Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

Although my whole reason for being in Toronto was to attend Costume-Con, I was hoping to perform as well. Scratch connected me to Esther De Ville who booked me into Fionna Flaunit’s show Bosoms and Blossoms at the Oasis Aqualounge. I was delighted to see that I knew two of the other performers, Cerise Noir and Ava Noir (no relation), both of whom I had met at the Expo (from which I also knew Esther & Fionna).

I’ll admit that I was nervous about traveling in an unfamiliar city by public transportation for a late-night gig. Fortunately, Cerise was willing to be my native guide. Although it was a long trek for me (2 buses and 2 subways) the TTC is pretty easy to navigate and most of the subway trip was with my native guide.

We arrived a couple hours before call and had a drink and relaxed in the hot tub with Fionna. The club is very nice, with an outdoor pool, a sauna, and the hot tub. Early on I was introduced to a distingushed-looking gentleman who said “I have the perfect thing for you.” Fionna explained that he was a regular who would bring a big suitcase full of lingerie and hand it out to the ladies. He’s usually dead accurate on size and style. More on that later.

When it was actually time to get ready, we headed up to the 4th floor. I am a veteran of changing in bathrooms, closets, and other inadequate spaces, so I was delighted to enter our dressing room. We had a private, secure space with our own bathroom and several mirrors lining the well-lit hallway. By then Ava and GiGi had arrived, but there was plenty of room for everyone.

In honor of the floral motif for the show, Esther had asked me to do “By Any Other Name”, my rose-themed act. Unfortunately, I discovered that I had left my ribbon corset back at my hotel. Since it doesn’t come off and is just pretty, if I had to forget part of my costume, this was the best item.

The performance was on the small dance floor, next to the bar. By show time, people were crowding in on three sides. We all lined up on the stairs for our entrance. Unfortunately that meant I couldn’t see Ava’s fan dance to a Goldfrapp song. Next up was Cerise doing a slinky number with a chair to “House of the Rising Sun”. Then GiGi performed a classic-style act with a cherry blossom-theme and pink silk veil fans. And I closed out the show.

The performance area was small and there was a pole in the center, but it turned out to be less of a hindrance than I feared. Fionna was right there as a catcher, grabbing each garment as I removed it, so I didn’t have to worry about cluttering up my dance space. The audience was very enthusiastic, and even more so when I began plucking my rose petals. By the way, thanks to the Babydolls for all the feedback in rehearsal — it really improved the number.

After our little show, we made some vague noises about going in the pool, but had a drink instead and went to collect our gifts. Mine was a one-shouldered bustier decorated with cloth roses wandering from one hip up to the shoulder. And yes, it fit just right. He’s got a good eye. No photo because cameras are forbidden in the club. Wait a sec… Hey, look, I found one just like it on-line! I’ll probably bling it up and use it in an act.

Before it got too late, Cerise, Fionna, and I got on the subway. Unlike Boston (or unlike Boston used to be), the public transit runs pretty late. And the bus to the airport runs all night. I even caught a break when the nice bus driver was willing to make an unofficial stop and drop me a couple of blocks from my hotel, so I didn’t have to go all the way to the airport and wait for the hotel shuttle.

It was a lot of fun and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to perform. It was terrific to see those ladies again (and meet GiGi). I hope next time I’m in Toronto to get to see a little more of the city (Cerise was playing tour guide as best she could on the subway: “Now we’re under Chinatown…”). Thank you everyone for making me feel so welcome!