Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!
Metal garter clips work better than plastic ones.
It’s worth it to invest in a higher quality garter belt with metal clips. Metal clips are easier to fasten and unfasten, they stay clipped to your stockings more securely, and they last longer. You can also buy separate clips, on straps or not, if you want to replace the ones you have.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Another book review from the archives! I originally wrote this review years ago on another platform. I should get back to my current books to review, but this was low-hanging fruit, so to speak.
Always Something Doing: Boston’s Infamous Scollay Square by David Kruh (1999).
Boston has a reputation (rightly so) for being full of Puritans and blue-noses. And, right in the heart of the city was a hotbed of low past-times and pursuits. Always Something Doing (the motto of the Old Howard) is a history of Scollay Square from its very beginnings to the 20th century. Although the square as a location existed before the American Revolution, it didn’t get its famous name until 1838. The Charlestown trolley line that stopped in front of the Scollay’s Building had been using that as the unofficial name of the area.
Although Scollay Square is remembered for seedy entertainment (think of it as the Times Square of Boston), it was a respectable and ritzy area until the mid-19th century when the Brahmans fled for the newly created Back Bay and the Square became more commercial and affordable for the majority of Bostonians, including the influx of Irish immigrants. Besides being a major shopping district, it was full of restaurants and entertainment, including the famed Howard Atheneum. Despite hosting the first American performance of Giselle and other highbrow performances, by the end of the Civil War the Old Howard was presenting more popular entertainment at lower ticket prices.
By the 1920’s Scollay Square was well known as a haven for burlesque. Many of the biggest names, including Ann Corio and Georgia Sothern, played the Old Howard and Sally Keith, tassel twirling queen, was a standard at the Crawford House. Boston had such a great history of burlesque and I’m proud to be a part of that now.
But there’s more than just burlesque to Scollay Square. The book is full of vintage photographs and anecdotes from those who remember the Square well. I was particularly amused by the poor sailor who woke up after a drunken night in the Square to discover a pink elephant tattooed on his butt. Boston has never had another haven for sailors since the Square was demolished.
Scollay Square fell pray to urban renewal when it and the entire West End of Boston were razed in the early 1960’s to make way for the new City Hall and other government buildings. This plan had the side effect of creating the much deplored Combat Zone.
It’s clear the author’s sympathies are with the long-gone lively, sleazy neighborhood of cheap eats, burlesque theatres, tattoo parlors, and photo studios, than with the stark, soulless Government Center that replaced it.
Dear Constant Reader,
January
I perform at The Teaseday Club after a long haitus. Stella announces that she’s been cast in a production of The Addams Family and it’s time for her to return to her first love, musical theatre. Most of the month is devoted to getting my little book published.
February
There is, of course, The Expo, where once again I perform, teach, host, and generally help out. Scratch moves me to tears by presenting me with a award for 10 years of service.
We perform R & J: A Shakespearean Burlesque for Valentine’s Day. It’s silly fun.
Scratch & I go to Los Angeles to celebrate my birthday where we perform at Peepshow Menagerie and Monday Night Tease (a long-standing dream of mine)
We perform at a birthday party.
March
We throw a “we survived February” party. I try Bazuka Joe’s “Nose to the Rhinestone” challenge. I also try doing Kristina Nekya’s splits stretches for a month.
April
I come back from a Caribbean cruise and come down with bronchitis. We go to see Stella in The Addams Family.
May
I perform at the B.A.B.E. Spring Spectacular Showcase alongside my students & instructors and host part of the show.
June
Scratch & I head to Chicago. We teach at The Windy City Burlesque Festival and see Michelle L’amour’s Big Sexy Show. Evie heads off to tour Asia for two months before moving to New York.
August
We take over The Teaseday Club with BeauTeaseday. It’s the last time I perform at The Rockwell. We do a private show for a fraternal organization. I realize this is as close to a classic smoker as I’m likely to get. The fabulous Lili VonSchtupp comes to visit. A movie is being filmed practically in the backyard of The Manor. I decided not to renew my lease at B.A.B.E.’s current location.
October
We start off with a geeky bachelor party. We have back-to-back gigs at RuffleCon and Another Anime Convention. Wrathskellar Tales opens. It’s probably the hardest show we’ve ever done.
Brigitte decides she needs a break and goes on hiatus. Pearl is made an official member of the troupe.
November
I perform in and host the B.A.B.E. Autumn Student Showcase, held in the bar at The Thalia. I cry a lot at the election results and then go to BurlyCon, where I teach 3 classes and have a book signing.
We invite 5 interns to join us.
