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.”

Cardio Burlesque Preview Videos

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.”

Dolphina's Cardio Burlesque is available now from amazon:

Dita Von Teese Makeup and Hair Tutorial Video

Dita Von Teese Makeup and Hair Tutorial Video

How to Dance Burlesque for Beginners

A short intro video on how to dance burlesque.

Vintage Hair: A modern take on the Updo

A modern take on a 1920s vintage classic updo hairstyle: warning lots of plugs for their hair products but still a good guide.

The Deadly Seven - Take No Prisoners

The Deadly Seven - Blood, Beauty and Bad Music - Awesome!

Kim Kardashian dances for the Pussycat Dolls

Had a few requests for this video, so here it is:

First stills from Make It Happen

MAKE IT HAPPEN is the uplifting story of how hard work and determination can make any dream come true.

Lauryn is a girl from small-town Indiana who moves to Chicago with dreams of entering the Chicago School of Music and Dance. But after rejection and a series of misfortunes she finds herself working in a burlesque club. The club proves to be a place of conflict and self-discovery, helping Lauryn to realize that even though plans may change, dreams never do.

From the writer of Save the Last Dance and Step Up and starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead (DEATH PROOF, DIE HARD 4.0) MAKE IT HAPPEN is the uplifting story of how hard work and determination can make any dream come true.

Wam Bam Club extravaganza

Be mesmerised by the siren of seduction Vicky Butterfly!

Howl at the hilarious Alan Francis!

Gasp at marvellously musical Zashiki Warashi!

Worship the legend that is Des O'Connor!

Marvel at the magnificent skill of Hula Boy!

**PLUS FREE burlesque classes before the show at 6pm and 6.30pm
sharp for all those wishing for a taster in the art of tease! **

And for afters, join us for dancing and merriment until the wee small hours.

Tickets £10 in advance through WamBamClub.com OR £16 on the door

Fri 29th Aug 2008 @ Soho Revue Bar, 7pm. SOHO REVUE BAR, 11 Walkers Court, London, W1F 0ED. sohorevuebar.com nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus.

Heres a tastes of what you can expect:

Eye To Eye: Burlesque Is Back

Dita Von Teese is one of the instigators of America's new burlesque revival. She tells CBS News Sunday Morning why the racy theatrical performances are back in public spotlight.

Newst Boston Babydoll's career is taking off

Dancing to the Blues Brothers’ “Peter Gunn Theme,” Cheri DeVille’s dream of being a burlesque dancer becomes a reality this Saturday night as she and the troupe, the Boston Babydolls, perform in Weymouth.

A 23-year-old waitress by day, Cheri DeVille isn’t her real name, it’s the stage name of her alter ego – a rockabilly race car girl. DeVille, who grew up in Hanson and Randolph, is the newest member of the Babydolls.

In the tradition of burlesque, a mix of vaudeville, satire and striptease, each of the Boston Babydolls will perform a different dance in character Saturday.

Each of the Babydolls has a stage name, like Honey Do or Betty Blaize, and stay in character, even for interviews with newspapers.

Says Mr. Scratch, who manages the troupe: “The characters we present on stage are who our audience is interested in. We’re trying to preserve some mystery and create a fun fantasy.”

Cheri’s is the race car girl act, which she said was inspired by one of her favorite burlesque stars, Dita Von Teese.

“The idea behind it is I’m going to be that girl that starts the race with a flag in the middle and the cars take off and go by next to me. I’ll be in a cutesy, red, pin-up-style strapless, puffs-out dress with red polka dots, cardigan sweater and white gloves. As I’m taking everything off, I’m turning into a bad girl,” Cheri said.

But unlike her idol Von Teese, who is known for her ’40s Betty Grable look and martini glass routine, DeVille’s look will be more ’50s. She’ll take off her red polka dot dress, but the baby doll bangs, colored tattoos, pouty red lips and high heels will stay on.

“I’m just really interested in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. I’m fascinated with everything about that time,” Cheri said.

Burlesque dancers don’t get fully undressed. Cheri said they wear pasties, garters, thigh-highs and underwear.

Being sexy with old-time glamour is the main attraction of being a Babydoll, Cheri said.

