Burlesque is breaking into the Ottawa scene in a major way.
The troupe Capital Tease is inviting audience members to watch, or even shimmy along, to its first annual Capital Burlesque Expo.
Capital Tease, the event’s host, was founded in 2010. According to its website, they draw inspiration from various classic and modern styles of Burlesque performance.
Their costumes even embody the theme of the many events they host.
One member of the troupe, who performs under the name Audrey Hipturn, doubles as a biology student at Carleton. She said performing offers a new way of looking at sexuality.
“I think sexuality should be something that should be enjoyed. I don’t think that it should be something shameful,” Hipturn said.
She said she began performing because, being a biology student, she was searching for an artistic outlet.
However, Hipturn said she continued to perform because of the atmosphere, the people and, above all, the costumes. She said she merges her seemingly disparate passions—biology and burlesque—to create her looks.
“With biology I see a lot of animals, especially birds. It’s interesting to get something from nature—certain colour combinations,” she said.
And while Hipturn said there is a certain degree of difficulty to juggling all of her responsibilities, she said she remains committed. She said she has a larger goal in mind—opening people’s minds to a broader view of beauty.
“I really want the audience to celebrate all women’s body types. I want them to be inspired by the show. I would hope that they would see people up there that they can relate to,” she said.
With that in mind, both Hipturn and the other members of Capital Tease will be eager to give their wide range of spectators a warm and theatrical greeting April 4 for the launching of their first annual Capital Burlesque Exposition.
Hipturn said there’s no need to be a professional critic to attend—newcomers are always welcome.
Highlighting a wide array of talent, travelling from cities such as New York and Toronto, the exposition is sure to bring new people and passions together. The headliner is 2010 Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Roxi D’lite. For those who are interested beyond the shows themselves, the Burlesque Expo will be an opportunity to meet and mingle with performers or even take a few dance workshops.
The event runs April 4 – 6.
