Dear Constant Reader,
We’re down to the final weeks! It’s your last chance to vote for The Boston Babydolls for “Best Theatre Group” and B.A.B.E. for “Best Dance Classes“!
The Sewing Room* at Stately Babydoll Manor has been pretty busy of late! We’re bringing a practically new act to The Ohio Burlesque Festival and It’s needed a lot of work. I say practically because we have performed it before, but all that remains is the music and the concept. Now it has twice as many dancers, completely new choreography, and new costumes.
And it’s those costumes that have been filling my hours. Fortunately, the new dresses:
were made by Marion at Vixens Ahoy. And I’m terribly grateful, especially since I know how little she likes to work in satin.
My job was to add the snap closures. Then move and resew the snaps. Add reenforcement and resew the snaps. Move the snaps again. For some reason, despite carefully fitting, we’ve been unable to get the placement just right. I think we’ve got it now.
And I was volunteered to make the belts. I’ll just say that for such a simple thing, there was more cursing than one expected. Let’s leave it at that. They just need snaps (let’s see if I can get this one right) and faux buckles.
And I’m making 2 of the bras. Betty’s got the other 2. There’s probably going to be a lot of hand-work on the drive to Johnstown this weekend.
Related to the show this weekend, in Pittsburgh, we sold almost all of our stock of pasties, so more of those is on the list as well. Yes, I hand-make all the pasties we sell.
* Actually I do most of my hand sewing on the day bed in the media room. It’s air conditioned in there, I can watch old episodes of The X-Files, and there’s a large white cat.
Peril S. Curves started things off with a little Star Spangled Burlesque. I hate to spoil surprises, but the joke is too good. Peril’s pasties have pinwheels on them. She used to use an electric fan to make them twirl, but it was too complicated and prone to technical difficulties. So, she asked Sarah and our stage kitten to provide the breeze. As Sarah said, it wasn’t the first time someone asked her to blow them at a show. But it was the first time she said yes!
Sari Kalin presented a little Porch-i-oke. What’s that you ask? It’s a sing-a-long lead by Sari on her accordion. A couple of audience members volunteered for enthusiastic participation on stage, wearing large signs that designated their purpose, like “RING” for the one with the cowbell. And everyone sang “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” with the help of their handy lyric sheets.
Fonda Feeling brought some Game of Thrones-themed burlesque. I’m afraid I can’t comment more that that as I’m woefully ignorant on the topic (I know, I know, I’m probably the only person who isn’t reading the books or watching the show). Just enjoy the picture.
Baseema performed a bellydance with zills (that’s the Turkish name for finger cymbals. Consider the day lost in which you learn nothing.) We’re awfully glad she could join us when the previously scheduled bellydancer was injured. I was backstage getting ready, so I sadly didn’t get to see her dance.
Kitty Drexel opened the second set by singing “
Fonda Feeling‘s real love is circus burlesque. As well as stripping, she also performed acts of balance and flexibility that were quite astonishing. It’s even more awe-inspiring when you know that (as she puts it) 3 years ago she couldn’t touch her toes. The music was 
Sarah Blodgett, comedy’s Funny Honey, gave us a little taste of her stand-up act.
Vikki Likkerish presented her signature Muff ‘n’ Mix act in honor of her birthday, just days before.
Baseema stunned the crowd by dancing with two swords. I’ve seen a lot of bellydancers use a sword before, but Baseema’s dance just took my breath away. Her skill with manipulating those swords so powerfully and yet gracefully was simply incredible.
Peril S. Curves opened the final set with a debut act! She came out looking just like Barbie. Do you know what Barbie looks like after you take her dress off? Yes, that’s exactly how Peril appeared! Then she removed that layer… I’m not going to spoil this one because it’s brand-new, but you have never seen Barbie look that way!
Kitty Drexel returned to sing “
Vikki Likkerish also presented a new act. It was an etherial striptease with layers of pink chiffon to a version of “Addicted to Love”.
Sari Kalin brought back Porch-i-oke with “Love is the Drug”.
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 
