Photo by: Through The Looking Glass Studio
The fabulous Ginger Valentine recently came into the Through the Looking Glass Studio for a Wizard of Oz shoot and to talk MGM, Delores Del Rio, success, and her passion for tornados. Photographs & Interview: Shoshana.
What was your original idea to make dance a career, and how did it evolve into burlesque?
OriginallyI wanted to be a ballerina. However, along with my yearning to portray dying swans and sylphs, I was always, always interested in striptease. I was into burlesque before I even knew what it was. In fact, when I was a kid, my idea of “stripper” was an image of a glamorous woman, with exquisite costumes teasing the audience as she peeled off layers. I can’t say for sure, but I think this image was planted in my head from watching the old MGM cartoons.
How did you choose the stage name of “Ginger Valentine”? Do you ever talk about her in third person, that is has she developed a character different than your own?
Valentine was always a given for me. I’ve collected things with hearts my whole life, and I also picked it because I used to be a huge Rangers fan as a kid and remember the Manager, Bobby Valentine. I thought it was a good name that could almost appear as if it were really mine. Ginger comes from Ginger Rogers, of course. Obviously, I’m no red head.
I don’t talk about myself in third person, because I’m not manufactured and I don’t see my burlesque identity as existing “outside” of myself. With me, what you see is what you get. Sometimes, you see a lot. wink, wink
You are one of a handful of full-time burlesque dancers in Texas. What prompted you to go full time & when did you quit the “day job”?
Well, before I was doing burlesque full time, I was a freelance writer, so I never left a real “day job.” I was able to switch to burlesque once I opened up my Burlesque Charm School. I am very proud of my classes, and more importantly my students. The income from my classes allows me to pursue this full time. Otherwise, I’d have to do something else to supplement my income at this point in my career.
What was your parents reaction? Your significant other’s reaction?
Everyone is very supportive.
Describe some of your earliest experiences with owning your own business.
Well, my earliest experiences with self-employment began when I was writing full time. I’ve been doing burlesque full time for about 6 months. There’s not much to describe, unless you want to know what kind of pajamas I work in.
What are some of the perials of owning a business, where you are the product you are selling and the gig is pretty much a 24/7 job? Are you good at creating personal time?
You hit the nail on the head. When you have your own business, you are pretty much always at work. When I was in corporate America (for about a year), it was so easy to come home and turn off my brain. Now, I’m answering phone calls, responding to emails, working on costumes, rehearsing, performing or teaching around the clock. Of course it all comes in waves. I’m really learning to take time off when I have it. Some weeks I work 80 hours, sometimes less. But my mind is always cranking. Now that I’m self employed, it’s a lot harder to go to sleep.
How do you explain your surge in popularity with both the press and the public, when you are relatively new on the scene?
I have to say that since I’ve debuted as a soloist, I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the opportunities that have come my way. Some people call it luck, but my secret is hard work and a positive, open mind. Also, this is my full time job, so I take it very seriously, just as if I were a nurse or engineer. I feel that I should be surging in popularity, otherwise I should think about hiring a publicist! I have to say a big thanks to Karyn at The Girls Room for giving my Charm School a shot and for all the gorgeous women who have taken class with me. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have the time to do what I do, because I’d probably be in an office somewhere pissed because I can’t update my blog…
The public vote made you a finalist in the Hot Rods and Heels Texas Solo Performer – Best One to Watch category. If you win, you’ll hold a title within one year of your solo debut. What are your feelings on this?
I’m thrilled and excited to be nominated. I’m in very good company too. Rose Darling and Courtney Crave are both dynamic performers, and I’m lucky to call them my friends.
Do you ever run into people who confuse burlesque with modern “gentleman’s club” stripping? How do you set them straight? Is there a big difference?
