Film About Healing Through Burlesque
The Film
LEARNING TO BE NAKED is a new documentary revealing the HEALING, TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF BURLESQUE. It’s hard to imagine a more vulnerable experience than getting naked on stage–and for some it is precisely this experience that profoundly changes their lives.
DISPELLING STEREOTYPES ABOUT WHAT KINDS OF BODIES DESERVE TO BE SEEN AND CELEBRATED, the film follows several extraordinary and unconventional performers as burlesque strips away their shame, gently peels off their insecurities and slowly undresses their pain, including: the AMPUTEE/BREAST CANCER survivor who proudly performs with her prosthesis and does not hide her scars; the STROKE SURVIVOR who found her way from wheelchair to the stage and the PLUS SIZE, BLACK, NONBINARY performer who is a fierce advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ artists.
Like a caterpillar metamorphosing inside a chrysalis, BURLESQUE PROVIDES A SAFE SPACE for them to transform, spread their wings and land on stage feeling more confident, beautiful, and free.
ANNA SMITH HIGGS - Stroke Survivor
Photo by The Burly Photographer
Watch The Trailer
The Message
OUR SOCIETY IS RIFE WITH STEREOTYPES DESIGNED TO MAKE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, FEEL THAT THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH – that they are not the right size, shape, gender, or race, that they are not pretty, smart, sexy or talented enough to be loved and valued. What person hasn’t been touched by these inequitable standards?
The performers in LEARNING TO BE NAKED discover that burlesque is about more than stripping off clothing. It’s about stripping away the masks we hide behind. It’s about FINDING COMMUNITY, JOY AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND DANCE.
We aim to shatter stereotypes, challenge preconceptions, and inspire audiences to embrace inclusivity in all its forms. We hope to encourage the nurturing of creativity, self-confidence and dreams. We want to show that every body and every individual is worthy of love, community and admiration.
MX. PUCKS A’PLENTY
Photo by Keith Johnson
Featured Performers
Photo by The Burly Photographer
“As a disabled performer I want to raise awareness that strokes don't just happen to older people.”
— ANNA SMITH HIGGS
“I want to raise girls that love themselves. I want my girls to look up and go,” My mom had scars and disabilities and she was able to get up there.”
— EILEEN WRIGHT
“I see a great potential in burlesque for self care and for self-love. It gave me the space to come back to life.”
— VIOLA PANIK
Photo by Marcia Davis
“Through burlesque I’ve learned such an appreciation for my body. I feel more confident when I’m walking down the street. My head’s lifted higher.”
— MX. PUCKS A’PLENTY
Photo by Sugar Coated
“Burlesque is a way to express my feelings. It gives me so much strength and helps me in difficult times. It’s a kind of therapy for me.”
— LOULOU LA BELLE
DITA VON TEESE
~ DITA VON TEESE
“We should be celebrating sensuality for a woman at every stage of life”
Photo by Albert Sanchez & Pedro Zalba
Help our film to become a catalyst for change. Let’s spark conversations about representation, sexuality, body image and women’s roles.
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Support The Film
Now Help Us Get Anna’s And Our Message Out By Supporting The Film!
With Your Help, We Made Anna’s Dream Come True
Anna performed in the Burlesque Hall Of Fame Movers, Shakers and Innovators Showcase in Las Vegas on June 1, 2023. Wow! This is the Olympics for burlesque performers, it’s the most famous, prestigious burlesque event in the world. Performing at the BHOF was a dream come true for Anna! Thanks to everyone who helped us sponsor her!
Anna suffered a stroke at the age of 24, one month after giving birth to her son. She lost the use of her right arm and much of her vision. Through sheer determination Anna learned to walk again. After her stroke she was deeply depressed but through burlesque she has found “joy, pure joy. It’s better than any drug,“ says Anna. In her performance she tells the very personal, emotional story of her stroke. Performing at BHOF was a pinnacle experience for Anna and will be sharing that in our film.
Your donations helped pay for travel and festival expenses for Anna. We have a long ways to go before the film is finished so if you want to help us get this film out, please make a donation, no amount is too small. Thanks!
Anna Smith Higgs
Photo by the Burly Photographer
Team
LEARNING TO BE NAKED is the latest international collaboration by the Red Spoke filmmaking team of Machiel Amorison and Susan Wolf.
Their previous documentary, MATA HARI THE NAKED SPY, unravels the story of WWI’s most notorious spy. It premiered at the Santa Fe Film Festival, won the audience award at the Tiburon Film Festival, was broadcast on PBS UK and now can be seen on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms.