By Jeff Small
Alton, IL (KSDK) - There is controversy in Illinois over a popular dance show. Some say its entertainment, but a Metro East mayor calls it "stripping."
A burlesque show has been cancelled by the mayor of Alton who considers the events just like a night at the strip club.
Ryan Long and two business partners believe they've been exposing Alton to something fun and flirty for the last few years. It's a burlesque show like the one scheduled for an upcoming weekend at the Big Muddy Pub.
"We assumed since we were following the law it should be a non issue since it didn't break any laws," said promoter Ryan Long.
The mayor says he recently learned of the risqué shows after getting a couple complaints from residents.
They also provided a YouTube link to a burlesque show recorded previously in Alton.
"They had tassels on their breasts and they were down to the underwear and they were going through a process of gyrations," said Mayor Tom Hoechst.
The mayor believes burlesque is nudity and therefore against city codes.
KSDK