Art of Burlesque: A Journey with Kinky Slippers
S1:E21

Art of Burlesque: A Journey with Kinky Slippers

Welcome to a captivating episode of "The Truth in This Art"! Join host Rob Lee as he engages in a meaningful conversation with Kinky Slippers, a performer and creator in the world of burlesque. With almost ten years of experience, Kinky Slippers has been a part of the thriving burlesque scene in Portland, Maine. Starting out with a background in music performance and belly dancing, Kinky Slippers found a new creative outlet and a way to express herself through burlesque. She has performed in various venues and has co-founded a burlesque troupe called Stripwreck Burlesque.

What to expect from this episode:

  • Prepare for an insightful exploration of the diverse world of burlesque, where we shed light on its various styles and flavors. We'll emphasize the significance of avoiding comparisons with commercial stripping, and understanding and appreciating burlesque as a unique and empowering art form in its own right.
  • Join us as we delve into the flourishing burlesque scene of Portland, Maine, witnessing its growth over the years while uncovering the challenges it faces, particularly concerning venues and financial support. Gain a deeper understanding of the efforts and resilience of this vibrant community.
  • Get ready for a candid discussion on the vulnerable nature of performing burlesque. We'll emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful environment, both among directors and fellow performers, ensuring a safe space for artistic expression and personal growth.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of burlesque with Kinky Slippers. She shares her background as a performer and creator in the world of burlesque. She talks about how she got into burlesque and her inspirations, including pin-up aesthetics and iconic burlesque performers like Dita Von Teese. Kinky Slippers also discusses her first experiences in burlesque, both in class and on stage, and the challenges she has faced as a performer in a smaller city like Portland, Maine. She highlights the misconceptions about burlesque and the importance of inclusivity and respect within the community. Kinky Slippers also talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the burlesque scene and how she has adapted to the changes by doing online streaming shows. She offers advice for those interested in trying burlesque and emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and seeking support from friends and the audience.


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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Kinky Slippers
Guest
Kinky Slippers
Known as "The booty of Portland", Kinky Slippers Kinky Slippers slips and flips all over her chair, but can't quite figure out how to get that bodacious behind seated appropriately. Kinky Slippers performs and teaches burlesque in Portland, Maine and produces a variety of virtual and in person shows, including Build-Your-Own Burlesque: a virtual experience where the audience creates the show.