Burlesque troupes like the Boston Babydolls are more common in clubs these days, from San Francisco to Boston, club owners say. And the theater’s resurgence – its heyday in the U.S. was from 1870 to 1930 – has recently caught the eye of celebrities.

Sting and David Bowie are backing a proposed club called Forty Deuces in New York City. Cameron Diaz re-enacted Von Teese’s martini glass routine in the film, “Charlie’s Angels.”

“It’s (burlesque) not stripping. It’s its own kinds of dancing and I love the music. It brings that inner sex kitten out,” Cheri said.

Nick Silvestro, the owner of Weymouth’s Basta Bar, said he jumped at the chance to book the Boston Babydolls a few months ago and again on Saturday.

“They are a little risqué, but professional. There’s no nudity,” Silvestro said.

And since thongs and full nudity aren’t part of the Babydolls burlesque routine, Silvestro said Basta Bar doesn’t need an additional permit from the town.

Silvestro did run into trouble with the town this week, or at least the Weymouth police department. Officers said Silvestro called reporting a fight at the bar, then tried to get eight or 10 patrons to attack them. He was arrested for inciting a riot, appeared in court and a pre-trial conference is set for Sept. 3.

Silvestro said burlesque shows at Basta draw a diverse crowd, from those in their 20s to old-timers who remember Scollay Square and the Howard Theatre in Boston’s entertainment district, which used to have burlesque shows.

“The way they dress is old and that’s the way I like to dress,” Cheri said.

Like burlesque in its heyday, modern burlesque is known for its Marilyn Monroe-style figures – voluptuous.

“The girls are not these skinny, mini, perfect Playboy models. They’re real girls. It’s sexy,” Cheri said.

Cheri may have less experience than some of the other girls – cheerleading, tap and jazz is how she learned to dance – but she said she is eager to do her thing on stage.

“I might be a little camera shy, but you kind of act how the song goes. You want to play that role,” Cheri said.

Abbie Swanson may be reached at aswanson@ledger.com.
By ABBIE SWANSON

Brooke Hogan Burlesque? Meh,

In promotion of her new VH1 show, “Brooke Knows Best,” the daughter of Hulk Hogan tried her best at doing a Pussycat Dolls type burlesque show.

Yea, it wasn’t working too well at all.

The funniest part was dad was there to see it go down. The Sun says “Wearing a burlesque-style outfit, Brooke didn’t leave much to the imagination as her dad looked on from the VIP area alongside new girlfriend Jennifer McDaniel.”

I couldn't watch the whole thing...

Catherine D'lish Burlesque Video

Catherine D’lish is an American performance artist specializing in classical strip tease and burlesque. Elaborate costumes and decorative props are part of her show. She has been the headlining performer at multiple events in the genre including the 50th anniversary celebration of Playboy. Las Vegas shows were held at the Riviera, Stardust, Tropicana, Bally's, and Caesars Palace.

D'lish's titles include: Miss Nude USA, Miss Exotic America, Miss Erotic World, USA’s Best Shows, Worlds Performer of the Year, Miss Nude International, Miss Exotic World- ‘92 & 94, Showgirl of the Year, Burlesque Hall of Fame, World Duo Champion, and Miss Nude Redhead Universe.

Catherine D’lish is a friend of, and performs with, Dita von Teese, She was one of the 60 guests to attend long-time friend Dita's wedding to Marylin Manson on December 3, 2005, in a non-denominational ceremony in County Tipperary, Ireland.

Comedy, Magic, Music & Burlesque!

For those who like a little variety, The Wam Bam Club is a weird and wonderful comedy, magic, music and burlesque show held deep in the heart of London's Soho on the last Sunday of every month.

The Wam Bam Club presents Summer Lovin' on July 26

Be teased by the glamorous Indiana Belle!

Howl at the hilarious whippersnapper Jack Whitehall presenter on Big Brother's Big Mouth.

Be tickled by the marvellously musical Davis & McQuillian.

Be stunned by the bizarre spectacle of Missy Macabre.

Marvel at the dexterity of Matt Hennem and his floating balls!


PLUS Free burlesque classes before the show at 6pm sharp for all those wishing for a taster in the art of tease! **

And for afters, the DJ Earl of Ealing spins tunes until the wee small hours!
Tickets £10 in advance through WamBamClub.com OR £16 on the door.

