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Burlesque girls were alchemists. They were steel-tough performers who were willing to use kitchens as dressing rooms, haul their costume bags through the snow, and go into debt over fake diamonds, all for the five minutes onstage when they were goddesses.
Molly Crabapple
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the dedication and resilience of burlesque performers who endure hardships for a fleeting moment of glory on stage.

Molly Crabapple's quote emphasizes the transformative power and commitment of burlesque performers, who, despite facing significant challenges such as difficult working conditions and financial struggles, embrace their craft with fierce determination. The metaphor of alchemy illustrates their ability to turn hardship into momentary beauty and empowerment, emphasizing the contrast between their everyday struggles and the ephemeral exhilaration of performing.

Themes

BurlesquePerformanceArtDedicationResilience

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the resilience of artists in tough times.

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