Exploring the fun of burlesque dancing

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/05/2019 (2503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

My mother was once among a group of students chosen to dance for a public event at the Winnipeg Auditorium (now the Provincial Archives Building). 

Throughout her life, my mother practised at the barre in our home (a.k.a. our kitchen counter). She admired all dance, and even saw and raved about the famous Gypsy Rose Lee when she came to town, in a show of elegance and artistry presented with deft and sensual choreography. Mom said that ultimately, everything was left to the imagination (no nudity).

Many forms of dance have a long and fascinating history in Winnipeg. The old vaudeville Pantages Theatre and the sumptuous Burton Cummings Theatre (formerly the Walker) was where many a dancer hoofed it up in tap shoes, en pointe or in sexy Louis heels.

One summer, my mother plunked me into dance at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and in a short while I broke my knee (no connection) requiring an eighthour operation, an implanted surgical screw and more surgeries.

Recently I attended the Winnipeg Burlesque Festival to see the glamour of my mother’s era. It was fun, fabulous, expressive, colourful and powerful. There was no nudity.

My mother discovered and admired most the art of the fan dance. Years later, I have discovered the talent of  Meagan Funk, instructor and owner of Prairie Diva Dance. Now I am strutting, sweating, bootie-rolling, and getting fit among a group of women (as well as one man) of all body types and ages who wish to experience the expression of joyful body movement with song. Meagan’s work with students is all about expression, nurturing, and empowerment.

I have felt my love for dance reignite.

Burlesque has a long history, and its revival is a world-wide phenomenon. First known as the “exotic cooch dance” (Google it), today neo-burlesque is a celebration of glamour, style, movement and health in an evolution of the original art form that furthers its style, sensuality and creativity.

It gets me moving to a sweat.

Last session, we worked with Meagan at Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel to produce concept videos of our work. They will debut June 1 at a free red carpet fundraiser at X-Cues Cafe and Lounge that will raise funds for multiple sclerosis research. The evening will feature a question-and-answer exploring the complex but fun filmic performance process. 

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/727679990967888/

Meagan says it best in a Facebook post.

“These style of classes and shows are meant to empower women and give them the option to dress and feel however they want… ladies, you do you!”

Shirley Kowalchuk is a Winnipeg writer who loves her childhood home of East Kildonan where she still resides.She can be reached at sakowalchuk1@gmail.com

Shirley Kowalchuk
East Kildonan community correspondent

Shirley Kowalchuk is a Winnipeg writer who loves her childhood home of East Kildonan, where she still resides. She can be reached at sakowalchuk1@gmail.com

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