Performance Art, Expression, and the Beautiful Freedom of Burlesque

Burlesque is performance art — and performance art is far more than entertainment. It’s expression. It’s emotion. It’s commentary. It’s an artist revealing their truth through movement, music, satire, sensuality—and storytelling.

At its heart, burlesque carries one defining characteristic: the strip-tease.But contrary to popular belief, a strip‐tease doesn’t have to mean nudity — it means teasing. It’s the art of suggestion — the slow removal of a glove, the un­tying of a ribbon, the hint of what might come next. It’s a dance between performer and audience built on tension, play, and imagination.

And perhaps one of the greatest beauties of burlesque is this: any artistic discipline can become a burlesque act — as long as that core element of tease is present.

• A ballet can be a burlesque act — graceful and disciplined, but ending with the cheeky removal of a tutu.

• A piece of spoken word or poetry can be a burlesque act — using language as a slow undressing of thought, punctuated by a knowing smile and a dropped scarf.

• A drag performance can be a burlesque act — dripping in glamour, humor, and subversion.

• A rock band can turn their encore into a burlesque act — peeling away layers of costume as the guitar wails.

• A theatrical performance, tap dance, or magic act can each be burlesque — when that spirit of tease, anticipation, and reveal comes alive.

• Even comedy, protest, or political satire becomes burlesque when the artist builds suspense, challenges perception, and playfully exposes a hidden truth.

Burlesque doesn’t belong to one genre. It’s a lens — a way to infuse art with self-awareness, sensuality, and surprise.

The Art of “The Reveal”

Another defining hallmark of burlesque is what we affectionately call “the reveal.”The tease builds curiosity, and the reveal delivers satisfaction — that delicious moment when something hidden is finally shown.

Sometimes it’s as simple as revealing a shoulder, a knee, or a shimmering corset beneath a coat. Other times it’s far more theatrical: a second costume, a secret message, or a political statement stitched into a gown.

The magic of a reveal is the surprise — the gasp, the laughter, the thrill of discovery. It’s the heartbeat of burlesque: What’s to come?

The Vermont Burlesque Festival (VTBF): Where All Forms of Art Meet

The Vermont Burlesque Festival is a celebration of that very freedom — a gathering place for artists and audiences alike who respect creative freedom and mindful performance.

Each year, the VTBF welcomes performers who embody the essence of performance art — from classic striptease artists to comedians, dancers, musicians, magicians, satire-makers and avant-garde storytellers.

VTBF proudly considers all styles of performance, so long as the work:

• Does not break the law.

• Respects the rules and policies of the venue.

• Does not endanger the safety of performers, staff, or audience members.

• Complies with the VTBF Codes of Conduct.

  
  

These simple boundaries allow the festival to remain a sanctuary for creativity — a space where artists can experiment, express and explore, while maintaining respect and safety for everyone involved.

Grounding in Free Speech & Expression

Performance art — including burlesque, strip-tease, theatre, drag, and protest-performance — is protected expression under the First Amendment.

In Schad v. Borough of Mount Ephraim (1981), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that live entertainment including non-obscene nude dancing is constitutionally protected speech.

In Barnes v. Glen Theatre (1991) and City of Erie v. Pap’s A.M. (2000), the Court reaffirmed that while governments may enforce neutral public nudity rules, the expressive nature of erotic and theatrical dance remains protected.

Further, in Southeastern Promotions, Ltd. v. Conrad (1975), the Court held that even controversial stage works that involve nudity or political themes cannot be censored without proper safeguards.

And in recent years, courts have extended protection to drag and queer performance as expressive art. For example: in the Southern Utah Drag Stars case (2025) the denial of a permit for a drag event was held to violate First Amendment rights. And a federal appeals court blocked enforcement of a state drag-show ban for being likely unconstitutional (2025) — underscoring that expressive performance with social/political dimension is covered by free-speech protections.

These rulings reinforce our core belief: expression through performance art — sensual, satirical, political or comedic — is a fundamental right. At VTBF we honor that freedom while also holding to the simple practical boundaries of law, venue and safety.

A Community Built on Inclusion, Curiosity & Respect

Burlesque thrives on diversity — in body, in story, in style.VTBF believes art should be accessible to all and reflective of the world around us. We’re committed to creating a space that is positive, inclusive and empowering for everyone — regardless of race, colour, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion, worldview, body type or nationality.

We encourage all participants and attendees to:

• Be open to different artistic expressions and themes.

• Be kind, compassionate and curious.

• Celebrate individuality, creativity and courage.

• Build friendships, community and understanding through art.

When we show up with empathy and curiosity, we don’t just watch art — we become part of it.

Why We Do It

Burlesque has always courted controversy — and that’s part of its purpose. It dares to question, to educate, to parody, to celebrate, to entertain, to awaken, to reveal. It invites laughter and self-reflection in the same breath. It honors the courage it takes to be seen and the vulnerability it takes to share oneself with an audience.

At VTBF, we honor that tradition of fearless creativity. We believe that performance art — even when it challenges or provokes — is one of the purest expressions of freedom.

So whether your art involves feathers, poetry, music, protest signs, or punchlines — or whether you simply come to cheer, laugh, learn, and be inspired — if you believe in the spirit of tease, reveal, and creative expression, you belong here.

The Vermont Burlesque Festival is here to entertain, connect, and celebrate  — to grow artists, audiences, and community members together — and to make the world a little brighter, bolder, and more expressive, through performance art.