SUNDAY, JUNE 15 at 1:00 pm Smith-Rafael Film Center
Watch the Trailer
The Film
LEARNING TO BE NAKED is an award -winning documentary that reveals the HEALING, TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF BURLESQUE. It’s hard to imagine a more vulnerable act than getting naked on stage–yet for many, it’s precisely this experience that profoundly changes their lives.
CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES ABOUT WHICH BODIES DESERVE TO BE SEEN AND CELEBRATED, the film follows extraordinary and unconventional performers as burlesque helps them strip away their shame, gently peels off layers of insecurities, and slowly undresses their pain.
Among them:
AN 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
A PLUS SIZE, BLACK, NONBINARY performer who fiercely advocates for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists.
Like a caterpillar metamorphosing inside a chrysalis, BURLESQUE PROVIDES A SAFE SPACE for the performers 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
Sneak Peek
Get Ready to See Burlesque Like Never Before
The Message
OUR SOCIETY IS SATURATED WITH NARROW, DAMAGING STEREOTYPES -ESPECIALLY THOSE AIMED AT WOMEN, AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES - Telling us we’re not enough. Not the right size, shape gender, race. Not pretty enough, smart enough, sexy enough or talented enough to be loved or valued. Who hasn’t, at some point, felt diminished by these impossible standards?
In LEARNING TO BE NAKED, the performers discover that burlesque is about far more than stripping off clothing. It’s about stripping away the roles and masks we’ve been taught to wear. And in doing so FINDING COMMUNITY, JOY AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND DANCE.
The film is a celebration of courage, connection, and transformation. Our goal is to challenge social standards and remind audiences that EVERY BODY AND EVERY PERSON IS WORTHY OF LOVE, VISIBILITY 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
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 road ahead of us as we work to reach as many different audiences as possible. Please make a donation, no amount is too small. Thanks!
Photo by the Burly Photographer
Anna Smith Higgs
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.