Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Time for a tip!
If your hair looks greasy, comb a little baby powder or cornstarch through it.
Make sure you get all the powder out! You can buy dry shampoos, but this works just as well, especially in a pinch.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Despite all the chaos today, I refuse to skip a Friday Tip! So here it is…
No lipsynching!
True lipsynching, where the “singer” is crisp, clean, and right on cue, is incredibly hard to do well. If you can’t do it perfectly, just don’t. As Jo Weldon says, it makes you the music’s bitch.
Sometimes you don’t even realize that you’re mouthing the words while you’re dancing. Do watch out for that; it can make you look distracted.
Now, as always, I’m merely giving you a suggestion, not orders. This is not to say never. Sometimes it can create a dramatic moment, like when James and the Giant Pastie “sings” the first line of the song to St. Stella in their statue act. I like to give the audience the cue to sing along with the chorus of “Minnie the Moocher” by mouthing the first “hi-di hi-di hi-di-ho”. But both of those examples are deliberate choices and only for a moment.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday! Here’s your tip!
If you’re not getting a lot of extension on your hip moves, make sure your knees are nice and soft.
I know that sounds simple, but it’s easy to tense up, lock your knees, and then wonder where your bump went.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Start strong. Finish strong.
Your first and last impressions are important as they are usually what the audience will remember best.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
The Expo is almost here and I’ve been in a flurry of packing, sure I’m forgetting something important. But I would never forget your Friday tip!
Take care of yourself: get enough sleep, eat well, drink plenty of water, moisturize and wear sunscreen, stretch.
It’s hard when you’re some place exciting and busy, like The Expo, but treat yourself well and you’ll be less likely to end up with post-event ick.
See many of you soon!
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Today’s tip was inspired by a burlesque performer who confessed that she didn’t wash her costumes much and her undies were really disgusting.
Wear a Thong of Last Resort.
That’s what I call it anyway. I’ve also heard it called an Under-G. It’s a wee, nude-colored garment just in case something slips, peeks or falls off. It also keeps your costume clean. The audience shouldn’t be aware of it, but it will bring you peace of mind.
Let’s face it, your show panties are often heavily decorated and nigh unto unwashable, more akin to jewelry than underwear. Don’t let them touch your bare bits! Always have that barrier of the ToLR/under-g.
Did you know that cloth-eating insects like to munch on bodily secretions? Icky, but true. And they chew up your fabric in the process. Clean clothes last longer (as well as smell better).
What to do if you are wearing such a tiny, tiny g-string that you can’t conceal another layer under it? Removable linings. The g-string for my April March tribute act is made of velvet and therefore doesn’t wash well. I basted a red cotton lining to it, which I would unstitch and wash, dry, and sew back into place. I was performing the act so often that I got tired of that process and made a removable lining that snaps into place instead.
Tidily yours,
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
We were all shocked and saddened to hear that The Boston Phoenix is shutting its doors after 47 years. This is your last chance EVER to vote for The Boston Babydolls for Best Burlesque from The Phoenix. And Jennifer Pelland for Best Author. And anyone/anything else you think is swell.
It wouldn’t be Friday without a tip…
Remove your makeup before you go to sleep.
No matter how tired you are! Your skin needs a chance to breathe. And as long as you’re taking the time to take your makeup off, you can surely spare a moment or two to moisturize. I like The New 20 Night Cream from Xerion Skin Science.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
The rumor mill tells me that voting has been extended until the 15th. The Boston Babydolls need every vote we can get, every day from now until the 15th. One vote per IP address per day! It only takes a few clicks of the mouse and you’ll feel satisfied all day. Think of it as a good habit, like brushing your teeth, only you’re doing it for the sake of boobs.
And if you would be so kind, vote for Jennifer Pelland for Best Author. She’s looking forward to losing, so let’s disappoint her.
Here’s your tip!
Perform within your comfort zone. Rehearse to expand that zone.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Please vote for The Boston Babydolls every day!
Your Faithful Correspondent has the sniffles, but before I curl up once again on the daybed with Albert the Manor Cat, I wanted to give you your Friday Tip.
Powder your face after you line your lips but before you put on your lipstick.
It helps the lipliner last without dulling your lipstick.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Please vote for The Boston Babydolls every day!
Dance to music you love.
You’re going to be listening to that song constantly. Listen to it while you brainstorm, choreograph, practice, perform, while you’re in the car, walking around, before you go to sleep. You should know that music in your bones. And if you don’t love it, all the above becomes a chore. If you do, it’s a delight and that comes through in your performance.
