Alumnae Lounge hasn't seen this much action all semester. "Carnivale," Tufts Burlesque Troupe's second-ever show, will feature an array of corsets, sequins, stilettos and stockings of all kinds: neon, fishnet, frilly or ripped.
The show follows the same basic format as the troupe's debut performance. The focus is dancing, but each dance is separated by a skit or song. Two male MCs and a crop-brandishing announcer direct the show and offer the audience a little comic relief.
A few things, however, have changed since the last time troupe took the stage. The most noticeable difference is the group's size, which has tripled and now numbers approximately 45 members. According to board member and junior Marissa Oberlander, many freshmen were interesting in joining after watching the group's performance at O-Show.
"When I saw them during Orientation, they looked so sexy," freshman Krystle Shakespeare said. "I was looking for the perfect dance group, something more hip-hop, and Burlesque seemed to fit."
Additionally, two male students have joined the troupe, making it officially co-ed. A performance by junior Isaac Emmanuel, a rapper who goes by "Viceaverse," is also certain to add a new flavor to the show.
"[Rapping] doesn't affect Burlesque directly, but it's one of the only shows where a rapper would feel comfortable performing," Emmanuel said. "Not because of b--ches and hos stuff, but because Burlesque is closer to underground culture."
Rounding out the vocal side of the show, soloists perform three sultry songs accompanied by live piano.
"Singing gives the audience a break from dancing, but is still very much in the same Burlesque vein," said sophomore Lori Allen, a singer.
According to Oberlander, the troupe incorporated skits, rapping and singing into their show because they "wanted it to be more of an old style performance."
"The skits and singing really add to the cabaret ambiance we're going for," she said.
The stylistic blend can be demanding.
"People think that all you have to do is take a chair and spread your legs," Shakespeare said. "But Burlesque is hard. You have to convey emotion through your facial expressions and still do the dance."
It's obvious that many of the founders and choreographers of the troupe have a background in dancing. The show features styles that range from ballet to hip-hop - all with a sexy Burlesque twist.
In "Seduction," a group of dancers begins with Latin-influenced, tango-style grinding and then transitions into hip-hop. "Angst" is heavy on ballet and performed to a dark rock ballad. Tap dancing makes an appearance in "Candyman," while "Tambourine" is all hip-hop. The troupe proves that almost all music can be sexy.
Costumes are one of the show's highlights, and watching them get stripped off is half the attraction. Baby-doll dresses, ripped t-shirts and sailor outfits are underlined by an assortment of garter belts, panties, corsets and stockings that would put any playboy bunny to shame.
During rehearsals, performers seem to enjoy the sexual aspect of Burlesque. They exude confidence and encourage audience participation, mostly in the form of catcalls and cheers. Facial expression is a big part of the performance, and each dancer seems to have perfected his or her own "come hither" look. Add this to outfits racier than last week's Halloween costumes, and you've got one sexy show.
"It's about having fun," board member and sophomore Sarah Glaswand said. "It's about women reclaiming ourselves."
Other troupe members agree that the primary reason they enjoy Burlesque is the sense of empowerment it gives them.
"It's a way to enjoy who you are and your sexuality," Shakespeare said. "It's about celebrating that. It's a way of saying, 'I'm hotness.'"
The troupe will perform tonight at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Alumnae Lounge and at Aidekman. Admission to "Carnivale" is free, so there is no reason not to attend. Audience members will definitely have a hard time forgetting this performance.
