Learning to Be Naked: Healing through burlesque

I saw this film at a special screening in San Rafael that featured a Q&A with director Susan Wolf and performers Viola Panic and Mister Punch. I wasn't expecting to be swept away by the emotional tales of five performers who found empowerment and healing through this misunderstood art form.

Since performers dance to licensed music, the filmmakers wrote original tunes to match the choreography of their subjects. While this was done to get around the usage fees, the result is a beautiful and lively score, with lyrics that reveal something about each performer on stage.

The film is beautifully edited, with no wasted time or scenes. Storytelling is layered, so that the viewer gradually learns about the dancers, culminating in pinnacle moments for each. What shines through is the determination of each of them - not simply to perform - but to survive.

See it if you can!

I saw a screening of "Learning to be Naked" at the Portland Film Festival, and was so surprised by this film. I went in knowing pretty much nothing about the Burlesque scene. I came out with a much greater appreciation for how impactful this art form is for all those involved in its community. This film told the story of 6 performers and how they found a sense of empowerment through performing burlesque.

This film managed to be both informative, and highly entertaining. The cinematography and editing were excellent, and really keeps you engaged for the entire run time. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn more about an underappreciated art form.

Excellent film that opened my mind to a beautiful art form. This film is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of the art of burlesque, told through the deeply personal and diverse perspectives of its performers. I appreciated how it spotlighted mental health and showed how burlesque can be a healing, expressive outlet. The inclusivity was refreshing, and the origin stories were moving and authentic. I especially valued how the film dismantled common misconceptions about burlesque, offering historical context and emotional depth. I walked away feeling informed, inspired, and with a new appreciation for this misunderstood art form.

I saw this film at a showing in San Rafael with the director and some of the films performers present. The film shares the stories of multiple burlesque performers from all over the world. Excellent storytelling and a truly incredible perspective on the beauty of burlesque. Each performer has a unique story on how they started performing and the film highlights what burlesque means to each of them. Many of the performers have used burlesque to help overcome various physical and mental hardships throughout their lives.

I knew very little about burlesque prior to the film and left the theater excited to learn more.

I saw learning to be naked: healing through burlesque in Los Angeles at the LA Femme Film Festival. First I learned that burlesque is more than erotic dancing. It is a self created performance. The individual does the choreography, selects the music and puts together an elaborate costume, often making it herself. It is truly an art of self expression. I also had no idea that burlesque could be a means for someone to heal who is dealing with a major problem, whether it be physical,trauma, or mental.

The individual stories were told in a very compelling way. There was enough detail so you really felt connected to the person. The dancing and costumes were wonderful. The photography was outstanding. Overall an excellent experience.