Gift Giving

Dear Constant Reader,

The winter gift giving occasion of your choice is almost upon us. May I suggest a few ideas for those gifts to give?

The obvious answer is a class at The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education! Just send me an email and I can prepare a lovely gift certificate for one of our class series or even a private lesson.

If you’re a hands-on sort, consider taking our Fabulous Fascinators workshop and learn to make 2 beautiful hair ornaments, suitable for gifting (or keeping). Register right now — the workshop is tomorrow!

For a little something to get you in the holiday spirit, how about Naked Girls Reading: A Christmas Carol this Saturday? There are only about a dozen tickets left for this intimate event.

It’s never to early to think about Valentine’s Day. If you buy tickets now for Unlucky in Love, the Boston Babydolls’ next show, and use the code xmas you can get $20 tickets for half price.

But enough self-serving suggestions…

Personally, I feel the best present is a good book. I’m fortunate to count amongst my friends several talented authors. Please take a look at the Supporters section of the Boston Babydolls Library and consider one of the books (and ebooks) there. There’s science fiction, fantasy (of the sorcery variety), fantasy (of the erotic variety), true crime, history, paranormal romance, and at least one that defies categorizing. Something for everyone on your list!

Published in: on 12 December 2011 at 9:58 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

Friday Tip! (and a little more)

Dear Constant Reader,

I am so sorry not to be keeping up with actual content here. Between a lovely trip to sunny Mexico (you may all be jealous now) and then falling ill (now you may be smug), I’ve not found it possible to take pen in hand. I’m working on a couple more book reviews and maybe I’ll show a few pictures from my trip. In the meant time, here’s today’s tip:

If you’re concerned about dropping your costume on the floor, arrange for a “catcher” to stand in the wings or at the side of the stage and toss her your costume bits.

Published in: on 9 December 2011 at 9:42 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags:

Friday Tip!

Dear Constant Reader,

When buying bras for burlesque performance, it’s helpful to wear pasties, particularly the pasties you’re planning to wear for the number, in the dressing room. They could change how the bra fits and you can see if the pastie is going to peek out.

Published in: on 2 December 2011 at 11:00 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags:

Friday Tip!

Dear Constant Reader,

When removing a pair of something, take off the second item in a different way from the first. Surprise the audience.

Published in: on 25 November 2011 at 11:00 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags:

Friday Tip!

Dear Constant Reader,

Today’s tip comes from legendary coach, Vince Lombardi.

Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.

Now, Coach Lombardi was talking about football, but it certainly applies to burlesque (and lots of other stuff too). As you practice your routines, you’re building muscle memory. If you’re distracted or sloppy you’re going to be building bad habits too. Don’t just go through the motions when you’re rehearsing; really focus. Check your form, consider your facial expressions, wear the right shoes, &c.

Conversely, if you’re having a really bad day and nothing is working, recognize that and give it a rest for a little bit. You’re better off just dancing for fun for a while than beating your head against a proverbial wall. When you feel relaxed and focused, come on back and have a perfect practice.

Published in: on 18 November 2011 at 11:26 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: ,

Friday Tip!

Dear Constant Reader,

Today’s tip comes from Betty Blaize.

You can’t overestimate the impact of an eyelash curler for making your eyes look bigger. When the lash is framing your eye, not covering your eye, the impact is enormous.

Published in: on 11 November 2011 at 4:02 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: ,

Friday Tip!

Dear Constant Reader,

This week’s tip is inspired by a class on chair dance I’m teaching to the more advanced students at B.A.B.E.

When using a chair in your routine, bring your own chair to the venue. Do not expect the venue to have a chair you can use. You might need a straight-back chair and end up with a barstool, a swiveling office chair, or something broken.

And it’s always nice to perform with a chair that you’ve rehearsed with, so you know all its quirks.

P.S. Voting for the Weekly Dig’s “Dig This” awards ends tonight! You can vote as often as you like. Please vote for the Boston Babydolls for “Best Burlesque”!

Published in: on 4 November 2011 at 10:35 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: ,

Friday Tip

Dear Constant Reader,

Today’s tip is for all those novice twirlers out there.

Practice tassel twirling with a mirror. If you look down to see how you’re doing, you’ll change your posture and most likely lose your twirl.

Published in: on 21 October 2011 at 11:31 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags:

Friday tip

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday! Time for a tip!

Clean hair is hard to style. If you don’t wash your hair for at least a day before your big ‘do, it behaves much better.

Published in: on 14 October 2011 at 2:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: ,

Friday tip

Dear Constant Reader,

Today’s tip is inspired by something I noticed during the open dress rehearsal of The Wrathskellar last night.

Always cut the tags out of store-bought costume elements. Nothing turns you from glamorous burlesque queen to Minnie Pearl in an instant like the sight of a white tag sticking up out of your undies.

Published in: on 7 October 2011 at 2:19 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags:
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »