Becoming Burlesque

Becoming Burlesque is a fascinating 2017 film offering an intriguing glimpse into the colorful and audacious world of burlesque. The film stars the enchanting performer Shiva Negar, alongside the talented Moe Jeudy-Lamour and Alli Chung. Set against the vibrant backdrop of urban Toronto, with a narrative that interweaves self-discovery and empowerment, this film is sure to leave audiences inspired.

The film wonderfully captures the story of a young girl named Fatima, portrayed by gifted actress Shiva Negar. Fatima is a modern Muslim girl and lives with her conservative aunt and uncle in Toronto. She finds herself stuck in chaos and confusion trying to find balance between the life she currently leads and the life she aspires to have. This dichotomy sets the stage for a tale about self-discovery, coming of age, and the courage required to break through barriers set by tradition, culture, and societal norms.

As she grapples with her fervor for exploration and independence while abiding by her traditional upbringing, Fatima's life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a burlesque cabaret. Here, she meets an enigmatic but charismatic burlesque dancer who goes by the stage name of Bubbles Bourbon, played by Moe Jeudy-Lamour. Under his mentorship, Fatima gets introduced to this fascinating new world that challenges her up until now preserved outlook on life.

Fatima is first drawn into the limelight as a makeup artist, but her journey comes full circle when she transitions into the spotlight, revealing her potent passion for dance and performance that was kept hidden beneath the thick veneer of tradition and familial expectation. This transformation exemplifies her evolution from a girl restricted by societal norms and cultural expectations to a woman confident, daring and unapologetic about her love for the arts.

The strong performance by Alli Chung as Jasmine, a burlesque dancer who helps catalyze Fatima's evolution, adds yet another layer of depth to the film. Alli's performance is a brilliant representation of the courage that it requires to fight against societal norms and the comfort of familiarity in order to chase one’s personal dreams.

'Becoming Burlesque' is skillfully helmed by Jackie English who has done an exemplary job in unraveling the many nuances of the burlesque industry and how it beautifully transforms into a backdrop for the protagonist's self-discovery. The film is a compelling vision of tradition clashing and eventually co-existing with modernity. Rife with spectacular performances, the dance routines are flawlessly directed and are bound to captivate the audiences with their audacity and flamboyance.

The movie is not just about dance, it is a coming-of-age drama that fuels the protagonist's journey towards self-actualization. While it primarily focuses on her trajectory within the burlesque world, it delves into pertinent themes such as cultural barriers, the fear of the unknown, and the courage required to step into one's passion, craft and calling.

The cinematography provides stunning visuals, magnifying the vibrancy and flair that is inherent to the world of burlesque. The use of lighting and color provokes feeling from the viewer, further aiding in portraying the shift the protagonist makes from her traditional lifestyle to the lively world of burlesque. The soundtrack complements the plot beautifully, relying heavily on jazz and big band sounds to carry the viewer along on this journey.

'Becoming Burlesque' is a compelling exploration of individuality that questions the societal shackles of propriety. It’s a story of liberation, not just of the body, but of the mind and spirit as well. Though steeped in cultural nuances and undercurrents of self-discovery, the film is sure to captivate audiences with its engaging performances, dynamic plot, and the sheer audacity of its narrative. This bold and enchanting cinematic adventure serves as an inspiring testament of having the courage to chase one's dreams and the beauty of self-expression, no matter the obstacles to overcome. From the mesmerizing performances to the riveting plot, 'Becoming Burlesque' is a must-see for lovers of dance, drama, and tales of personal empowerment.