In the 1860s, young women went to great lengths to hide their shape beneath layers of bustles, hoops and frills, so the shapely girls who danced semi-undressed in burlesque shows were seen as a bit racy.
Today’s young women feel free to wear as much, or as little, as they like, so it’s rather surprising that news of a burlesque show coming to town – in this case to the village of Strathpeffer – can still raise an eyebrow and spark a great deal of interest.
With an invitation to locals to come along and spice up Valentine’s Day, Chaz Royal is bringing his Valentine’s Burlesque Extravaganza to Strathpeffer tomorrow.
Tickets for the night of glitter and glamour are selling like hotcakes, much to the delight of Pavilion general manager Andrew Muir.
“Last year, members of the Pavilion team and I witnessed a Chaz Royal production at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe and it was tremendous.
“We’re really happy that we have finally managed to lock down a date for a show at Strathpeffer by the award-winning promoter.
“In previous years, burlesque shows have proved very popular, so we strongly advise locals to act quickly in purchasing their ticket for this show.”
Mr Royal, who is regarded as a pioneer of modern burlesque, has put together a very glamorous show featuring some of the best artists around.
These include Scottish starlet Betty D’Light, Little Gem, billed as a pint-sized pinup and resident compere of the north-east-based burlesque troupe The Headline Honeys, Frankii Wilde, an international pinup model and burlesque femme fatale, Lotti Kixx, Daiquiri Dusk, Cat Aclysmic, and twisted cabaret performers Markee de Saw and Bert Finkle.
And it’s the glamour, rather than the risque element, of burlesque that Glasgow-born Betty, aka Rose Higgins, thinks is a big part of the show’s appeal.
“The first thing that attracted me to burlesque was the glamour aspect of it,” said Rose, who is classically trained in theatre and dance.
“There’s definitely a need for more glamour in people’s lives, so a lot of the audience like to get dressed up to come along.
“There was a time in recent history when women felt that, in order to be accepted, they had to act like a man, but now they realise they can be feminine and accepted and are starting to embrace it.
“Women realise now that it is OK to be glamorous, sexy and get dressed up.
“Of course, there’s still a risque element to the show. Ten years ago, it may have been that element that excited people, but now the audience come out to experience the whole package.”
The “package” on offer tomorrow night is a sparkling mixture of dancers, singers and cabaret-style performers.
“People say burlesque is empowering for women, but I think it’s empowering for everyone involved, because it is such an amazing form of self expression,” said Rose, who is part of the team that runs the largest burlesque event in the world, The London Burlesque Festival, which takes place in May.
Rose, aka Betty, will perform two classic-style routines tomorrow night.
“The show is on February 14, the night of love, so the perfect excuse for us to put a bit of sparkle in the village.”
Open to those aged over 18 only and starting at 8.30pm, tickets priced at £16 are available from WeGotTickets or Ticketweb, or from the Pavilion on 01997 420124. Visit www.strathpeffer pavilion.org for more details.