It’s official. Burlesque has become mainstream.

Christina Aguilera and Cher now star in a film called “Burlesque” that looks both titillating and deeply depressing in equal measure. As with Pro-Domming and any other industry that walks a difficult tightrope between exploitation and empowerment, modern burlesque can veer between the genuinely brilliant performances of those who remain true to its intended spirit, and the distasteful, degrading nonsense that often trades under its name.

The Channel 4 comedy “PhoneShop” captured this perfectly in one episode when the chaps were attempting to invite a woman to join them at the “chicken and tits for three quid” night  –

“Now it seems like a wet t-shirt contest, yeah, but to be truthful with you, it’s more like a… a… burlesque type thing,” says Jerwayne, staring down her top.

Ashley agrees.“It’s… like… your opportunity to advance positive perceptions of female empowerment in… like… a bi-gender context, you get me? Plus, there’s chicken.”

“And a free dildo,” adds Jerwayne.

Quite. Laurie Penny wrote an excellent and provocative article for the Graun this week, headed “This jiggle-fest has nothing to do with sex or power”. I’d recommend giving it a read before making your mind up either way.

In the meantime, here’s the trailer:

What do you think?