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Philly gets first burlesque festival

The first-ever Philadelphia Burlesque Festival blends old school with new school for a four-day event featuring performances from talent hailing from top cities like Philly, New York and Chicago, as well as classes and parties from Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31.

From the days of vaudeville until now, Philadelphia's been enamored with the shimmying spectacle of burlesque. Now, the first-ever Philadelphia Burlesque Festival blends old school with new school for a four-day event featuring performances from talent hailing from top cities like Philly, New York and Chicago, as well as classes and parties from Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31.

The sultry affair begins on Thursday, May 28 with an 8 p.m. kickoff performance at Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) featuring Philly performers like Hattie Harlow. The night continues at 10 p.m. for a dance party.

Philly's own Peek-A-Boo Revue and 2013 King of Burlesque Hall of Fame Ray Gunn will headline an 8 p.m. showcase on Friday, May 29 at Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey St.). Of course, after the party is the after-party. Dance the night away at Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar (200 S. 12th St.) starting at 11 p.m.

Tease and twirl on your own after learning the basics from burlesque's best on Saturday, May 30. At InterAct Theater (2030 Sansom St.), four interactive classes will be held on topics like the art of the tease (noon), basic choreography (1:45 p.m.), how to get gigs (3 p.m.) and how to make a head-turning entrance (4:15 p.m.).

Opening Saturday, May 30's entertainment is a group tribute to Benjamin Franklin from local troupe Broad St. Burlesque. Starting at 8 p.m. at Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey St.) the night will also see routines from Dottie Riot, New York City's Hazel Honeysuckle and Tiger Bay. Supposing you'd like to boogie to classic soul, this night's after party will be at Franky Bradley's (1320 Chancellor St.) where, starting at 10 p.m., you can do just that.

Bid farewell to the affair with a closing party at Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) with a burlesque show and dance party on Sunday, May 31. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.

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