Watch A Wink And A Smile

A Wink and a Smile is a documentary film from 2008 that follows the lives of ten ordinary women who attend a six-week burlesque dancing class taught by Miss Indigo Blue, a renowned burlesque performer. The film begins with an introduction to Miss Indigo Blue, who explains the art of burlesque dancing and its history. She then invites the viewers to follow her as she runs a burlesque class in Seattle. The class is made up of ten women from different backgrounds, ages, shapes, and sizes, who all have one thing in common: they want to learn how to perform burlesque and explore their inner sensuality.

Throughout the film, we see the journey of each woman as they are introduced to the world of burlesque dancing. We get to know their fears, insecurities, and personal struggles as they learn to embrace their bodies and express their sexuality through dance. We witness their transformation from shy and self-conscious individuals to confident and empowered women who are proud of their bodies and their newfound abilities to seduce an audience.

The film is divided into six chapters that each cover a different aspect of burlesque dancing. We see the women learning how to walk, how to strip, how to tease, how to create a persona, and how to perform on stage. We also get to see the backstage preparations and the nerves and excitement that come with performing in front of a live audience.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the contrast between the women's everyday lives and their lives as burlesque performers. We see them juggling their jobs, families, and relationships while also practicing their routines, creating costumes, and performing in shows. The film does an excellent job of portraying the challenges and rewards that come with pursuing a passion.

The documentary also features interviews with various burlesque performers and experts who share their thoughts on the art of burlesque and its role in empowering women. We hear from performers like Catherine D'Lish, a burlesque icon known for her elaborate costumes and choreography, and Michelle Carr, a pioneering burlesque performer who has been involved in the art form for over thirty years.

Overall, A Wink and a Smile is a fascinating and inspiring documentary that sheds light on the art of burlesque and its ability to empower women. It is a film that celebrates diversity, body positivity, and female sexuality. Whether you are a fan of burlesque or not, this film is definitely worth watching.