Pop star Christina Aguilera has signed on to play a burlesque dancer in her first big screen film.

The singer will play the lead role in Burlesque, a musical about a small-town girl who lands a job dancing in a strip club while seeking fame and fortune in Los Angeles.

The project will be directed by actor/filmmaker Steve Antin, brother of choreographer Robin Antin, who founded the burlesque troupe-turned-girl band The Pussycat Dolls.

Burlesque will begin shooting later this year, reports Variety.com.