Star Wars Burlesque!

Awesome Stars Wars themed burlesque from the Devil's Playground on Jan 9. Featuring Jabba the Hut, Princess Leia, C3PO, Boba Fett, Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper!
Star Wars Burlesque we will be repeatimg the show March 13 2010 in Los Angeles.

Burlesque Lessons for Army Wives

We received this email from a reader and cabaret performer Lo Kennedy:

"...I am a cabaret performer who has done most of my work at sea! My mom just sent me this NY Times link to a short video about a soldier's wife using her burlesque skills to bring a little joy and pizazz into the worlds of other women who have hubbies in combat. I thought you might enjoy..."

Well we did enjoy it, and we'd like to share it with our readers.
Check it out for yourself here: Lily Burana teaches burlesque to other military wives as a way to help them cope with the deployment of their husbands.

Photo by Nicole Bengiveno, NYT.

Dolphina's Cardio Burlesque Goddess Workout

Time to add some Valentine’s sizzle to your shimmy? Dolphina has the workout for you.

In Cardio Burlesque - the latest in the Goddess Workout series, Dolphina teaches cabaret-style moves that will sculpt and define your entire body.

A West Coast belly-dancer by training, Dolphina began performing burlesque at a yearlong residency at the Viper Room in Hollywood with the original Pussycat Dolls. She decided to turn her act into a workout.

“You’ll be amazed how the shimmy can get your heart rate up, burn calories and shake off those pounds,” said Dolphina during a phone interview from Marina Del Rey, Calif. “Sculpting, toning and lengthening in a feminine way. Much like Pilates, you keep your curves.”

The 45-minute workout burns 400 calories, starting slowly and building into a full cardiothumping exercise that requires a lot of attitude.

In “Beyond Basics Bellydance,” Dolphina offers a total body workout. One move called “snake arms” requires you to alternately roll each shoulder, elbow and wrist making a wave motion that mimics the movement of a serpent. Your biceps really start to burn. If done properly, you can target that little tricep area,” Dolphina explained. “After doing the workout three times a week for three weeks, there’s something magic that happens, and it’s more than just the technique,” she said. “It’s the feeling of letting go, feeling free and liberated.”

The third week should also bring the dawn of definition, as your waist begins to slim.

“It’s nice to have these moves in your back pocket,” Dolphina said. “It gives you confidence.”

Cutie Patooties - The Cutest Burlesque Show in NYC!

Joey Nova ("The Vroom! Room") rounds up the cutest faces in burlesque and brings them all together with the cutest musical acts around, in one adorably sexy show called "Cutie Patooties”! As if that's not already cute-overload, the night is co-hosted by burlesque's adorable alcoholic Anita Cookie! Still not enough sweet treats? Free cupcakes and other cute giveaways are available all night long! This much cheesecake could only happen at Cake Shop in the Lower East Side.

Featured cutie-pies for Friday, November 27 include Lil' Miss Lixx, Kit Cat, and Kristen Lee! With super-cute musical guests J'aime and I!

"Cutie Patooties" is a monthly show at 10pm at The Slipper Room (167 Orchard St at Stanton). Tickets ($10) are available for purchase at the door. Doors open at 10pm.

Joey Nova is a NYC-based theatre Producer and Set Designer whose most recent work can be seen on the set of the revival of "The Wiz" at City Center and on the glittery retro-futuristic gang-deb play, “Go-Go KIllers!” at the Sage Theater in Times Square. He has worked with other burlesque shows such as Wasabassco Burlesque's "The NEW Monday Night Burlesque" at Public Assembly and his own monthly show, "The Vroom! Room" at The Slipper Room. Look for Joey's new burlesque event, “Sextacular! Sextacular!", a neo-bohemian rock n roll homage to the old days of the Moulin Rouge, coming December 5th to Hiro Ballroom.

Dita Von Teese's Hands On Performance

Dita Von Teese was assisted by some wandering hands during her latest burlesque revue.
She was starring in the Gentry De Paris show in the French capital and put in a typically raunchy performance.

Wearing trademark nipple tassels and not much else, Dita strutted her stuff in front of a black curtain with a pair of arms reaching out from behind.

Dita recently revealed she's in constant fear her tassles will slip during shows.

That's why she takes extreme measures to prevent an overload of titillation.

She explained: "I use serious waterproof glue, because I'm in a martini glass.

"Crystals are heavy and there's a lot going on."


source: thesun.co.uk

Vaudezilla’s Monster Burlesque Academy Graduation

President Red Hot Annie and Vice President Dick Dijon cordially invite you to the inaugural graduation ceremony for Vaudezilla’s Monster Burlesque Academy!

