Watch Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival

Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival is a captivating documentary film that delves into the fascinating world of burlesque dancing. Directed by Red Tremmel and featuring Miss Indigo Blue and Margaret Cho, the film offers an inside look into the life of the performers who brought the art of burlesque back to life. The film takes us back to the 1920s and 1930s when burlesque was at its peak, entertaining crowds in various venues across the country. The film highlights the history of burlesque, showing us how it originated from vaudeville shows, the variety of costumes used in performances, and the scandalous routines that got the crowds going.

The documentary showcases the life of Dixie Evans, the founder of the Miss Exotic World Pageant, which brought together the most talented burlesque performers from around the globe. We see how Evans, who was herself a former burlesque dancer, spent most of her life preserving the history of burlesque and educating younger generations about the art form.

Miss Indigo Blue is one of the performers who is featured in the documentary. As a former dancer, she now runs the Academy of Burlesque, where she teaches the art of burlesque to aspiring performers. Throughout the film, we see her sharing her knowledge and experience, imparting valuable lessons and tips to her students.

We are also introduced to Margaret Cho, who is a well-known comedian and a burlesque enthusiast. Cho shares her love for the art form and how it has influenced her comedy career. She also talks about how burlesque is more than just stripping, it is about self-expression, empowerment, and challenging societal norms.

The documentary showcases the Miss Exotic World Pageant, which brought together the most talented performers from around the world to compete for the title of Miss Exotic World. We see performances from various contestants, showcasing their unique styles, costumes, and routines. The pageant is a celebration of the art of burlesque and a platform to showcase the diversity and creativity of the performers.

Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival also touches on the challenges that the performers faced in bringing burlesque back to the mainstream. In the 1950s and 1960s, burlesque was deemed as lewd and became illegal in many states. This forced the performers to go underground and perform in clubs and bars. However, with the rise of feminism in the 1990s, burlesque made a comeback as a form of female empowerment and self-expression.

Overall, Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival is an insightful and informative documentary that celebrates the art of burlesque and the performers who kept it alive. It takes us on a journey into the past, showcasing the origins of the art form, and it provides a glimpse into the present, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the performers. The film is a celebration of self-expression, empowerment, and the power of art to challenge societal norms.

Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.