Everything you need to know about Uptown Charlotte's newest burlesque show
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A live music trio accompanied performers with jazzy covers of songs like Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" and The Weeknd's "Earned It." Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
BarOne Lounge in Uptown is now hosting weekend burlesque performances.
Why it matters: Burlesque isn't new to Charlotte, but this swanky Uptown cocktail bar and restaurant is making the spicy performances its main draw.
How it works: Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted. Guests can reserve tables for the shows on OpenTable.
- In place of a ticket, a $20 charge per guest is added to the check at the end of the evening.
What to expect: Modern-day burlesque is a theatrical performance rooted in striptease, filled with elaborate costumes and dramatic, suggestive dance routines. Think corsets, tassels and even acrobatics.
- BarOne's shows, which combine live burlesque, dining and live music, are produced in partnership with Forty Deuce Burlesque, a popular burlesque company that began as a nightclub in Los Angeles in the early 2000s.
- BarOne owner Steven Jensen collaborated with Forty Deuce's founder, Ivan Kane, to bring performers from around the world to Charlotte earlier this year.
We recently attended a show. Here are the top five things we learned.
There is no nudity, but the content is not suitable for families.
- Burlesque is all about the art of tease. Performers gradually remove clothing until they're typically down to underwear and nipple pasties.
Between the lines: Our city is full of places for families— this isn't one of them.
Bring cash to tip the performers.
- Tipping isn't required, but it's proper etiquette.
- After the show, the performers will come by your table and you can tip directly.
It's a fun way to spice up your usual night out.
- So it might not be great first-date territory, but sitting at a table with three other women, I can attest: it's a great way to change up the dinner-and-drinks routine.
- It's also a great spot for a special occasion — birthday burlesque, anyone?
- Plus, you'll be in the heart of Uptown, so you can continue the fun at spots like Ink & Ivy and Merchant and Trade, both just steps away.
It's an immersive experience. Don't be surprised when you become part of the show.
- Think of the entire restaurant as the stage.
- During our show, some of the performers interacted with the audience; some even jumped on the bar and swung from the ceiling (grip strength goals!).
Get there early and go hungry.
- The show lasts about 30 minutes.
- We recommend arriving early to order so your food arrives before the performance starts.
- BarOne has a full dinner menu with salads, pasta, burgers, and a multi-page cocktail list.
Zoom out: BarOne isn't the first to bring this type of show to the city. Jazz bar Eighty Eights and The Royal Tot cocktail bar, for example, both occasionally host performances.
Yes, but: BarOne is making these recurring shows its central attraction.
If you go: The restaurant also has a flagship location in SouthPark at Phillips Place.
- For now, the burlesque shows are exclusive to Uptown.
Stop by: Shows run Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10pm.
- The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, starting at 8am for coffee and lunch, with dinner service from 5pm-midnight.
- Find BarOne Lounge at 222 S Church St, byPackard Place.