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]

Ask Black Mariah — June 2009

Dear Pin Curl, Many of my pictures that have been taken onstage or out with fans, my face appears to be lighter than my neck or the rest of my body. I have changes make up and nothing helps. I don’t look that way in the mirror after I apply my make-up. Please help. Ah yes. “Ghost face” as many refer to it, is a phenomenon that occurs when the flash from a camera reflects off of your... [Read more]

Ask Black Mariah — May 2009

I’m just getting into performing burlesque, and of course, I am very money conscious (read: broke). I am currently buying costumes, pasties, props…. How can I do some of this on the cheap? -Lucy, Pheonix AZ Good Question! Burlesque rookies have to start somewhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to LOOK like a rookie! Rarely does the budding burly-q babe have an extensive budget with... [Read more]

Ask Black Mariah

Ask A Burlesque Entertainer:   featuring Black Mariah   Q:     I want to be a burlesque dancer. Where do I start?   A:  There are many avenues available for pursuing a career as a burlesque dancer. The path you choose for your personal road to fringe and pasties will depend on your location, your budget, and the opportunities available for your debut performance. Explore the variety and... [Read more]