Italian
The long-awaited second edition of the international Burlesque contest show will take place at the Teatro Corso in Mestre
Mestre – Burlesque is a theatrical art form of theater and variety, born in the 19th century in England. It combines satire, irony, and seduction through elegant and choreographed stripteases. Characterized by lavish retro-style costumes, it does not involve total nudity, instead focusing on self-irony, body appreciation, and theatrical play, without ever descending into vulgarity. It includes dance, elaborate costumes (lingerie, feathers, corsets), and music, with a focus on teasing rather than nudity.
The name itself comes from “burla,” highlighting the humorous and socially parodic element, which today aims to deconstruct stereotypes about femininity. Recently, the modern form has seen a revival, also through the numerous courses and schools that involve people of all ages.
The evening
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 9 PM, the Corso Theater in Mestre will host the second edition of the Élite Burlesque Festival: an international show – contest featuring 10 performers among the best in the world and two internationally renowned headliners, Katerina Sahara (Siberia) and Evana De Lune (Australia).
Over 600 spectators are expected, with an audience coming from abroad as well, for a glamorous evening that confirms itself as one of the most attended at the national and European level in the burlesque scene. The stalls and the first gallery are, needless to say, already sold out.
The festival, in its second edition after the debut in 2025, brings an internationally renowned event of the highest artistic level to the area, featuring performers from countries all over the world and selected from some of the best artists in the global burlesque scene.
The initiative is organized by Élite Burlesque APS, a local association founded by local performers: Mariagloria, Giorgia, Eleonora, and Vanessa (stage names Miss Spicy Ginger, Sweety May, Little Lola, and Frankie Lullaby), with the aim of enhancing and spreading burlesque as a form of contemporary and inclusive performing art.
