Cheesecake, not just a delicious dessert!
There are a lot of different styles under the umbrella of ‘burlesque’. You can find everything from an intimate striptease to an extravagant showgirl performance, but the subject of our blog today is cheesecake burlesque. Read on to discover the when, what and how!
Cheesecake and beefcake
The term “cheesecake” first appears in English poetry in the seventeenth century. It was used there to describe a very beautiful woman, or one with loose morals. Several centuries later, the term evolved further to refer to the typically American, risqué pin-up images. This typical photography and drawing style remained a subject of taboo for a very long time, as more was shown than socially acceptable at the time. Nevertheless, this style became very popular in the 1930s and 1940s.
It's in the name: pin-up art was meant simply to be hung on the wall. Artists within the genre (Gil Elvgren, Vargas and Briben, among others) created superficially cute scenes with a spicier undertone when the wind suddenly lifted a skirt higher than intended. This kind of art remains very popular even today in books, movies and, of course, in the burlesque world.
Of course, they did not just stick to female beauty; male beauty was also highlighted in this way over the years. A genre that became known as “beefcake” and was less about the cuteness. The emphasis was mainly on the muscular bodies of the models. In the 1940s, we saw more and more pictures of movie stars and musicians with bare torsos, and in the 1950s, pictures in swimsuits were added. That combined with the rise of the bodybuilding hype created an ever-increasing popularity. To this day, you can't watch an action movie without seeing at least one half-naked, sweaty action hero doing an impressive stunt.
Cheesecake within burlesque
Now, what does all this have to do with burlesque? Well, the popularity of pin-up photography was the inspiration for the creation of this energetic classic burlesque style. It is mainly characterized by humor, (self) mockery, mischief and an exaggerated image of an innocent femininity. In addition, the large, cartoonish eyes combined with exaggerated expressions are very typical of cheesecake. The great emphasis on humor and feigned innocence makes this style very accessible to both beginners and advanced dancers. Within the style, you can be playful and cheeky without coming across as overtly aggressive or sexual. Blowing a playful kiss with a juicy wink, lifting your skirt just that little bit too high or a boa that accidentally falls... It's all possible because the emphasis is on having fun and telling a story with your movements and facial expressions.
There is no specific musical genre you can point to and say that is THE genre for cheesecake. Typically, music with a faster tempo and very distinct beats or accents is chosen to play along with the choreography. Music with clear lyrics also lends itself very well to this genre of choreography, to be used as the basis for the story you are telling.
The look and icons
The standard look for a cheesecake choreo is a colorful, playful pin-up. Here you mainly see the combination of lingerie with suspenders and stockings with the classic line down the back of the leg. For example, Bettie Page is a clear inspiration for a lot of cheesecake dancers. With her beautiful, yet modest appearance, big smile and expressive eyes, she fully embodies the style. Not only are her pictures worth seeing, but her performance as assistant to burlesque legend Tempest Storm in the movie Teaserama is totally worth it!
Now what?
Are you totally captivated by the cheesecake burlesque style?
Get inspired by our online academy series on cheesecake burlesque!
Keep an eye on our social media for our cheesecake themed burlesque series and workshops.
Read more in the book The Art of Pin-up by Dian Hanson.
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The Burlesque Handbook by Jo Weldon
Pretty Things by Liz Goldwyn
Burlesque, the Art of Tease by Dita Von Teese