What Is Burlesque? We Get A History & Dance Lesson From Lola van Ella

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Sturdy Girluesque mentioned she had a touch of a sore throat... I wonder why?

St. Louis' emerging burlesque performance scene has gotten a great name and a lot of attention thanks to "The Derriere Beyond Compare," Miss Lola van Ella. Lola has dedicated herself full time to performing, teaching and spreading the word about the art of burlesque in our city. The art and performance of burlesque has been around for decades and recently St. Louis has seen a revival and renewed interest in the teasing and flirty dance style.

St. Louis doesn't just "have burlesque," we are home to some of the nations top performers. Lola and two other St. Louis burlesque performers, Sturdy Girlesque and Tomahawk Tassles, were selected from a pool of 200 applicants to head to Europe for the annual London Burlesque Festival. After the festival Lola will be staying across the pond to do a short tour performing in Finland, Sweeden, Spain and other countries. Besides spreading her love for the provocative dance style, she also teaches burlesque classes at Floored on Grand. Before packing her suitcase and heading to the Queen's Country, Lola and a few other St. Louis performers chatted with us about the art of burlesque, and showed us what a boa is really made for.

To see burlesque that is sufficient for work and to learn Lola's lesson about burlesque performance, click on the Featured Video tab.

Lola teaches us a thing or two about what a boa is meant for
(and it isn't just to wear during Mardi Gras).

Lola and crew will be performing at the Bacchanal Carnivale Costume and Art Ball on March 28 at Koken Art Factory. The evening will have burlesque (of course), fire eating performers, aerial performers and living art displays. This is the biggest burlesque event to ever hit St. Louis and all of the fun commences at 8pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, and they have already sold more than 1,000 passes to an event that promises to be titillatingly fun. Don't forget your toga when you head to this Greek themed evening of excitement; costumes are highly encouraged.

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