The Monster Burlesque Academy prides itself on a devilish dedication to the joint disciplines of sexy and scary. The Class of 2009 has made us proud, and we feel they will offer a shriek-inducing legacy for many years to come. To commemorate this auspicious occasion, the MBA has chosen the majestic Portage Theatre to host the frighteningly fabulous festivities.

Prior to the show, take a stroll around the grand lobby of Portage Theater to peruse costumes, adult goodies, and more from our sponsors.

The ceremony begins promptly at 10pm, and your admission fee is $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. Each ticket enters you into a free raffle to win prizes, including:
$100 gift bag from Early 2 Bed
$140 in handbags from Cahoots Handbags

We hope you will join us as we matriculate these ghoulishly gorgeous ladies & gents:
Red Hot Annie, Bonny Babs, Maria May I, Barrett All, Walk Away Renee, Operetta, Nicoletta, Paris Green, Chasity Chaos, Carnal Calamity, Viva La Muerte, The Revelettes, Lady Lillith, Oosha Boom, AJ Sacco, Jason Scovel, The Ripettes,
a short film by Lyra Hill, organ playing by Joseph Schenk.

Buy $15 Advance Tickets NOW - http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/82886

Preview of Dita: Stripteese

Famed photographer Sheryl Nields brings burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese to life in a series of flip books that capture the dancer's most intimate performances. A perfect collectible book for fans of Dita, classic burlesque devotees, or for anyone who loves a playful and beautifully packaged book, "Dita: Striptease" is an exquisite visual tribute to this one-of-a-kind performer, featuring three of her most beloved dances.

Martini Glass Show - Performed all over the world, the martini glass show is Dita's most famous burlesque act. Featuring her in her 'Diamonds in the Buff' costume, Dita performs a traditional striptease that culminates with her bathing herself in an oversize martini glass, complete with olive sponge.

Bird of Paradise Show - Inside a posh gilded Victorian birdcage, burlesque's brightest star reinvents the classic feather fan dance with two lush oversize feather fans of exotic, rare magenta pheasant feathers. In an extraordinary costume of beautifully curved feathers, Dita spins around on her golden perch, and treats audiences to an unforgettable wet and wild finale as sparkling water showers over her body.

Classic Striptease - This striptease features Dita dressed in a vintage suit complete with a veiled hat, seamed stockings, and sky-high stilettos. Audiences get a glimpse into Dita's personal wardrobe - and what she reveals underneath it!

Dita: Stripteese will be released on Nov 3, but is available for pre-order now from Amazon:

Pre-order Dita: Stripteese at Amazon

About Dita:
Dita Von Teese, the undisputed Queen of Burlesque, has appeared in Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle, Playboy, and international issues of nearly every fashion magazine. Dita has performed at events ranging from Elton John's Life Ball and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to exclusive parties for Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, and Roland Mouret. Well-known for her elaborate props and costumes, Dita is in demand throughout the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and Hong Kong. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Marilyn Manson, and a menagerie of pets.

Wrestling + Burlesque = Lucha VaVOOM

Lucha VaVOOM is co-created by Rita D’Albert, one of the founders/producers of the Velvet Hammer burlesque troupe in Hollywood.

Lucha VaVOOM began in 2002 and has been selling out theaters in its hometown Los Angeles as well as abroad ever since. Their winning marriage of “sexo y violencia” has scored raves from the likes of Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times and has been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as well as Mun Dos, Current TV, Telemundo and “A Current Affair.”

An evening at Lucha VaVOOM is like nothing ever witnessed before. The night seamlessly alternates between highly skilled luchadores wrestling in the ring and scintillating burlesque performances. For these shows, the famed Julie Atlas Muz will make her Lucha VaVOOM debut, the world famous Wau Wau Sisters will astound with their trapeze striptease and queen of the tassel-twirl Lucy Fur, dancer extraordinaire Lux LaCroix and hula-hoop gender bender Karis will round out the night’s entertainment.

In between matches, the finest, handpicked burlesque acts from around the world astound us; at Lucha VaVOOM, we like a little sexo with our violencia. Raucous aerial acts, Pogo-stick peelers, hula-hoop hotties; we’ve got it all.

But wait there’s more! Our color commentary is handled by comedians Tom Kenny, Dana Gould and Blaine Capatch. Other guest commentators include Fred Armisen, Brian Poussein, Patton Oswalt, Jeffrey Ross, Chris Hardwick and Bobcat Goldthwait. Even Jack Black sat in, proclaiming “Lucha VaVOOM is the sh*t!

