Years ago, I interviewed Lily Burana, a former exotic dancer who wrote a book about her “farewell tour” dancing at strip clubs across the country. Earlier this year, I interviewed her again, about her latest book, one in which she chronicles the difficulties she experienced when her Army officer husband was deployed to Iraq. Now, the New York Times has a profile of Burana and her Operation Bombshell, which offers burlesque dancing classes to military wives. (Make sure to check out the accompanying audio slide show for a peek behind the scenes.) These aren’t classes in how to strip for your man; as Burana explains: “This is more Ava Gardner than Britney.” Instead, Army wives learn the fine art of peeling off their gloves, the “showgirl bounce,” and how to work a boa. Ultimately, says Burana, Operation Bombshell fosters camaraderie among military wives through a little sexy fun during these challenging times. [New York Times]
