Moxie Le Femme

The age old tradition of Burlesque is back and it is hotter than ever.  Open the nightlife section of any major city newspaper and you are sure to find at least one burlesque troupe performing over the weekend.  The spike in interest can largely be attributed to blockbuster hits “Chicago” and “Moulin Rouge” as well as the personalities of Dita Von Teese,  The Pussycat Dolls (who some would argue as Burlesque), and Michelle L’Amour who’s “Knight Rider” performance on “America’s Got Talent” is worth watching again.

“This Is A Different Version of Sexy”

Although burlesque performers typically remove some clothing in their acts, the environment and performances are far from what you would find at a strip club.  Unlike stripping, burlesque is the art of the tease in which the crowd is constantly hoping to see more.  Where a stripper’s main tool of the trade is “the pole”, a burlesque performer uses clothing and other props to entice and tease the audience.  Today’s burlesque also incorporates bits of humor and creative style usually not found on the stripper stage.  It’s this softer side of sexiness and creative element that is drawing many women to the shows…and the stage.  In an interview with Katie Couric, Dita Von Teese explained “I think it’s really exciting and interesting. It seems (with) this revival, women are embracing this style and want to have fun with it and they want to embrace their inner bombshell and get really..you know  have fun with dressing up and feeling their own ..like..confidence and sexual power.  They are seeing a different version of sexy other than a blonde bikini babe, tan, and natural running down a beach in slow motion.  You know, this is a different kind of sexy and I think there is a lot of women who can relate to this style. . .”

Retro Burlesque, Punk Burlesque, Neo-Burlesque

Burlesque comes in many different styles and flavors from the traditional retro, punk, and modern/contemporary.  One local act drawing a lot of attention is Moxie Le Femme out of Lakeland, Florida.  Moxie Le Femme incorporates a variety of styles in their act and it is this eclectic element that has their crowds constantly coming back for more.  I attended their last performance at the Blue Moon Lounge in Lakeland.  I was sitting at table with 2 other couples.  Ironically, everyone at the table had a different favorite.  I personally liked the I had a chance to meet with the girls and find out more about their show as well as what draws them to do it.

The girls in the group are your every day soccer moms and full time co-workers.  Miss Kitty Katt half jokingly stated “We all are mainly doing this for fun.  I think we spend more money on costumes, rehearsal space, and props than we take in…but that’s o.k. because we have a blast doing this and you can’t put a price on friends and good times I have gained through this.”

Moxie Le Femme is having open auditions and also plans to start performing in Tampa and Orlando area.  If you are interested in releasing “your inner bombshell”, you can contact Moxie Le Femme through their website at www.moxielefemme.com.