Digging Deeper: Reflections as Dramaturg for Discover Dance

Vivine Scarlett - Dramaturg supporting Resident Artist Dainty Smith in the development of her work The Lady Comes Home for DISCOVER DANCE 2025 reflects on her experience on the process:

 The history of women of colour in Burlesque is as long as the history of Burlesque itself, but the lack of exposure leaves a false belief that they did not exist. Dainty Smith brings to the forefront Burlesque dance, a form of dance so often misunderstood and seeped in miseducation 

Through Discover Dance, the development and showing of “The Lady Comes Home” provided this dancer an opportunity for self discovery and expansion within her own personal dance journey. The work was inspired by the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and by Dainty’s own lived experiences. 

 During the process Dainty expressed that she felt absolute panic, anxiety, self-doubt, and fear, as she broke down and reworked each section of the piece. She experienced frustration over the limitations of what her body could and couldn't do, as she lives with chronic pain but Dainty persisted knowing there's power and healing in storytelling. Dainty’s growth during this process required her to use her deliberate inspired movements to manifest the works objectives. 

My own self discovery as a Dramaturg during this process, enabled me to find ways of pushing an artist to explore feelings that fuel the work. My research required me to attend Burlesque performances that brought a greater understanding of the form and what Dainty wanted to achieve through the development of the piece. My attendance at Burlesques performances has given me permission to discover and embrace my own sexuality in a more confident and expressive way. 

 There were 2 showings, the first one gave a glimpse of what was to come to an invited guest list, and a workshop conducted by Dainty allowed for participants to move and learn about Burlesque. The final showing took place in an intimate setting where both performer and audience were transformed through a dance story that reverberated in the space. The piece exhibited an understanding with profound confidence that motivated movements that told the story. Both showings included a facilitated talk back following the performance and provided a deeper insight into the form, process and overall reactions. 

Vivine Scarlett and Dainty Smith

Dainty Smith

 Dainty follows a long line of courageous women whose shoulders she stands. She is inspired by Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, Zora Neale Hurston, Tony Morrison, Maya Angelou and many more, who she feels has paved a path for her to follow. She was recently presented with a "Sassy Lassy" award by The Burlesque Hall of Fame (BHoF) based in Las Vegas, Nevada. This award is given to someone who has significantly contributed to the promotion and preservation of Burlesque. Dainty’s company Les Femme Fatales establishes a place for women of colour to explore burlesque in expressions that relate to them in an open and relatable environment for women and femmes of colour in Canada. 

Her contributions to the form not only broaden the presentation field but provides, education, workshops, presentation opportunities and consultation for up and coming dancers in the field. The ancestors who paved her path are pleased. 

Dainty continues to deliver and develop intriguing performances, connecting dancers to a form where they can explore their own personal expressions through Burlesque. I have witnessed both Nova Bhattacharya and Neena Jayarajan perform individual Burlesque pieces that were absolute beautiful representations of each dancer’s story, attitude and grace. Discover Dance has provided an opportunity for Dainty Smith to explore and dig deep into a story through the genre of Burlesque, allowing her to find clarity and intention that feed the very core of what she does. It was a privilege and honour to be part of the creative process.

Dance is movement used to express our existing experiences in a way that allows one to use the body to release, strengthen and heal as we discover and share who we are. Dainty Smith’s voice and continued contributions is one of courageous rebellion, perseverance, and commitment as she positions herself to follow in the steps of her inspired Sheroes. 

Thank you, Nova Dance, Nova Bhattacharya & Dainty Smith, for this experience. 

Vivine Scarlett