by pelly
This past weekend marked the 7th annual NYC Burlesque Festival and with it came a boundless buffet of sexual energy and lustful thinking. As I stood watching Friday’s performances at the Bell House, I was taken aback by the rich uniqueness of every act but most of all by the raw sensual vibe that seemed to fill every cavity of space, including my head. Was this overflow of eroticism an example of art in its lowest or highest form? I lean towards the latter with an ounce of guilt that considers my species’ long lasting obsession with sex.
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The “moral” cleanser of this entire experience is the blurred delineation between homo and hetero. In such an open and unbiased forum, sexual concepts are recreated and gender roles are ignored. There’s a freedom in the room. A freedom to flow with instinct, passion, and desire in a temporarily controlled setting. That last sentence may strike fear in the heart of conservatives or ardent Catholics but there is something special there that should not be ignored. While some cities and neighborhoods already subscribe to this open way of thinking, a sponsored and media covered festival that spotlights it should be given its due praise.
The Pontini Sisters (Angie Pontini seen above & below) deserve the majority of acclamation for the success and development of the NYC Burlesque Fest. They serve as the unofficial monarchs of U.S. burlesque and in addition to bringing high profile attention to their performances and cause, they’ve secured valuable sponsorships with companies like Jaigermeister and Pabst Blue Ribbon that will keep the festival in motion past the decade and beyond.
In the end, it’s the creative element and attention to detail that keep this art form alive and growing. The show I attended was hours of unmitigated entertainment. I left refreshed by the political incorrectness of all, and inspired to pose a question to myself and others. In our evolutionary struggle and in our PC culture, do we displace our sexual energy and urges in counter productive ways? American burlesque in the 21st century embraces our sexual instincts and presents them in a beautiful and creative way that can be stimulative and reflective.
