Not Unexpected

Dear Constant Reader,

The notifications for performing at the Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend* (aka BHoF) went out yesterday. I applied this year because Legs Malone, a performer I like and respect a lot, saw my act at the New York Burlesque Festival and challenged me to submit it.

I was not accepted.

I’m in excellent company. A lot of performers who I think are amazing also didn’t make it in this year.

Am I disappointed? Well, a little. Rejections always suck. However, I knew it was a long shot — there were something like 500 applications this year. And I knew it would be a challenge to get that act to Las Vegas — I can’t exactly put Super Screen in my suitcase — so I’m a tiny bit relieved too.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll try again next year. Or maybe I won’t. There are always possibilities.

M2*It used to be known as the Miss Exotic World pageant and is basically the World Series of Burlesque. Some of the finest performers in burlesque have taken home the crown. On the other hand, some of the finest performers in burlesque have never performed there.

Published in: on 30 March 2015 at 2:36 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Continuous Improvement

Dear Constant Reader,

The other day, Scratch wrote the following on Facebook, and I just had to share with you. I think it’s thought provoking and hope it might start a little conversation. Obviously he’s writing about burlesque, but you can apply this to any performing art.

***
I read yet another performer gushing “Burlesque is great! Anyone can do it!”. Well, that’s true — anyone can write a poem, play the guitar, throw a baseball, or draw a flower. The question is, do you want to be good at it?

Being good at burlesque is constantly learning and training — sometimes burlesque classes, but many times learning other skills that you bring back to burlesque. Being good at burlesque is not taking an introductory class or two, doing your first (or even second) performance, and thinking you know it all.

It’s learning all the time from everything and at every opportunity. It’s watching video clips and movies of modern and classic performers… and yourself — to see what you can glean from that. It’s heading to museums to pull inspiration for costumes and acts. It’s getting outside of your comfort zone and outside your city to see how you stack up against performers in other parts of the world. It’s honestly assessing both your strengths and weaknesses… and working on those weaknesses, even when you’d much rather be playing to your strengths.

It’s not listening to your friends when they tell you you’re great — and, instead, trying to actually be great. You probably won’t achieve greatness, so few people do, but if you live your life as a performer in the middle of a mutual congratulations society, you’ll never get anywhere significant… and worse, you’ll think you have.
***

What do you think? How do you improve your art?

M2

Published in: on 9 March 2015 at 2:31 pm  Comments (1)  
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Expo 2015: Prologue

Dear Constant Reader,

This was without a doubt the most challenging Expo since the first one.

Even if you’re not from the Northeast, you’ve probably heard of the crippling snowstorms that have hit Boston. As of today I think we’ve gotten about a hundred inches of snow and almost no thaw. There have been parking bans, collapsed roofs, total shutdown of public transit, giant icicles destroying cars, nowhere to put the snow — it’s a mess.

Trying to get tech gear from the various storage units to the hotel in the snow and bitter cold was a nightmare. No fewer than 2 dozen performers canceled. Some of our mainstay staff members, like Linda B., Mr. Wrong, and Marek, couldn’t make it for various reasons (and none of them were happy about it). Volunteers were scarce. Ticket sales were down. The hotel was not always so helpful and sprung some surprise charges.

And yet, we pulled it off again. And people seemed to have a really good time, despite the weather.

As predicted, the event lost quite a bit of money, but Scratch is doing it again next year, for the 10th time. He’s got all sorts of ideas to make it even more special. If you had a good time this year, if you want to come next year, please consider donating a little to the Expo fundraising efforts. Just a few bucks can add up, but if you’re a high-roller, there’s a special one-of-a-kind reward from Blaze & Red Rose Regalia.

Thanks for your indulgence and I’ll start my blow by blow report soon!

M2

Published in: on 25 February 2015 at 11:40 am  Leave a Comment  
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The Great Burlesque Exposition of 2015

Dear Constant Reader,

Just in case you missed me saying so forty thousand times, this past weekend was The Great Burlesque Exposition of 2015. I’m exhausted, sore, and generally brain-dead, so I’m afraid if I start thanking people now, I’ll forget someone vital and feel terrible. As I report on the weekend in my next several missives, you’ll see me call out a lot of fabulous people who made The Expo the wonderful event that it is. But there are a few who I personally owe a debt of gratitude above and beyond:

Diamond DeVille for doing absolutely anything and everything from working backstage to teaching to cutting my hair. And doing it so cheerfully and eagerly.

