City hosts first-ever Burlesque Festival next week

Galway’s Burlesque scene has been growing rapidly over the past number of years, thanks to ‘The Dirty Circus’ Burlesque and Cabaret show, and it’s only set to get bigger and better as talent from all over Europe and beyond prepares to travel to take part in first ever Galway Burlesque Festival next week.

The Dirty Circus has been in existence for over four years now and is receiving rave reviews and a strong following for each of its shows, while also attracting international and alternative groups to produce within the city.

“The people of Galway are also the biggest contributors to the scene; with the high level of performer talent and people’s welcoming, supportive outlook, the burlesque scene can only grow from strength to strength,” said Tommy Walsh who, along with Ms Shir Madness, is one of the festival producers.

“Now the introduction of the three-day Galway Burlesque Festival, gives the city a unique opportunity to present such a vibrant and captivating art form.”

Burlesque has often been compared to stripping, though those involved are quick to point out the many differences, showing that burlesque truly is an art.

“The burlesque we have today emanates from the striptease acts of the 1920s and 1930s, but after that the two forms separated into ‘Stripping’ and ‘Burlesque’,” Mr Walsh explained.

“Burlesque today is about telling a story through dance, whilst also incorporating the most fabulous glitter costumes imaginable. Not all Burlesque performers take their clothes off and that is an individual decision for each performer and their acts.”

For more on the Galway Burlesque Festival, see this week’s Galway City Tribune