Can a Socially Conservative City Compete On the Global Stage?

This week I read an article in the "New City" weekly publication. For all of those who are not familiar with the publication, it is a weekly arts and cultural paper that targets any interesting issues in the Chicago cultural world. Two weeks ago there was an article about a cabaret dancers who had earned a bachelors degree in finance from U of I. She turned down job offers in finance to pusue her dream of dance which came by way of an opportunity to form a cabaret dance team. She had grown up in a very conservative household in the suburbs. She explains her parents as born again christians. She said that her business was booming and that she had business all over the U.S. especially on the east coast. She said that cabaret was increasing in popularity on both coast and she could make more money on the coast if she relocated. She does shows in the Chicago area but, the suburbs were not as open to accepting to the art. She also, said that within the city limits business was much better. My questions to you are "can a city thrive on the world stage being conservative? Is Chicago a conservative city(not the suburbs)? I don't know if this topic has been explored in the past but, i've seen comments from individuals saying that Chicago is conservative compared to its coastal peers. My experience has been that each community within the city is different. There are area that are for lack of a better word more "cutting edge" like Wicker Park/Bucktown, Westtown, Boystown, Andersonville, River North, River West, Uptown/Rogers Park and Hyde Park and, areas that are more conservative (many single family enclaves). I personally do not believe that a city can thrive on the world stage in today's economy and function as a creative city that appeals to the people who love the unique experiences that great cities have to offer. What are your thoughts?>