Wicked Sexy: Neo Burlesque Dance in Idyllwild

I should have known better. Here I thought I had seen all of the magic and delights that my little yet fantabulous artful town could muster, and I was once again broadsided. Oops, “broad-sided” might be actually too apt a word for what hit me recently on another enchanting night at Café Aroma… as in the talented dancing and performing abilities of a troupe of sultry women gracing us with the creative expression of Neo Burlesque.

“There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.” Edwin Denby

Oh yes, there are men in the show, and as powerful as their presence was, the women in their lithe grace and power and tasteful scantily “cladness” stole the show.  They created it actually. And evidently, they recreate it often, so that the wide-eyed and mesmerized locals can eagerly await each performance and find newness and surprise in subsequent performances.

These boots were made for walkin'...

I must say I take extra joy in cheering on gorgeous goddesses I am proud to know off of the stage.  And I applaud the vision and talent of the co-creators Holly O’Farrell and Annika Kay who knew not to shrink at the small-townness of Idyllwild.  They knew this eclectic community of artists, artisans, foodies, musicians and bohemians would embrace the sometimes racy, sometimes sassy, yet always classy form of dance that is Neo Burlesque.

Holly O'Farrell and her colorful props

Holly says this about her recent collaboration: “We both choreograph and teach the other dancers…so we conceive, collaborate and create, and it’s just really awesome how well we work together.” I already loved and admired Holly, but now I am swooning at her alliteration 😉

“I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance.” Friedrich Nietzsche

I don’t know why I continue to prattle on.  I am certain your focus is already appreciatively targeted to the photos and video.  I encourage it. And I encourage you to make a trip up the “hill” to this magic that is created at Café Aroma in Idyllwild, with both this new dance troupe and the other celebrated goddesses performing belly dance once a month.

Photos and video by Gina Stark except the first YouTube video posted by my friend @HeleneLohr