I think it is safe to say that ever since humans created stuff in this world, there has always and will always be an aspect of repetition, copying and influenced by. Society is built on what went before us in order to progress, even if that means we just dont want to repeat the same mistakes. Burlesque is just another community building on what went before it. To copy, to be influenced by, to be inspired by and more.
Sure we could attempt to claim 100% originality but there is always influences from other areas. Sally Rand’s fans, Noel Toy’s fan dance, Faith Bacon’s fans and so on. Classic burlesque is reminiscent of the classic performers and so an ode, a nod and rhinestone to them.
The influences come thick and fast in burlesque, and not just from our own community. Great works of art from the Masters are recreated, films emulated and costumes are inspired by all the time.
But there is something and often all by accident two acts so similar you could substitute one for another. But is that copying? Could it be mere coincidence or simply ignorance? It is hard to know and decipher.
First up, lets get real with this. There are few people who wake up and decide to directly copy and claim it as their own. There are however a whole heap of people who make a living out of performing as another party: tribute acts. So I would hazard a guess that unless you are Lady Gaga, there are few who look directly at your work and copy it all. BUT that isnt to say it doesnt happen.
Copycats do happen, do exist and do annoy the titty tassels off ya.
Before we go shooting off at someone we suspect of pinching our rhinestone labour, lets check ourselves:
- Have you watched their act yourself? Sometimes people will tell you its the same but you got to see it to believe it. Search online for videos or snippets.
- Are you sure you have been doing that act longer? Check your records. Check theirs. Dont be jumping to no conclusions.
- Is your act online somewhere accessible? I have lost count of the number of performers who message me stating someone has copied their work but they have only performed it once and it wasnt filmed. Then tell me darling, how were they able to copy it so closely?
- Is your act really that unique? I mean if it is a trapeze vaulting hippo into a tank of sharks, then yeah I will say you have a leg to stand on. However if it is a bump n grind to Minnie the Moocher…perhaps not so much. Some classic numbers are recreated often.
- Is it worth it? Sometimes if it is a newcomer performer they dont know better and so rather than screaming at them a friendly heads up can sometimes sort it.
- Is the theme really common? Some cat routines are similar because…well they are cats. Not all cat acts are equal but there are some crossovers in a lot of them.
It is worth noting some teachers use routines they have found online to teach their classes. Believe me I know it sounds barmy but yep…I have an issue with one class local to me being taught something very similar to a well known performer. Therefore the student isnt the trouble starter but the ‘teacher’.
Nah teacher, totes copied
So you have done the checklist, you have watched the act and you are certain it is yours? Well then you contact them. Ask them to discuss it with you as it seems very much like your work and therefore cant understand how they managed to come up with it so similarly as you. Often this is where you get ignored or apologised to and the issue disappears.
Every now and again someone bites and claims it as their own. Now do you want to fight it? Mostly you dont, its lengthy and emotionally consuming. However you can send a cease and desist letter to the party but you must be able to backup your claims of originality and ownership. It can be costly to get legal people involved and proving an act is yours in its entirety can be hard. Very hard to prove.
Its not nice but it is not always intentionally. The community is vast and whilst you may feel like a big deal, not everyone will know who you are. Sometimes you got to just publicly state its not your work and you understand the confusion. Sometimes you walk away and let the audience see it for themselves.
And no I dont atone to the ‘imitation is a form of flattery’. Its often steeped in laziness and lack of imagination. To copy someone’s work intentionally is like cheating in an exam. Numpty.
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Check out more posts on Business of Burlesque here: B of Burly Q
