Sensual Arts Slay the Scene at Tacoma Cabaret

There's nothing more titillating than the forbidden. Tacoma Cabaret, partnered with YouWen Production Company, knows this and flawlessly executed a Prohibition-themed show called “Velvet Rope.”

First, we made our way down to the venue, a familiar area near the Tacoma train station. Once we were inside, we waited to check in. While in line we could see some attendees who really committed to the ‘20s style, stepping out in their flapper attire and ready to begin their foray with the taboo.

The performances included aerial arts such a pole, lyra hoop, aerial silks, light up aerial pole, and more. The vast array of aerial skills on apparatuses I'd never seen before, with some of the performers utilizing more than one apparatus in different performances, was quite impressive, especially considering the amount of overall strength needed for any one of the acts. The stamina, physicality, musical choices, and commitment to the theme made every performance meld into one awesome show.

Yes, please, lollipop champagne pour!

Jordan Ballard-Gennrich

I was even able to experience the lollipop champagne pour—an option during intermission to have an aerialist in a standing hoop pour a glass of champagne. Also featured during the intermission was a Shibari performance on the lyra. The rigger and rope bunny were both seemingly elated to put on a stimulating "half time" show that kept the audience engaged, but it also felt like they would have had just as much fun in an empty room. It was very interesting to see the elements of Shibari and lyra combined to make something new, that wasn't quite suspension, but an art form, nonetheless.

Pole dancer doing their thing

The Evergreen Echo

Some of the performers were dancers from Athena Vertical Dance. They frequently partner with Tacoma Cabaret, and I've started to recognize some of the dancers, especially since I attended Melanated Pole Fest the weekend prior (a festival dedicated to the beauty and joy found in the movement of melanated bodies in the pole realm). I was once again impressed by the strength and musicality the dancers exhibited—moves that are the lofty goals of this fledgling pole dancer and the aerial stunts that dropped my jaw. The dancers displayed a sensuous awareness of both their bodies and the crowd as they made sure to pause and look, engaging the audience and embodying the sultry teasing style that the flappers and jazz dancers perfected in the 1920s.

The erotic art exhibit was a perfect entrance and exit to the show, allowing attendees to dip into a mindset of eroticism and appreciation for the capabilities of artists and bodies of all kinds. The art was for sale, along with a live painting/figure drawing demonstration, laser woodcutting images, hair pieces, and body candles. The cabaret also offered body painting and tattoos. I left with a beautiful, voluptuous body candle to add to my collection.

Essentially it was a roaring good time, pun intended! All jokes aside, Tacoma Cabaret is creating a space where various people from many communities, but especially the Queer, BIPOC, and feminine communities, can gather in joyful congress.

Aerial dancer performing on a rope

The Evergreen Echo

Whether it's throwing dollar bills or sipping gin-heavy cocktails, being in the audience of a curated show where the performers are exuberant, talented, and clearly feeling themselves, is exactly the space I want to be in when trying to take my mind off of everything else. The acceptance for everybody and every body makes the typical stresses of finding a going out look less about fitting in and more about fitting your own personal style. Be prepared for a casual fashion show and feel free to embrace your special occasion and daring looks if you get the chance to attend!

If the prohibition era isn't your cup of moonshine, then fear not, Tacoma Cabaret is hosting two showings of Nerdlesque on April 5th! So, for all the sexy nerds out there, your time has come, and you may just be the chosen one. Chosen to go and see the fantastic cast of characters and performances that I know will be cool, nerdy, and full of talent.