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<\/a>\u201c\u2018Legend\u2019 is a term we give to performers who really pioneered this artform,\u201d says Moss. \u201cIt\u2019s really important for us in the community to celebrate them and to give them the opportunity to continue sharing their art.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As for the other artists performing in the inaugural year of the festival, Moss says it\u2019s imperative that the team selected a diverse crowd of performers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBurlesque can showcase any body, any age, any shape\u2026 It\u2019s just a really unique space where anybody can be onstage and empower themselves,\u201d says Moss.<\/p>\n The diversity of burlesque is changing the landscape for both body positivity and sex positivity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOnce we create a space where people can feel really confident and empowered, that\u2019s going to make them feel more safe to bring that back to their partners,\u201d Moss says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As an artform, Moss describes burlesque as magical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so liberating and freeing\u2026 It\u2019s a really great way to meet all of these amazing people from different walks of life and connect and really bond over the shared passion.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s important for the audience to give all the energy the performers are sending out back to them. Cheering and clapping is an important way for the audience to show the performers they\u2019re enthusiastic about what they\u2019re watching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re able to receive that [energy], feel it, and build it up together\u2026 It just adds to the performance,\u201d says Moss.<\/p>\n While audience participation is vital to a safe and exciting burlesque show, the artists also have to know how to command a stage.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really about the performer\u2019s entitlement to be onstage,\u201d says Moss. \u201cIf they know that they can own the space, they can just play with that energy. I think that makes for a really captivating performance.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For those interested in exploring their own sexuality in a performative way, Moss\u2019 advice is to just go for it.<\/p>\n \u201cReach out. There\u2019s lots of resources,\u201d says Moss. \u201cWe\u2019re a really loving community and we\u2019re really happy to help people and get them started on their journey.\u201d<\/p>\n