(Video produced by Andy Nichols)

Part-musical act. Part striptease. Part-political and social satire. Burlesque has long danced along the fringes of mainstream approval. Championed by fans as pure performance art. Condemned by critics as X-rated erotica.

And therein lies the problem for burlesque performers in Alberta.

The province classifies burlesque as “nude entertainment,” lumping performers into the same lot as exotic dancers (re: strippers) and forcing them to perform at least one-metre apart with no interaction with each other or the audience — often key elements of burlesque acts.

But let's be clear: Burlesque performances do not include lap dances, tossing loonies at lady parts for posters or taking one-ounce shots of booze from between a woman's breasts. That's behaviour best left at the strip joints and Stampede party tents. 

Last fall, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) began cracking down on burlesque performances in Calgary. AGLC inspectors and police appeared at shows. Establishments hosting burlesque performances could be stripped of their liquor licence if these rules are violated. Burlesque troupes relented, reluctantly curtailing their acts.

Now, the Alberta Burlesque Alliance, a collection of performers from several troupes, is staging a protest performance to “exemplify” the uniqueness of burlesque.

Fast Forward Weekly videographer Andy Nichols interviewed some of the performers at a recent dress rehearsal for the upcoming Hurly Burly Gurly Show.

Tickets can be purchased at Blame Betty (829 17th Avenue S.W.) or at the Uptown Stage and Screen (612 8 Avenue S.W.) for $25. Minors are not allowed and ID is required for ticket purchases.