Burlesque. Just the word feels decadent, doesn’t it? It paints a picture of corsets cinched tight, feathers flouncing, and rhinestones catching the dim glow of sultry stage lights. It’s an art form steeped in drama, humor, and beauty. Now, it’s shimmying its way to Goa. Burlesque has landed, and it’s shaking up more than just a few feathers.
Way back when in 17th-century Europe, burlesque was the rebel child of theater: a cheeky, satirical poke at the stiff upper crust. But it was in the vaudeville halls of America that it exploded. It was the original subversive art form. Comedians, dancers, and striptease artists blurred the line between performance and protest.
Then came the queens — Gypsy Rose Lee with her slow, intellectual undressing (yes, undressing can be intellectual), and Dita Von Teese with her martini glass extravaganzas. They made burlesque risqué, they made it revolutionary.
Imagine this: a swanky old-school lounge, plush red seating, dim golden lights, and vintage glamour. No, I'm not describing the set of The Great Gatsby. This is what what Sugar, India’s first burlesque event, promises to deliver at The Second House in Goa. It’s going to be all sparkle, sass, and seduction.
The lineup features a diverse cast of homegrown talent: Sandy Sal “Aura”, Crazy Cat, Valer’yana, MO and Sexy Rexy, and Jiya Labeija. These performers are serving up more than just dances — they’re a celebration of every kind of body and identity to the stage.
Plus, Subculture, India’s first homegrown kink brand, is spicing things up with a dash of naughtiness. It’s classy, it’s daring, and it’s oh-so-Goa.
At its heart, burlesque has always been about tearing down walls — be they societal, personal, or (let’s be honest) corset-shaped. Sugar is more than a night of entertainment, it’s a love letter to the LGBTQIA+ community and anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place. Here, you’re not just allowed to be yourself, you’re celebrated for it. Whether you’re queer, straight, kinky, or just curious, this is a safe space for all the selves you’ve ever wanted to be.
As India’s cultural scene undergoes a makeover, we’re shedding old taboos, and embracing diverse voices. Burlesque is the perfect mirror for this shift. It’s bold, inclusive, and unapologetically fun. It reminds us that art isn’t just about what’s pretty — it’s about what’s real.
Even if you can’t make it to Goa, the message still stands: dare to be bold, (and buy some body glitter).
When? Friday, November 29, 2024
Where? The Second House, Goa
What time? Burlesque performance, 8 to 10 p.m.; Sugar afterparty, 10 p.m. onwards
Follow Shameless here.
Follow Second House here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
Peach Chutney: A Cabaret Collective Representing Queer South Asian Gender Expression
Theegulla Venkanna's Embroidered Visions Connect Mankind & Nature Through Sexuality