Photos and Pasties

Jo Weldon by Allen Lee Editor’s Note: When we at Pin Curl were brainstorming on what new additions to bring into the magazine for 2012, a question and answer etiquette column kept coming up.  You know- backstage etiquette, producer/performer etiquette, all sorts of burlesque related questions filled our heads. We couldn’t think of anyone’s advice we’d rather take than Miss... [Read more]

To Prop or Not to Prop

To prop or not to prop… That is the question… by: Vivienne Vermuth Kitten Deville by Derek Jackson Photography There’s nothing like watching stagehands bring out a huge oversized prop or set piece before an act is performed… It sets the mood for the performance and gets the crowd buzzing about what to anticipate! On the other end of that scale however, it’s just... [Read more]

Ask a Burlesque Entertainer: Rhinestones

Have a question you would love to have a seasoned performer answer?  Are you a fabulous burly-q gal who’d like to answer reader questions?  Hit us up at editor@pincurlmag.com ! Vivienne Vermuth. Photo: High Art Tips for stretching your costume budget: Making every rhinestone count! by: Vivienne Vermuth Sitting in the audience at a burlesque show is thrilling, especially seeing the moment... [Read more]

Tips to Improve Your Performances

Your Burlesque Questions Answered by Black Mariah Q: What are some ways I can become a better performer? I want to get into more shows, and I’m not sure how to be more appealing to show producers. – Laina I try not to make strict rules when it comes to burlesque. Burlesque is an art form I do not want to put in a box, as its growth and development is the very heart and soul of the creative... [Read more]

The Tape Dilemma

The Tape Dilemma By: Black Mariah How do you apply pasties? I think the only real point that will never have one answer between burlesque dancers is “how do you keep your pasties on?” The answers will range from Flash tape, eyelash glue, spirit gum, toupee tape, and the list grows every year I spend in the world of burlesque. I have attended many shows, many conversations in the dressing rooms,... [Read more]

Applying for Burlesque Festivals

Black Mariah by NakedLens.org Festivals and Competition Part of the “Ask a Burlesque Entertainer” Series with Black Mariah I have been applying to festivals and I am not having much luck getting into them. Any tips on raising my chances for getting my application accepted into festivals? “Cindy”, Texas Festivals are becoming more and more competitive as the number of Burlesque performers and... [Read more]

Lashing Out

With: Black Mariah Recently, I discovered that many of you ladies are having difficulty applying your false eyelashes, or worse, won’t wear any at all, because you are not confident in applying your lashes. Consider this article your “falsies for newbies” guide to applying eyelashes properly and safely. 1. To apply eyelashes on your own, first begin by washing your face with a PH balanced,... [Read more]

Buying Feather Fans

Shake a tail feather with Black Mariah No need to post an emailed question this month because I have had DOZENS of emails from burlesque dancer wanting to purchase ostrich feather fans. I thought these emails came at a great time as I just purchased my third pair of ostrich feather fans, and let me tell you, I thought I knew everything about fans, and I did not. With that, let me educate all of you... [Read more]

Using Another Performer’s Song

I heard this song in a burlesque show a long time ago and I have been dying to use it in a number. However I feel a little weird about it…Do you think it might be OK for me to use the same song since the other performer did it a long time ago? Thanks, Maddie, NYC Dear Maddie, This is a good question! No one performer can claim the rights to any song legally. Songs belong to the artist that originally... [Read more]

Choosing a Stage Name — July 2009

I need a burlesque name. I have researched and found these ridiculous formulas or generators for creating your burlesque name but I end up with names like Freckles McDermand Blvd, or Lil’ Comfort Bandersnatch (I did not make that up) . How can I find something original and, well, not like the names I just listed? ... [Read more]