Not as much as people who ask me to distinguish the two. I get a lot of “so, what’s the difference?” While both are under the umbrella of exotic or adult entertainment, burlesque performers are fundamentally different from dancers in gentlemen’s clubs in that they do not give lap dances, or receive tips. Also, very few burlesque performers go completely nude or topless. In addition, more emphasis is placed on the performance, costumes and the tease. Gentlemen’s clubs are more focused on business transactions in my opinion, whereas burlesque is more about entertainment and pageantry.
What’s your fascination with tornados? Have you ever been in one; would you seek one out?
Tornadoes! When I was a kid, I totally wanted to be a meteorologist. All of my friends know what a weather nerd I am. I’ve always dreamt of tornadoes, and I still do. I’ve never been in one, but I would definitely seek one out. I’ve always wanted to spend a summer with a storm spotter driving up and down the Plains in search of super cells. Some people get their rocks off by jumping out of airplanes. I like to chase storms.
This month’s cover is from a shoot to benefit Patriot Paws. Why is this organization important to you?
Animals are very important to me, so I’m thrilled to help out with Patriot Paws. I also appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of our troops.
What were your favorite childhood movies?
Sleeping Beauty, Who’s That Girl, The Phantom Toll Booth, Annie, Oklahoma!, Love at First Bite
Who are your favorite vixens (modern or past)? [I'm using vixen to describe women who inspire through their sex appeal]
Delores Del Rio, Veronica Lake, Michelle L’Amour, Sophia Loren, Lauren Becall, Immodesty Blaize… there’s so many, but these are some current favorites. Especially Delores, because she’s a Mexicana! I also have to add that some of my favorite vixens live in our very own Dallas: Rose Darling, La Divina, Courtney Crave and Karyn Pentecost, owner of The Girls Room.
What inspires your numbers? Describe the process of coming up with a new performance piece.
I stick to classic striptease, and rarely use sets or large props (at least at this point). Usually what inspires me is music or the idea for a costume. I do have a few character numbers as well. In July, I’m debuting a flight attendant number and I’m really excited because my sponsor, Tara to the T is making my costumes. My process varies depending on what comes first: concept, music or costume…just depends.
If you could, what’s one thing in the last year you would change?
I wouldn’t change a thing; it’s kind of part of my personal philosophy.
What is the future of burlesque in Dallas?
I can only speak from my perspective, but I think it will only continue to grow. I am very optimistic about burlesque in Dallas because I meet so many enthusiastic fans. Also, there’s a lot of talent out there and so many people like Jim Guinan, GlamAmour and Elisa Davis work so hard to produce fantastic shows. I think we will keep growing, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it all!
What is in store for Ginger Valentine?
In the near future, I’ll be in Chicago for a 3-day workshop with Michelle L’Amour called Stripper’s Holiday. It’s just going to be 5-6 performers, and I’m really looking forward to it. At the end of the workshop we’re performing at a fundraiser for the Burlesque Hall of Fame with Michelle and her Chicago Starlets. I’m very excited!
After that, is Hot Rods and Heels. I’m performing and as you mentioned earlier, a finalist in the One to Watch category. I’ll also be giving a mini workshop on the shimmy. Oh and my new merchandise line by Tara to the T will be ready and for sale at that event. I’m really proud of that.
And it’s way out there, but in July, I’ll be back at the Lakewood Theater for Atomic Frolic which is a burlesque show produced by Jim Guinan and Java from Bachelor Pad magazine. The line up is really, really good!
After that, the sky is the limit! One thing I aspire to do next year is debut at Miss Exotic World.
Gayle Patridge of the legendary 666 Photography studio in Austin, Texas recently sat down with us for an interview on art, small business ownership, and Dolly Parton. Here’s what she had to say:
I received my Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Texas Austin and fell in love with photography then. When I graduated, however, I put the camera down and got a “grown up job”. When I picked the camera back up, years later, I was doing a lot of swing dancing and all of my friends embraced the rockabilly trend. Since I was first photographing friends, I naturally landed in the pinup genre. My friends already had the wardrobe and look, and it was a natural fit. My true loves are actually older than the 50’s, and eventually I started pulling away a bit from pinup only shoots and including my love of theater design, costume design, and painting. This is where the 666 high concepts started to emerge.
