The Atlantic Burlesque Festival returns May 30–31, promising more than just feathers and flair. With dazzling performances, interactive workshops, and a mission rooted in equity and empowerment, this year’s festival brings together a fierce lineup of talent—including Halifax’s own Tanya Cheex—to celebrate the past, present, and future of burlesque on the East Coast.
The Halifax punk scene and her fascination with DIY’s introduced Cheex to the burlesque community in 1998. “I loved the community and coming together for creative expression,” she said.
“I was 19 when I went to Toronto… people there did not know the difference between stripping and burlesque.”
When Cheex was starting in the industry, there was not much knowledge about the burlesque community. “This was before the internet, so everything was either word of mouth or print,” she added.
“We had to sell it, telling people that it was like a cabaret and then some.” Cheex believes that as a society, “we have come a long way with acceptance.” She is honoured to come back to Halifax as a headliner.
“The spectacle, the show, the costumes, the showbiz aspect attracted me… not so much being provocative,” Cheex continues. She teases a question-and-answer session that will set the tone for the evening, bringing awareness to her craft.
The media and outreach co-ordinator for The Atlantic Burlesque Festival—Michelle Langille said, “whether you’re a die-hard burlesque fan, burly-curious, or totally new to the scene, this festival is for you.” She added that they are bringing together the best of Atlantic Canada’s burlesque talent while showing performers from across the country.
Langille said that the goal is to prove that the region is a premier destination for live performance and artistic growth.
More Than Glitter: A Movement Rooted in Equity and Expression
Founded to elevate the Atlantic Canadian burlesque scene, the Atlantic Burlesque Co-operative is driven by a mission that goes far beyond the stage. The organization works year-round to foster access to venues, skill development, and artistic opportunities—particularly for performers who face systemic barriers in the arts.
Their work is grounded in values of equity, inclusion, and collective leadership, with a focus on safer spaces, diverse representation, and cooperative resource sharing.
“We’re committed to making burlesque accessible, empowering, and sustainable,” the group says in a statement. “That means supporting the health and well-being of our community, ensuring clean and professional performance spaces, and amplifying voices that have historically been excluded from the spotlight.”
Building a Future for Burlesque in Atlantic Canada
The Co-operative is working to expand public appreciation for the art form and support the next generation of performers. Cole Harbour resident and patron of the performing arts, Molly Crowe told The Coast that she’s excited for the show. “It is neat that people are going to have to come to Halifax for a performing arts show. We have talent as good as Toronto’s, it is time to show that to everyone.”
Workshops and panels during the festival will offer performers and audiences a chance to engage with the history, technique, and politics of burlesque, emphasizing the importance of education, skills sharing, and collective growth.
Last year’s inaugural event earned rave reviews and packed houses. This year, the organizers are aiming even higher. “We promise: it’s everything you could want—and everything you didn’t know you needed,” the organizers tease in a statement.
This article appears in May 1-31, 2025.