Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Do you have any rituals?
Maybe it's something you do before every show for luck. Or a special thing your troupe does together to mark the end of a successful run. Or a complex array of motions that must be completed in order for you to begin your creative process and start to work on a new number or choreography. Do you have any rituals - performance, burlesque or otherwise?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Video Du Jour - Pennies from Heaven
Today's Video Du Jour - Christopher Walken in Pennies from Heaven
What is the best costume you've ever worn?
Feathers or beads? Sequins or rhinestones? Vintage or space-age plastics? What is the best costume you've ever worn onstage?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Video Du Jour - Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey
Here's a new one from an old favorite.
Video Du Jour - Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey
Video Du Jour - Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey
Bumped! Prime Time Burly-Q?
Given our newest representative on the silver screen, let's bump one of our first topics back up...
So let's say, hypothetically speaking, you've been tapped by the networks to represent the burlesque community in prime time. It doesn't matter if you're a performer, superfan, producer, historian, etc. You're going to be an "ambassador" of burlesque in some manner, you get to dictate what that means. You can pick the show you're appearing on, so long as it's during the prime time block (and you're not suddenly inventing a new genre of television show that currently doesn't exist). What would you do?
The original post and comments can be read here.
So let's say, hypothetically speaking, you've been tapped by the networks to represent the burlesque community in prime time. It doesn't matter if you're a performer, superfan, producer, historian, etc. You're going to be an "ambassador" of burlesque in some manner, you get to dictate what that means. You can pick the show you're appearing on, so long as it's during the prime time block (and you're not suddenly inventing a new genre of television show that currently doesn't exist). What would you do?
The original post and comments can be read here.
News Item: Boston Babydoll Competes on "America's Next Top Model"
Boston Babydoll Competes on "America's Next Top Model"
BOSTON, MA September 19, 2007 - Tyra Banks must be a burlesque fan. Out of tens of thousands of applicants, she decided that one of The Boston Babydolls had the potential to be America's Next Top Model. Boston Babydoll Vita Lightly (also known as Sarah) is one of the thirteen contestants on the next season of the popular television show. America's Next Top Model Cycle 9 premieres with a one-hour broadcast on Wednesday, September 19 at 8PM ET/PT.
Vita has been performing with The Boston Babydolls since January of this year after Scratch, the co-founder of the troupe, spotted her at a Cambridge nightclub. "Sometimes I just see someone and know they've got what it takes to be part of The Boston Babydolls. Vita had the right look and an easy confidence".
The other Boston Babydolls are thrilled with their fellow troupe member's television debut. "We're all going to be watching," said Miss Mina, the other founder of the troupe. "We think she'll go far. A lot of these reality shows are about grace under pressure, and that's a key part of being a burlesque dancer". Miss Mina, who teaches burlesque through The Boston Babydolls' Boston Academy of Burlesque Education, went on to say that Vita is rare combination of talent, beauty, and common sense. "She's surprisingly grounded, in spite of all the exciting things that have happened to her."
Despite her busy schedule, the 20-year old college student is committed to performing with The Boston Babydolls. "She's got a lot of exciting opportunities ahead of her," said Scratch, who has taken on the role of Sarah's personal manager. "ANTM had already opened a lot of doors for Sarah. We're not sure what the future holds, but we know she'd like to finish college and continue performing with The Boston Babydolls". A recent move to New Jersey has forced Vita to limit how often she participates in Boston Babydoll shows. The Boston Babydolls perform at The Paradise Lounge on the last Sunday of every month and Vita will continue to dance with them as often as she can.
America's Next Top Model 9
Wednesday, September 19, 8PM ET/PT on The CW
BOSTON, MA September 19, 2007 - Tyra Banks must be a burlesque fan. Out of tens of thousands of applicants, she decided that one of The Boston Babydolls had the potential to be America's Next Top Model. Boston Babydoll Vita Lightly (also known as Sarah) is one of the thirteen contestants on the next season of the popular television show. America's Next Top Model Cycle 9 premieres with a one-hour broadcast on Wednesday, September 19 at 8PM ET/PT.