When did you begin shooting pin-up? Tell us about your first shoot.
I have been shooting pinup for about 7 years. I can’t remember my first shoot, but I would bet it was a friend of mine. There have been so many shoots over the years, they are starting to be a blur!
Did 666 have modest beginnings? Please describe the infancy of the studio. How has it grown?
I started shooting in an extra bedroom. It had low ceilings and very little space, but I made it work at the time. Since then, we have moved to a 2000 Sq. ft studio near downtown Austin, and have been at that location for about 5 years. In the beginning, I relied on the models to provide their own hair and makeup, now I work with the most amazing makeup artist, Lisa Naeyaert. Our studio has 25 foot ceilings, so now there is no limit to how large a set can be. This makes me very happy!
How was your current high-concept pin-up style born?
I have always been crafty. In my past artistic endeavors, I have worked in stained glass, welding, and painting, among other mediums, and the high concepts came from my love of making art. I love old theater set construction and have simply taken all of my loves and put them together in my work. I always say that the photography part of what I do is my least favorite. I love all of the other parts that go into the work like costume design/creation, set design/creation, styling, etc more than taking the actual photograph.
Where do the high concept ideas come from, are they solely you? Please describe the process.
For the most part they come from me. Sometimes we have clients that have specific ideas that they want and we work with those. We generally accept an idea from a client, but the execution and overall concept is usually mine. I am not very good at following orders, and work best when I am left alone to create what I see in my head. When I am creating a high concept shoot that is a personal concept of mine, generally it starts with a basic idea. Then I eat, sleep, and dream the idea until I figure out all of the elements and logistics out in my head. After that, it is just a matter of acquiring the materials needed to build or paint the set and I set about making it. Usually the costumes are made last, like icing on the cake, the I leave it to Lisa to add the makeup that best suits the concept.
Who is your team & how do they all contribute to 666?
Everyone always thinks there is a giant team that works with 666. The “team” is myself and my makeup artist Lisa Naeyaert. Lisa does the hair and makeup and I handle most everything else. I make the sets, design and sew the costumes, style the shoot, and photograph. We occasionally pull in some extra help when we need more hands but that is very rare. Lisa and I work together and she pitches in when I need help with sets.
What has been your most memorable shoot?
Probably the shoots that incorporated animals. We shot a Victorian themed shoot with newborn pygmy goats and I could hardly focus on the shoot. They were so mesmerizing. I have wanted pygmy goats ever since. We shot a circus themed shoot with mini horses. It was so surreal to have 4 mini horses walking down our street in east Austin.
What is your favorite specific piece of equipment?
My drill? Just kidding. I shoot with old school hot lights. I have all the new fangled equipment, but I really love my hot lights and use them almost exclusively. They give my work a particular color cast that I love. Other photographers laugh at me when they visit the studio, but I use what works for me.
Tell us all about the new book you have coming out: Who’s publishing it, how did it come about, what can fans expect, when/where to get it:
We are super excited about the book. It is being released by Korero Books out of London. Ian from Korero contacted me last year out of the blue. We had been approached before, but never really felt compelled to follow through until Korero. After speaking with them, I realized how similar our visions were, and I caught their enthusiasm! It is going to be a coffee table sized book with embossed sleeve and box. You will be able to get it through Korero directly at: http://www.korerobooks.co.uk/ and other online merchants. I believe our release date is late 2009.
Who would you most like to shoot (living or dead) that you haven’t yet & why?
Dolly Parton, hands down! I love Dolly, and am fascinated with her. I would love to shoot her in an elaborate high concept. It would be a dream come true!
What do you think about the recent surge in popularity of pin-up and burlesque?
I think it’s great. When you have a surge in any artistic style, people have to become more creative to distinguish themselves from the pack. This sort of competition makes for better art whether it be in photography or a burlesque performance.
