The Layman’s Guide to Burlesque Classes in Texas.

By : Shoshana

Whether you were inspired by attending a local burlesque show, and want to hit the stage yourself, or you are just looking for a creative workout there’s a local burlesque class and instructor that is just right for you.  The trick is finding the perfect fit.

Dallas

Ginger Valentine uses her 15 years of dance training to serve as headmistress of Ginger Valentine’s Burlesque Charm School.  Novices and seasoned performers welcome.

Monday & Wednesday evening classes are held at The Ruby Room (Fair Park in Dallas) and sessions include “Bumps and Grinds” and “Classic Burlesque Striptease”.  You may buy classes in series, or drop in for $20.

Tuesday is “Burlesque Shimmy and Tone” at Move Studio in far north Dallas.

Miss Malicious of The Lollie Bombs and Texas Performer of the Year 2009 teaches “Burlesque 101” at 7pm every Monday evening at Lady of America Gym on Mockingbird at Abrams. Malicious covers everything from classic burlesque moves and basics to full burlesque routines.  Class is free with gym membership ($30/mo) or drop-in for $15.

Delilah Muse, nationally renowned flamenco dancer, has dove head first into the world of burlesque! Her “Get Your Sexy Back” Burlesque class at United Dance Academy caters both to new mothers wanting to get back in shape & expectant mothers looking to stay sexy and fit during pregnancy.  Classes are on Saturdays. $55 per Month or $15 per class.

One of Dallas’ oldest cabaret troupes, The Velvet Kittens teach a wide variety of cabaret style and burlesque classes at the Verandah Club in Dallas.  Classes and workshops change monthly.  Four Class Series is $60 regular registration.

Denton

Honey Cocoa Bordeauxx has been on the stage since age two.  She brings her expertise to the Green Space Arts Center every Monday night for Burlesque Aerobics.  Classes are $10 for TWU or UNT students and $15 for non-students.

Honey will also be starting at class at Sole Groove Dance Fitness in Flower Mound later this month!

Austin

Austin Academy of Burlesque’s headmistress is none other than Miss Coco Lectric, co-founder of The Jigglewatts and Hot Rods and Heels Texas Performer of the Year 2010.  Lectric covers everything from classic techniques with boas, gloves, and stockings, to advanced choreography and full routines.  Classes range from $10-$15 and are on a drop-in basis and are held at Galaxy Dance School and Lucila’s World Dance Studio.

Houston

Grace Truvant founded Lady Grace Academy, Houston’s first school of burlesque just over a year ago.  The classes are taught in series and students may choose from a wide variety of subjects such as “Classic Moves of Burlesque” (Truvant is a New York School of Burlesque associated instructor), “Advanced Burlesque: Creating Your Character”, and “Exotic Essentials”.  Fees variety based on studies choosen.

Miss Cardinal Cyn of Austin is the featured performer for Hot Rods and Heels 2010. Here she takes the time to chat with us about Mexican wrestling, pimps, Miss Exotic World, and Femurs. This is an abbreviated version of the full article available in our Best of Spring 2010 Issue, which will celebrate its issue release at Hot Rods and Heels on May 15th, and will be available in our online shop after that!

Interview & Photographs: Shoshana, of Through the Looking Glass Studio

Q: Your burlesque bio is extensive.  How did you get your start, tell us about that first performance.

My introduction into the burlyq world started behind the scenes where I helped friends with their hair and makeup for shows and photos.
My first appearance as Cardinal Cyn was on the cover and centerfold of Barracuda Magazine!    

From there I was in the “Night of the Tiki” featuring Don Ho!  I was the mermaid that sheds her tail, so she can join in the tiki fun. Kitty Diggins gave me my first shot on stage as  one of her follies in “the Kit Kat Follies Burlesque Revue” fundraiser for Dixie Evans Exotic World Museum at the Palace Theater. The Palace is an art deco theater that holds 2200 seats! My most memorable solo-ish performance (I had 2 backup dancers) was at the Mayan Theater (built 1927 holds 1491 seats)which is truly amazing  it’s the real deal with balcony seating and art deco mayan carvings on the walls.  The show was Lucha Vavoom (Mexican masked wrestling, comedy & burlesque) which I previously performed in as a ring girl. I read that in 1948 the Mayan was a burlesque theater and Marilyn Monroe made an appearance!
 
Q: You competed for best Debut at Miss Exotic World 2006, can you tell us a little bit about that experience? 

