Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t. Margaret Thatcher

Madam Moiselle kicks off the show by asking: “Who’s ready for some boobs?” As you might expect, the guys in the crowd — and quite a few of the women — cheer, ready for the show to start. The first number features several ladies, a few choice photos, and gets the crowd warmed up. If you feel nothing stirring during a song about the wet, bald, friendly pussycat, ask your friend to check for a pulse. The Frills and Thrills girls might even offer to help. Since its start last year in Seoul, the burlesque group has gone beyond simply performing to collaborating with other creative types.

Burlesque was born a long time ago, but it’s just now beginning to blossom here in Korea. As each act finishes, the Madam saunters to the stage, clearing the discarded items and getting the stage ready for the next performer. Meanwhile, the next performer comes on while the girls double-check their garments. A later performance requires two volunteers to hold a clothesline up. “Be sure to keep it up boys,” Madam coos. “You know how we like it.” In exchange for a little friendly ribbing, they’re given the best view in the house – and a little playful attention from the performer.

The classic form of burlesque — playing off the popular art of the day — gave way to comedic acts, which later gave way to singing and recreating scenes. Let’s not confuse burlesque shows with strip clubs, however, and let’s not be too surprised at what will happen if you treat them as such. “It is the art of tease — nothing is actually shown,” Shela Blidge reminds. These aren’t 기생 (gi-saeng) after all — they may be female entertainers, but happy endings are not part of the deal. Instead, the crowd enjoys the songs, dances, and the occasional opportunity to get a ringside eyeful. One favorite, seen during last month’s Roofers performance, involves “accidentally” spilling some water while washing the clothes and hanging them up to dry.

The outfits may change, but each lady brings her own charm. Frills and Thrills founder Mari Dolready is smooth, confident, and makes it look easy, while Shela Blidge uses all parts of the stage to show off her sassy self. Molly Midori shimmies and shakes her way through the crowd, and the Madam cleans up after each performance. It’s part of the shtick – occasionally, she holds a garment over her chest, as if to say “that used to fit…” Every Frills lady brings their personality to the show, which carries over in their non-costumed lives as well.

The burlesque concept continues beyond mere performances — from lingerie parties to character costume parties to being courted by Korean club owners, Frills and Thrills continues to explore new possibilities and opportunities. Not too long ago they had a show with the Korean band Rock Tigers; last month, their “For Your Eyes Only” photo shoot invited fans to try on the pin-up style clothes. “(It’s a) lot of fun — especially recreating pin up poses. It is fun to experiment with clothes and makeup and hair,” Nellwyn Fox said.

Collaborations with rapper Benny Fax and reggae-man Josh Roy are signs of the group’s connections within the music world, and more are slated for the near future. March will feature at least four performances by the Frills and Thrills troupe, and there are talks of other performances still in the planning stage. It’s clear that there’s an appetite for their brand of adult fun – and they’re always up for people joining the fun. If you’re interested in performing and the camaraderie, send them a message through Facebook.
Coming up this month:
March 12th – A performance as part of the Vagina Monologues event.

March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day at Roofers (Itaewon)

March 19th – Another show at Roofers, starting around 10:30pm

March 25th – another event to be announced.
Search for the Frills and Thrills Burlesque group on Facebook to keep up to date.

A version of this article is published in the March 2011 issue of Groove Magazine. All photos in this post are mine, and may differ from the printed article.

© Chris Backe – 2011

This post was originally published on my blog ,Chris in South Korea. If you are reading this on another website and there is no linkback or credit given, you are reading an UNAUTHORIZED FEED.