While living in Europe I rediscovered a love for nude art, retro lifestyle, pin up girls and in Paris I fell in love with Burlesque. As a child I was always amazed by the culture of the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. I wanted to be part of the 'Lost Generation'. The watch Josephine Baker dance in her banana dress, to hold a conversation over a bottle of whiskey with Hemingway. The flappers, prohibition, the pinups, the strong feminine upheaval to independence. There was just so much change of world views and history accompanied with a strong feminine culture to admire. Maybe my love of this time is past life related, like I have been told multiple times that it was? Who knows what the reason exactly is for a peaked interest but I can't help but love what that time gave us. When first arriving to Vegas I overlooked all of this sub culture that was remaining strong in this city.
One year ago, while sitting at a coffee shop staring at out into desert, I overheard a conversation with a beautiful young women and her gentleman friend. Now, I try not to be a nosy person but there are always those 'trigger' words that catch one's attention. She was discussing a new costume that she was putting together for her newest Burlesque performance. I listened to the enthusiasm in her voice as she talked about her life in Burlesque, the community, her shows and the opportunities that it offered her. I felt an excitement for her but then for myself. I had just realized that Vegas had something for me. Did I have the guts to perform Burlesque? I didn't know but I knew that there was something for me in that world. I didn't turn to the girl and ask questions but I took the information that I overheard and immediately went to Google.
I'll admit that at this time I knew very little about the Neo Burlesque world. I had seen Burlesque performances in London and I also saw the cabaret in Paris. The showgirls of the Moulin Rouge and The Crazy Horse were captivating, though not Burlesque. I knew of ladies such as Dita Von Teese and Immodesty Blaize but that was the extent of it. I knew more about the history of Burlesque and the pioneers like Gypsy Rose Lee than I did about the modern culture.
With my lack of knowledge, I tackled Google. I searched for current shows, information and Burlesque in Vegas. This led me to the website for the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum here in Las Vegas. A museum dedicated to the history and development of Vauderville and Burlesque, there is no better place to start! I soon ventured down to the museum (located downtown Las Vegas in the Emergency Arts Building) to start my new adventure in this world. I became a volunteer at the Museum. I worked as a volunteer attendant. From open to close, every few weeks, I would spend my day in the museum interacting with the visitors, meeting performers and legends. During times when traffic was quiet, I would watch the multiple videos on the history and past performances. I walked through the displays reading and rereading everything on the walls. I fell deeper in love with this world. During my time volunteering I had many people, whether performers, legends or other burlesque lovers, tell me that if I love it so much maybe I try it....
So that is where that part of the story ends and the new adventure begins...
Why am I doing this? To be famous? No. To be rich? No. To be loved? Yes, I want to be loved by myself. I want to love my life and my decisions. When my life flashes before me one day, I want to see all of this.
xx
Korin
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