Vita has been performing with The Boston Babydolls since January of this year after Scratch, the co-founder of the troupe, spotted her at a Cambridge nightclub. "Sometimes I just see someone and know they've got what it takes to be part of The Boston Babydolls. Vita had the right look and an easy confidence".
The other Boston Babydolls are thrilled with their fellow troupe member's television debut. "We're all going to be watching," said Miss Mina, the other founder of the troupe. "We think she'll go far. A lot of these reality shows are about grace under pressure, and that's a key part of being a burlesque dancer". Miss Mina, who teaches burlesque through The Boston Babydolls' Boston Academy of Burlesque Education, went on to say that Vita is rare combination of talent, beauty, and common sense. "She's surprisingly grounded, in spite of all the exciting things that have happened to her."
Despite her busy schedule, the 20-year old college student is committed to performing with The Boston Babydolls. "She's got a lot of exciting opportunities ahead of her," said Scratch, who has taken on the role of Sarah's personal manager. "ANTM had already opened a lot of doors for Sarah. We're not sure what the future holds, but we know she'd like to finish college and continue performing with The Boston Babydolls". A recent move to New Jersey has forced Vita to limit how often she participates in Boston Babydoll shows. The Boston Babydolls perform at The Paradise Lounge on the last Sunday of every month and Vita will continue to dance with them as often as she can.
America's Next Top Model 9
Wednesday, September 19, 8PM ET/PT on The CW
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Week in Review
Thank you to the last week's contributors:
Darlinda Just Darlinda
Jack Midnight aka mark
Lola van Ella
Mariel a la Mode
Naughty Natanya
Vixen Violette
Please feel free to continue posting to any topic from previous weeks. Topics will always remain open. If they get too far gone down the blog, feel free to call for a bump and I will re-post the questions so you don't have to search the archives for them.
Footnotes for the week of 9/9/07
In the course of our discussion, performers, venues, websites and other burlesque departures were discussed or featured in the daily topics or comments section. Here are footnotes and further reading/viewing from this week's discussion.
All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up....
Claude Rains in the final scene of Casablanca
The hubbub over the 40 Deuce - Community Standards and Burlesque?
Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce
What's your tagline?
Jack Midnight - The Man of the Hour
Paris Green - The Pleasure Chest of the Midwest
Naughty Natanya - The Risque Russian
Lady Annabelle - The Dirty Debutante
Titi Touche - The T.N.Teaser
Darlinda Just Darlinda
Jack Midnight aka mark
Lola van Ella
Mariel a la Mode
Naughty Natanya
Vixen Violette
Please feel free to continue posting to any topic from previous weeks. Topics will always remain open. If they get too far gone down the blog, feel free to call for a bump and I will re-post the questions so you don't have to search the archives for them.
Footnotes for the week of 9/9/07
In the course of our discussion, performers, venues, websites and other burlesque departures were discussed or featured in the daily topics or comments section. Here are footnotes and further reading/viewing from this week's discussion.
All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up....
Claude Rains in the final scene of Casablanca
The hubbub over the 40 Deuce - Community Standards and Burlesque?
Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce
What's your tagline?
Jack Midnight - The Man of the Hour
Paris Green - The Pleasure Chest of the Midwest
Naughty Natanya - The Risque Russian
Lady Annabelle - The Dirty Debutante
Titi Touche - The T.N.Teaser
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Video Du Jour - Lola van Ella
Today's Video Du Jour - Lola van Ella of the St. Louis based Alley Cat Revue in "Special"
What's your tagline?
One of the most fun parts of the burlesque naming scheme, I've always thought, is the tagline. Jennie Lee was "The Bazoom Girl," Dixie Evans is "The Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque," and on the modern end of things Trixie Little is "Charm City's Burlesque Superhero" and Little Brooklyn is "A Coney Island Red Hot!"
Do you have a tagline? What are some of your favorite burlesquers tags?
Do you have a tagline? What are some of your favorite burlesquers tags?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Video Du Jour - The Moose
Before the movies and the scandals, Woody Allen performed comedy in tiny little cabarets in New York. Here's a clip of him doing some of his act on TV.
