Dita Von Teese talks about her burlesque style.
19
Jul 09
Crackdown on Burlesque clubs
Is Burlesque performance art or just glorified stripping?
In the UK a proposed Policing and Crime Bill could see burlesque categorised as sexual entertainment. Many burlesque clubs are already coming under pressure to apply for sexual entertainment licenses.
A clan of scantily-clad saucepots are planning a march on London’s Camden Town Hall at the end of the monthin protest ta the new ruling. Nipple tassles will be twirled in protest against the Council’s decision in April to require any venue offering a burlesque show to apply for the Sexual Encouter Entertainment Licence, which is normally the purview of peeler bars and lapdance clubs. The peaceful protest is being organised by the Burlesque Women’s Institute, who say that Camden are effectively trying to ban a practice they don’t even understand, though their description of burlesque as “theatrical satire” might be stretching credibility a little. The Council claim they are only following national guidelines. The protest takes place on 30th July.
So what do you think ? Is burlesque art or just stripping?
15
Jul 09
Dita Von Teese LA Show
Dita Von Teese is to perform An Evening With Dita Von Teese at the Avalon in Los Angeles on July 22nd.
Dita Von Teese
11
Jul 09
Carmen Electra Burlesque Show
Carmen Electra wowed a Las Vegas crowd this week when she performed as the guest of honour at the Crazy Horse Paris show at the MGM Grand. She said she had always wanted to appear in a Las Vegas show.
Carmen Electra in Burlesque Show
30
Jun 09
Christina Aguilera – Burlesque Movie
Christina Aguilera is set to make her big-screen debut in an upcoming musical called “Burlesque.” according to the LA Times.
The story? Small-town gal moves to the big city of Los Angeles and finds work at a burlesque club. Meaning Christina will get to sing and dance in the flick too. Linked to the project are writer-director Steven Antin and producer Donald De Line.
29
Jun 09
Burlesque Style – Miss Polly Rae
MISS POLLY RAE
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- miss polly rae burlesque performer
Miss Polly Rae on burlesque style
Hair
“There’s an art to doing retro styles. To create classic 1940s victory rolls (below left), first put your hair in pin curls and leave to set. Backcomb to make the hair more malleable, then use a bristle brush to smooth it out. Twist the hair around the fingers, curling inwards, back towards the head. Pin with kirby grips, then spray with Elnett.
My hair is quite limp, so I have clip-in extensions that I dye to match my natural colour.
Make-up
I go for the typical 1940s look: pale, flawless skin, strong eyebrows, eye shadow in the creases of my eyes, thick black liner, layer upon layer of mascara, bright red lipstick and the token beauty spot.
It’s always got to be red lipstick. I’ve just found a new one, Mac’s Lasting Lust, a true red. This is the only one that doesn’t come off.
You’re not complete without strong eyebrows. Pencil them in with Mac eyebrow pencil in Strut.
I use Stargazer, the classic stage lashes. I had to hunt them down, but now they are everywhere.
To add sparkle, I apply an iridescent Mac shimmer powder on my body, and touch it up during intervals.
Miss Polly Rae is at Leicester Square Theatre, WC2, every Friday
29
Jun 09
Agent Lynch
Gorgeous photo by Swedish photographer Elsa Quarsell of British burlesque performer Agent Lynch
29
Jun 09
The History of Burlesque
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Burlesque is now known as a form of striptease, but originally it didn’t have any stripping at all. The Beginnings: BritainBurlesque has its origins in 19th century British music halls, where the term referred to a theatrical entertainment of a satirical comic bent. Beginning in the 1840s, burlesque comedy skits entertained the lower and middle classes by making fun of (or “burlesquing”) the operas, plays and social habits of the upper classes. In the 1860s shapely, underdressed women were introduced to keep audiences interested. In the Victorian age, when proper women went to great lengths to hide their physical form beneath bustles, hoops and frills, the idea of young ladies appearing onstage in tights was a great thrill. 1860s: Exported to America Brit Lydia Thompson was burlesque’s first star and was instrumental in exporting burlesque to America. In the late 1860s her burlesque troupe – the “British Blondes” – became New York’s biggest theatrical sensation. Their first hit was Ixion, a mythological spoof that had women in revealing tights playing men’s roles. Underdressed women playing sexual aggressors, combining good looks with impertinent comedy – in a production written and managed by a woman, unthinkable! No wonder men and adventurous wives turned out in droves, making Thompson’s troupe the hottest ticket in American show business. Her first New York season grossed over $370,000. read more on the history of burlesque here |