Boas, breasts, and brassières : an exploration of female self-expression through burlesque in Malta

Abstract

As a performance, burlesque is divisive and evokes many varied reactions, from the view that burlesque is objectifying the female body to the more liberal stance that pitches burlesque as liberating, allowing for the exploration of female sexuality. The aim of this dissertation is to understand why people enter the world of burlesque and what it means to be a female burlesque performer in Malta. I also examine how the costumes and accessories invite the performers to enact their show, how the performers interact with one another during classes, performance and in social settings. The relationship between performers and audience is also observed. I carried out ethnographic fieldwork by employing a combination of photovoice and participant observation, including embodied enquiry. Similar to previous research findings on burlesque, my findings show that burlesque can be body inclusive, fosters a sense of friendship and camaraderie and enhances creativity. In addition, I show that burlesque provides a safe space for transgression and transformation, where praise and encouragement is continually shown, and perfection is not the ultimate aim. A dominant theme that emerged was the sense of ambiguity and ambivalence inherent in burlesque. This uncertainty was reflected in the audience-performer interaction, in the participants’ experience with burlesque and in my own embodied experience when taking burlesque classes. I argue that burlesque seems to function best when it confuses, simultaneously attracting people while repelling others.