Betty Blaize for making the website happen. You guys have no idea how hard Betty has been working for the past year. Pretty much as soon as last year’s Expo ended, she and her team began creating a brand new site, through which *everything* can be done. During that year she’s had major crises in both her professional and personal life, but she never stopped coding. And then when The Expo came around, she spent most of it trapped behind the Registration Desk because we were short on volunteers.

Chef Robert Daugherty at the Hyatt for creating the wonderful treats at my Tea Party and all the other catered events.

And of course, Scratch, without whom none of this would be possible.

M2

Published in: on 24 February 2015 at 11:35 am  Leave a Comment  
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Snow. What else is there?

Dear Constant Reader,

Since you last heard from me, Bumps upon a Grind had its last show on Valentine’s Day, as planned, but The Mardi Gras Ball was postponed until March. As for the current state of Boston, go watch this video and add two more feet of snow to those images. It’s beyond horrible.

Fortunately, this weekend is The Great Burlesque Exposition. Hopefully enough people will be willing to venture out of their snug home and come on out for some fabulous burlesque, classes, and shopping. I hope so, because I want there to be an Expo next year too… You can help make that happen!

While I am eagerly anticipating all the shows, The Newcomers’ Showcase on Sunday has a special place in my heart. Many of my students are making their Expo debut and I can’t wait to see them strut their stuff!

M2

Published in: on 18 February 2015 at 3:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

Support the Great Burlesque Exposition

Dear Constant Reader,

This has been a brutal winter in the Boston area. We’ve gotten more snow than I am tall with no end in sight. People are staying in, mostly because they can’t get out! And that’s really hurting The Great Burlesque Exposition. The event is going to be running in the red this year — and next year is supposed to be a super-special, extra-glorious, 10th anniversary event. But it can’t happen if the coffers are totally empty.

For the first time in its nine-year history, The Expo is running a fund-raiser.

Watch the clever video.

Read all about it.

Then, please donate. It doesn’t have to be much. Little gifts add up. If you can’t give something, please spread the word.

Thank you. This is a fabulous event and the burlesque world would be much diminished without it.

M2

Published in: on 11 February 2015 at 9:38 am  Leave a Comment  
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A Recommendation

Dear Constant Reader,

The holidays are fast approaching and there’s a burlesque performer in your life. What little gifts can you give her to show you care? Red Snapper can help you out! Check out her Showgirl Stocking Stuffers on Facebook.

M2

Published in: on 22 December 2014 at 11:21 am  Leave a Comment  
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What Do You Want?

Dear Constant Reader,

I know you’ll read whatever I write, you’re Constant Reader, after all, but I’d prefer to write what you want to read. So here’s my occasional request for input. What do you want from me?

Costuming? Adventures with vintage recipes? Book reviews? Give aways? Back stage peeks? Rehearsal reports? Something I’ve never written about before?

Give me some ideas and I’ll do my best to satisfy you, because without my Constant Reader, I’m just sending missives into the void.

M2

Published in: on 10 December 2014 at 10:53 am  Leave a Comment  

I’m Back

Dear Constant Reader,

We’re back from our little trip to sunny Los Angeles (and it was). We had a wonderful time and I’ll tell you all about it after Thanksgiving.

Oh, and Lili VonSchtupp is the best!

M2

Published in: on 26 November 2014 at 2:37 pm  Leave a Comment  

Thank You

Dear Constant Reader,

Today we honor those who served our country. I was thinking about those I knew that had done so — friends, family members, acquaintances, &c — and the list kept getting longer, so I won’t try to name everyone here for fear of forgetting someone.

To all those who have worn the uniform, thank you.

And to those loved ones who remained at home to support, care, and fear, your contribution was no less. Thank you.

M2

Published in: on 11 November 2014 at 1:11 pm  Leave a Comment  
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