Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday! But before your tip, a little NPR-style appeal. I’m terrible at actively promoting myself, but let’s give it a try…

I’m glad you’re here for my public writings and videos! If you enjoy that content, would you consider joining my Patreon? The lowest tier is just one dollar. What can you get for a dollar these days? Some ramen? You can’t even get a cup of decent coffee for a buck.

As a Patron, not only do you get my blog posts emailed directly to you, but also costume tutorials, performance videos, peeks backstage, and more, plus all the previous stuff, going back to 2017. Higher level tiers get even more perks.

As an extra incentive, I had promised for a long time that if I reached a certain number of Patrons, of any level, I would tell the story of a special costume piece and do a photoshoot wearing it. I am ONE Patron away from that goal. Will you be the one?

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming…

The weather is getting cooler. It’s time to check the shoes you use for fall and winter acts and repair if needed.

Check for missing rhinestones and other decorative bits and replace them. Also change worn laces or ribbons. See if they need new heels, soles, buckles, etc. and take them to a repair shop. As long as you’re making a trip anyway, see if any of your non-show shoes need professional attention as well.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s been busy! I had a couple of days to recover from the RVA Burlesque Festival last weekend, then last night was Burlesque with a Band. Tonight is Monster Truck Burlesque at Deacon Giles (it’s our April Fool’s Day show – there aren’t actually monster trucks, but there will be burlesque). Tomorrow I’m hosting a bachelorette party in a charming seaside town. Eventually I’ll have some down time…

Here’s your tip, courtesy of Mr. Scratch:

If you need a better grip with your slippery shoes, paint or spray the sole with a liquid rubber or silicone.

He recommends bathroom caulk, Shoe GOO, tool dip, or a leak seal spray. You can get any of these at the hardware store. Unlike scuffing or sanding or scoring the soles, you are adding a layer instead of taking away, which will help the shoe last longer.

If they are very expensive shoes, you should probably take them to a cobbler to have a rubber half-sole added instead.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! Welcome to Tammi and Althea! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Before I get to your tip, some exciting news! On June 22 I’ll be headed to Topeka, Kansas to perform at the historic Jayhawk Theatre, site of Dainty June’s last vaudeville performance with her sister, the future Gypsy Rose Lee. I’m thrilled to be performing at this fundraiser for the theatre. You know how I feel about history! I’m also teaching the next day.

Now, it’s neither easy nor inexpensive to get from Boston to Kansas City (the closest airport to Topeka). If you want to help me defray the costs of this worthwhile performance, please become a Patron, buy a book, take a class, or just leave a donation. Thank you!

And now for your tip…

Dance shoes are not necessarily sized the same as street shoes.

And of course the sizing isn’t constant across manufacturers. Trying to buy on-line can be an occasion for tears. I recommend going to a dance store and trying on shoes to find the size and style that works for you, then you can buy them on-line if you want. I keep a list of my preferred shoe styles and the size that fits me best. That list also speeds things up at the shoe store (I don’t enjoy shopping and try to be as efficient as I can).

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Once again it’s Friday and time for a tip!

Ballroom shoes need special care.

Ballroom dance shoes are wonderful. Their flexible suede soles give the dancer a lot of control, but they’re also more delicate than a hard leather-soled shoe. To make them last as long as possible, there are a couple of simple steps you can take.

First, only wear them while you’re performing or rehearsing, as you should with any dance shoe.

Brush the soles with a soft-bristled shoe brush after each wearing. This will remove any dirt and condition the suede, which gets compacted when you dance on it.

Use heel protectors. The heels of your shoes take a lot of pressure and wear out fast. These clear plastic caps that fit over the heel of your shoe. My new ballroom shoes (above) included the heel protectors in a cute little bag, but you can buy them separately too. Mine are plain plastic, but I’ve hear you can get ones with a suede bottom. They’re a little tight to get on, but you won’t have to take them off unless they need to be replaced.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!

Save your performance shoes for the stage.

They’ll last longer and stay cleaner if you only wear your dance shoes in rehearsal and performance. I know sometimes they’re so fabulous you want to wear them out, but pavement is no good for delicate soles. Also, you don’t want to be tracking outside dirt (and other things…ick) onto a stage where you may be placing your bare bum.

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page.