Information on the Burlesque Festival in Ashville, North Carolina
Burlesque has been defined as a "bawdy" performance featuring "scantily clad" women that seeks to poke fun at or provoke reaction from its audience. Burlesque was popular with vaudeville shows, but both faded into virtual nonexistence after World War II. However, residents of and visitors to Asheville, North Carolina gather each year to celebrate all things burlesque at the American Burlesque & Sideshow Festival. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The American Burlesque & Sideshow Festival, also known as ABSfest, is three days of parties, performances, and workshops for those interested in or already involved in the burlesque, circus, and sideshow community. ABSfest was started in 2007 by Lauren "Onca" O'Leary, an event producer and belly dancer. O'Leary wanted to create a festival that not only celebrated burlesque, circus, and sideshow acts, but celebrated Asheville as well, a town dedicated to creativity and free expression. ABSfest takes over the town, using several of its clubs, learning co-ops, and restaurants to host events.
Performers
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Past performers have included Atlanta, Georgia's Blast-Off Burlesque, a burlesque and vaudeville troupe, and Asheville's own Goodies, a rock music/comedy troupe. The 2010 ABSfest included performances by Michelle L'amour, voted "Miss Exotic World 2005," and Paolo Garbanzo, a knife-wielding jester.
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Activities
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ABSfest kicks off the festivities on a Friday with its "Annual Red Carpet Walk and Opening Ceremonies," in which performers strut their stuff for paparazzi and vie for one of the "ABSfest Recognition Awards." Saturday features workshops and the "ABSfest Spectacular," with performances by international burlesque and circus sideshow acts. Sunday also features workshops and a "Tiki Brunch" with breakfast items, drinks, and tiki music.
Workshops
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You can learn or improve techniques such as the basics of juggling, improvisational theater, basic burlesque moves with feather boas, vintage hairstyle tutorials, and puppetry. There is a fee for each class.
Local Accommodations
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ABSfest's out-of-town visitors can stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown for a discounted fee. The Sheraton is minutes away from all ABSfest activities and offers rooms with flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. Visitors can also stay at downtown's Sweet Peas Hostel which offers shared and private rooms.
Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown
22 Woodfin Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
828-253-1851
starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3063Sweet Peas Hostel
23 Rankin Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
828-285-8488
sweetpeashostel.com
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- Photo Credit ich und meine federboa image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com
