Deco-dence, a Burlesque ball, is returning Aug. 23 to the Pinestone Resort in Haliburton.
The event is being presented by Red Events and the Haliburton Arts Centre Foundation. All proceeds will go to the foundation.
Organizers say the event is “beloved” by the community and aims to celebrate diversity, the arts, human-ness, a little bit of cheekiness, and a lot of Deco-dence. The name is a play on words to decadence, coming from the 1920s and 30s extravagance of the art deco era.
Collin Burke, founder and director of the Burlesque Ball, said, “we have a lot more diverse performances than previous years. We have the best performers. We also have instrumental performers. We have installation video arts this time, we have dancers. It’s a much bigger presentation. As far as different types of art forms being presented, we were fortunate enough to receive a local initiative grant through HCDC, so we’ve been able to hire more local performers.
“Originally, I wanted to destigmatize a little bit the art of drag and the art of burlesque,” Burke said. “Two years ago, I saw a room full of great people, diverse people, just having an amazing time and celebrating being human.”
The foundation’s goal is to create a new performing arts centre in Haliburton for plays, concerts, dance, opera, music, film and masterclasses. President Dan Manley said, “Haliburton has a vibrant, expanding arts community. It’s time we have a venue large enough and flexible enough for us to grow and thrive.”
Melissa Tong, one of the organizers of the event, said, “we’re a very artsy, social community.
This is a little bit out there compared to what is normally presented as an option for a performance venue.” She said while there are similar offerings in Toronto, locals don’t want to necessarily spend the time and money traveling. This year’s event will feature paid performers from the local community and professional drag and burlesque artists from Toronto. Local queer youth will also be featured in a secondary performance space as well as a video installation by local artists.
Daniela Pagliaro, treasurer and member of the organizing committee, said she got involved because her daughter is gay but also as part of a personal cancer journey.
“For me, personally, it was super special, because it was an opportunity to be open in terms of my new physical body,” Pagliaro said, referring to her breast cancer journey and having attended the event after having her breasts removed.
“I was able to dress in a way that showed it off and not worry about how that was going to be perceived by the public because it was in an environment that was super accepting and about diversity and inclusion and about being whoever you are, and being comfortable with who you are.”
The event is sold out. It is a cash only event. Organizers are asking people attending to drink responsibly and play nicely.
