Steamboat's Burlesque: Racy, Risqué and Confidently Empowering
Story by Erin Campbell
From aerials to African to belly dance and more, Steamboat Springs has a vast array of specialized dance in the Yampa Valley – even burlesque.
Studio Mod Vaude, an adult dance studio in Steamboat, first offered this risqué expression in 2019. Perhaps unexpected for many, yet confidently empowering for some, burlesque dancers have an opportunity to “express themselves and own their body, whatever it looks like, and feel a wonderful sense of empowerment,” explains Mod Vaude co-owner Emily Stein. This, Emily says, is the essence of the art of burlesque. From the dancer’s standpoint, an overarching theme of confidence and empowerment, while also being challenged, is ever-present. “I love how you’re able to express and emote your body language and truly own who you are in your sexuality,” Emily says. “A lot of people have this idea that what we do is unattainable, but the whole purpose is to show people that if you commit and challenge yourself, you can achieve pretty much anything.”
A physically demanding form of dance that requires a certain level of flexibility, strength and coordination, burlesque allows dancers to accomplish their fitness goals. Mod Vaude currently has 10 burlesque dancers in their troupe, who practice several times a week – and more leading up to a performance. With hopes to expand soon, the troupe typically performs four shows per year, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for the adult crowd; a different option amidst Steamboat’s family-friendly community. “The art of burlesque brings an avenue for audiences to escape and enjoy an adult experience,” says Mod Vaude’s co-owner, Josh Stein.
It’s an avenue that has grown in the past few years. The Yampa Valley Vixens, a second burlesque troupe in Steamboat, formed more recently, in 2023. Founder and dancer Mandy Quinones describes how intrigue and active excitement draw the viewer into these racy performances. “While all dance is a form of intimate communication and expression, burlesque pushes that boundary even farther, challenging both the dancer and the viewer.”
The Yampa Valley Vixens first performed with five dancers for an already open and welcoming crowd in 2023 at the Yampa Valley Pride festival. “It really took some weight off our shoulders from a community acceptance standpoint,” Mandy says. “Luckily, the community as a whole has been incredibly supportive of us.”
With hopes to expand to the Front Range in the future, Steamboat’s burlesque troupes perform ticketed shows in the Yampa Valley, and are available to perform private events as well. The groups are inclusive with a strong sense of passion and creativity and are proud of what they have created in a small town. “We are very passionate about performance and have created a safe and welcoming space where performers of all kinds can come to share their art,” Mandy says.