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At a time when many feel powerless, it's vital to remember the power of art to inspire change. As an arts and movement community, this is at the forefront of our hearts and our mission. It is a message most visibly reflected through you, our students and show guests. It is also reflected in our burlesque education programs and events like Burlesque Academy, A Weekend With, Camp Shimmy in The Pines; our involvement in BurlyCon; and now The Kiss My Grits Burlesque & Vaudeville Festival presented by The Atlanta School of Burlesque.
From its origins in early forms of theatre in the 1500s to The “Golden Age” of burlesque in the 1900s and 1930s, burlesque is an historic art form that broke barriers for women and marginalized persons in entertainment, and challenged political and social issues. Burlesque returned in the 1990s and continues to evolve with new stories to tell, but its message remains steadfast and relevant: Burlesque is political.
The current political climate, with its distinct challenges for women and marginalized people underscores the importance of art forms like burlesque that amplify diverse voices and critical conversations.
So buckle up, buttercups and join us in telling the fascists that they can kiss our grits, and further the historic spirit of burlesque as a form of resistance.
Festival Themes and Schedule!
Keep your eyes on Instagram for the latest and greatest: @kissmygritsfest
WEEKEND THEMES:
Thursday: Cosplay - fly your nerd flag!
Friday: High Glam - any era will do, just go BIG BABY!
Saturday: Stripper Neutral - wear your best animal print!
Sunday: Granny Chic / Pajama Party - matinee in your soft pants!
NIGHT 1 (TURS. APR 24): Newfangled Nerds Nerdlesque Showcase
promises to be a mind-bending fusion of pop culture, burlesque, and vaudeville! We emcee May Hemmer (The H&R Block of Burlesque... she always keeps receipts) and headliner, Queerly Femmetastic, this show is a celebration of all things geeky, sexy, silly, and probably bizarre.
NIGHT 2 (FRI. APR 25): Honey & Hominy BIPOC Showcase
The Honey & Hominy Burlesque Showcase celebrates and amplifies Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in this genre-bending show overflowing with talented entertainers, creativity, and skill! With emcee and Lady of “Leg-itude” Lola LeSoleil and Rose City's Hot Sauce Hottie: headliner Bee Bee Sanchez!
NIGHT 3 (SAT. APR 26): Hot As Blazes Showcase & Competition
A bit of sizzle, a touch of smoke, and perhaps a dash of scandal! Who will win The Hot As Blazes Showcase & Competition! With emcee Blanche DeBris, The Mister Rogers of Burlesque, and the limpest wrist in burlesque: Willy LaQueue headlining! These babes are gonna be hotter than a Georgia summer! We're talking performances that'll make your heart thump faster than a possum in a peanut butter jar.
SUNDAY MORNIN' (4/27): Nose to The Rhinestone Peer Review!
Featuring live performances in front of a panel of burlesque pros from the festival in their cute soft pants (or pajamas) who provide constructive suggestions and feedback based on each performer's goals. The show is to help each burlesque performer put their "nose to the rhinestone" to further develop as artists and find glittering success.