One of the most lasting elements of burlesque — along with skimpy costumes and the high-art sexiness — is the behind-the-scenes argument of just what exactly counts as “burlesque.” For the creators of the Burlympics, the answer includes vaudeville, comedy, magic and drag alongside the staple striptease, and so they went into their inaugural annual festival with the goal of sharing with a crowd all of the above, not just the typical pageant-style revue. To that end, they've organized more than 30 performers (from a pool of more than 100 applicants) across genres to create an expansive, tongue-in-cheek affair at Cafe Club Fais Do-Do. During the two-day competition, three local judges and more national guests will determine winners in categories as diverse as the acts, including Most Fierce, Best Costume, Best Lip Sync, Master of Tassels and, of course, Master of Assels. Cafe Club Fais Do-Do, 5253 W. Adams Blvd., West Adams; Fri.-Sat., Sept. 6-7, 8 p.m.; $10-$15. burlympics.com.

Fri., Sept. 6, 8 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 7, 8 p.m., 2013

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