Catch Lucha VaVOOM's debut NYC performance at Webster Hall on Sunday, September 20.
For more information see http://luchavavoom.com

Burlesque's Growing Pains

In the Depression-era days of Gypsy Rose Lee, burlesque dancing was about as naughty, and as nude, as it got in public. The emphasis was on the tease more than the strip, until Playboy and harder-core pornography came along in the 1950s.

Now burlesque is back with festivals and club performances, from Amsterdam to Alabama. It’s seen as a chance for some bawdy fun and, some would say, even a little empowerment for the performers who are often amateurs with other day jobs.

But its growing visibility, in mainstream clubs and theaters, is also sparking a debate, and some confusion about what it is and whether it’s appropriate in those settings.

Is it performance art, as some contend? Or is it, as others say, just a (very) thinly veiled excuse to strip in public, even if most performers end a routine in pasties and G-strings?

“The performers are interested in being sexy, but not being pornographic,” says Rachel Shteir, a DePaul University professor who’s written books about burlesque. “They’re trying to strike this middle ground. But that’s very difficult to do in our culture.”

A few recent cases highlight that point.

Earlier this year in New York, burlesque performer Tara Lee Heffner filed a lawsuit against the Learning Annex for referring to her as a “porn star” in an online ad for classes she was teaching. She claimed the label damaged her reputation.

This summer in London, one club owner also shut down long-standing burlesque shows after being told he’d have to purchase an adult entertainment license, something generally reserved for more traditional strip clubs with dancers who make use of laps and poles.

“There’s no doubt that some men watch burlesque and find it as sexy as other forms of entertainment,” says Alex Proud, whose club in the city’s Camden borough bears his last name. “But at the end of the day, the naked bit lasts about three seconds.”

And many audiences of burlesque shows are filled with women, who often focus as much on the costumes, glamour and dancing as anything.

“True burlesque is more of a kitschy Vaudeville act than anything else. It’s all about the art of the striptease, a cheeky and titillating performance that can induce chuckles, cheers and longing sighs all at once,” says Katie Laird, a burlesque fan in Houston.

“Performance is the key word here, not naked gyrations for dirty dollar bills.”

At recent shows produced in Chicago by burlesque dancer Michelle L’amour (pictured), performers donned large feathered fans, in the tradition of Depression-era starlet Sally Rand, and costumes that ranged from a scantily clad secretary to a 1950s housewife. The midnight performances at the city’s historic Music Box Theatre also included slapstick comedy acts and a campy magic show, as well as a couple of male “boylesque” performers.

“Even my super-conservative grandmother is totally OK with it,” one performer, Cherokee Rose, said of her work with L’amour’s troupe, the Chicago Starlets. Still, the 28-year-old Chicagoan preferred to use her stage name, rather than her real name, because she’s looking for a job in the psychology field. “I wish people in my field were more accepting of this,” she says. “But sadly, they’re not.”

Most of L’amour’s troupe are professionals or students who started by taking classes with L’amour and moved onto the big stage when she considered them ready. For them, burlesque is a hobby.

The 29-year-old L’amour is, in fact, one of a few dancers who’s made a living at burlesque since its comeback in the last decade. Other professionals include Jo Weldon, a.k.a. “Jo Boobs,” and Dita Von Teese, who regularly makes red-carpet appearances and who’s become a bit of a fashion icon.

Theirs is a style that is more “classic” burlesque, focussed more on subtlety, artfulness and humor. But, L’amour says, it’s no wonder people are confused about what burlesque is when you have harder-core strip clubs featuring burlesque performances or even pop music acts, such as the Pussycat Dolls, referring to themselves as a “burlesque troupes.” Singers Cher and Christina Aguilera also are set to star in a movie titled “Burlesque.”

“It’s become a bit of a pitch word to hook people’s interest,” L’amour says.

In this latest rebirth, even many women can’t decide what they think of burlesque.
By Martha Irvine AP National Writer

Hot: Detroit's Burlesque Scene

Roxi Dlite. Sparkly Devil. Lottie the Body.

Names that suggest women of dangerous character, who make you think twice about who you're dealing with. Just who are these ladies, and what's with the elaborate stage names?

These are the notorious ladies of Detroit's burlesque scene.

Most might not be familiar with them, unless they happen to also attend such memorable Detroit events such as The Dirty Show, The Marquis De Sade Ball recently held at the Eagle Theater in Pontiac, Michigan, and the extremely successful "Wonderland", a sexy production of the Lewis Carroll classic. It seems that a healthy world of erotica is thriving in the Motor City, and these ladies have made it their mission to raise public awareness (among other things) and fiercely practice the art of burlesque.

