Movie Review – Burlesque: Heart of the Glitter Tribe @GlitterTribeDoc

By Rena Renee

Glitter Tribe, directed and produced by Jon Manning (House of Last Things; Lord, Save Us From Your Followers) and produced by Julie Livingston (Cooking from A to Zest), is a documentary about self- expression. In a world where we are judged for every choice we make, it is wonderful to have such an outlet of who we are under the burlesque rainbow.

One of the first scenes is that of the dancers, standing together and praying to the “burlesque goddess.” They gave thanks to creativity and visions. Any group that comes together and gives thanks is befitting.

The film left me with feelings of admiration for such a culture of acceptance. The dancers truly express themselves, through movement and costume. Almost every performance sent a message whether it be seduction, comedy, artistry or simply a celebration of the body.

I understand there will be those who feel that the dancers “objectify” their bodies and this may be true to a point however it is so tastefully done, unlike your typical stripper, that a valid argument is elusive.

Passion comes from within and I saw that in the variety of costume styles, dance moves and personalities interviewed. Each had their own story to tell but the running theme was the individual manifestation that is internal and unique to each dancer.  I observed the interpretation and exploration of of masculinity and femininity and the invisible line that separates the two. It doesn’t get better than that when each can be celebrated and intertwined.

My favorite line from one of the dancers was a male describing the impact he wanted to leave the audience with: “I want them to come in their pants and shit at the same time” I mean, can you picture that?  A person would revel in the distaste but be unable to move with pleasure. Sounds like a chance I’d like to take.

I feel if a person is searching for themselves a great place to find yourself maybe through dance. Taking off your clothes always helps too. Overall the film was a window to a different way of viewing the world. In the end it left me with a longing. I longed to express myself like the dancers. I can only imagine the free feeling of the participants in Glitter Tribe. The feeling of the ultimate freedom of expression and one you will definitely form an addiction to.

Burlesque: Heart of the Glitter Tribe, a stunning documentary feature film about the passion and personalities at the heart of today’s new wave of burlesque, directed by Jon Manning, is now available on VOD and iTunes following a limited release in theaters on March 3rd.

BURLESQUE: HEART OF THE GLITTER TRIBE is a documentary feature about the passion and personalities at the heart of today’s new wave of burlesque. On stage and in candid conversation, twelve of today’s hottest performers reveal the naked truth about an exotic world where artifice is a route to authenticity and pretending to be someone else is the ultimate journey to become yourself. These burlesquers put it all on the line in performances that are sexy, funny, elegant and outrageous – and they bare more than just their bodies as they discuss their artistic vision, their financial struggles, the misconceptions that infuriate them and the community that sustains them.

Directed by:  Jon Manning