“In a burlesque scene as diverse as Canberra’s, it’s nice to be able to see yourself on stage.” – Jazida
Planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the weekend before the 14th? Why not go all out and get a taste of Canberra’s burlesque scene?
Rachel Reid, aka Jazida, burlesque performer, producer, teacher, and owner of Belconnen alternate performing arts hub, Flazéda, has been in the business since 2009. The Filipina-British bombshell knows the ins and outs of what Canberra’s burlesque scene has to offer.
“Our scene draws from both classic burlesque and the neo-burlesque revival, meaning there’s a lot of forties-inspired glamour, but there’s also this parody and grungy, silly and playful scene we call Nerdlesque.”
The town known for its main import – public servants – also has a subversive bratty streak to its burlesque scene.
“Canberran performers have this sassy, bratty attitude, which is really unique to us, compared to the rest of Australia.
“In turn, Australian burlesque is more theatrical, and less dance-based compared to America.
“Australians love to pull ridiculous facial expressions, and be very over the top, and that’s true of Canberra too.”
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 February is your last chance to catch Exotic Hypnotica, Jazida’s solo show funded by Arts ACT at the Belconnen Arts Centre.
What she calls the culmination of years of training, in a “two-hour theatre burlesque extravaganza” boasts fire eating, aerial lyra, and surprising vulnerability.
According to Jazida, the main appeal of taking your date to burlesque is simple: “Burlesque is all about empowerment and celebrating sensuality and sexuality … Truly every body type is represented and celebrated. Who doesn’t want to feel that way with a partner?”
Attending class at Flazéda is also a weekend adventure for the more daring couples – though no one is required to get their kit off!
“When you’ve been doing burlesque long enough, nudity is the least interesting part,” said Jazida.
“At the end of the day, burlesque is the art of tease – it’s about revealing something. Maybe the reveal happens to be what’s underneath your clothes, but also you could be revealing a piece of your heart, or your eyes – maybe a mask is the last thing you take off.”
Flazéda is a social enterprise, financially accessible through scholarships. An Auslan interpreter will be available for the Saturday 12 February 8pm performance of Exotic Hypnotica. Book through belcoarts.com.au.
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