Historically, burlesque was created by Lydia Thompson and her British Blondes, then introduced to America in the late 1860's. They performed traditional theater with racy costumes and eventually elements of vaudeville, cabaret and striptease were thrown into the mix. This was followed by the modern strip club, which unfortunately may have caused a decline of interest in the subtle arts of burlesque. However, thanks to the efforts of such groups as SPAG, Causing a Scene Productions and Where the Boys Are, the beauty of this almost lost practice will not be forgotten. At least one thing's for sure - the ladies won't let you.

A great opportunity to see the fine art of burlesque will be the upcoming Detroit Erotica Ball on October 24, 2009 at Bert's Warehouse in Eastern Market. Let these lovely ladies remind you that titillation needn't be in the form of a $20 lap dance. And bring a date - you can both have a good time.

By Raquel Salaysay of examiner.com

Charlotte Burlesque troupes taking off

It's 11 on a Friday night. In a dimly lit underground club, girls in stockings, garters and corsets mingle with customers before taking the stage. A smart-mouthed, chain-smoking announcer clad in shirtsleeves and a vest announces the performers to catcalls from the crowd – Mistress Colette, Cherry Von Bomb, Mademoiselle Kashka among them.

But it's not 19th century Paris, and this isn't the Moulin Rouge.

Instead, it's 2009 and the art of burlesque is enjoying a resurgence in Charlotte, thanks to such local troupes as La Petite Mort Burlesque and Big Mamma's House of Burlesque.

Deana Pendragon (affectionately known as Big Mamma D) started her group in 2006. She puts on a themed show bimonthly at Elizabeth's Visulite Theatre, drawing a surprisingly female-heavy (and vocal) audience. Last week's theme was “Under the Big Tops,” complete with an act from Sideshow Bennie, a few tricks from Hannibal the Magician and a striptease from “Siamese twins.”

Although the Big Mamma's girls do take off their heavily sequined and fringed costumes (made by Mamma D herself), there's no nudity – just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it flash of pastie-covered breasts. Instead, Pendragon's show harkens to classic burlesque: There's singing, sketch comedy and usually a few tongue-in-cheek stripteases (read: the Siamese twins above).

Mena Killough's La Petite Mort is a little more risque, at times bordering on crass. Miss Mena's girls – including Colette, Cherry and Kashka – perform monthly at Halo at the N.C. Music Factory. Pasties here are revealed for longer than just a flash, and dollar bills are thrown onstage.

Performances at their most recent show last month included a strange pas de deux between a naughty nurse and her mentally ill patient, and an equally jarring S&M-laced routine. (To be sure, there's some classic burlesque mixed in: a cupcake-adorned “baker” stripped down to little more than an apron in a cute dance.)

One word of advice: Don't go into these shows expecting a Dita Von Teese look-alike in a giant martini glass or a song-and-dance routine a la the Pussycat Dolls. Instead, it's about classic burlesque that gives women of all shapes and sizes a feeling of empowerment.

La Petite Mort Burlesque
Next show: 11 p.m. Aug. 21. Halo, 820 Hamilton St. (inside the N.C. Music Factory). $7. www.haloclt.com.

Big Mamma's
Next show: Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $12 in advance. www.visulite.com.

By S. Aarthun of the Charlotte Observer

Rollin’ Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque

Take one of the biggest cult movies in recent memory. Add the hottest new burlesque troupe in Chicago. Put it all on the stage of Gorilla Tango Theatre, and what do you get?

“Rollin’ Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque”

Don’t be out of your element! Join Vaudezilla Productions for an epic variety show featuring your favorite Bums, Achievers, and What-Have-You from the classic Coen Brothers film. All of the Vaudezilla girls will be there doing sexy stripteases.

You’ll also be treated to original skits, music, and the chance to win some prizes by testing your knowledge of “The Big Lebowski.”

So slip on your favorite jellies, grab the ringer, mix a White Russian, and head on down to Gorilla Tango this September for a night of sexy fun that not even Jackie Treehorn can beat! And be sure to get your tickets NOW, because there are a limited number of seats and we have already sold a significant number of them. This is going to be one hot ticket, so don’t look for a handout, man! Go out and achieve anyway!

Starring: Red Hot Annie, Wham Bam Pam, Donna Touch, Bonny Babs, and Maria May I. Special appearance by The Vaudezilla Vixens. Featuring the talents of Logan Conner, Dick Dijon, Michael Kunc, and Matt Leuck.

When: September 5, 12, 19, 26 - 10:00pm

Where: Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N Milwaukee Av, Chicago

Advance Tickets available NOW here.

