Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday again! For this week’s tip, I’m drawing on something Betty taught us during Wednesday’s rehearsal.

Have a go-to move or combination you can draw upon if you get lost in the music or forget your choreography.

Confidently go forward with that bit of dance which you know so well while you figure out where you are and then jump back on track again. The audience will never know anything was amiss.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 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! It’s snowing like crazy here in Boston! I hope you’re snug and warm where ever you are today. Here’s your tip!

There are no mistakes, only happy accidents. — Bob Ross

Sometimes something we think is a bug turns out to be a feature.

For example, the other day Betty was rehearsing a new number. She mentioned she had forgotten her gloves and would pantomime removing them. However, she got so wrapped up in her dance that she completely forgot about the gloves until she realized had extra music at the end. So, she threw in the glove remove at the end.

It looked really good and Scratch told her to keep it in. She reworked the number to have the gloves come off last and it’s a stronger act now.

Don’t discount mistakes — they may be opportunities for creativity and improvement!

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 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,

At last we have reached the end of the year! Today I have more of a wish than a tip for you.

May 2022 be a better year for us all.

Happy New Year to each and everyone of you. Thank you for continuing to be here!

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 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 Friday again! Here’s your tip!

Masks are here for a while longer. Make or buy some that coordinate with your costumes and post-show outfits.

Depending on your local regulations and the requirements of the venue, you may need to wear a mask when you’re not actively performing or even when you are. You might as well make it into an opportunity for as glamorous a look as you can.

If you’ve got leftover fabric from making your own costumes, it’s easy enough to make a mask and glue on some decorations. If you don’t sew, there are a number of places you can get rhinestoned masks.

I have a tutorial for making origami-style masks for all tiers on my Patreon. I find this is the most comfortable style for long-term wear; it fastens around the back of your head rather than over your ears Although, if you’re a clever seamstress, you’ll figure how to make it with ear loops, if you prefer them.

Just for fun, here’s a cute picture of me visiting the Showstoppers costume exhibit in NYC, wearing a skirt and mask combo that I made.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 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!  It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. I feel like this year has gone by so fast. But we’ve still got a few more weeks and a few more tips!

If you’re performing a sing-and-strip, design your act around the type of microphone you’ll be using.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are using a hand-held, remember that one hand is always going to be encumbered, but you’re free to move around the stage however you like. If it’s a stand microphone, your hands are completely free, but you’re kind of stuck in place while you’re singing. If you’ve got a lavaliere microphone, you can move and your hands are free, but you’ll need a place to clip the transmitter that will stay on for the entire strip and to arrange the cord so it doesn’t get caught in your costume pieces as you strip.

With a little planning (and a lot of practice), you can dazzle the audience with your striptease and your voice and make it look easy!
These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 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,

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving or a pleasant Thursday, depending on your location and inclination.

Here’s your tip!

Make sure your tassels are entirely concealed inside your bra cups as you get dressed.

Just scoop them up into the cups as you’re putting your bra on. Not only do tassels hanging out below your bra look a little odd, you’re giving away part of your big reveal early!

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 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! Today’s tip was inspired by a conversation with a friend just this morning.

Refrain from licking your lips while you’re wearing glitter on them.

I know, it seems so obvious! And yet it can be so hard when it’s an unconscious gesture like that. Also, remember to use a straw when drinking! And always use cosmetic glitter.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.