It was the first year they did it in Vegas! I just remember all the great acts and getting to see and meet the legends! I had my first run in with Satan’s Angel in the bathroom giving my friend Mia Vixen a impromptu lesson on tassels! I recommend to all the girls new and old to attend Miss Exotic World or Tease O Rama and really experience the true supportive and awe inspiring performers from all over the world.  It’s a really great feeling to be enveloped with all the camaraderie with other women that have the love you do for burlyq!
 
Q: At one point you were represented/managed by a talent agency, maybe you still are.  What is your view on professional representation, as opposed to performers representing themselves?

I’ve always represented myself. I’m listed with a friend’s promotion agency out of NY!  Living in TX now I don’t book as much in the corporate world.  It would be great having someone to deal with all the money aspect.  It’s hard when there are people out there trying to take advantage of performers, we don’t need pimps, people!

Q: Now a painful subject.  In 2008, when it seemed like you were unstoppable, you slipped on an audience member’s spilled drink and broke your femur during a show at Emo’s in Austin with Kitten Deville.  It took a troupe in the show insisting that you go to the hospital, and when you arrive you learned you were going to need metal screws to put you back together.  You were out of commission for three months, and unable to perform for a lot longer.  How long did it take you to emotionally recover, and how long did it take your career to recover?  What has the rebuilding process been like?

Ladies I don’t recommend doing this at home or anywhere!  Although I do believe it helped win me the title of the “Most Beloved Burlesque Performer” in the Austin Chronicle! I broke my femur at the hip and have 3 metal screws to put me back together. I was on a walker for 3 months and then moved on to crutches.  I was scheduled to perform at a benefit for Miss Exotic World in Corpus Christi. I didn’t want to let them down and I really wanted to perform!  I bought a beautiful art deco red velvet chair to perform on.  I was nervous because I’m a hip shaker and never just did a striptease!  It was an amazing experience!  My adrenaline kicked in and I couldn’t even walk on my crutches, I had to be carried off stage! I did that performance two more times in Houston at the Continental Club and Numbers! Burlesque definitely helped to get back on my feet.  I don’t have insurance so I couldn’t afford physical therapy. I did it all myself dancing in the pool!  My motivation was to perform at the Tease O Rama in SF, where I used my cane right up till I got on the stage!  That was 8 months after my accident.  Two years later I’m still working on getting my leg back to full use without discomfort, and no I can’t tell if it’s going to rain.  The experience really made me appreciate my life, legs also made me realize how vulnerable I am.  How nothing can hold me back and that I’m not patient what so ever!
 
Q: In addition to quite an impressive burlesque career, you have an equally stunning career as owner of La Petite Rouge in Austin where you are a hair and makeup artist.  What have been your most rewarding experiences in your “day job”?

I love vintage glamour and I love making people feel beautiful inside and out!  That truly is the most rewarding!  I have had the pleasure of working with many great people including celebs and the girl next door.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you see gals make in the realm of pin-up and burlesque make-up and hair artistry?  What are your beauty pet peeves?

Well I’m eyebrow obsessed and it’s truly one of my specialties! So ladies get them right!  Just find what makes you stand out and have fun!  Do your homework before a shoot.  Look at other pinups and find the pose and the look you want before the big day!  For burlesque know your body what are your best attributes? Make them a focal point and disguise the ones that aren’t!

Not a beauty pet peeve, but a performance…I don’t really care for shock value in burlesque, to me that is more of a performance art. I like the glamour of burlesque, I’m not into the raunchy props keeps those at home please!…Unless of course the show is all about that then by all means go for it.

And a final word from your burlyq sponsor :]  Be supportive of your fellow burlyq girls they’ve got your back!  If you’re not having  fun don’t do it.  xx Miss Cardinal Cyn

Pin curl had the opportunity to visit with the Jigglewatts: Ruby Joule & Coco Lectric and talk assassins, Madonna, zombies, and baking.

Photo: Through the Looking Glass

Q: Who founded the Jigglewatts and how has the troupe evolved since its inception?

R: The Jigglewatts has three original founding members: Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, and Cherry Zap. Coco brought along the Jigglewatts name from an earlier incarnation, which was the inspiration for the electrical theme of our names, and also spoke to our philosophy.  Since the troupe was founded, a handful of dancers have come and gone but we’ve remained small in number, keeping an exclusive “boutique troupe” feel. Because of this, we’ve moved away from the idea of group numbers, focusing instead on developing spectacular solos and engaging duets. 