All-Star Premiere of The Vroom! Room

The Vroom! Room is a stylishly sexy burlesque noir show that promises to add some mystery back to the art of the strip tease. Hosted by the enigmatic Joey Nova and his pouty accomplice Veronica Vroom! and ensconced in the velvety haze of The Slipper Room, The Vroom! Room offers a keyhole perspective into the world of glittering spectacle with voyeuristic delight. It's also a great opportunity to catch some of burlesque's familiar faces in a whole new way. The Vroom! Room makes no apologies for being seriously sexy. You are officially invited to take part in the voyeuristic vision of Veronica Vroom!

The premiere of The Vroom! Room will feature an all-star lineup of burlesque superstars including Veronica Vroom!, GiGi La Femme, Aprella, Ruby Valentine, Runaround Sue, Sapphire Jones, Madame Rosebud, Ferro, Connie Baker, and Kristen Lee!

The Vroom! Room is on the first Monday of every month at 10pm at The Slipper Room (167 Orchard St at Stanton). Tickets ($5) are available for purchase at the door. Doors open at 10pm.

Veronica Vroom! hails from Kansas City, the home of crazy little women! After bumping and grinding her way to New York, the most obvious thing left for her to do was become a burlesque performer. Veronica can be seen vivaciously vixening and vamping at various vaudevillian venues throughout the city. If your engine needs a little revving just check out Miss Vroom!'s Myspace calendar: www.myspace.com/veronicavroom

Joey Nova is a NYC-based theatre Producer and Set Designer whose most recent work can be seen on the set of the revival of The Wiz at City Center. After dark, he is also a nightlife promoter and DJ, whose fame stems largely from pioneering the return of glam rock to New York City, most notably with his weekly glam rock party, RebelRebel. He's hosted such famous parties as Glamdammit, Bowie Ball, and Rated X: The Panty Party. In the burlesque scene, he has worked with shows such as Wasabassco Burlesque's The NEW Monday Night Burlesque at Public Assembly and Nik Sin's Metal Monday at The Slipper Room.

Veronica and Joey most recently worked together on the glittery retro-futuristic gang-deb play, Go-Go KIllers! at the Sage Theater in Times Square.

Sweet and Nasty Burlesque Presents: LIES

LIES: The Absolutely & Completely True History of Sweet & Nasty Burlesque

As Sweet and Nasty Burlesque celebrates it's three-year, one-month, three-week and four-day anniversary, we take a look back at the people and things that made us Thailand's number-one burlesque show from 1974 to 1996, inclusive. On Monday, July 27th, LIES: THE ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY TRUE HISTORY OF SWEET & NASTY BURLESQUE delves into the sordid past and improbable future of the greatest entertainment juggernaut ever to strip its way from the Lower East Side, across southeastern Wales, and into Brooklyn.

"Nothing compared to the pride we felt after bringing irrigation systems to drought-blighted Swedish villages," says host, producer and shifty-eyed prevaricator Nasty Canasta. "Then Sweet and Nasty won the Oscar for Best Sound Design in 1992, and I thought our joy was finally complete. But now, belatedly celebrating our third anniversary in a former mayonnaise factory in Williamsburg ... well, I just can't imagine where we could possibly go from here." Canasta will call out some of the performers most responsible for this mess: style maven Miss Ruby Valentine; Albert Cadabra (magician, bald); charm-school dropout GiGi La Femme; our Canadian cousin Hard Corey; super-smartypants Precious Little; rapper and grammaticist Schaffer the Darklord; Sunday-night burlesque scion Fem Appeal, and other, even less-savory characters. The show will also feature a good old-fashioned Sweet and Nasty raffle for suckers, tributes to Door People Through the Ages, and special appearances by The Ugly Brothers, inspirational meddler Frank Applebaum, and surprise guests.

Since 2006, Sweet and Nasty has been adding its own unique mix of glam camp, historical fact, and blatant lies to the New York burlesque scene. Sweet and Nasty currently appears monthly at Public Assembly; their July extravaganza, LIES, celebrates three years of bringing the highest-quality burlesque entertainments to New York City and beyond.

The truth will finally be told - by Albert Cadabra, Fem Appeal, GiGi La Femme, Hard Corey, Precious Little, Ruby Valentine, Schaffer the Darklord, and special surprise guests. Reformed Mouesketeer and Franciscan friar Nasty Canasta presents LIES: The Absolutely & Completely True History of Sweet & Nasty Burlesque at Public Assembly for one night only, Monday, July 27th at 10pm.

Pagan Place @ Triple Door

Perhaps one of the best Burlesque shows to grace the Triple Door yet revealed itself last night. Paula, the Swedish Housewife, produced the show, based loosely on a Midsummer Night’s theme. However, the strength of the individual acts surpassed any lack of continuity. It is burlesque after all.