Video Du Jour - Woody Allen "The Moose"
Video Du Jour - Woody Allen "The Moose"
The hubbub over the 40 Deuce - Community Standards and Burlesque?
As some of you may already know, the neighborhood where the new 40 Deuce club in New York is going to be opened is not happy about the prospect of a burlesque club joining their patch of real estate.
It is without question that New York City is a place in which the artistic community is permitted to take great risks and utilize all the tools the trade has to offer - nudity included - to express themselves. The community standards for this particular neighborhood dictate that what the 40 Deuce has to offer is not in line with the moral standards of an average person in their community as a whole. It would seem that these two viewpoints (combined with the club's primary focus of making obscene amounts of money, to be sure) are at odds with one another. Removing the financial aspect from the picture, we are left with the conundrum of an establishment that is dedicated to the art of the tease and a community that wants nothing to do with something they feel is so morally bankrupt as stripping.
In the eyes of the general public, is there any difference between a traditional gentlemen's club and a burlesque club? Would any amount of education and discussion with the general public about the art of burlesque change that perception? Or, despite the fact that we make a deliberate distinction in what we do and how we do it, are we really just strippers underneath all the glitter and glitz?
It is without question that New York City is a place in which the artistic community is permitted to take great risks and utilize all the tools the trade has to offer - nudity included - to express themselves. The community standards for this particular neighborhood dictate that what the 40 Deuce has to offer is not in line with the moral standards of an average person in their community as a whole. It would seem that these two viewpoints (combined with the club's primary focus of making obscene amounts of money, to be sure) are at odds with one another. Removing the financial aspect from the picture, we are left with the conundrum of an establishment that is dedicated to the art of the tease and a community that wants nothing to do with something they feel is so morally bankrupt as stripping.
In the eyes of the general public, is there any difference between a traditional gentlemen's club and a burlesque club? Would any amount of education and discussion with the general public about the art of burlesque change that perception? Or, despite the fact that we make a deliberate distinction in what we do and how we do it, are we really just strippers underneath all the glitter and glitz?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Video Du Jour - Burlesque As It Was
Today's Video Du Jour - The lovely ladies of Denver's Burlesque As It Was
Monday, September 10, 2007
All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.
Hey, let's play hypothetical Monday! If you could insert yourself in any movie scene, thus re-creating it, what would you pick and why?
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The Week in Review
Thank you to the last week's contributors:
Jack Midnight
Mariel
Michelle Baldwin aka Vivienne VaVoom
Naughty Natanya
Paris Green
Vixen Violette
Zeugma aka Jezebel Express
Please feel free to continue posting to any topic from previous weeks. Topics will always remain open. If they get too far gone down the blog, feel free to call for a bump and I will re-post the questions so you don't have to search the archives for them.
Footnotes for the week of 9/2/07
In the course of our discussion, performers, venues, websites and other burlesque departures were discussed or featured in the daily topics or comments section. Here are footnotes and further reading/viewing from this week's discussion.
Technology and the bump and grind?
Tigger!
Jezebel Express as a sexy firefly
And... we're back
If I've put a video with the performer, this was the act they performed at NYBF. When/if videos of performances become available from the festival, I will link to them on the Forum at that time - Forum Admin.
Jo Boobs
Bloody Belle
Diamondback Annie performing a KISS tribute at Miss Exotic World 2006
Imogen Kelly
Fanny Tastic
Kellita of Hot Pink Feathers
Lux La Croix
Vivienne Vavoom
Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey performing to "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
Tigerlil
Little Brooklyn performs her Fay Wray/King Kong "devil" dance at Miss Exotic World 2007
Lukki
Nasty Canasta
Ruby Valentine
Miss Saturn
Tigger
Murray Hill
Scotty the Blue Bunny
Fannie Spankings & Charlie Champale (aka Spampale) in "The Wedding"
Element, venue of the Friday night party
Introductions?
