Conversations with The Burlective

Today we’d like to introduce you to The Burlective

Hi The, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We all came into burlesque for different reasons, but what we found was an incredible opportunity to build lasting friendships and learn from one another. The founders of The Burlective started dancing together before any formal groups even existed in Denver. Initially, it was just about getting extra practice for upcoming shows. Our first name was actually ‘The Quartette,’ but as we tried other groups, we realized that some methods didn’t align with who we are. So, two years ago in August, we gathered a handful of dancers and asked ourselves: ‘Why not create something of our own?’ That’s when The Burlective was born—a collective of burlesque performers with a shared vision.

What makes us stand out is that we operate entirely as a team. We celebrate each other’s strengths, whether it’s creatively or operationally, and that’s why we’ve endured through every challenge thrown our way. We’re not just here for the love of burlesque—we’re here for the love of each other. And that’s why our message resonates so deeply: ‘Naked is always better with friends.’ It’s more than just a catchy line; it’s what we live by.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge that we have had to face is honestly scheduling when we will meet up to practice. Working with 7 different artist who also have Full time careers on top of that makes it the most challenging. On top of that, live performing arts in colorado does not equally a high paying gigs. So we do it and make it work because we are truly passionate for it.

Another struggle we face is not a lot of local producers will book groups acts. At this point festivals will book us but its hard for us to get the stage practice in to build confidence in a live performance for our newer members.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We do group burlesque acts but with in the we don’t specialize in one performance style. We want to try and do it all. Its about expanding our own knowledge as well as incorporating a little of everyone. Each piece we do looks different because different choreographers, ideas, and collaborations of ideas coming together. We are each individual performers and we come together to deliver clean creative performance. We are known for being good people with innovate art.

We are proud of our awards of course (Mtn Regional champ for Burlypicks ’24 and Best buds for Mile High Burlesque Festival ’24), but we are most proud of how we are able to work together as a team and keep it friendly. Mental and physical health always comes first, people come first. Then dancing, If we get awards for dancing, that’s just a plus. We are most proud of our inclusive community we have cultivated.

Collaborative sets us apart – No one person is in charge. All voices are heard and everyone is seen. Skill sharing so everyone has something to contribute.

Most of us our neurospicy or have disabilities. We make burlesque accessible!

What matters most to you?
What matters to us most is: Fun and Friendship.

Everyone has a say in what we do. No one is in charge, its not anyones group. It is out group. Everyone’s Opinions matter and is heard.

We chose burlesque for the community and the art. We work hard, and above all we are here for each other and our community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theburlective/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554310628641

Image Credits
Broken Glass Photography