If you had to pick two acts that stood out, I would have to nominate Nanda, a four man dance/acrobatics troupe whose act consisted of fight choreography, acrobatics, juggling, obligatory striptease and some acting. It was both innovative and original. Nanda is a Japanese expletive used to comment on something surprising or outlandish. That barely sums up this act. Nanda are an explosion of energy, masculinity, sensuality, and agility, who will continue to elicit short, sharp breaths from their audience for years to come.

Rounding off the show was local girl, Pantera. Most of the acts in burlesque try to disguise erogony as art, and succeed. Pantera achieved the opposite. Assisted by the type of metal pole more often seen in lap-dancing clubs, Pantera performed gravity-defying feats, with incredible agility, beauty and grace.

The other acts were more regular staples of Seattle’s burgeoning burlesque scene. Lily Verlaine performed the Cleopatra act but it was noted that her two muses, who I last saw a while back, have worked at their craft and improved immensely. Lily looked totally comfortable and confident working with them, and credit must be given to them for their hard work they have put in. It has brought them results.

Ernie von Schmaltz was there, he’s always worth seeing though he was a little less outlandish than normal. Just as well for him, or the bachelorette party in front of us would have got out of control! But this guy at his raunchiest is always worth visiting a show for. Indigo Blue kicked off the show but as a true pro chose not to steal it and the show was humorously hosted by Scotty the Blue Bunny who just about kept a noisy and ebullient crowd at bay, although there were a couple of drunks who took it upon themselves to decide for us all they wanted an act to end early. True they paid their money, but so did everybody else whose choice they attempted to remove.

Burlesque returns to the Triple Door on August 1st, with Alice, Through the Looking Glass, where Lily Verlaine, Bunny Monroe, Miss Indigo Blue, Waxie Moon, The Swedish Housewife, Babette La Fave, Patty O' Furniture and Jasper McCann take on the roles of Carroll’s famous characters.
By Steve Clare of examiner.com

Burlesque Hall of Fame Reunion Showcase

A sex-ified sextet of ladies in flapper-type, canary-yellow dresses and white go-go boots are spinning and stepping across The Orleans Showroom stage. Joining them, in what would be the first of many show-stopping moments over the next three or so hours, is a genuine legend in this forum: burlesque queen Viva La Fever. She gimme a fever, for sure. Viva coyly sneaks into the production, or pretends to, from the back of the stage. The audience goes wild. The dancers are the Devil-Ettes, which is why they also don yellow devil horns. Satan has never looked so frilly, or so silly.

Oh, yes: Viva La Fever is old enough to be your grandmother, or mother, or wife if you are in your mid-70s. That should be noted as she shakes her top and slaps those boots.

The chosen tune is the Elvis version of "Viva Las Vegas," and never were the words more appropriate than during the Burlesque Hall of Fame Reunion Showcase: "Bright lights city gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul on fire." The boots give a dull "thud" across the stage. Viva shimmies her shoulders and wheels around so her back is to the audience and, you know, jiggles that tush a little. Give 'em what they came for.

Afterward, the World Famous *BOB* (that is how she handles her first name, with the asterisks), donning a packed-tight sequined gown and unreal blond wig, says, "Don't you just love fringe? It's cheaper than dance lessons. You can cough in fringe and look sexy." The crowd, most of whom are dressed as elaborately as those onstage, clad lavish gowns and wigs and 4-inch eyelashes -- that goes for the women, too -- knowingly shouts back "Yeaaaah!"

Observing twilight-years dancers who, let's be honest, conjure a new fear of fallout, should not be so very entertaining. But it is. It's a Friday night in Vegas, and women decades younger filled of phony parts are performing stripteases at fancy clubs all over the city. But no one thrills in the act like those who made celebrating the human form famous, and the epicenter of the archaic art form is in Vegas as the Burlesque Hall of Fame relocated here a couple of years ago. Maybe it is true, today, as Famous *BOB* said, that "the difference between striptease and burlesque is strippers make money." The term "burlesque" is itself showing stretch marks, remade to mean any sort of tawdry entertainment, but what should be salvaged is that it is funny. It is a wildly fun and fun-loving experience. How can you not laugh, in a perplexed sort of way, as Burlesque Hall of Fame trailblazer Dixie Evans described the original Exotic World Burlesque Museum, famously built into Jennie and Charlie Lee's goat shed on a patch of desert between Vegas and L.A.:

"We hired a few Mexicans, who built a little stage. The Mexicans were great! They worked for two meals and a six pack a day! That was the going rate for Mexicans!" Not exactly a union project, no, and apologies to anyone of that culture and heritage in the audience.