Burlesque and the New Bump-N-Grind by Michelle Baldwin
Jack Midnight
Mariel
Michelle Baldwin aka Vivienne VaVoom
Naughty Natanya
Paris Green
Vixen Violette
Zeugma aka Jezebel Express
Please feel free to continue posting to any topic from previous weeks. Topics will always remain open. If they get too far gone down the blog, feel free to call for a bump and I will re-post the questions so you don't have to search the archives for them.
Footnotes for the week of 9/2/07
In the course of our discussion, performers, venues, websites and other burlesque departures were discussed or featured in the daily topics or comments section. Here are footnotes and further reading/viewing from this week's discussion.
Technology and the bump and grind?
Tigger!
Jezebel Express as a sexy firefly
And... we're back
If I've put a video with the performer, this was the act they performed at NYBF. When/if videos of performances become available from the festival, I will link to them on the Forum at that time - Forum Admin.
Jo Boobs
Bloody Belle
Diamondback Annie performing a KISS tribute at Miss Exotic World 2006
Imogen Kelly
Fanny Tastic
Kellita of Hot Pink Feathers
Lux La Croix
Vivienne Vavoom
Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey performing to "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
Tigerlil
Little Brooklyn performs her Fay Wray/King Kong "devil" dance at Miss Exotic World 2007
Lukki
Nasty Canasta
Ruby Valentine
Miss Saturn
Tigger
Murray Hill
Scotty the Blue Bunny
Fannie Spankings & Charlie Champale (aka Spampale) in "The Wedding"
Element, venue of the Friday night party
Introductions?
Burlesque and the New Bump-N-Grind by Michelle Baldwin
Friday, September 7, 2007
Introductions?
When you introduce yourself to people in the burlesque community, do you use your stage name or your real name or does it depend on the situation? Same question, but when you introduce yourself to non-burlesquers in connection with your burlesque activities?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
News Item: The 5th Annual NYBF Golden Pasties Winners
The Winners of the 5th Annual Golden Pasties
Performer Most Likely to Be Diagnosed with OCD Because of Extreme Usage of Bedazzling
Amber Ray
Performer Most Likely to Drink You Under the Table and Take Advantage of You While You Are Down
Scotty the Blue Bunny
The Biggest Sweetheart in Burlesque
Angie Pontani
The Most Unpredictable Performer in Burlesque
Tigger!
The Best Newcomer of 2007
Precious Little
The Most Inspiring/Influential Performer in Burlesque
TIE - The World Famous *BoB* and Little Brooklyn
The Performer You Would Most Like to Share a 4x8 Dressing Room with All Night
Miss Saturn
The Performer Most Likely to Be the Next Queen of England
Tigger!
The Performer Most Likely to Win a Nobel Peace Prize
Jo Boobs
The Best Booty Shaker in Burlesque
Creamy Stevens
The Performer Most Likely to Pop a Pastie
The World Famous *BoB*
The Performer Most Likely to Become a Scientologist
Miss Saturn
The Best Physique in Burlesque
Angie Pontani
Best Use of Non-Traditional Items as Pasties
Nasty Canasta
The Performer Most Likely to Be Married at Least 3 Times
Murray Hill
The Performer That Makes You Want to Take Your Clothes Off
Jo Boobs
Performer Most Likely to Be Diagnosed with OCD Because of Extreme Usage of Bedazzling
Amber Ray
Performer Most Likely to Drink You Under the Table and Take Advantage of You While You Are Down
Scotty the Blue Bunny
The Biggest Sweetheart in Burlesque
Angie Pontani
The Most Unpredictable Performer in Burlesque
Tigger!
The Best Newcomer of 2007
Precious Little
The Most Inspiring/Influential Performer in Burlesque
TIE - The World Famous *BoB* and Little Brooklyn
The Performer You Would Most Like to Share a 4x8 Dressing Room with All Night
Miss Saturn
The Performer Most Likely to Be the Next Queen of England
Tigger!
