My Ages project is well populated by people who do burlesque. Why so many? Based on what they have all told me, it’s a form of performance that allows for a body positive, sexual confidence, that is on their own terms.
It’s not that the audience and putting on a show isn’t important, but they are the stars of their own show – it’s for them, and for them to share rather than for us to take.
I’m intrigued too by the generosity and giving nature of the groups. It’s clearly a really supportive process for the learners and as they develop the shows.
I’ve heard a few times how great it is that burlesque includes a really wide range of ages and body types. All are stunning, beautiful people – not judged for their appearance. And, as part of that, it helps to show to others that their body types are wonderful too.
Going to a burlesque show, well I guess I don’t need to go often myself – I love the energy and the beaming self confidence and joy of the performers. But it can be a bit lacking in queer for me – which is odd given my personal tastes defo being for female body types rather than male. But somehow, it could do with a bit of a Queering.
The best part has been observing my participants performing for themselves, with me/us as welcome witnesses. I often feel that’s my role as the photographer, to create a situation in which the subject feels able to reveal something of themselves, something perhaps not previously revealed.
Phil Pool - Art and Protest 