Welcome to the Chatelaine Gaze Program
Here's where you can find all the extra info about the performers, tidbits mentioned in the show and background information that helped build the show! We hope you enjoy yourself and find excitement in learning more about the history of burlesque.
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"Good evening and welcome to Risqué Revelry presents Chatelaine Gaze a burlesque through history. Your presence at His Majesty's show is much appreciated. Please enjoy this rendition of Ennamorata and her Pedrolino"
Translation of the Italian opening of our play!
Special thanks to Patrick Rippeto of Commedia Kansas City for his assistance in teaching the art form and act consultation.
Commedia dell'Arte
Performed by Knotty Orchid
An artform with its heyday between 1550 - 1750 in Italy is where we begin our journey. The word burlesque derives from the Italian word Burlesco which meant to parody.
Commedia dell'Arte defines much of modern theatre with creation of character trope which were easily identifiable by physicality and set motivations.
Knotty hand made her costume in a 1650s style double with "pumpkin" pants that have slashes over the top. The dual coloration is used to represent two character tropes: The Zani (servant) -- specifically the Pedrolino which becomes the Pagliacci character in Roccoco-ified Comemdia -- and the Ennamorata (the lover).
Victorian Burlesque
Performed by Ülla La
Starting in the 1840s as a defined genre, this usually refers to a specific parody show with performers doing dances and parodies of shows (much like in Italy). But here we start to see women in form fitting outfits, elaborate costumes usually themed around a specific item.
Most of the books and programs have been lost as these shows were constantly evolving on the fly and reacting to current news. But we still have photos of performers including Charmion (pictured on the right) who was a strongwoman and the first woman to ever strip tease in public!
Ülla La brings this era to life with a coyness and playfulness that pulls the audience in. A round of dancing with Charmion is even added with cameo by Knotty Orhid
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Want to know more about Charmion? Check out Iona Fortune's website where she has a whole special feature on this powerhouse woman! Article can be found here>>
1920s Shakers
Performed by Tiana Charming
In a time of segregation and rampant racism we see some of the fiercest pioneers of burlesque, fighting for space in vaudeville and burlesque shows alike. "Black and white" shows were billed as a two part show with one act featuring an all white cast and the second half featuring all black performers.
These performers worked hard and some like Josephine Baker and Matahari even helped with the war effort in their times. One of the biggest movements we see with modern burlesque is uplifting and celebrating our roots from every background and uplifting the voices who have not historically had the mic to speak into.
Tiana Charming brings to life the shakers vibes with a light bit of stripping and a WHOLE lot of feather fan work, a brand new prop of the decade. Inspired by Eartha Kitt and her stint in burlesque early in her career. Cameos done by Kimberly and Eva Amora to really set the mood for the roaring 20s.
Golden Era Belly Dance
Performed by Kimberly
Just as burlesque was coming into its own as an art form and its Golden Era so too was Belly Dance which had been Hollywood-ified from dances seen in the Middle East. Although originally called Raqs Sharqi, Holywood dubbed it "Belly Dance" since most of the movements are created through core movement aka the belly "dancing"
You see a lot of crossover between Raqs Sharqi and Burlesque as our shimmies are done the same now. As much as we took movement from Belly Dance, they took our art of tease and turned it into American Cabaret style -- the cameo dancers in this number allude to that.
Samia Gamal was an extremely famous Hollywood belly dancer who enticed crowds the world over. Another famous name you'll hear in the show is Mata Hari a belly dancer who got involved with French espionage during WWI though was later accused of being a conspirator against France -- though this may have been a false accusation.
Bringing the Golden Era glory to stage is Kimberly giving a tribute to Aziza with a guitar focused number. Cameos done by Ülla La and Naja VeNim.
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1940s Rumberas
Performed by Eva Amora
Just as things were hitting their prime in the USA, Mexico was hitting its Golden Era in cinema as well with Rumebras who traditionally were dancers or actresses that swayed to Afro-carribean music on the silver screen.
One of the most famous of these Rumebras was Tongolele, known for her fusion of tahitian style dancing with Mexican music. Rebelling against the idea that women had to be ashamed of their sexuality. Though her fame brought her recognition it also brought her a ban from the Pope himself. Most of what our Bibliobard says as the Bishop are direct quotes from the Pope himself.
Our very own Eva Amora gives tribute to Tongolele with a song and performance from one of her many films. The costume was also handmade and is a direct copy of one of Tongolele's film looks.
1960s Classical
Performed by Ülla La
These days you will usually hear burlesque referred to as either Classical or Neo (new). Classical burlesque is usually defined by taking your time on stage, basking in the glow of performance. Stillness is also a big feature of the classical style. Music is typically big band style, swing, or Jazz. But does not have to be.
Ülla La once again takes the stage to show us the longlines and ballet influence that defined a lot of the era. Cameo brought to you by Tiana Charming as an homage to how as we evolve we still pull from our past to create a new future.
1980s Homage
Performed by Knotty Orchid
As we move into the modern era we start to see how burlesque enters the mainstream once again. We see such influences in Flashdance, Madonna's music videos, Moulin Rogue, and of course the movie Burlesque.
Though the latter isn't particularly a good example of the every day art form and there are many inside jokes we have created from it -- including the "Wagon Wheel Watusi for me" as a gag joke across communities.
Knotty Orchid gives you an homage straight from Flashdance, particularly the chair dance scene. The only other homage given is the vogueing that was popular in Black Ballroom culture which also became mainstream when Madonna started sensationalizing it.
Interested in taking the stage yourself? Knotty Orchid teaches both private classes, groups, or you can join her fall intensive here>>
Modern Belly Dance
Performed by Kimberly
Just like Burlesque we see evolving styles from Belly Dance as well including Pop and Fusion while also bringing to the forefront a new push for education of different styles from the region rather than just the Hollywood-ified version we had been seeing previously.
Brought to you by our resident Belly Dancer -- Kimberly. Interested in learning how to Raqs Sharqi? You can take lessons from Kimberly, just reach out and we will direct you!
Cameos provided by stage kitten (Lovita or Lilith depending on the night) and Tiana Charming.
Check out Kimberly at our April 2025 show with these twin arm veils! Photography by Chris Rodriguez!
Neo-Burlesque
Performed by Naja VeNim
The modern burlesque experience is most defined by fast-paced movements and combining passions into the artform like nerd culture, BDSM, or acrobatics.
Neo-burlesque will often feature more diverse music choices and combine different dance styles. Chair work and floorwork also tend to be utilized more often as the crossover between pole performers and burlesque becomes more obvious!
There has also been a huge movement for better inclusivity including shows that are dedicated to POC like all Black, AAPI, or Latine shows!
Naja VeNim gives us gothic realness for her neo-number, including some of the typical chair acrobatics you might seen in the shows around town!