Rogue Burlesque is a Boston-based neo-burlesque troupe with roots in classic burlesque, comedy, and theater. My daughter, Emily (AKA Polly Surely), was a member of the troupe for a number of years, and is currently an independent performer/producer. Often when I visited, I tagged along and photographed shows, rehearsals, back stage, and other events and get togethers.
Above all else, burlesque is a sisterhood which forms offstage and is presented to enthusiastic audiences. The women revel in their various shapes and sizes. Male performers are sometimes invited to join in. They are performance artists who develop elaborate, well-thought-out routines that celebrate race and gender in ways that can be both sexy and funny. The shows explore art, culture, politics, and gender, all presented by a community of diverse, powerful, creative, and playful women. I was given free reign as long as I avoided photos of women in pasties. That was fine with me, because my primary interest was getting to know the delightful women who chose burlesque as a mode of expression, camaraderie and power.