Burlesque is a humorous theatrical entertainment, involving parody and sometimes grotesque exaggeration. In 20th century America, the form became associated with variety shows in which striptease is the chief attraction.
Burlesque as a sensation was brought to America from Britain in the late 1860s by Lydia Thompson and her British Blondes, a troupe who spoofed traditional theatrical productions and featured ladies performing men's roles, in costumes considered revealing for the time period. Since that time it has assimilated vaudeville, minstrel shows, striptease, comedy and cabaret to evolve into the follies of the twenties and thirties to the girlie shows of the 40s and 50s, which eventually gave way to the modern strip club. The adult-oriented 20th Century Burlesque-Striptease, in its various forms, is a unique traditional American Folk Art with the classical Burlesque form remaining chiefly a British and European theatrical tradition.

Neo-Burlesque (or "New Burlesque") is the revival and updating of the traditional Burlesque performance. Though based on the traditional Burlesque art, the new form encompasses a wider range of performance styles. Neo-burlesque acts can be anything from classic striptease to modern dance to theatrical mini-dramas to comedic mayhem. As with the earlier Burlesque, neo-Burlesque is more focused on the "tease" in "striptease" than the "strip".

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Recent Burlesque history (Amsterdam)
It took a while compared with USA and UK, but finally in 2007 the (new) Burlesque wave hit Amsterdam!
There has always been striptease, pin-up girls, showgirls and variété in Amsterdam, ... well before we called it Burlesque.
In 2003 Amsterdam BeatClub (ABC) often booked Miss Beeby (now Beeby Rose) with her wonderful old style Burlesque acts, for years she was the only Burlesque starlet in the Netherlands and developed many acts. Over the years DJ Charley and Ir. Vendermeulen, organisors of ABC, asked themselves why there was NO Burlesque community in the Netherlands. The word and concept of Burlesque came through though: Betty Page, Gypsy Rose Lee, Dita von Teese, also performers at Club Vegas, in the gay scene... 'Girlesque' used Burlesque as a theme. ABC showed Vintage Burlesque reels as projections... BUT a big show or community was not developing. Until Koos van Dijk (famous manager of Herman Brood), who was also often visiting ABC parties, organised a party night called 'Starsz Burlesque'. The ABC crew heard that he was looking for performers etc. and called him. ABC would love to be involved and together make a true Burlesque Night. Koos 'discovered' newly opened Comedy Theater, a venue perfect for an one hour show + afterparty! Manager Van Dijk promoted it wonderfully, the ABC crew compiled the program, where DJ, VJ and performers, made site and flyers etc. The legendary Tease-a-GoGo nights where all sold out, the press loved, and even hyped the concept of Burlesque and 'Burlesque in Holland' was a fact!

However there was a shortage of performers. Besides Miss Beeby Rose, Koos brought in CoCo Jane, LouLou Love and Tiger Sally. DJ Charley (Marco C. Buschman) started company name AND alter ego "Madame Risquée" and 'discovered' The Bombshelly's, Lady Marmalade, Deena Ray, Fay Loren, the American "crooner", Shai Shahar, and the sensational "Boylesque" act, Raoul...lala ..and asked others to join in the Burlesque shows. Miss Whips and Carnival of Hellucinations developed more burlesque routines and the lovely Pepper Minsky moved from the USA to Amsterdam bringing with her a wealth of knowledge about old style Burlesque and the legendary routines!
All of a sudden there were new starlets and fine performers like Natsumi Scarlett, Madame Bling Bling, Amesburry Rose etc.
Many foreign performers where asked to come over and many compliments where given to the Dutch organisors and artists for the high standard achieved in relatively short time...
And now, 'Burlesque' in Holland is being promoted and is used to promote not just [themed] parties, but the word Burlesque is also synonymous with an elegant, sexy, adult [cosmopolitan] style according to the big fashion companies. On many front covers of both mens' and womens magazines', and posters for events one sees glossy images of burlesque vamps... some of them 'BN-ers" [famous Netherlanders]
In 2008 other events from the organising founders of Burlesque in Amsterdam came to life: 'Burlesque Glamour Night', 'Burlesque-a-GoGo' and spin-off (alternative/Rock 'n' Roll) party 'Burlesque FreakOut' always has kept the spirit of Burlesque alive among the next, mostly young, college-educated generation of dance club patrons and theater, festival goers.
In 2009 Miss Beeby Rose and Pepper Minsky teamed up with Lady Marmalade, Miss Deena Ray, Raoul..lala and master EmCee Shai Shahar, [as the "Royal Dutchess Burlesque"] to stage 3 sold-out classic, old-school burlesque shows at the Boom Chicago theater, Amsterdam.
In 2010 the 2nd Amsterdam Burlesque Festival (organised by Beeby Rose and Chaz Royal) is a fact, and Madame Risquée is organising nights like Chocolate Burlesque and the Premiere party (with live entertainment) of the movie 'Burlesque' at Pathé Tuschinski in Amsterdam and shows outside the cities. The Movie caught the attention of the press and a bigger audience in the Netherlands is interested in Burlesque. Official foundation 'Burlesque & Co' is called in exsistence in order to promote the positive image of the burlesque genre.

Watch this space as the story unfolds........

One thing is certain: Burlesque, a form of lighthearted entertainment with a long history, is here to stay!