Burlesque?

Mindy4pole started this discussion · 4/15/2010

Hey guys -- I just watched a documentary on NetFlix called "A Wink and a Smile: The Art of Burlesque". It was so fun! I've seen burlesque related stuff, but just on the edge of my awareness. Watching the movie made me want to create a character. SO FUN! I'm off to do research, but does anyone have any info about burlesque? Especially anyone who performs. Anybody know about pole burlesque routines? Advice on costuming, etc... Anything, really! Thanks! Mindy

9 replies

Layla Duvay · 4/15/2010
I LOVE that movie!!! 🥂 It's really inspiring. I had no idea that there were male dancers out there. My whole act as an exotic dancer gravitated toward burlesque moves and I got to work with some amazing women like Kitten Natividad and Chesty Morgan, Ruby the fire artist and Gwendolyn who was a juggling, clowning stripper. There are so many ways to do it!!! Pick something that inspires you whether it's music, costuming, a theme, a prop (hats and fans were always my favourites) and turn it into a tease--with a pole (see my Feb. challenge, although there's not a lot of pole in it, lol)!!! Look up other b-dancers on youtube, or maybe find a local troupe. There's a convention in Toronto every year (July 23 or so) and I'm SO going this year!!! I found out about it too late last year. Bust magazine often has links to b-conventions and the like, so keep checking there, and Dirty Dolls Lingerie. Happy researching!!! 😀
polergirl · 4/15/2010
I love that film! It was so interesting to watch the women and their various transformations, successes, and losses. As a longtime fan of burlesque, I am super super super excited because I'm taking a burlesque workshop next month. Hooray!
anngiern · 4/15/2010
there is a burlesque festival in september in new orleans. here is the link http://www.neworleansburlesquefest.com i might be going...just waiting for them to put up a schedule of workshops.
verucablue · 4/15/2010
Look up harkstone1 's channel on You Tube...there a lot of videos from Gravity Plays Favorites a duo pole dancing team... they are very burlesque oriented and GREAT FUN!!! Here is a video of them performing "Red Right Hand" at the St. Louis Burlesque Showcase, June 13, 2008 at Off Broadway in St. Louis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbrYb3gKFrg&feature=related Here are my other fav vids of them but there are soooooooo many lol... they also open up for the Dresden Dolls a lot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPH7LxrQYqU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH3518UGXOo&feature=related and...2nd St. Louis Burlesque Review. Katrina Dohl and Michelle Mynx dance to a Grease medley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQF1GHkz4tY&feature=related
Poler1984 · 4/16/2010
For those of you in Dayton Ohio area there is a burlesque show going on Sat April 24th at a local dance studio. Michelle L'amore stars in the show and they also have some classes you can take in the afternoon! I am taking a burlesque fan class that Michelle is teaching it will be fun!! here's the link if youre interested: http://kirasoasis.com/events/vip8.html I went last November and it was really fun to watch!
horsecrazy12987 · 4/18/2010
I love burlesque! It looks like so much fun. I know there are a few instructional DVD's on Amazon, if you do a search on burlesque in the movies section. I can't remember what they're called, but if I recall correctly, they got pretty good reviews. I am thinking of maybe eventually picking one up.
coco_coquette · 4/19/2010
The most important thing in Burlesque is to figure out what makes you feel sexy, and to HAVE FUN. Burlesque comes from the vaudeville tradition, so it has its origins in comedy. I teach Burlesque in Portland, OR, and the thing I emphasize most is to develop a persona, and to remember to have a sense of humor about yourself, sex, and life. xoxo, Coco
velvetvixen · 4/21/2010
Hey cricket. I sent you a PM about the Dayton show. Maybe we could meet up. 🙂
Mindy4pole · 4/23/2010
I just found out that a local studio is doing pole burlesque classes! I used to take pole classes from the girl teaching it, and I loooooove the way she moves. She was an almost-pro ballet dancer, so has that quality of movement that comes only after many years of hard work. Now... if only I can find a way to pay for it... I have the vision of me, on a street corner, in tassels, shimmying for pocket change. 😂 Mindy