(This story is sponsored by the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival.)

There are few things more exhilarating and empowering than being able to attend a burlesque show at a venue after years of streaming performances from your couch. Virtual festivals helped us get our burlesque fix at home but we’ve been dreaming of enjoying the spirited choreography, bedazzled costumes, and hilarious slapstick skits in-person.

From April 6 to 9, the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival (VIBF) will bring a titillating lineup of performances, parties, workshops, and an award show to audiences in the city.

The talented artists headlining this year’s festival include B.C.- and Alberta-based Lola Frost and Montreal-based Foxy Lexxi Brown, the first Canadian to be crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas. Local legend Judith Stein, a burlesque dancer since the 1970s who paved the way for Vancouver’s modern burlesque culture, will also be entertaining spectators.

The entire lineup features more than 40 Canadian performers who will be travelling to Vancouver to delight attendees. And since burlesque is deeply adored by folks across the globe, the festival will also showcase digital submissions from several international artists.

In addition to two evenings filled with performances at the historic Vancouver Playhouse, burlesque enthusiasts are invited to participate in social events and the “T.I.T Talks” series—it’s like a TED Talks but with a provocative, cheeky twist.

The educational and extremely amusing panel discussion highlights unique perspectives on issues relating to burlesque. Performers will be sharing their candid opinions and stories of being a burlesque artist, which aren’t often discussed publicly.

Workshops hosted during the four-day celebration will touch on topics like musicality, provocative intention, grounding, stage presence through clowning, and more.

Every event is specially curated to ensure the visibility and inclusion of those who identify as performers of colour and size, more than 40 years of age, with disabilities, and belonging to the LGBTTTQQIAAP community.

To purchase your tickets, click here.