Burlesque first flourished during the American Depression, and in the current political climate it's no surprise that its experiencing something of a major rivival. Burlesque Undressed, a film about burlesque star Imodesty Blaize was released in cinemas in January 2010 and currently in production is a major Hollywood film entitled Burlesque starring Christina Aguilera and Cher.

Unlike the classic burlesque of old, Neo burlesque as its known aims to raise awareness of female stereotypes. The routines are inventive and play with stereotypical gender roles. The performers are intelligent women, often professionals such as teachers or nurses.
Many of today's dancers are not what would be considered the perfect beauty as depicted in today's fashion magazines.
Modern burlesque audiences are as lightly to contain women as well as men these days, it is increasingly emerging that audiences identify with the performers rather than objectifying them, hence the audience are often dressed up to emulate the performers costumes.

Burlesque clubs and classes are appearing all over the country,
and while the neo-burlesque movement is strongest in the UK and the US interest in burlesque is growing worldwide.