Note from the editor…

As I launch the sixteenth Burlesque TOP 50 season, the world feels painfully uncertain and at risk on an international, regional and personal level for many of us. And according to the numerous messages, news pieces and discussions you’ve brought to me in recent months, ‘burlesque’ itself feels increasingly insecure, appropriated, undefined, and even unhelpful. I recently posted a follow-up Instagram story that asked the 66% of followers who said burlesque needs to be reclaimed, how we go about that. I received far fewer responses to that. But perhaps this year’s TOP 50 can get us started. Let’s show the world, and each other, what Burlesque – our artform – looks like today. Who we are, what we do, and what we stand for.

So please join the thousands of other readers, fans and peers who vote every year and celebrate the people who keep our art form and communities alive – in so many different ways.

Even if you vote every year, please check out the Essential Guide below for everything you need to know – including some important rules. A seguito di numerose richeste, e’ ora disponibile la guida tradotta in italiano.

Vote and share with integrity,

Holli M Johnson (Founder and Editor)

 

VOTING OPENS: Thursday 10 October 2024

VOTING CLOSES: Sunday 1 December 2024 (Midnight PST)

Follow on Instagram for updates and discussion.

BURLESQUE TOP 50: ESSENTIAL GUIDE

 

Who decides who makes the Burlesque TOP 50 list?

Thousands of voters from around the world decide the final result of the Burlesque TOP 50. I do not decide the list. It’s an entirely open process and would be impossible to run if censored. It’s a very popular poll run entirely by one individual, and these terms are in place for sensible reasons.

 

Who can I vote for?

You can vote for anyone, including yourself if you choose. The voting form requires a minimum of five votes with a maximum of ten. If you enter the same name more than once, it will count as one vote. You can vote for people as individuals or collectives as appropriate. Inevitably burlesque performers dominate the list each year, but please consider all those who contribute to burlesque and our community – producers, photographers, costumiers, stage managers, educators, curators, writers, etc.  Also, your vote should be with 2024 in mind, rather than just voting for your all time favourite people. Think about people who have really contributed to burlesque in 2024.

 

How do you ensure that the vote is fair and valid?

Email addresses are collected to monitor spamming issues. It is also very easy to detect unnatural spikes and patterns as votes come in. I have eyes keeping watch on social media, noting anyone who is campaigning for votes or pressuring people, and people forward me inappropriate emails and messages to make note of. Everyone is allowed to submit a vote form, and every year thousands of you do from across the world. It is because of this high number of votes distributed across the world that the poll remains sufficiently representative and inclusive.

 

I want to post about the Burlesque TOP 50 and encourage people to consider voting for me in an appropriate way – how should I go about this?

Awareness and inclusion are crucial to this process, so of course I encourage you to spread the word about the poll to peers and fans established and new.

What is NOT considered campaigning: Posting a link to the voting form with a comment similar to: “Voting is now open for the Burlesque TOP 50 2024. If you have enjoyed my performance/events/work/contributions to burlesque this year, I hope you will consider nominating me.”  Note that this is polite and doesn’t directly ask for or demand a vote, or list reasons why someone should vote for you.

What IS considered campaigning: Frequent/repeated direct requests for votes. Spam messaging or emailing asking for votes. Any use of technology for mass voting or corrupting the result. Offering incentives for votes. Any attempt to mass organise voters. Basically, anything that resembles campaigning, pressures people or attempts to corrupt the voting process.

 

When will the results be published?

The results will be published in a countdown at the end of the year.

Any other queries can be sent to 21stcenturyburlesque@gmail.com. If you have a question about the Burlesque TOP 50 and want an accurate answer, ask the person who runs it. Thank you for your participation!