What happens in the nightlife stays in the nightlife. War In High Heels is a documentary photo series that captures New York City’s burlesque scene through personalized stories. Exploring the late hours within these underground venues is where these historic film photographs are taken, recording NYC’s most rock n’ roll burlesquers in action. Amidst the loud music, colorful lights and a predominantly queer and femme cast and audience, there is a thrilling exchange of striptease and performance art that keeps everyone in a mesmerized state.

Burlesque, originally displaced with its dancing ban due to the New York City Cabaret Law during the mid to late 1920’s, has only been given their freedom of performance art in recent 2017. Although burlesque performers have never needed to be granted permission, they often face obstacles, misconceptions, and daily prejudices in opposition to their creative and professional work. The burlesque scene continues to be a legendary part of New York City  entertainment and nightlife, and paves the path for aspiring artists from all walks of life.

War In High Heels is a collective project. It is an ode to the raunchy, the explicit, and the provocative. It is the artistic journey of the revolution that is Neo-Burlesque. “War,” meaning the fight against, and “High Heels,” resulting in the feminine power of performance, seduction and art. It is a project dedicated to women and LGBTQ+ folks, to New York City, and to the limitlessness and rebellion of the burlesque community.

For more articles and interviews, check out War In High Heels: Exclusive+.