The Performer Most Likely to Win a Nobel Peace Prize
Jo Boobs
The Best Booty Shaker in Burlesque
Creamy Stevens
The Performer Most Likely to Pop a Pastie
The World Famous *BoB*
The Performer Most Likely to Become a Scientologist
Miss Saturn
The Best Physique in Burlesque
Angie Pontani
Best Use of Non-Traditional Items as Pasties
Nasty Canasta
The Performer Most Likely to Be Married at Least 3 Times
Murray Hill
The Performer That Makes You Want to Take Your Clothes Off
Jo Boobs
Your creative process?
How do you approach putting together a new act for yourself or your troupe? Do you have a general idea of what you want to do and then find the bits and pieces? Do you take your inspiration from music or a costume piece? What is your creative process?
Video Du Jour - Sophie Tucker Jokes
Today's Video Du Jour - some Sophie Tucker jokes via The Divine Miss M:
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The culture of the go-go dancer?
In a message posted to the NYBF message board, it was observed that the go-go dancers performing at the Element Premiere Party for the festival in some cases tended to skew their performance style and onstage behavior closer to that of a gentleman's club dancer than that of a burlesque dancer. It was noted that the term "go-go dancing" is most likely left up to interpretation.
Is go-go dancing up to interpretation? Does it vary by region or circumstance? Is there a specific culture of go-go that lays down the rules of style and attitude? Is it fair to lump go-go girls in with burlesque dancing?
Is go-go dancing up to interpretation? Does it vary by region or circumstance? Is there a specific culture of go-go that lays down the rules of style and attitude? Is it fair to lump go-go girls in with burlesque dancing?
Video Du Jour: Kitten on the Keys
This seemed appropriate with the Tease-O-Rama schedule coming out... Please enjoy Kitten on the Keys at Tease-O-Rama singing "My Girl's Pussy":
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Video Du Jour: Silk Stockings
Posting the bit of Gilda yesterday made me realize there are probably a lot of bits and pieces out there that would be nice to share. Plus, who doesn't like a little video to waste some time at work? If you have a Video Du Jour to share with the Forum, send me the link at the Forum Mail.
Today's Video Du Jour - Cyd Charisse in Silk Stockings
The scene continues here, but I have always found the first part to be more burlesque flavored.
Today's Video Du Jour - Cyd Charisse in Silk Stockings
The scene continues here, but I have always found the first part to be more burlesque flavored.
News Item: Tease-O-Rama Performers Announced
The Tease-O-Rama Convention has announced this year's performers:
Burlesque Legends:
Dixie Evans from the Burlesque Hall of Fame
Satan's Angel
Isis Star
Holiday O'Hara
Velvet Ice
Burlesque Troupes:
The Devil-Ettes - SF
Murasaki Baby Doll - Japan
Hot Pink Feathers - SF
The Von Foxies - Seattle
Panty Raid! - Nashville
Kitty Kitty Bang Bang - SF
Cock T's - SF
Scenic Sisters - SF
Diamond Daggers - SF
Scandalesque - AZ
SF Boylesque - SF
Myths and Legends Dance Company - LA
Twilight Vixen - SF
Clandestine - SF
Solo Acts:
Kitten deVille - LA
Kalani Kokonuts - Las Vegas
Violet Eva - Japan
Chica Boom - Seattle
Cherry Typhoon - Japan
Michelle L'amour - Chicago
Jo Boobs - NYC
Kitty Diggins - LA
Mimi Le Meaux - San Diego
Cardinal Cyn - Austin
Desire D'Amour - Austin
Vivienne VaVoom - Denver
Miss Delirium Tremens - NYC
Roky Roulette - SF
Delilah - UK
Kellita - SF
Amber Ray - NYC
Reverend Spooky LeStrange - New Orleans
Miss Eva von Slut - SF
Kitten Le Rue - Seattle
