Check out images from Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend!
Thank you for joining us at the BROWN SKIN SHOWGIRLS WEEKEND!
Thank you for attending the first annual Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend in Atlanta – where the spotlight shined on elegance, empowerment, and the mesmerizing world of Black Burlesque! On February 17-18, 2024, the Harlem in Havana Project, The Atlanta School of Burlesque and Black Burlesque Atlanta produced an electrifying weekend filled with glamour, history, and unbridled excitement in honor of Black History Month 2024! During the event, we tantalized audiences with spectacular shows, riveting films, and an immersive dive into the rich tapestry of Black Burlesque History. It was a celebration of the art, the passion, and the allure that define Brown Skin Showgirls. All the educational events were donation based and helped support The Leslie Cunningham Burlesque Education Scholarship. Learn more about the live event below. Watch for future live events here!
Day 1 – Saturday, 2/17
11:00 am-2:00 pm
Meet & Greet with the Dazzling Leslie Cunningham: Step into the glittering world of The Harlem in Havana Project and mingle with the creator and director! Let’s make memories, snap some selfies, and bask in the brilliance of this artist, author, and filmmaker extraordinaire!
Black Burlesque History Class – My Grandma Was an Exotic Dancer – Unleash the secrets of the past with a class that’s anything but ordinary! Join us for a riveting journey into the history of Black Burlesque. This isn’t your typical history lesson – it’s a chance to uncover the sultry stories and shimmy through the eras. Who knew Grandma had such a fabulous past? (All attendees receive a free Brown Skin Showgirls Book!)
BIPOC Performer Talk Back hosted by the Fabulous Zara Estelle! Get ready to spill the tea, spill the glitter, and spill all the behind-the-scenes magic! Join burlesque sensation Zara Estelle as she leads an unfiltered and unforgettable discussion with our incredible BIPOC performers. It’s a talk back that’s as sassy as it is enlightening – because who said education can’t be fabulous?
8:00 pm-12:00 am
Brown Skin Showgirls : A TRIBUTE TO HARLEM IN HAVANA! Brace yourself for an intoxicating display of burlesque brilliance as The CANDYBOX REVUE takes the stage to pay homage to the magic of Harlem in Havana. Our showgirls are ready to captivate, enchant, and leave you breathless with their jaw-dropping performances! This isn’t just a night of entertainment; it’s a chance to support a fabulous cause. Join us in raising funds for The Atlanta School of Burlesque and be part of an evening that combines philanthropy with flair! The CANDYBOX REVUE promises an evening of sweetness, spice, and everything nice. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare for a night that will be the talk of the town! Purchase tickets here for this event.’
Day 2- Sunday, 2/18
2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Brown Skin Showgirls Extravaganza: Sizzling Edition! Immerse yourself in an afternoon of allure and artistry with a tantalizing Brown Skin Showgirls book reading and signing event featuring some of the fabulous performers from Black Burlesque Atlanta and The Atlanta School of Burlesque!
JIG SHOW: Unveiling the Legacy of Harlem in Havana: Join us for an eye-opening screening of the documentary film “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana,” a mesmerizing journey into the legacy of Harlem in Havana. The lights dim at 3:00 pm, setting the stage for an immersive cinematic experience that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining.
Meet the Mastermind: Post-Screening Q&A with the Filmmaker: Stick around after the film for an exclusive Q&A session with Leslie Cunningham the brilliant mind behind the documentary. Get ready to delve into the behind-the-scenes magic, stories untold, and the intricate details that bring this captivating history to life. It’s not just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to connect with the filmmaker on a whole new level!
5:00 pm-8:00 pm
The Grand Finale: After Party Extravaganza! Don’t let the night end just yet – join us for the ultimate celebration at the After Party hosted by The Atlanta School of Burlesque! The party doesn’t start until you walk in! With classic music setting the tone, hit the dance floor, let loose and mingle with fellow partygoers and the showgirls. It’s not just an ending but a continuation of the unforgettable Brown Skin Showgirls saga. Embrace the theme by wearing your best 1930s, 40s and 50s-inspired showgirl outfits. Think glamorous and accessories that reflect the fashion of that time!
Watch for future events here at brownskinshowgirls.com.
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About The Harlem in Havana Project: Embark on a riveting journey through time with The Harlem in Havana Project, a compelling multimedia documentary work by artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham that pays homage to one of America’s most triumphant traveling girl shows. Delve into the untold story of Leon Claxton, a courageous African American showman who, against the backdrop of the oppressive Jim Crow era, pioneered a spectacular fusion of Black and Cuban entertainment. Read more at harleminhavana.com.
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About Leslie Cunningham: Meet Leslie Cunningham, a Durham-based storyteller extraordinaire. As the creative force behind TRIBES Entertainment, Leslie wears multiple hats—artist, writer, filmmaker, and owner of this boutique digital media haven that crafts narratives from the frontline of urban music, arts, and culture. Read more. Learn more at lesliecunninghamfilms.com.
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About The Atlanta School of Burlesque – We are an arts and movement community open to creators who seek a place to make, congregate, collaborate, and entertain. We offer classes, workshops, and intimate events. We are a dance studio, burlesque school, burlesque show venue, art space, event venue, creative space, film/photo production space, and more. Dubbed “Atlanta’s Burlesque & Cabaret House”, we are home to the Atlanta School of Burlesque and the award-winning burlesque troupe, The Candybox Revue. Learn more at https://www.metrostudioseav.com/atlburlesqueschool.
Harlem in Havana Project 