Review: Taking a Step into an Underworld Cabaret at Trapeze

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Trapeze made a stop on Saturday night in Los Angeles. (Sabina Ibarra/Living Out Loud LA)

Downtown L.A. is a hub for a plethora of sub-cultures that illustrate the different lifestyles that make the city a beautiful eclectic place. There is never a dull night in our city and Saturday night was no exception.

At Trapeze the sounds of electro-jazz filled the air of Syrup, an artist loft completely immersed in the palpable artistry of the town through a mix of mediums. There was art on the walls, pieces created from objects like an eclipse or a skirt made of ties, messages hanging over comfortably bohemian resting places proclaiming “Sail the Seas of Los Angeles.” Absolutely full of whimsy, the space was perfect to host a wonderful night of burlesque.

The night began with a few sets of wonderfully mashed up electronic dance music (EDM) and swing by Delachaux (Trapeze/Edwardian Ball), Shok (Red Light District), and The Klown (Bohemian Carnival/Red Nose District). Guests put on the Ritz in the fashions of many eras long since passed but still quite present. Ladies and gents were decked out in the styles of the Roarin’ Twenties in dapper suits and flapper dresses with feathered headbands. What a sight to see the gals shimming to the music as they were swept up by their dates, strands of jewelry flying about to the music as well. There were even ladies done up pin-up girl style, hair primped up, red lips taking sips from the libations their gents handed over as they were moved by the sounds of two generations colliding in celebration.

The wonderful thing about this culture was that not everyone was dressed up but it was encouraged and a place where it was welcome if you did. It was nothing like when you go to themed events and oftentimes wonder if you’re going too far in outfit selection. Here, you could belong and be accepted, the more courageous the better.

The night kicked up when the ringmaster came out to introduce the performers of the night but opened with a little ditty—a devilishly delightful rendition of “Circus” by Britney Spears to the music of “El Tango de Roxanne” from Moulin Rouge. Speaking of Moulin Rouge, the energy of the place resembled what could be lived by the Children of the Revolution of our day and age. It was a wonderful new world that opened up for a wide-eyed writer as well, filled with more artistic avenues of fun.

A missing sense of class to more adult entertainment was presented with the burlesque acts through titillating performances filled with sparkle. The ladies, which included Frankie Sin and Stilletta Maraschino, definitely are bringing back the fun of the times of yore. If you haven’t as of now, you need to see these acts that include the popping of balloons off voluptuous tushies, tasseled bosoms, and teasing fans to the fantastic music of the Jazz Age. Truly sights you need to behold in person!

So Angelinos interested in taking a whirl on the speakeasy rave side, I suggest you keep an eye on what the San Franciscan troupe of folks over at Trapeze are doing, maybe they’ll stop by more often.

And don’t forget to “Sail the Seas of Los Angeles.”

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