What would your advice be for an aspiring pin-up photographer?
Shoot as often as you possibly can. Even if you are shooting something you know isn’t going to really work. Chances are you will learn something you can use successfully later. Don’t listen to your critics. Ever. Study the genre, all the classic pinups.
What would your advice be for an aspiring pin-up model?
My belief is a pinup model can elevate herself from the rank and file with one single photoshoot. This will generally require her to pay for the first shoot, but do it. Find the best pinup photographer near you and get a solid shoot behind you. After you have a great set of photos, pinup photographers will bombard you with offers to shoot trade. Don’t bother shooting a bunch of mediocre stuff. There are a ton of wonderful pinup photographers out there that can make a pinup model recognizable in one shoot.
What would your advice be for an aspiring small business owner?
Forget sleep. It will be a distant memory. It is not for the faint of heart and it is not worth it if you do not do it with all of your heart. Be prepared to work 7 days a week, and spend more of your time handling business than doing art. Eventually, you can get to a place where the business part becomes easier and the art part takes over, but is does not happen overnight.
What’s in the near future for 666?
Well, the book is the next big thing for us. We are generally booked about 4 months in advance, so we have lots of shoots planned over the next few months. I always have plans for bigger, more intricate shoots and hopefully will have time this year to realize most of the ideas rattling around in my head.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If anyone knows Dolly Parton…send her my way!
Christine Fury of California lent us her images and voice in this interview for Pin Curl. Fury talks hot rods, welding, and tattoos.
How did you fall in love with the pin-up style?
That’s easy, Hot rods! I love cars, always have always will. I have loved old cars for so long(especially since I was named after a classic killer car=) When I got into restoration and welding I worked on pre 63’s. So as I began working on my own cars I started going to car shows to check out everyone else’s work, see friends and listen to music. Then instead of taking pictures of peoples cars, people started asking me to stand in front of their cars, to take my picture. It blossomed from there on.
Please describe your first shoot. Were you nervous, etc?
Hahahahaha my first shoot was a blast! My great friends from South Bay tattoo let me shoot at their shop with some of their awesome cars. I was nervous just because I was in front of like twenty of my homies and had never shot before. So I was still learning faces/poses but I just relaxed and banged it out. We had some beers, listened to some tunes and I still love those pics to this day! Even if they where awhile back=)
How do you prepare for a shoot, please describe the process.
Lots and lots of SLEEP before!!!! Haha I can’t explain how painful it is to me to shoot tired.
Who are your favorite Vixens, past and present and what do you admire about them?
I think my favorite vixen from the past, even though she didn’t model has to be Wanda Jackson. Her music has influenced my life so much for so long. She paved her own road and showed women could be strong yet sexy. I admire her hard work and determination so much. I strive to push myself as hard and break molds. A more recent vixen again is a music doll but still such a vixen. Wendy O Williams from the Plasmatics. Punk is such a huge part of my life and I loved watching her. A mo hawk, fishnets, electric tape covering her breast and a bitching attitude. She preformed her own stunts, kicked major ass and blew the box wide open on what sexy is.
What do you think about the recent surge in popularity of pin-up and burlesque?
I think the surge was bound to happen. The classic era of pin up and tease was so amazing it couldn’t be helped that people would fall in love with it all over again. Fashion, music and eras all seem to pop back up here and there in history so I think time will tell if people stay in love with it. I know I and the true fans will=)
What has been your favorite shoot thus far & why?
It is impossible to pick one. Every shoot is so different since its always different photogs, ideas,companies, and locations. I think that is one of the things that I enjoy the most about modeling. You never know what type of photos your going to get. I love being there to help people bring the picture in their head to life. Letting them mold me into what they need and being able to mold myself into different wonderful ideas from my head.
What is your advice for aspiring pin-up models?
Stand out and be yourself.
How does pin-up and tattoo culture marry in your mind?
