We’re all performers. Sometimes we sparkle under the lights; other times we’re just trying to get through a staff meeting without anyone noticing how tired we are.
In burlesque, a mask can be literal, involving feathers, rhinestones, leather, or lace. It can be armor, mystery, or pure tease. On stage, a mask invites the audience to wonder: Who is behind it? What might they reveal?
Off-stage, masks are harder to spot but no less real. In psychology, masking describes the act of concealing parts of yourself to fit in, stay safe, or meet expectations. It’s common among neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ folks, and anyone navigating spaces that weren’t designed for them. But the truth is, we all do it.
👉 The “mirror” comes when we catch sight of ourselves through the reflection of others. Do we see our authentic face, or the carefully constructed mask we’ve learned to wear?
Why we mask
Protection: Hiding traits that could trigger judgment or bias.
Performance: Meeting cultural or professional standards of “acceptable.”
Power: Choosing when and how to reveal yourself can be a strategic move.
Masking takes energy, though, and over time, it drains us. Leaders who mask constantly may feel like impostors; performers who never drop the mask may lose sight of the self beneath.
What burlesque teaches us
Burlesque is about the reveal. The mask is never the point. It is the moment of choice. Will you remove it? Will you play with it? Or will you strut in it proudly, daring the world to underestimate you?
That’s the power of conscious masking: reclaiming it as a tool, not a trap.
Take it off, or own it
Ask yourself:
When am I wearing a mask that keeps me safe?
When am I wearing one that keeps me small?
What would it mean to choose my mask instead of letting it choose me?
The mirror is waiting. What reflection do you want to see?
💋 Chrissy