There was so much to appreciate. Candy Caramello, a giant in the industry by any definition, ambled out in a spectacular silky white bustier and matching fur cape. Goosing the applause, she said. "Don't be afraid to give me the clap. I've had everything else." And, of her furry accessory, "Don't worry, animal lovers, it's fake. I had to fake it five times to get it!" And, I'll just offer this punch line to a really ribald offering, "Really? You've been eating the mattress for the past 10 minutes!" April March, Betty Rowland, Catherine D'Lish, Daisy Delight, Dee Milo, Dirty Martini, Doc and Stumpy, Dusty Summers, Gina Bon Bon, Holiday O'Hara, Immodesty Blaize, Wild Cherry, Linda Doll, La Savona, Sheila Rae, Tiffany Carty, Tony Midnight and Michelle L'Amour were among those invited to take part. L'Amour's performance was particularly remarkable: After her strip-down, which climaxed with her pinned to a heart-shaped mattress facing the audience as hands appeared from the affect to rub her shapely form with oil, she dried off to get married to a person announced as "Frankie." Michelle had a tough time making it through the vows, which included, "Marriage is not fun. If you want fun, buy a (bleeping) pony!"

Announced to the audience was Tempest Storm, and during the first (there were two) intermission, I introduced myself. I remembered seeing her perform in Lake Tahoe, at Harrah's, many years ago. I was sitting near the stage, and she snapped her boa in front of my face, the feathers just inches from my nose. She was a veritable rock star last night, forced to fend off dozens of fans, but I did ask her how she liked "Peepshow," the next-generation adult-humor show, at Planet Hollywood. "I loved it," she said. "What production value they have!" Sure, but sometimes all you need is your great gown, your catty wit, your shapely form … and maybe a boa.
by John Katsilometes of casinocitytimes.com

Review: Gypsy The Art of the Tease

The past few months have seen the publication of a biography of Gypsy Rose Lee, Stripping Gypsy, by Noralee Frankel, plus this cultural examination by American theatre academic Rachel Shteir. A TV biopic, starring Sigourney Weaver, is in the works.

Odd, this flurry of activity around a 1930s striptease and burlesque performer who died nearly 40 years ago leaving almost nothing behind except a name that still resonates, even if we're no longer quite sure why.

Odd, that is, unless we appreciate just how 21st century Gypsy Rose Lee was in her attitudes.

She was a tenacious businesswoman and a mistress of illusion and reinvention 60 years before the phenomenon of Madonna, Shteir points out. As someone who became enormously famous for doing almost nothing, she anticipated the stars of reality television. "Sometimes you have no specific talent," she cheerfully admitted towards the end of her life. "I have a talent for life, for living. Oh, I could have been a second-rate actress. Instead I've channelled my mediocrity."

The 1962 musical Gypsy, in which she was played by Natalie Wood, was based on Gypsy Lee's mythologised and revisionist memoirs and told the story of a monstrous stage mother, memorably played by Rosalind Russell, virtually forcing her shy teenage daughter to strip for a living in tatty burlesque theatres.

In reality, claims Shteir, the girl was only too compliant in the enterprise. American vaudeville was a brutal world, and performers did whatever it took to claw their way up the ladder and establish a niche. George Burns, a near-contemporary, once said of his early days: "I did anything to stay in show business. If I had to be a single, I'd do a single. If I had to do a two-act, I'd do a two- act. If I had to work with a seal, I'd work with a seal. I wanted to stay in the business."

And streetwise Gypsy Rose, whose true gift was for survival, stayed in the business by stripping, the first such performer to become a household name. By all accounts it was very decorous, leaving much to the audience's fevered collective imagination, with an emphasis on suggestion, banter and charm rather than the exposure of flesh.

The only clip of her work that seems to have survived, from Stagedoor Canteen(1943) - you can find it on YouTube - shows a studiedly inoffensive version of an act that, even in its original form, was more tease than strip.

Still, for America in the 1930s, Gypsy Rose embodied what Camille Paglia referred to as "the sizzle of outlaw sexuality".

This smart and courageous woman single-handedly made striptease - once seen only in brothels and the lowest kind of theatrical dive - more or less respectable.

She made it possible for women to strip on television and in nightclubs without being arrested, yet you might well ask, as the author does, what kind of accomplishment is that?

By the time her physical allure began to fade she had already branded herself in the nation's consciousness and went on to host her own television show, a much-loved relic of an imagined naughtier age. She wrote novels and plays, and was said to enjoy reading Proust.