They have always walked hand in hand. Boats coming into docks back in the day where always carrying tons of men that had their favorite sexy pin ups tattooed on them.Also covered in great flash. And now in the present people see old flash can be found in pin ups clothing, pin stripped on the sickest sleds and have finally come to find women that our heavily tattooed beautiful. Thank goodness=)
Tell us the symbolism of one of your favorite tats.
Man its hard to pick just one. All my tattoos have tons of meaning behind them and I have made sure to get slowly covered in ink so that I don’t end up plastered in things that don’t mean anything. So with that said I will tell ya the one I have that was a whim tattoo. I have “As you wish” tattooed on the inside of my lip. I got it done with my best friend on our stupid tattoo day hahaha. I had watched one of my favorite movies wayyyyy to many times the day before and had to get the line tattooed on me. Can you guess the movie? hehe
Give us a statement on alternative beauty (we define this as the non-brittany spears school of thought). Did you feel pretty in school?
Beauty to me is the ability to walk into a room and command attention. Whether it be with your grace, stunning personality or your own self confidence.
In school I felt happy with who I was but like I hadn’t grown into my skin yet. Definetally still figuring out who I was and what made me feel beautiful.
What does the near future hold for Christine Fury?
Lots of fun things that I am very excited for. Hopefully I am voted into Ink and Iron’s pin up contest in June. Participating in some other pin up contest , like Transylvanian dolls contest and show on May 30th. Hosting some really fucking rad events, like the pin up contest at the next Long Beach Car Show on July 4Th. Can’t wait for that, it will be my first hosting event.=) Hoping to not fall off the stage. hahaha Magazines coming out that I am featured in, and hopefully will be starting some burlesque dancing. I have a very fun idea that I can’t wait to do with the burlesque dancing. And then of course more shoots, companies, car shows and debauchery.
When do you know you’ve “made it”?
For me I will “make it” when ever I feel satisfied with my body of work and feel accomplished. I’m usually never satisfied so I know the hard work isn’t stopping anytime soon.=)
What’s your favorite beauty product?
Lip Smackers Dr Pepper chap stick! Hahaha I know so kiddy but I really can’t go anywhere with out it. Must switch flavors though, thinking cotton candy.
BIG KISSES!!!!!!
Materials:
Cigar box
Latch
Handle
Mod Podge
Paintbrush
Paper Cut-outs
Scissors or craft knife
Optional Materials:
Purse feet
Purse corners
Jewels, glitter or paint
Fabric (for liner, if desired)
Cigar box purses are so easy and fun to make, and give you endless possibilities for your creativity!
Cigar boxes can be found at most tobacco shops. Many people use cigar boxes in crafting, so the store owners are used to saving their empty boxes. Some will give them to you for free, others will charge a small fee of a couple dollars per box. Make sure you choose one that will be suitable as a purse. Think of size, depth and how the box closes. If the cigar box already has a decent latch, you may be able to leave it. Why go through another step?
Mod Podge, purse handles, latches and other accessories can all be purchased at your local craft store. Handles come in many styles, so pick one out that will complement your finished product nicely.
Start by finding your paper pieces you want to use to decorate your purse. Magazines, photos, postage stamps, labels, printouts from the internet, etc. I usually cover the entire box in a similar theme, but you can always just use a couple of pictures and leave some of the wood exposed.
For this example, I will be covering the whole box. You can map out where your cut-outs will go ahead of time, or just figure it out as you go along (this is my preferred method). You can start with the box open or closed, but if you cover the box when it is closed, you may cover the edges of the box where the two halves separate. If you do this, wait until the box is dry and then slice the two halves apart with a craft knife.
Choose your first piece and either paint some Mod Podge on the back of the image, or directly on the box. Stick the piece down and then cover the entire piece and just outside the edges with more Mod Podge.
Continue this process until the box is covered to your liking. Let the cigar box dry completely.
Cut your box open with your craft knife if you sealed it shut. Open the box and coat the exterior with spray sealant, polyurethane or thick gloss glaze.
