Your Ultimate Guide to Booking the Perfect Burlesque Dancer for Your Event

Event planning can make a ridiculously long to-do list, and choosing the right entertainment is key - it's often one of the things your guests will remember the most when they leave.

Burlesque dancing has surged in popularity lately, offering a captivating mix of artistry, sensuality and humor. It's a popular option for 'big number' birthday parties where the planners really want to impress their guests, as well as at black tie events where guests number in hundreds.

Personally, I love performing in events big and small - because usually, if someone has booked a burlesque act for their event, they're very excited to have you with them and it's a lovely experience to work with someone on something personal.

If you are considering this vibrant performance style for your next event, you’ve come to the perfect spot. This guide will take you through the essential steps to book a burlesque dancer, ensuring you find the right performer for your event and really dazzle your guests.

Understanding the Burlesque Art Form

To successfully book a burlesque dancer, it is crucial to first understand what burlesque is all about. Burlesque is more than the striptease; it is a theatrical performance that blends humour, satire, dance, acting and intricate costumes. For instance, many burlesque acts revolve around skits that parody pop culture, such as a TV show or a character, or they can be political.

There's a huge range even within one theme. For example, if you're planning something nautical (nautycal?), find a burlesque dancer with a gender-bending sailor, a classic showgirl mermaid or quirky, neoburlesque fish-themed act.

For a Western themed event, when you want your rodeo to be a little bit more wild, an energetic country act can be a perfect fit. If you are planning a comedy show, you could look for something like nerdlesque or performers who specialise in comedy.

Performances can vary widely, from glamorous, classic routines to quirky acts with unique storytelling. Familiarising yourself with these nuances will help you choose a performer who perfectly matches your event's theme and audience.

With Miss Spicy Ginger in Sicily, posing because we dressed with the same rockabilly look and in the same colours!

Where to Find Burlesque Dancers

Online Platforms and Directories

Thanks to the internet, for all its flaws, at least finding burlesque performers has never been easier. Websites like GigSalad and PopTop let you filter burlesque dancers by location, availability and style. Social media platforms are also treasure troves for discovering talent. Use hashtags such as #BurlesqueDancer and #Burlesque to connect with potential performers.

Local Performance Venues and Shows

Attending local burlesque shows is one of the best ways to find a performer you will love. Also, please ALWAYS attend a local burlesque show because they're invaluable to support. Watching a live show lets you see their style and crowd interaction firsthand. If you really liked someone, you can always follow them on social media and reach out to them.

Top Tip for getting a performer on your side: take a great video of them (If filming is permitted) and tag them on social media. Resharing is always good and content is always useful.

Networking with Event Planners

If you’re working with an event planner, take advantage of their network. An experienced planner often has contacts in the burlesque community. They can recommend dancers they’ve worked with before, which can save you time and effort. And they will know how the performer is as a person - whether they are kind, reliable and professional. Personal recommendations often lead to the best results!

How to Choose the Right Performer

Audience and Event Theme

When planning to hire burlesque, keep your audience and event theme in mind. A fun, upbeat performance might be perfect for a bachelorette party, while a more sophisticated act could suit a formal gala. Look for dancers who can adapt their performance to fit your event's energy. If your theme is vintage, for instance, seek out performers known for their classic, glamorous acts.

Miss PetTIT at Keys and Tease, a piano cabaret that suits sophisticated environments.

Preparing for the Performance

Once you’ve chosen the right performer, it's important to take a few small steps to prepare. It goes a long way and helps the burlesque dancer perform at their best.

Get it Confirmed

Always have a written agreement that outlines the performance details. This should include the duration of the act, fee, required arrival time, leave time, address and any specific requests you both agree on. This makes life easier for both you and the performer, aligning expectations and responsibilities.

Communication is Key

Keep communication open as the event approaches. Discuss specific aspects such as the performance timeline, the stage setup and any special requirements the dancer may have. They may have props that they need to keep somewhere, or perhaps someone to hand them a prop mid-performance (often the case with fans). Ensure they are familiar with the venue layout and audience to enhance their performance experience.

What You Should Provide

A Comfortable Changing Room

On the performance day, providing a private changing area for the dancer is important, especially if they are doing more than one performance. This space doesn't need to have fancy mirrors, special lighting or a stocked mini fridge (but we wouldn't complain!). It just needs to be somewhere to get into costume with a little privacy. A designated area separate from guests can help the performer feel more at ease.

Technical Requirements

Discuss technical needs with your burlesque dancer well ahead of time. Not all parties have fancy lighting and sound systems and that's okay, but it's always helpful to know what the performance area is like, the size of the space and where they can enter it from - e.g. if your event is at a bar, is there a side door or should they walk through the bar? Likewise, if you're hosting a garden party, will they perform on grass, wooden decking or in a marquee? These things can sometimes make small changes to an act, so addressing these details beforehand can ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day.

Someone to Collect the Clothes

This is sometimes forgotten, but it's handy to have someone on hand who will quickly gather up the costume stripped off and return them to the burlesque dancer. It's just not a good look to finish an act, and then have to run out again half-dressed to pick up pieces of costume. Ideally, this person would collect any stripped costume pieces quite quickly after the act has ended, so no guests trip on them. And things can get lost at parties. I lost my best stockings to a party crowd.

My lovely seamed stocking went into the crowd like

Setting the Right Atmosphere

Creating the right ambiance is key to a successful burlesque performance. Has your audience seen burlesque before? At a cabaret show, the host or emcee will 'warm up' the audience first, and let them know it's okay to interact, cheer and generally be enthusiastic. Sometimes, party guests haven't seen burlesque before, and there'll be a random uncle who doesn't get what's going on. A small introduction can go a long way, and a reminder to clap, get involved and don't be afraid to enjoy the performance.

Post-Performance Engagement

After the performance, consider showing appreciation to your dancer. A genuine acknowledgment can leave a positive impression and a review can really help their career. Many performers also love feedback, so engaging them in conversation can foster a connection that benefits both you and them.

Wrapping It Up

Booking a burlesque dancer can (WILL) inject a unique flair into your event, making it unforgettable for all involved. By understanding the art form, knowing where to look and taking some simple steps to prepare, you can successfully hire a dancer who aligns with your vision.

Embrace the fun and artistry and you will create an event that everyone talks about for years. Whether you're planning a birthday bash, a wedding reception or a themed party, incorporating burlesque can make your celebration vibrant and memorable.