Tigger! - NYC
Alotta Boutte - SF
Sparkly Devil - SF
Lolita Haze - Phoenix
Ophelia Couer de Noir and Gorilla X - SF
Charlotte La Belle Araignee - LA
Lady Monster - SF
Miss Marion - Paris
Mad V Dog - SF
Bella Beretta - LA
Pinchbottom Burlesque - NYC
Fanny Fitztightlee - Denver
Honey Lulu - UK
Peekaboo Pointe - NYC
Esperanza - SF
Ming Dynatease - LA
Waxie Moon - Seattle
Dottie Lux and Glen Marla - NYC
Kitty Crimson - Denver
Vivian Velvet - Chicago
Anna Bells and Joshie Jingles - LA
Bobbie Burlesque - LA
Fanny Tastic - Chicago
Bombshell Betty - SF
Miss Jezebel Express - NYC
Imogen Kelly - Australia
Miz Ginger Snapz - Seattle
Lily Le Rouge - SF
Coconuts - SF
Michelle La Roche - Pasadena
Pookie Patootie - NYC
Burlesque Legends:
Dixie Evans from the Burlesque Hall of Fame
Satan's Angel
Isis Star
Holiday O'Hara
Velvet Ice
Burlesque Troupes:
The Devil-Ettes - SF
Murasaki Baby Doll - Japan
Hot Pink Feathers - SF
The Von Foxies - Seattle
Panty Raid! - Nashville
Kitty Kitty Bang Bang - SF
Cock T's - SF
Scenic Sisters - SF
Diamond Daggers - SF
Scandalesque - AZ
SF Boylesque - SF
Myths and Legends Dance Company - LA
Twilight Vixen - SF
Clandestine - SF
Solo Acts:
Kitten deVille - LA
Kalani Kokonuts - Las Vegas
Violet Eva - Japan
Chica Boom - Seattle
Cherry Typhoon - Japan
Michelle L'amour - Chicago
Jo Boobs - NYC
Kitty Diggins - LA
Mimi Le Meaux - San Diego
Cardinal Cyn - Austin
Desire D'Amour - Austin
Vivienne VaVoom - Denver
Miss Delirium Tremens - NYC
Roky Roulette - SF
Delilah - UK
Kellita - SF
Amber Ray - NYC
Reverend Spooky LeStrange - New Orleans
Miss Eva von Slut - SF
Kitten Le Rue - Seattle
Tigger! - NYC
Alotta Boutte - SF
Sparkly Devil - SF
Lolita Haze - Phoenix
Ophelia Couer de Noir and Gorilla X - SF
Charlotte La Belle Araignee - LA
Lady Monster - SF
Miss Marion - Paris
Mad V Dog - SF
Bella Beretta - LA
Pinchbottom Burlesque - NYC
Fanny Fitztightlee - Denver
Honey Lulu - UK
Peekaboo Pointe - NYC
Esperanza - SF
Ming Dynatease - LA
Waxie Moon - Seattle
Dottie Lux and Glen Marla - NYC
Kitty Crimson - Denver
Vivian Velvet - Chicago
Anna Bells and Joshie Jingles - LA
Bobbie Burlesque - LA
Fanny Tastic - Chicago
Bombshell Betty - SF
Miss Jezebel Express - NYC
Imogen Kelly - Australia
Miz Ginger Snapz - Seattle
Lily Le Rouge - SF
Coconuts - SF
Michelle La Roche - Pasadena
Pookie Patootie - NYC
Monday, September 3, 2007
Put the Blame on Mame
Over the weekend, I was with someone that had never seen the classic Rita Hayworth movie Gilda and therefore had never seen her performance of "Put the Blame on Mame." Hayworth isn't actually singing, she's lip synching to Anita Ellis' vocal track. Ellis recorded many of Hayworth's (and other actresses) songs that were used in films.
I just so happened to find this little gem as well of Gypsy Rose Lee performing the exact same song:
I just so happened to find this little gem as well of Gypsy Rose Lee performing the exact same song:
And.... we're back.
We're back and have soaked up an abundance of burlesque. For those responsible for NYBF, congrats on a successful festival and a number of well produced events.
To those in attendence and those who performed - any thoughts from the weekend? Favorite acts? Surprises? Shout outs? Overall impressions you are left with about burlesque? Topics for discussion (send these to the forum email, please)?
To those in attendence and those who performed - any thoughts from the weekend? Favorite acts? Surprises? Shout outs? Overall impressions you are left with about burlesque? Topics for discussion (send these to the forum email, please)?
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