BRATTLEBORO — Brattleboro Queer Dance Party (BQDP) and Cabaret has been in hibernation for nearly two years. They hoped to be back at the Stone Church on Friday, Sept. 17, but the recent quick rise of COVID-19 numbers in the area has prompted organizers to put this event online for free, with the now-virtual Dance Party set to be hosted at twitch.tv/XandraXero.
Taking the helm as producer, Francesca Bourgault shared her thoughts in a news release about BQDP, which she described as “more than just a dance party.”
“It is often forgotten or brushed aside how important the physical act of movement really is. Increasing blood flow, releasing endorphins, and connecting with other human beings are all vitally important to our well-being,” Bourgault said. “There is something so emotionally stabilizing about moving in community, holding a steady beat.”
Hosted by southern Vermont personalities Lily DeValley and Patty Cake, the evening will begin at 9 p.m., with jams spun by DJ Xero from Boston. At 10 p.m., the stage will come alight with a diverse set of performances beginning at 10 p.m., featuring drag artists Lily DeValley and Anita Lay, burlesque artists Patty Cake and Serena Havok, and performance artist Unfolding Skins.
Rounding out the evening, DJ Xero will kick up the energy for two more hours of dancing.
At BQDP, Bourgault said the added support of being in a community of LGBTQIA+ and allies “provides a sense of safety not often found elsewhere. On top of the dance party, the integral cabaret component serves as a creative outlet for the performers as well as an entertaining and thought-provoking experience for the audience.”
She said this particular collection of performers “is especially good at creating work that tests boundaries and titillates.”