Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese talks to MSN

It's easy to see why men would enjoy a burlesque show, but what would you say to critics who say it sublimates women?

Well, the fact of the matter is, over 70% of my audience is comprised of women and gay men, so anytime I'm criticised for being anti-feminist, it's always from someone who hasn't actually seen my show. A lot of women like burlesque because they see it as an inspiration, especially ones like my Strip Strip Hooray! show, which has a diverse selection of performers with varying body types and ethnicities.

Many of the burlesque fans see it as a way to feel beautiful and sexy without feeling the need to fit into the typical modern-day standards of beauty, where the emphasis seems to be on unattainable, natural, bikini-model, so-called healthy-looking tanned slim bodies. It's about sensual freedom, and the enjoyment of sex and fun of a playful nature. But really, now the audience for burlesque is diverse, you have people from all walks of life, all ages. I do say it's also a great place to meet girls like me though, we definitely have a vast number of women in the audience wearing red lipstick and garterbelts!