Community Partnerships & Projects
Harlem in Havana – Saturday, May 9, 2026
The International Nerdlesque Festival 2025
Brown Skin Showgirls Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender 2025
Dance Place After Dark Theatre Series
Dupont Underground x Metro Cabaret Club Presents Burly Underground
2025 Performer Pay Survey
2025 DMV Virtual Town Hall
2024 DMV Producer Sustainability Survey
2024 DMV Producer Town Hall
You’re invited on a journey through time with Harlem in Havana™ — a powerful multimedia documentary project by artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham that honors one of America’s most successful traveling girl shows. Discover the untold story of Leon Claxton, a visionary African American showman who, during the Jim Crow era, fused Black and Cuban artistry into a dazzling spectacle that redefined American entertainment.
Watch the film, attend a live event or exhibit, take a class, listen to the music, or dive deeper into the story that still resonates with wonder today.
TOWN HALL SERIES
The first DMV Burlesque Town Hall was an open community conversation where performers, producers, and industry professionals came together to discuss the needs of the local scene. The discussion highlighted a strong desire for more collaboration, shared opportunities, and financial education to help performers navigate bookings, sponsorships, and sustainable careers. Attendees emphasized the need for clearer industry standards, including fair pay, professional etiquette, and accessible resources for funding and business growth. The event served as a vital first step in building a more connected, informed, and financially empowered burlesque community in the DMV.
LAB TALK— Burlesque Education with Bebe Bardeaux
Join DC’s very own Bebe Bardeaux for an open discussion about the importance of cultivating and developing high quality burlesque talent in Washington DC. Explore the benefits and challenges of creating inclusive educational spaces in a evolving world. Learn about Bebe’s new school the Chocolate City Burlesque University and how you can get involved!
