The in-person portion of this year’s Orlando Fringe Festival is over, but we’re not quite finished talking about it! Over the last two weeks, we’ve reviewed a wide variety of shows, surveyed special Fringe programming, and explained how to find your perfect tickets; but even with all that coverage – there’s still more Fringe to explore. For the final installment of our annual event series, we’re discussing a beloved Central Florida burlesque troupe and their 2023 Fringe Festival show. Let’s dive into Corsets and Cuties: Sizzle!
We were thrilled and honored to be invited to attend one of the last showings of Sizzle. As is expected from a Corsets and Cuties production, Sizzle was a unique and empowering burlesque cabaret filled with a wide variety of performer acts and styles. Thank you, Corsets and Cuties, for having us out!
What is Orlando Fringe?
Corsets and Cuties: Sizzle played at the in-person portion of Orlando Fringe, a two-week theater festival focused on unjuried and uncensored works of performance art. While similar festivals exist all over the world, Orlando Fringe is the longest running event of its kind within the United States. Fringe Festivals are generally known for featuring alternative or experimental pieces of art, so you really never know what you’re going to find!
While the main Orlando Fringe Festival is over for the 2023 season, you can still enjoy DigiFringe (a virtual version of the event coming July 14-28) and the year round Fringe ArtSpace in Downtown Orlando. Make sure to follow Orlando Fringe on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for upcoming programming and show announcements.
About Corsets and Cuties
A “Best of Orlando” voted burlesque troupe, Corsets and Cuties performs scintillating shows in various venues around the Central Florida area. Past locations include Theater West End in Sanford, Cocktails and Screams in Downtown Orlando, and the underground Stardust Lounge near Lake Eola.
Just as varied as their venues are their show themes. Looking at the troupe’s social media, you can find previous performances labeled Creepy Cuties, Holiday Kick Off, Villains Night, and an Amateur Burlesque Contest!
But Corsets and Cuties isn’t just about the art of the tease. They are what’s known as a burlesque cabaret, meaning that each show contains a variety of acts. Instead of following a strict show outline, Corsets and Cuties allows their performers the freedom and creativity to design a routine that speaks to their individual strengths, style, and personality. In addition to the expected teases, Sizzle included live singing, an aerial act, and even a pole dancing performance. By encouraging their cast to tap into their unique strengths, Corsets and Cuties creates powerful displays of self-expression and artistic creation.
Fringe may be over, but Corsets and Cuties is a year-round troupe! For more about the Corsets and Cuties cast and their previous productions, check out corsetsandcuties.com. If you’d like to stay updated on future show announcements and performance dates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Sizzle with Corsets and Cuties
Starting with a short, pre-taped video; Sizzle took place at Downtown Orlando’s The Abbey. This gothic-inspired venue features a ton of seating, a fully stocked bar, and an elevated but still easily accessible stage – allowing the Cuties to descend directly into the audience for a more personal approach to their performance.
Sizzle according to Orlando Fringe’s website:
Corsets & Cuties are back for round 8 of Orlando Fringe! Consistently voted among the best burlesque in Orlando, they’re ready to make nights at The Abbey… Sizzle. With singers, dancers, aerialists, and more, you never know what’s going to pop up at a Cuties show. Thanks to sponsors Premier Couples Superstore, every audience has a chance at fabulous giveaways, too. Bring your sense of adventure and dollar bills and get ready for a good damn time!
Freaky Thoughts: Corsets and Cuties Sizzle
I seriously adore Corsets and Cuties and the remarkable way they celebrate the unique beauty and charm of each talented performer. After watching last year’s Fringe show ICONIC, I wrote:
“I love watching other women be who they are, shine in their glory, and revel in their own brand of beautiful. And that is exactly what I found! …Corsets and Cuties brought EMPOWERMENT! These beautiful performers dancing in their rhinestone and sequin-covered splendor were not only the picture of strong, confident grace; but I left feeling seen and inspired to harness my own inner goddess.”
And this is exactly how I felt after watching Sizzle as well. Corsets and Cuties has somehow harnessed the potential of burlesque to empower and embolden both their cast and their audience. To watch a Corsets and Cuties show is to be continuously reminded that we are all at our absolute sexiest when we are truly, confidently, and unabashedly ourselves.
Keep in Touch with Corsets and Cuties
The Orlando Fringe run of Sizzle may be over, but Corsets and Cuties has plenty of fun productions and events waiting just around the corner. Make sure you are following them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest show announcements and information.