Rachel Shteir, burrowing industriously away through her subject's inventions, evasions and downright lies - one colleague said Gypsy Rose was "allergic to the truth" - cannot credibly claim her for feminism, "although to my mind she anticipates Gloria Steinem".

The book has a slightly apologetic and ambivalent edge and the somewhat scrappy text occasionally has the quality of notes for a work-in-progress.
By Stephen Dixon



More Gypsy Rose Lee Items

Comedy + Burlesque = Live Nude Comedy

Actress Shannon Elizabeth has thrown her hat into the stand-up comedy ring by way of hosting a novel comedy special: Live Nude Comedy will air on Showtime July 16. Unlike any comedy special built for mass consumption, Live Nude Comedy features some of the country’s biggest up and coming stand-ups as well as lots of sexy burlesque dancers.

Executive producer, actress and stand-up comedian Whitney Cummings thought it was an excellent opportunity to see comedians air out and do their edgier material in a well-produced special.

“I know so many amazing comics who can’t showcase their real voice because TV shows play it safe,” Cummings tells Punchline Magazine. “There’s so much censorship and Standards & Practices is a nightmare. But nothing was off limits on this show and it gave comics a chance to show off their edgier material and really let loose on taboo topics.”

Comedians featured on the special are: Ian Edwards, Steve Byrne, Sam Tripoli, K.T. Tatara, Harris Wittles, Mike Young, Tig Notaro, Chris D’Elia, Mike Faverman, Michael Kosta, Andy Dick and Cummings.

Buy why the burlesque dancers?

“We wanted a gritty, vaudeville feel; the burlesque dancers complement the stand-up by giving the audience time to breathe between comics. A lot of the burlesque is funny, instead of just sexy; it has a fun vibe instead of a dirty vibe.”

Comedy sketches featuring the likes of Josh Fadem and Michael Busch will open the show. “It just really feels like a celebration of comedy more than anything else,” says Cummings. Check out the show teaser below. Enjoy!

Burlesque Bio: Beatrix Von Bourbon

Beatrix Von Bourbon - The Captivating Rebel

Juxtaposing bad girl beauty with a sensitive soul, Beatrix Von Bourbon is an incomparable burlesque performer. A tattooed philosopher and crystal-encrusted dream-weaver, her acts have graced distinguished, international stages. Simultaneously vogue and timeless she is an award winning performer and pin-up model, sought-after by a wide range of clients (see Performance Experience).

"Star attraction" - News of The World

Beatrix plays with the burlesque genre, drawing inspiration from popular culture, classic love stories, contemporary technology and fairytale imagery to create inventive, modern entertainment. Her colourful acts drip with charisma and charm, leaving audiences thoughtful and refreshed.

Web-Pilot and Part-Time Producer

Extending her passion for the burlesque art form beyond the stage, Beatrix is the one-woman team behind ShakeItDoll.com. Est. October 2007, Shake It Doll provides up-to-date listings for UK burlesque events and classes alongside occasional interviews and features.

Following her familiarity with the UK burlesque scene, she introduced Reading to her own bi-monthly burlesque event, Hot Muffins, in February 2008. Now celebrating its one year anniversary, Hot Muffins continues to grow and develop, with a rapturous reception every time.

Her finger on the pulse of the UK burlesque circuit, Beatrix can offer a unique insight into the current trends and niches offered on the British burlesque scene.

Videos of Beatrix Von Bourbon in action:

Winter - Jan 09


Sex Spider - Jan 09

Mel B's Burlesque Debut

Mel B is the latest star to ruffle feathers in a burlesque style, posing in sexy Ultimo shots that could have come straight from the Moulin Rouge.

Last month Girls Aloud teased the Brit Awards audience with huge feathers, waist-cinching corsets and eyelashes longer than Nadine Coyle’s legs.

And singer Katy Perry, Paris Hilton and even Blue Peter goody-two-shoes Zoe Salmon have all been stepping out in striptease style with va-va-voom outfits.

They’ve shown that being sexy isn’t about letting it all hang out. Instead, they’re embracing their curves, celebrating sauciness and going girlie.

Mel, who makes her debut in a Las Vegas spectacular called Peepshow next month, says:

“Burlesque is all about embracing and celebrating your body. A girl’s gotta have great lingerie, but it’s also all about the wink and the tease that goes with it!”

It’s girl power all over again and Britain’s women — and fellas — can’t get enough.

Having achieved mainstream status in the US, burlesque’s cheeky take on the striptease is captivating the UK. Titillating dance classes are springing up from Widnes to Wapping, girls are donning their glad rags for dinner dances at revue bars and the market for burlesque-themed hen parties is soaring.
By TONI JONES