Save Burlesque Protest

SAVE BURLESQUE CAMPAIGN

In an attempt to clarify the issues and to present the views of Twin & Tonic and the Burlesque community; fans and performers; I have compiled what I can find that has been written about the problem that Burlesque is facing at the moment.

Under the proposed Policing and Crime Bill, Venues in Camden hosting burlesque nights have to apply for a sexual encounter entertainment license.

Camden Council have said, ""Dancers can go onstage in an outfit but not take their clothes off to get to that outfit."

So you are allowed dancers in skimpy costumes, you are just not allowed to take of any clothes to get to that stage!

The Burlesque Womens Institute is spearheading a campaign to save burlesque in the UK.

'We are petitioning the government to amend Section 25 of the impending "Policing and Crime Bill 2008-09" so that performances that involve the removal of clothing without nudity (as described in section 25) being involved to be excluded from the requirement to obtain a "Sexual Encounter Entertainment License"

There is a clause in the Policing and Crime bill that says, 'Any venue holding no more than one event per month and with a total of no more than eleven events per year is exempt from the licence requirements.'

However, the current regulations set by Camden Council are taken from the Licensing Act 2003. They have stated to the BWI that "the Government allows them flexibility in their implementation of the law," and they have further stated that "any event with burlesque in the title/advertising, anything in the style of Dita Von Teese or anything involving stripping regardless whether it ends in nudity or not requires a Sex Encounter License."

Camden Council's stance on burlesque will have a profound negative effect on the whole burlesque industry and on modern day culture and what's more it looks like they a have no legal right to do so.

Just to apply for the license for a Burlesque event it would cost nearly £1,000!

The council says it has acted to “protect the public, especially children from harm” but these burlesque performances were taking place in licensed premises away from children and before adult audiences. Burlesque – which features comedy, song and dance – is not primarily about titillation and the content of burlesque shows is no more “adult in nature” that many plays in theatres across the West End such as Blue Angel, Equus and Chicago.

Therefore surely the bill will also include many theatre and opera productions as anyone who even takes a coat off onstage would theoretically be breaking the law, also Gok couldnt' do his shop window or fashion naked bit and a panto dame couldn't do a mock undress in giant bloomers without going on the sex offenders list!. If they are then allowed to do this then burlesque perfomers will still be allowed to perform or it will be unfair and they really haven't thought this through.

I have found this post by the lovely Miss Dolly Rose which sums up our thoughts entirely; "I can say that the vast majority of burlesque audiences are incredibly polite, and as it happens mainly female; a burlesque event will not attract the type of people that could be a threat or nusiance to an area, in the way that some 'adult' forms of entertainment potentially could. Therefore the council does not have grounds for banning burlesque in the interest of public welfare, and is simply imposing it's personal judgements on other people in a way in which, in my opinion, it has no right to do so. Burlesque is performed to adults who have paid to see it and no-one outside of the event has to have anything to do with it, or recieve any negative experiences as a result of it - I have never heard of any incidents of anti-social behaviour caused by the presence of a burlesque event in an area. Therefore why should it be banned? It is not the place of the council to impose it's personal moral judgements on people who are not causing harm to others." Tempest Rose has also made a very good point; "Burlesque is a theatrical art that has been around for well over 100 years that brings together comedy, satire and parody with theatrical skills such as singing and dance and circus skills along with an appreciation of the human form. I have seen more nudity in major West End shows and on prime time television that I have seen in most burlesque clubs! The blossoming of the new burlesque scene is also part of a wider wonderful and much needed resurgence in the UK cabaret and variety scene, it would be a far worse crime than seeing a nipple tassel to have this ruined by a council that obviously has no idea what it is talking about!"


FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCE: 12 JULY

The Burlesque Women's Institute have decided to create our their very own non burlesque revue in honour of Camden Council.

"Proud" Camden will be our hosts for a glittering evening on 12th July where you will be delighted and dazzeled by a fine selection of performers from the UK cabaret scene, and some of the most beautiful displays of women getting dressed you wil have ever seen."

Twin & Tonic will be performing at this fabulous event!

So come and join us for and evening of light hearted "Reverse Burlesque" which will stay strictly within the bounds of Camden Councils requirements.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=60473769952

Tickets and more info here: http://www.burlesquewomensinstitute.com/save_burlesque/events.html

Midnight Cabaret - 20th, 21st & 22nd July

For three nights preceeding the protest march there is a Midnight Cabaret presenting top DJs, performers and burlesque artists all performing for your delectation.

Twin & Tonic will be doing a midnight performance on the 22nd July

please click here for more info:
http://www.burlesquewomensinstitute.com/save_burlesque/burlesque_protest.html

DEMONSTRATION: 23 JULY

“The Burlesque Womens’ Institute will be descending upon Camden council on Thursday 23rd July in a show of solidarity not seen amongst ladies since the WRVS began! In an attempt to highlight the ignorance of their actions. Come and join us on our protest march which will culminate out the offices of Camden Council. The days events will begin at 12.00pm”
http://www.burlesquewomensinstitute.com/save_burlesque/burlesque_protest.html

Pls sign the petition here! http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SaveBurlesque/