Burlesque has made a comeback in recent years, with it being considered as glamorous, sexy and above all- classy. Some would even go as far as to say it is indeed the height of social sophistication.

Whereas in previous years stockings and suspenders, teamed with sexy basques and nipple tassels on stage would have meant a different thing altogether, it's now considered as stylish and chic, with top class burlesque acts being in demand all over the world.

There's something extremely sexy and intriguing about the seductive art of burlesque. It's not seedy or cheap, it's almost like a work of art and this new boom has seen women not only go to burlesque shows, but to give it a go at home too.

Dita Von Teese can claim some responsibility for her role in making burlesque fashionable again, after bringing it to the public forefront and in the process, being hailed as a famous style icon too. Her 40s glam look is the envy of women worldwide, and she has fast risen in the style stakes past the much younger, but often dull celebrity icons of today.

The film, Moulin Rouge, which burst onto our screens some seven years ago, also re-ignited our passion for burlesque undoubtedly, with the fabulous costumes being glammed up to the max, along with the characters too. Nicole Kidman played a glamorous and unattainable courtesan, who was heavily in demand for her famed performance skills, both on and off the stage.

Moulin Rouge also re-recorded a fabulous version of Lady Marmalade featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, Mya, Pink and Missy Elliot strutting their stuff in elegant corsets, feather boas and the odd suspender belt or two, which proved a massive hit.

This new generation of Burlesque is luxurious, exquisite and extremely expensive. Costumes can cost up to £25,000 for top burlesque stars, and keeping in shape is extremely important, considering they are flashing the flesh most nights. It combines a mix of circus, striptease and song to give the audience a night they will never forget.

It's all about revisiting the old style glamour and beauty of the 1940s and 50s, and updating it for these modern times. Women were a lot more glamorous in past decades, always making the most of their feminine charms and wearing stunning corsets and stockings on a daily basis.

Today, however it's obvious to see that we have slipped into a jeans and T-shirt culture, and while there is nothing wrong with that, we should, every once in a while celebrate our figure in an old fashioned way.

And with Christmas coming up, who knows what Santa will bring if you express an interest in dressing burlesque...

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