CL: Before the Jigglewatts was a burlesque troupe it was a club I created for women to support each other in their endeavors and to appreciate how we’re all beautiful and unique. As a troupe we strive for these goals and really demonstrate how women who realize their unique beauty and sensuality can be powerful and inspiring. When we first started out we were still trying to find our niche. I was more serious about culturally inspired numbers that utilized my dance and gymnastics training. I also used to choreograph a lot more and we had more ensembles. Now we do a lot of solos and are very intense about our costume choices and engaging the audience instead of just hitting them over the head with our dance moves.
  
Q: Both of you have extensive dance and theater backgrounds. Can you give us the highlights?

R: Gosh, where to start?  I’ve been dancing since I could walk, and was on the prima ballerina career track until I had a serious foot injury as a teenager.  I couldn’t bear to leave the performing arts, so I transitioned into theatre and started learning other, less punishing forms of dance.  I have fond memories of performing with Ballet Austin in The Nutcracker and Snow White, and later as the “palest hula girl in town,” performing Tahitian and Polynesian dance for about 9 years.  I am particularly proud of originating the role of Eva in the musical, The Cafe du Cache, and following in Madonna’s footsteps to play Karen in Speed-the-Plow.  

CL: I began dance training at the age of 3 and began dancing professionally at the age of 14 in Houston. I performed with Ruby for years in the Austin area in the Polynesian arts, belly dancing and Afro-Caribbean styles. I began my professional choreography career in Austin where I was the house choreographer at Paradox Nightclub. Austin has known me as a featured dancer for years. As a vocalist I’ve performed with award winning band, Salsa Del Rio and toured Europe with an operatic choral group with top performers from the state of Texas. As a pop/R&B singer I performed with Liquid Stereo Project and co-produced and recorded as a solo artist on my album, Alive. My most notable film appearances have been as associate producer, choreographer, vocalist for the female lead in Z: A Zombie Musical and as Isabella Montoya in Green. I now teach Classic Striptease and Go-go Cardio and am coordinating the Austin Academy of Burlesque.

Q: In your opinions, what makes a “great” burlesque piece? What elements should it possess?

R: In my opinion, a great piece starts with a concept that is original or meaningful to the performer, and utilizes the elements of music, costuming, movement and stage presence to the fullest and most detailed extent possible to illustrate a story or transformation. As a spectator, none of these elements can be a weak link, or the act falls like a bad soufflé!

CL: In addition to what Ruby mentioned, a great burlesque piece is all about what makes the performer tick. She has to really look like she’s enjoying herself, like there’s nowhere in the world she’d rather be. I also love watching performances that have a little twist or a well thought out theme.
  
Q: Many of your signature numbers involve elaborate costumes and props that add to the glamour. Can you describe your creative process in developing a new number? How much of the prop and costuming is yourselves, and how much is commissioned?

R: For me, the creative process can be sparked by anything- a theme show, a character I want to portray, a song I just HAVE to dance to or a special prop I want to play with.  Then it seems to come together in bits and pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle.  I make (or repurpose) all of my props and costumes.  It’s one of the parts of the process I enjoy most, plus I like having complete creative control over the finished product.

CL: So far all of my props and costumes have been created by me, or have been fashioned from something that already exists. Jupiter Moon Corsets recently made me a fabulous cocoa colored ensemble that I’m working into a signature Coco solo. New numbers or themes pop into my head several times a day. Sometimes a theme of a show will inspire a new number, for example, at Gifts and Garters where I’ll BE a gift from Tiffany’s. I find myself wanting to BE something non-human like a pony or a tangerine, I’m working on a cobra number and a dragonfly number, now. Lovers, friends, family and the politico-social climate inspire my numbers quite often, but I’ve got to keep some things a secret, right?
 
Q: Speaking of glamour, our cover shoot is having fun with image of an over the top glamour girl as the image of burlesque, and has you ladies baking in the kitchen in fabulous dresses. Do either of you ladies actually cook? What are your contributions to your Thanksgiving spreads this year?

R: Ha!  I’ll let Miss Coco handle this one, as I do not cook! At Thanksgiving feasts, I’m usually relegated to bringing the relish tray.