Once the box has dried a second time, you can add your handle, hinges, latch, purse corners or feet if necessary. If you prefer to decorate with fabric trim, gems, glitter or other embellishments, now is the time to add it!
An optional step is to line the box with more paper pieces or fabric. Hot glue works great for fabric lining. If you use paper, just repeat the same steps for the interior as you did for the exterior.
You did it! You have a darling and functional repurposed cigar box purse that will be the envy of your friends.
Amanda Violett is a 29 year old graphic designer, lives in Dallas, Texas, and is a relentless crafter. Anything she can get her hands on, she will revamp it to make it special. She is inspired by art deco, B-movie posters, found objects, vintage advertisements, all things retro, consumer packaging, propaganda art, lettering and font style and old flickering neon signs. She has a fear of mayonnaise and an obsession with Elvira and pressed pennies. To see more of her creations, visit her Etsy shop at revivalism.etsy.com.
A Book Review by Shoshana
As a small business owner, my beginnings were modest and I looked for every way possible to cut costs, while still being effective. I also knew that marketing and promotion is absolutely essential for every business to get noticed and then keep itself in the spotlight. What I didn’t know is the best approach to tackle these goals. I wish I had found Successfully Creating and Selling Your Image Online by Amanda Brooks sooner.
It’s true this read is book 2 (Advertising and Marketing) of the Internet Escort’s Handbook Series. Don’t let this stop you; put your preconceived notions aside and read this book from a business perspective. While Ms. Brooks is writing from the background of a successful online escort, she provides amazing insight to making the internet work for you in any business..
Like so many small business owners I have a website and consider it a major marketing tool, but have no idea how it really works. I just pay a web designer and I’m done. Successfully Creating and Selling Your Image Online taught me about SEO optimization (how to get higher on Google’s list), what a good web designer should and should not charge you for, how to create banners, as well as countless free-lance resources I didn’t know existed.
Are you a pin-up model or burlesque entertainer and want to keep your legal name and stage name completely separate and untraceable to one another? This is the book for you. In Ms. Brook’s line of work, anonymity is essential and she has learned the ins and outs of being as hard to trace as possible, and here’s a tip: just buying privacy with your domain doesn’t always cover your rear. In addition to a wealth of internet marketing resources and tips, Ms. Brooks also shoots down the popular tactic of reducing price and offering specials when business gets slow. With clear examples and illustrations Ms. Brooks proves why this is a really bad idea and works powerfully against you.
Although it would seem a unlikely place to look for tips on running a legit business, Successfully Creating and Selling Your Image Online is well written, easy to follow, and loaded with valuable information on making the internet work for you. It is an easy read and a powerful marketing and self promotion resource, and a book I recommend every small business owner pick up. For more information on obtaining a copy of your very own, visit EscortMBA.com
by Hella Goode
“You Can’t Have Everything.” Maybe Gypsy Rose Lee heard this a few times in her life. After all, this Aquarius, born Rose Louise Hovick on Thursday, February 9, 1911 in Seattle, (although later she would claim to have been born three years after in 1914). Circumstances and opportunities for women at the time were scarce. It seemed the stage, however, was the exception. Rose’s mother, also named Rose, got her daughters involved in vaudeville at an early age. For Gypsy Rose Lee, her vaudeville experience got her experienced in other ways as she later gave birth to a daughter, fathered by a vaudeville boy. Many years later she also had a son with director, Otto Preminger.
Her lifetime was spotted with brief marriages such as to Robert Mizzy, Alexander Kirkland, and Julio De Diego. Gypsy Rose Lee was much more successful in entertainment than in love. Like the name of her comedy film debut in 1937, “You Can’t Have Everything,” she learned that there were ways to get close enough to it. She was a wildly famous burlesque dancer at Minsky’s a few years and then went on to pursue writing and acting, appearing in such films as “My Lucky Star and “Ali Baba Goes to Town,” among others. Her novel “The G-string Murders” became an Academy Award nominated movie called “Lady of Burlesque.” She also penned “Mother Finds a Body” and the play, “Doll Face,” and starred in musicals.
