Dear Constant Reader,
Most bras are right-handed (that is, the right side overlaps the left). If you’re having trouble with a one-handed pop, make sure you’re not trying to use your left hand. Sorry lefties!
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Count out your rhinestones before you start your project and split them up by garment area.
That way you won’t go overboard on one bra cup and have only a dozen remaining for the other.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday again and here’s your tip:
Get an outside pair of eyes on your routine. Seek out knowledgeable critique and incorporate it.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
It’s great to surprise the audience. Do not surprise the tech crew.
Talk to the MC, the stage manager, the stage kittens, the lighting guy, the DJ, &c. If they know your needs in advance, you’ll look that much better on stage. You can avoid all sorts of problems by communicating in advance and clearly explaining any special features of your act.
P.S. This was *not* inspired by anything that happened at the Expo — everyone was lovely and communicative.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Today is the first day of The Great Burlesque Exposition of 2012! I’ll be spending all weekend in a fog of glitter, taking classes, watching shows, teaching & learning, and coming back with more tips for you!
You are never as good as you could be. Never stop striving to improve.
Friday tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Replace standard garment zippers with jacket zippers — the kind with the big, chunky, plastic teeth. They’re not as pretty or subtle, but less likely to get stuck or break. And they do less damage to your skin than metal zippers, just in case you zip yourself (ouch!).
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
I’m sorry for my silence this week, especially after you got so used to me pestering you to vote every day. Things have been so busy with The Great Burlesque Expo just two weeks away. And immediately after it, the exhibit of costumes that I am curating opens at The West End Museum. So please forgive my lack of posting. But I couldn’t forget your Friday tip!
Rehearse at least once in full costume with all of your jewelry, makeup, and hairstyle. You might discover some issues you hadn’t considered.
It’s no fun to discover that something doesn’t work when you’re on stage, like your false eyelashes and your domino mask are incompatible or that your dangly earrings get caught in your necklace when you turn your head. Try it all out together in advance and you’ll have time to make other plans.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Vote for the Boston Babydolls! Last chance!!! (Really. I think.)
Today’s tip comes from Devora Darling:
For good posture, keep your collar bones lifted. Imagine you’re wearing a sparkly necklace and you want it to reflect light onto your face.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Vote for the Boston Babydolls!
A number of my friends have recently blogged about training and improvement (most of them were taking about business, but I apply everything to burlesque), which inspired this tip:
Never stop learning. There will always be something new that will help you improve your art.
I love taking classes. My definition of a successful class is one in which I learn one useful thing. More than that, and it’s a great class. And I don’t just restrict myself to burlesque classes — next weekend Betty Blaize and I are taking a bellydance workshop on Wings of Isis.
The 6th annual Great Burlesque Expo is coming up Easter weekend (that’s April 6-8) and the Conference is full of great classes for new & experienced burlesquers and performing artists in other disciplines. There will be teachers from all over the country! It’s a great opportunity to learn something new.
Friday Tip!
Dear Constant Reader,
Vote for the Boston Babydolls!
If you’re having trouble unfastening your bra, the hooks might have gotten squeezed shut. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend them back into shape.
