists in the DFW Metroplex?

 

Lots! There’s lots of different troupes and dancers and events out there. Much like any performance art, if you pick something and add – lesque to it, you’re probably going to see some theme with striptease included.  That being said, there’s a lot of different kinds, check them all out, and find the ones that YOU like.

 

 

What can I expect?

 

Most generally speaking, the burlesque shows in DFW involve a venue, a dancer/dancers, a stage (maybe), lights (maybe) and music. Since so many different venues host burlesque shows, some of the production is dependent on the hosting venue for some aspects of the show. Some are short shows, some are long shows, some start early, some start late, some are during the day, some at night.

Each venue is different! Some shows have a regular venue, some are pop-ups and one-offs.

Each production is different! Some producers set up pre-sale of tickets, some don’t. Some have assigned seating, some don’t. If you don’t know, ask!

** Some shows do encourage tipping of the dancers. While not required on any level, it’s an easy way to show your appreciation for the performer’s effort. Do NOT touch the performers without their consent. Be respectful, these folks are our friends and we hope you want to be friends with them too.**

 

Is this a good date night entertainment?

 

Definitely! That being said, blind dates meeting at shows are pretty uncommon as far as we know. You might not want this to be a surprise date night destination unless you’re pretty sure your date is already up for this kind of fun. It’s classy entertainment with a little skin thrown in so keep that in mind. 

To wit: Going to a Burlesque Performance is NOT the same as going to a STRIP CLUB. You will see skin, but there are NO full-nudity situations (barring any wardrobe malfunctions). Pasties are par for the course.

After running this site for 10+ years, we can confidently say that audiences are either evenly split between men and women OR the audience is a higher percentage of women. Glitz, glamour and rhinestones are good for the soul!

 

Is there a dress code?

 

Generally speaking – no. We have seen suits and ties, bouffant hair and vintage dresses as well as patrons in sneakers and jeans. There’s no wrong answer. Start with business casual and scale up or down on however you like to present yourself. With all that said, most  – if not all –  shows in town appreciate well dressed patrons. It reminds us that we’re civilized while watching an art form that expresses wild abandon.

 

Do you have group rates?

 

In short, we don’t have any idea. Sorry. We don’t produce shows of our own, reach out to the producer/production team with your inquiry.

 

Is there an age requirement?

 

It really depends on the production and the venue. In general, 21+ is the rule in Texas, some shows are 18+ but if you really want to bring an 18-20 year old please check with the producers before doing so.

 

Sooo…..what else?

 

One of the things that we’re often surprised about is the reaction when we mention that we like going to burlesque shows. The response generally includes an odd look and occasionally a blush. Burlesque, in many people’s minds, is a back-alley, seedy venture where dirty old men in raincoats eagerly await their next thrill.

To wit: Going to a Burlesque Performance is NOT the same as going to a STRIP CLUB. You will see skin, but there are no full-nudity situations.

The reality: We’ve found the venues to be clean and well lit and the audience is receptive to the idea that women (and occasionally men) will be taking some of their clothes off.  Seeing that end result has never been the primary objective for attending.  Watching a burlesque show is much like watching a performance at the ballet – or a stage play – with a little (or a lot) more skin. Sometimes bands will even perform before, with, or after the dancers.

All in all, it’s simply a great way to get out “on the town” without going deaf or having to scream over loud music.

Speaking of screaming – burlesque performers love clapping, hooting, hollering, and general mayhem when their clothes come off. That is NOT the time to be quiet at a show.  Out of all the performances that we have attended – it’s is EXTREMELY RARE that we have seen anyone get out of hand, hassle the performers, or get tossed out for lewd or drunken behavior. We’re adults – so don’t you be that one who screws it up for everybody else.  Anyway, the majority of attendees do happen to be female – it’s equal opportunity viewing.  Above all, it’s a classy way to spend an evening and a usually a hell of a story to tell your friends the next day.

 

What is DFWBurlesque.com?

 

This website was started back in 2010 by two guys who love burlesque, and wanted to showcase the various shows around town. Enjoy your show – twirl those tassels!