In a culture where half-naked women are splashed on the covers of magazines and teenage beach bums bare (almost) all on MTV, the suggestive moves and short reveals of burlesque can seem tame on the surface. But, there’s something about the themed, over-the-top and often fetish acts that are still risqué. “It’s not like, ‘wow, [breasts!],’” says burlesque performer Gal Friday when asked about the reaction she gets from audiences. “It’s, ‘wow, look what she did to reveal her [breasts].’” Like most burlesque performers, Gal Friday single-handedly develops choreography and sews costumes for her acts, which have featured her as a 1940’s vixen and Marie Antoinette. Both men and women have gathered to watch her bounce, shake and twist at Lucky Cheng’s and The Slipper Room. Her voluptuous build is a healthy and welcome change from the waify figures that normally grace the limelight. “[Burlesque] is an amazing community of women. There’s so much support, and everybody loves themselves so much that you can’t help but start to feel that,” she says. The love extends beyond the stage, too. “The women get along. There’s not really that threat of competition because each person is special and talented in their own way. If there’s any tension, it’s very mild.” Grab yourself a drink and discover this alternative form of entertainment in any of the zip codes below.

Reoccurring Events:

Third Sunday of the Month
The Court of Lazarus
A “salon noir,” a forum for dark ideas, performances and rituals combined with a classic Goth lounge night and dark cocktail party. Doors open for Citizens at 8pm and for guests at 8:30pm. Court begins at 9:30pm. Gothic formal dress is expected.

First Monday of the Month
Ritalin Reading Series
Bite-sized morsels of high-grade entertainment goodness for the short attention span set.
8pm. $5

Every Tuesday
Sweet
Au courant stand-up comedy, sketch comedy and music hosted by Seth Herzog (VH-1). Join Seth’s email list for weekly show theme/guest performers.
Doors at 8pm, show at 8:30pm, $5 cover.

Every Wednesday
Mel Frye’s Pre Existing Condition
More burlesque and rock-and-roll to chase away the mid-week blues. Doors 8pm, cover, $5.

Every Friday
The Hot Box Burlesque
Rare soul and freaky oldies by DJ Momotaro. Doors at 8, shows and go-go start promptly at 10:30 and last all night! $5 cover.

Every Saturday
Mr. Choade’s Upstairs/Downstairs
NYC’s Longest Running Burlesque Show. Doors at 8, shows and go-go start promptly at 10:30 and last all night!. $5 cover.

To view the complete schedule click the link below.