Review: Burlesque Undressed (15)***

Dating back to the early 18th century, burlesque is a risque cabaret performance which often satirises highbrow culture or political and social concerns through bawdy humour, music, striptease, double entendres and revealing costumes.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jan 2010, 09:49 BST
Updated 15th Jan 2010, 09:49 BST

In the past five years, American burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese and British dancer Immodesty Blaize have re-popularised the art form as part of the new burlesque movement.

Director Alison Grist celebrates Blaize's contribution with this documentary that intersperses interviews with live performances.

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Burlesque legends Joan Arline, Dixie Evans, April March, Lily Anne Rose and Satan's Angel recall favourite times from those early days, contrasting with anecdotes from modern performers such as Kitten de Ville, Dirty Martini, Katherine D'Lish, and Kalani Kokonuts.

There are tributes from pop icons including singer Marc Almond, artist Sir Peter Blake, milliner Steven Jones and costumier Grant Philipo.