Performing Asexy: Asexual Identity and Neo-Burlesque in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida

• Other Authors: Givens, Sarah (author)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Dance
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/2019_Spring_Givens_fsu_0071N_15219

This Masters in American Dance Studies thesis addresses the performance of asexual identity in the neo-burlesque performance art. With a heavy emphasis on autoethnography, I present neo-burlesque as a genre that creates space for queer identity performance. I focus on three case studies: First, as a live audience member, I examine Hattiesburlesque as an example of neo-burlesque’s celebratory and self-loving spirit. Then, through online engagement, I analyze the work of genderqueer, asexual neo-burlesque performer Hana Li and her involvement in the queerlesque community of Dallas, Texas. Finally, as a performing member of Shaken Not Stirred Burlesque, I explore a self-choreographed solo routine celebrating asexual pride in order to gain embodied experience of performing identity in neo-burlesque. In doing so, I add to the sparse but growing field of asexual research and depart on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-expression. === A Thesis submitted to the School of Dance in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts. === Spring Semester 2019. === April 10, 2019. === asexuality, autoethnography, burlesque, identity, neo-burlesque, performance === Includes bibliographical references. === Hannah Schwadron, Professor Directing Thesis; Jen Atkins, Committee Member; Ilana Goldman, Committee Member.