SOHO REVUE BAR,
11 Walkers Court,
London, W1F 0ED

4th of July Burlesque Soirée at the Gore Hotel

We’re not sure if there’s going to be any American style fireworks display at the Gore Hotel this Friday but if you’re looking to add some bang to your 4th of July, consider the Gore’s Burlesque Soirée with Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys.

The Soirée will take place from 8pm until 1am, with performances at intervals between 9.30 and midnight. Costumes will be provided by vintage lingerie specialist “What Katie Did”, and music comes courtesy of DJ El Nino, who will entertain guests with a mix of Burlesque-inspired tunes. Burlesque attire is not essential, but strongly encouraged, so expect to see a flurry of satin gloves, corsets, pillar box hats, powdered noses and red lips. The Gore's Bar 190 will serve three specially created cocktails, named after Hurly Burly’s performers – the “Miss Polly Rae”, the “Betsy Bon Bon”, and the “Miss Laurie Hagen”. Guests will also be able to enjoy Moët’s seductive Rosé Impérial Pink Champagne.

The Gore’s Supper Club will be open for dinner during the show and will include entry charge, a cocktail, three courses and coffee at £39 per person (otherwise £10 will get you in the door with one complimentary cocktail in hand). Supper Club guests will be able to enjoy Hurly Burly’s show at their table.

Burlesque Soirée, Friday 4 July 2008, 8pm – 1am at Bar 190, The Gore Hotel, 190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington SW7
Photograph of Miss Polly Rae courtesy of the Gore Hotel.
By Chris Osburn

Miss Polly Rae & The Hurly Burly Girls Perform Fever:

Burlesque Club to Host 8 Hour Show

THE world's biggest burlesque club will be performing an eight-hour show at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Club Noir, which features glamorous striptease artists and vaudeville acts, has been described as the "UK's best burlesque night". They have already performed at T in the Park.

They will be performing in front of a crowd of 1500 at the centre on Saturday 16 August. The acts will include Chelsea Dagger, who inspired the Fratellis' hit song, tassel-twirling identical twins and the glamorous Afro Disiac from Ghana.

The audience will be welcomed by hostesses and cigarette girls wearing retro outfits, while DJs will play an eclectic mix of vintage and modern music.

Here is the Fratellis video clip featuring Chelsea Dagger:

Hot Burlesque Performance Videos

Lola Bel Aire performs her latest routine, Regrets


Nina Arsenault performed a burlesque rendition of Madonna's Erotica


Ms Pason's School Girl Performance


Lily La Rue Fan Dance

Vintage Burlesque Video: Trapeze Performance

1901
Camera is positioned as if in the audience at a vaudeville or burlesque
show. Two men with long hair and beards in rough clothing appear to be
eating and talking in a box on the left as a female aerialist sits on a
trapeze over the stage and its painted backdrop of trees. Fully dressed
in street clothing, the trapezist removes her jacket and hat before
performing a flip. She stands to remove her skirt and then sits back
down on the bar as she takes off her corset and throws it to the
country bumpkins in the box, who fight over the undergarment. The
trapezist continues to disrobe, removing her shoes, stockings, and
garters, again throwing the latter to the men, and then seemingly hangs
upside down (with her feet anchored off-camera) as she slips off her
petticoat. Thus clad only in tights, trunks, and a camisole, the woman
performs her trapeze act to the increasingly excited men.

Horror Burlesque!

Sure it may not be everyones cup of tea (hell it may even be borderline fetish performance), but it's good to see a 'different' show every now and then! Rock 'n' Roll princess of burlesque Roxy Velvet intruduces us to her show "Open Heart Syrgery", A twisted tale full of gore and sexyness!

Starting Out in Burlesque Video

Current TV recently produced a piece about Burlesque in Rome that I thought you would appreciate. It follows two women who anxiously decide to participate in a burlesque workshop.

While the very beginning is in Italian, the majority is English. To help these women open-up, the instructor sets the stage and teaches them how to create an identify for themselves as performers, starting with a costume and coining a stage name, to being able to embody any desirable persona: "Burlesque is glamorous, comedy, parody, irony, fantasy..."