December
I move B.A.B.E out of its home for the last six years and into the Rehearsal Hall at The Thalia.
The BeauTease end the year with our own New years Eve show, but also an appearance at Jazz from the Ashes, a huge party from Aeronaut Brewing and Brooklyn Boulders.
16 shows (27 performances), taught at 3 burlesque events, hosted 3 shows. Onward, upward.
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday. Here’s your tip:
You are allowed to take up space.
Women are often told both subtly and overtly to minimize ourselves, not to take up too much space, not too be too loud or too shrill. You can see the influence in some women’s posture — holding their limbs close to their bodies, hunching, slouching, slumping, contracting, trying to be small, to be invisible.
You can be big. You may be big. Take up your fair share of space.
As performers, especially as burlesque performers, we have an obligation to be expansive. Use the whole stage. Make your facial expressions big so they read in the back row. Make your gestures broad so there is no doubt about your intention. If you sing or speak, be loud and clear so you will be heard and understood. Let your emotions be seen by the entire audience.
Be splashy, be flashy, be whatever you want, but claim your space and use it. Bring your heart forward and stop hunching. Stand tall and proud without slouching.
It’s your space. Take it. Use it. Revel in it.
I’ll see many of you tomorrow.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
This past weekend I attended Arisia, a local science fiction convention with a wide range of interests. For example, I spoke on three panels: on historical accuracy in costuming, on the tv show Person of Interest, and on tea (yes, tea. There was also a panel on cocktails). It’s an exhausting weekend with tons to do, like gaming, shopping, a charity auction (with associated poker tournament), music, art, historic dances, movie screenings, a geeky bellydance show, &c. And, my favorite part, amazing costumes everywhere.
But I wanted to tell you about a couple of moments I enjoyed that have nothing to do with any of the con’s programming.
When I was in the ladies’ room, I took the opportunity to refresh my lipstick, like you do. Every time I pulled out my Atomic Cosmetics liquid lipstick and the little light in the wand lit up, everyone around me was awed. I explained where it came from and did a little pitch about how awesome Dr. Jen and her products are. There was lots of interest and I saw at least one person write down the company name. I love turning people, especially strangers, on to my favorite things.
Now, true confession time, Constant Reader. Sometimes I feel what I do doesn’t matter, that it isn’t seen or appreciated. Burlesque is a niche in the performance world and we struggle to gain audiences from and be accepted by the more mainstream performance community. I often feel like I’m struggling to be recognized in the burlesque world as well. It can be daunting and dispiriting. However…
Early on at Arisia, a woman approached Scratch and me and asked “Were you in Wrathskellar Tales?” She recognized me as The Diva and praised my performance. That buoyed my spirits a great deal. Pebblestardom*, as Marrus calls it, is a great boost. As I was getting ready to leave, someone else asked me if I had been in Wrathskellar Tales. It’s great being recognized, but even more so from one of the shows of which I am most proud.
But the high point of the weekend was a woman who recognized me as a member of The Boston BeauTease. She was somewhat nervous and very shy about talking to me, but it was also clearly important to her to do so. She said how much she enjoyed our performances and that they made her happy, they gave her hope. She implored me “Keep doing what you do for as long as you can.” I was deeply touched, more that I could express.
This is why I keep doing what I do.
*Because you not actually famous enough to be a rockstar.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip:
When at a festival or similar large gathering, wash your hands often.
Burlesque festival season is starting — Vermont is next weekend and The Expo is (*yikes*) about a month away — and I’m going to a SF con this weekend. They’re great places to pick up and spread sickness, so protect yourself and those around you. The best way to do that is to wash your hands frequently, especially before handling food or touching your eyes or mouth, like putting on your makeup.
Make sure you get all the surfaces of your hands soapy and lather for 20 seconds — that’s how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice — before rinsing. All that handwashing can be drying to your skin, especially in the winter, so I slather on a little lotion while my hands are still slightly damp. Mrs. V and the Bees makes a solid moisturizer that’s nice for keeping in your bag.
Sometimes it’s not possible to actually wash (I remember an airplane bathroom where the sink had no water. Ick.) and that’s when you turn to hand sanitizer. It’s not as effective as a good wash, but it’s so much better than nothing. I love Working Girl from Atomic Cosmetics (I swear, I have no affiliation other than being an utterly satisfied customer), which has moisturizer built in! And you can get it in tiny purse-sized tubes as well as big bottles.
Wishing you health this winter,
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Lady of Burlesque: The Career of Gypsy Rose Lee by Robert Strom (2011).
