Boulder Burlesque Returns to the Stage with Hot Stuff Summer
Story and Photos By Adrian Michael
Boulder Burlesque producer Crista Reid wants everyone to know that Boulder Burlesque is more than just a performance group. “We teach classes, offer education and seek all to explore their own sensuality. We focus on body positivity, consent, and cultural aspects and strive to have positive discussions through means of artistic and creative measures,” Reid explained.
“The values that Boulder Burlesque has created are extremely important for the organization as they strive to create a space that is for all, including queer, trans, and People of Color. One question we are always being asked is what actions are we doing to make his work?”
“If you’re unaware or feeling on edge about non-binary in the Queer industry or unsure about sex workers, then a Boulder Burlesque show might be the thing you need to gain perspective. We’re not here to change your mind, we’re here to offer our truth.”
- Christa Reid
Reid explained that Boulder Burlesque donates proceeds from the shows to various organizations, such as Out Boulder, a Queer support organization and Queer Asterisk, which provides therapy for Queer individuals and contributes to organizations that provide assistance to trans Black woman.
Photo: Adrian Michael
Crista Reid, producer and executive member of Boulder Burlesque, poses in costume as her alter Ego Mx. Tangerine
“We all make mistakes when it comes to social justice -- not by examining faux pas -- but by creating a culture of calling in and being supportive when mistakes happen and not letting those mistakes become a big deal is what will let learning latch on,” Reid said
Boulder Burlesque also regulates its internal policies and makes sure they are welcoming for diversity, inclusivity, and BIPOC support. They provide queer competency training for their leadership team, including learning of pronouns, gender transactions, and also provide support for those who are getting ready to come out to friends and family. “Exploring one’s own sexuality doesn’t have to be all at once, it’s a slow process, and your own roadmap is okay.” Reid said.
Boulder Burlesque was formed in 2013 by Madam Mercy, who wanted to create a space for women and people of all genders, where they could explore the healing power of creating healthy relationships within their sexuality. She started this process while studying contemplative psychotherapy at Naropa University, which is a method of using traditional works of movement and exploration of sexuality and confidence building for healing.
Photo: Adrian Michael
Mx. Tangerine performs a burlesque dance routine.
Reid, who also performs with the dance troupe under the stage name Mx. Tangerine, started performing with the organization in 2015, enjoyed the idea of offering consensual and safe spaces for others to engage and experiment with their sexuality. Reid then purchased the organization in 2019.
The burlesque dance troupe recently had their first live show since the pandemic forced them to shut down. ‘Hot Stuff Summer’ was performed in front of live audiences at SuperMoon Boulder. This was an edgy show and an opportunity for the performers to get back on the stage. According to Reid, “It’s important that audience members have the opportunity to connect, be enlightened and feel welcomed in this space, to create a personal engaging experience.”
Reid believes that as burlesque performers, it is their job to come up with ways for the audience to feel comfortable engaging with the show and actors. However, there are always obstacles to overcome. One of the biggest barriers she would like to have removed is sexual shame. As Reid explained, “The troupe exists to heal and create a space to express sexuality and confidence. Seeing a reduction in sexual shame allows more people to feel braver to discover who they are, whether on stage or in their own personal space. It can open more doors for more shows, more places to perform and more communities to partner with. This also allows more ways for us to be seen and can change how censorship happens on social media.”
One area of focus during the Hot Stuff Summer show is educating the crowd on consent. “It's not as scary as you think,” said Reid. “By verbalizing what you want and gaining clarity, it opens a door for that person to be safer and it can cue their brain and brings anticipation.”
A big misconception Reid pointed out is that asking for permission is going to ruin the moment, but the opposite is true. “By verbalizing what you want and gaining clarity, it opens a door for that person to be safer and it can cue their brain and bring anticipation. When it comes to being told no, no’s can be disappointing but it's okay and should be normalized. Don’t place disappointed on the other party, instead of thank them when they tell you no.”
An additional focus of the show is sex positivity. “Our tyrannical culture built our cultures as sex should be hidden and only for procreation and not for pleasure and now there is a shift around sex positivity and body positivity movement. We’re seeing more conversations about polyamory ethnical non-monogamy,” Reid said.
Reid also wants to cultivate the notion that sex work is real work. Many of members of Boulder Burlesque are former or current sex workers. “Being receptive to hearing who people really are and be willing to letting them live their authentic lives without judging them is the greatest gift you can give to any identity.”
From each performance, tantalizing themes and intimate narratives audience Reid would like the audience to come with an open mind for their own experience and be gentle with yourself. As she explained, “You’ll be surprised what you discover and what confidence you’ll unlock once you start asking questions.”