She took in her last breath in the entertainment capital, LA, on April 26, 1970, succumbing to cancer, but her work showed women that there is always a way to find what you need and to do it with style.
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 which to outfit and prop her numbers. There are a couple of ways to be ultra fabulous on a budget, but you have to be very resourceful.
- Consider costuming your numbers from items that you already own. Upon first inspection, you may not think your closet may hold anything that screams Sex Kitten. Look for items that are sexy like corsets, panties, heels, bras, and prom or bridesmaids dresses. Consider apparel that you may not wear often, things you would not mind parting with or even of you do, wouldn’t mind updating for more frequent use. After all, wouldn’t your clothes be happier in the spotlight than on the hanger? Now look at each item and think “How can I make this look unique, and more custom made.” Sequins, rhinestones, trims, fringe, feathers, embroidery, and patches are all quick, low cost additions you can make to apparel to bring them closer to stage ready. The idea is to make your costumes one of a kind, not off the rack at Wal-burlesque-mart or Stripper-avenue-department store.
- One of my favorite places to bargain for burlesque goodies is my local thrift store. Oh if audiences only knew how little I spent on some of my costumes……I’m not sure I would have their respect anymore! I can’t even box a style of burlesque that would have more reason over another to peruse a thrift store for their next costume piece! I have snagged vintage stockings, perfectly spotless designer prom dresses, the perfect cabaret chairs as well as numerous other props and costume pieces that made the perfect addition to a number. I often peruse them just to stock up on items that look like something I can make use of in the future. Designer apparel is not a requirement to be a burlesque dancer. No one should be looking at your tags while you dance anyway!
- Some much desired burlesque props are quite an investment. The price is well worth the beautiful result, but to the beginning dancer trying to make her mark, how do you justify such a cost when you aren’t making that much in your first year of performance? If you are in a burlesque group/troupe or you and a fellow burlesque dancer care to split the tab, then consider pooling your investment into community props that all may be interested in using. Ostrich feather fans, for example, are an investment in your career, but a large investment. Quality feather fans may cost upward of $500-$1000 dollars. A set of community fans may be the answer to this financial dilemma. Cabaret chairs, corsets in bulk, set props are all items you could share the cost, and still get the look you want. There are also many burlesque sites that offer tutorials on how to create expensive props on a budget like fans and glitter chairs. Many websites offer bulk feather that may be slightly damaged or a bit off the dye lot for a huge discount. Rhinestones by the gross are also a major way to save dollars while making your 4 dollar dress look like a million bucks! If items have imperfections, add rhinestones or sequins. You can’t go wrong with adding sparkle.
- Lastly, sewing is a great way to cut your costuming costs. The amount you can save is just immeasurable. Simple tucks and hems go a long way in giving you greater dynamic in your costume pieces. The ability to sew leaves you the choice between altering an item you already have or could buy for cheap, and spending time and energy and much more money searching for that perfect dress or bra. Many fabric stores offer free sewing lessons, but I bet by just asking your friends you will find at least one who knows how to sew and will more than happy to teach you or sew for you. Many people have sewing machines they don’t use or don’t know how to use, and that might be a clever way to acquire a machine to learn with, if only until you can purchase your own!
Thanks so much for the question Lucy and good luck with your budding burly-q debut!
Speaking of Sewing and being Crafty, Next month, in addition to the question, I will leave you lucky readers with a how to on…….MAKING PASTIES!!!!!! I KNOW YOU ARE EXCITED! You are already dreaming of twirling tassles aren’t you?!
1 oz vodka
1/4 oz grenadine syrup
1 oz gin
1 oz light rum
1/2 oz dark rum
1 oz amaretto
1 oz triple sec
grapefruit juice
pineapple juice
Pour all but the juices, in order listed, into a hurricane glass three-quarters filled with ice. Fill with equal parts of grapefruit and pineapple juice, and serve.