This was a gift from one of my Adoring Fans who indulged me in something from my wish list.
I’ve already read a number of books* on Gypsy Rose Lee and wondered what new information I could possibly glean from this, but it wasn’t the expected biography. Mr. Strom presents a year-by year timeline of Gypsy’s career, from 1930 until her death in 1970. He cites his sources (a newspaper article, a contract, &c.) and frequently quotes entire articles. The book is peppered with photographs, some I’d not seen before. The book is rounded out with appendices, like a discography, productions of Gypsy, and more.
Not what I would call a gripping read, but a fine reference book.
*American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose, Gypsy Rose Lee, Writing & Stripping, Stripping Gypsy: The Life of Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy and Me: At Home and on the Road With Gypsy Rose Lee, Mama Rose’s Turn: The True Story of America’s Most Notorious Stage Mother, Gypsy: The Art of the Tease, and of course, Gypsy: Memoirs of America’s Most Celebrated Stripper
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! It’s the first Friday Tip of 2017!
Consider a paper appointment book.
There’s something so delightful about a fresh appointment book at the beginning of the year and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the year, flipping through the pages. I just love putting pen to paper (but you all knew that).
This is my lovely new book for 2017.
I’m particularly fond of this style. It has one week per two pages, plenty of room for notes, a month by month calendar, a clever next year calendar, all sorts of useful information lists, and two ribbon bookmarks.
I find I’m more likely to remember appointments when I write them, as opposed to type them. I carry my book in my purse and refer to it often. And I get to say “I’ll pencil you in” and mean it.
By all means, use the calendar function on your phone — I do. It has all sorts of useful functionality, like alerts and sharing and things. This is an addition, rather than a replacement.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Besides making costumes, I also indulge in embroidery and other handwork. When I have time. Which, sadly, is not as often as I’d like. I have a big basket of unfinished projects, and every now and then I buckle down and complete one, as I did last night.
Ta da!
A trapunto tea cozy!
A what?, you ask. Trapunto is an Italian quilting technique that involves extra stuffing in the design elements to get a dimensional effect. It’s very time consuming. This is the front, which was hand-quilted and stuffed. The back is a simpler version of this design, which was machine-quilted and has no trapunto work (it was never going to be finished if I had to do two sides by hand).
A tea cozy, for those poor unfortunate souls who have never been to a proper tea, is like a winter coat for your tea pot to keep the contents nice and warm. This is a traditional style of cozy that sits over the pot, like an over-sized hat.
To the right you can see a different style of cozy, which was knitted by my doting mother. One can pour the tea without taking the cozy off. Sometimes it’s known as a “bachelor’s cozy”, presumably because men are too busy or lazy to remove a cozy or that’s a woman’s job or some other Victorian nonsense.
One project down! Many more in progress. However, The Expo and other events loom close and I fear my embroidery time has come to an end for now.
Dear Constant Reader,
In my last Friday Tip, I recommended creating a list of self-improvement goals for the new year and promised to share mine. Here goes:
Work on flexibility: My hip flexors don’t. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to do a split, but I know I can improve what I’ve got.
Be more social: I’ve been feeling kind of hermit-like and I should see my friends more often. Maybe that means throwing more parties, maybe just getting together for a cup of tea and some crafting.
Hoop: I love it, it’s good exercise and lots of fun. No reason that my hoops should just be standing idle.
Use the stash: I’ve got some great fabric and trim, but it’s useless if it’s just in a box. I want to reduce it by making costumes and clothing.
Cook more: More historic cooking, more healthy cooking, more make-ahead-and-freeze.
Write more: I’ve got two books in the works. I’d like to finish one or both of them. But also I want to write more here. I’ve got books waiting for reviews and other stuff to share with you, Constant Reader.
Snuggle with Albert: This is an easy one, but important. Sometimes I’m just sitting in front of my computer, wasting time, when I could be spending time with Albert.
Take baths: I have a perfectly lovely jacuzzi tub and a plethora of bath products. It’s a great way to relax. Why don’t I?
Travel to perform more: I’ve already got my first out-of-town show booked, but I would like more, and in places I’ve never performed. I’m thinking of San Francisco, Chicago, Jacksonville, and Seattle, in particular.
Promote B.A.B.E.: With the move, my rent is reduced and I’ll have more cash to spend on advertising. I just have to figure out the most effective way to reach my audience.
Learn something new: Don’t know what yet, but take a class or otherwise explore something that I never have.
Create some new acts: My least favorite part of performing, but so vital.
That’s a dozen things I want to work on in 2017. I’ll let you know how I did at the end of the year.
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 