BeeBee Sanchez Oral History Interview

Burlesque performer, dancer, and producer, BeeBee Sanchez, defines Burlesque as The Art of the Reveal, further explaining that it can be any kind of theatrical storytelling. She wonders if the term “Neo-Burlesque” is now too broad for the current art form and no longer serves its purpose. Sanchez credits Burlesque with providing a safe space for adults to create and play in community with other artists. She applauds the art form for being open to all people, that you don’t need accreditation or approval to do this art form. She acknowledges that Burlesque could be seen as sex education.

Sanchez shares her passion for “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” and how that lead her to writing and publishing erotica fan fiction. Sanchez describes the many, varied Burlesque and Drag shows that happened in pre-pandemic Portland, as well as the new COVID-safety protocols in place as performance venues open up post-pandemic.

She further describes the social and cultural reckoning in the performing arts around the issues of diversity and inclusion. She explores the difficulty in, and necessity of, developing new diverse audiences for a healthy arts environment. Sanchez wishes the general public would understand that Burlesque is a performance art form, it is the Art of the Reveal.