Great Escape: Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival

If you want to spice up your weekend romantically, look no further than the quaint Carbon County community of Jim Thorpe, which this weekend will host something rather more risqué than many visitors might be accustomed to: the Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival.

Set amid the Victorian architecture of Jim Thorpe's charming downtown, this festival is not for prudes and promises to be quite revealing, even touting the tag line “Expect the Unexpected.” That said, don't expect the naughtiness to be too extreme. Popularized by groups like the Pussycat Dolls and movies like “Burlesque,” which starred Cher and Christina Aguilera, burlesque as a musical genre has been revived and elevated to a more respectable position in recent years.  

Headlining the Friday night Fundraiser Gala at the Mauch Chunk Opera House will be Jacqueline Hyde, winner of the 2010 Crystal Corset Award at last year’s festival. Hyde will perform to raise money for the restoration of the historic opera house.

As a historical aside, when it was first introduced burlesque challenged the strict Victorian ideals of proper female attire, grooming and etiquette. As an artform and cultural representation it emerged out of vaudeville, reflecting the changing role and identity of the American woman at a time when her subservient role in society was being challenged. 

Saturday will be filled with classes, lectures and workshops held at the Memorial Hall that will help cultivate the inner burlesque dancer in all the ladies. Just to pique your interest, some of the workshops scheduled are Burlesque Basics, Glove Peels, Intro to Hoop Dance, Headdress Makingand Rhinestone Application Techniques. Pre-registration is required.

To complete a burlesque look, shop the Burlesque Bazaar, where merchants will offer hand-picked accessories, lingerie, corsets and vintage clothing, perfect for any woman who wants to achieve that 'pin-up' look.

If you're not sure what your significant will do while you attend classes, be assured that there are plenty of attractions in the Jim Thorpe area for him to explore, including the the Old Jail Museum, where members of the Molly Maguires gang were executed in the 19th century; the restored Asa Packer Mansion; and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. 

You can both enjoy the live competition as burlesque entertainers compete for cash prizes and the illustrious Crystal Corset Award on Saturday night.  Don’t miss the topper with Red Hot Annie’s performance at the “Big Reveal.”

While you are enjoying a little innocent debauchery, stay in one of the most beautiful historic homes in Jim Thorpe. Housed in a restored Queen Anne mansion, Defeo’s Manor Bed and Breakfast will make you feel at home as you’re eating your continental breakfast overlooking the mountain view of Broadway and the downtown area.

Hopefully the weekend will leave little time for TV or internet surfing, but the bed and breakfast does offer free Wi-Fi, in addition to queen size beds, sitting rooms and kitchenettes. 

Of course, just outside Jim Thorpe are some of the most beautiful conservation lands and parks that Pennsylvania has to offer, including Lehigh Gorge State Park and Glen Onoko Falls. With rafting, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding all at your fingertips, there will be plenty to fill a couple’s weekend escape.

JIM THORPE BURLESQUE FESTIVAL (SHOWS, CLASSES & VENDORS)

Where/When: 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, Friday through Sunday.

Schedule of Events:   

• Friday, FUNDRAISING GALA, 8:00 p.m. $30 general admission, 21 and over.
• Saturday and Sunday, BURLESQUE BAZAAR, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free.
• Saturday, CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $10-$20 per class.
• Saturday Night,. BIG REVEAL SHOW, 8:00 p.m. $35 general admission, 21 and over.
  
  

DEFEO’S MANOR BED AND BREAKFAST, (MANOR BED AND BREAKFAST)

Where: Opera House Square, 5 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 

Price: $165 per night plus tax (The Suite) or $140 per night plus tax (Blue Room). Call Richard and Ellen DeFeo for reservations at (570) 325-8777.