Letter From The Editor

Screen Shot 2016-09-19 at 1.53.37 PMWhen I first started receiving event notices from various local burlesque groups a year or so ago, I admit that I Googled what burlesque was — I was vaguely familiar with it, but I wasn’t entirely sure.

And when you Google “burlesque,” one of the suggested searches asks what is the difference between burlesque and stripping. But now that I am more versed in what burlesque is and what it isn’t, I see now that in some ways, that is a valid question, but in other ways, it really is not.

While the two do share an obvious connection — performers removing clothing — burlesque has just as much in common with theater as it does with stripping.

As burlesque dancer Violetta Beret-ta, who performs with Cherry Blossom Cabaret, puts it: “Burlesque is more about the tease, the sensuality and the element of surprise or fascination … What really interests me generally is telling stories.”

The burlesque scene locally is fairly vibrant — there are a few troupes here on Oahu alone, with more on neighbor islands — but when Beretta realized that there was no festival dedicated to the art form as there are in many other cities, she decided to create one.

The Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue, now in its fifth year, returns next week, kicking off with workshops Sept. 21 and continuing with three shows Sept. 22-24.

We got a chance to chat with Beretta and other festival dancers about what to expect at the event, what they like about this form of movement and, ultimately, the deeper importance of it all. See the story here.

Also in this issue, Jaimie Kim recounts her recent staycation at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa out at Ko Olina. You can see what she thinks of the food (story here) as well as the property’s activities and overall experience (story here). It sounds like the perfect getaway.