CL: When I do cook, it’s to die for. But–I’ll let you in on a little secret — I hate to clean. I love to cook, but I hate to clean the gigantic mess that accompanies a delicious meal. My Czech grandmother taught me to make all kinds of pastries and jams, and a close friend taught me how to make some traditional Chinese dishes, but for the most part I like to discover food on my own. I made Thanksgiving dinner a few years ago and people are still raving over it. I’ll bring the turkey, dressing and gravy if they let me this year.

  
Q: Recently, Dallas has had the privilege of seeing a lot more of you lovely ladies. Each of you has performed at various Bewitching Burlesque events as well as Dallas Burlesque Festival and Hot Rods and Heels. How does the Austin burlesque scene different from the Dallas scene?

R:  The Dallas Burlesque scene is so exciting in its rapidly blossoming growth! I love coming to Dallas to perform because the shows are such bombastic events and there is a feeling of mutual respect and support for every role in the burlesque community, from dancers to producers, photographers and designers.  The Austin entertainment scene is saturated with talented artists trying to be noticed, so it can be quite competitive as we are pitted against theatre, indie film, live music and myriad other entertainment choices every time we perform. Perhaps for this reason, Austin has been a great place to hone professional, attention-getting acts.

CL: Dallas really knows how to appreciate local talent when it sees it. You all are very good business people and on top of your game in entrepreneurship. Austin is more a town of artists with far fewer business people in the arts, but that part is growing. We are all on our own, in a way, but like Ruby said, there are so many of us. People come from all over the world to live in Austin for that very reason and there are more bands and performers than I could ever hear about in town. I’m so proud to be a part of the longest active burlesque troupe in town.
 
Q: Ruby Joule, you’ve been working a lot as an actor lately, and even jokingly referred to yourself as the “music video queen”. What acting projects do you have in the works currently?

R:  Haha, that’s right!  I love working on music videos because they are often quick shoots and can be very creative.  Up next, I am pleased to report that I’ll be appearing as “Midge” in the feature film, “A Mind of its Own,” which will be shooting in Dallas in late 2009. In it, I play the main character’s co-worker, a fiery redhead from Scotland.  Winning this role was quite a feather in my cap, as I hear they auditioned in Texas and LA before making their final decision.
 
Q: Are you switching your focus from burlesque to acting?

R: This burlesque adventure has actually marked a grand detour from my acting career.  The aspect of burlesque that had me hooked was the ability to cast myself in any role I felt like dreaming up! No waiting around for a good character to come along, auditioning, and hoping the director likes you.  It’s DIY from start to finish, with complete creative control. However, while I love the art of burlesque dearly, I’ve realized that for me its scope is limited.  I wouldn’t say that I’m switching my focus as much as trying to find a happy balance between burlesque, legit film and stage, and modeling while keeping it all in perspective.  A lofty goal when there are still only 24 hours in a day! 
  
Q: Miss Coco Lectric, you recently stared in an ass kicking martial arts film. Tell us a little about your character?

My character is an assassin in a futuristic sci-fi action film. She’s caught in the crosshairs of a scandal between warring factions in the not so far future in the United States. She’s trying to find herself and avenge the death of her father. I loved doing this film. Isabella and I are very similar only she gets to beat people up all day and she has to lay low. Coco doesn’t lay low.
 
Q: Though you’ve done film and television as well, your love affair with burlesque is your main focus. What is it that has you so captivated?

CL: Burlesque combines dance, music, singing, acting, costuming, modeling and playing dress up; why am I so captivated? But really, burlesque is an art that has the ability to inspire and heal people at a deep level. Women have been given so many mixed messages regarding their bodies and their sensuality, and for that reason many women are unhappy with themselves. Burlesque gives me an opportunity to show a healthy and fun portrayal of sensuality and the beauty of diversity. As a performer I’ve always made an attempt to make the audience feel special, happy, and alive. Burlesque gives me that opportunity. The audience reaction is such an integral part of the show, they are all a part of it. It’s truly an honor to be able to share even just a few moments with everyone in the crowd.
 
Q: The last six months have been successful and busy; we’ve found you ladies in Las Vegas, Dallas, New Orleans, Austin, and Los Angeles! Being able to be a part of so many fabulous events, and finding yourself surrounded by so many amazing performers has to been inspiration as well as informative. What’s the biggest pearl of wisdom you’ve taken to heart in recent months?

R: For me, it has been inspiring to greet those mythical places and people who previously only existed in my remote imagination; The Viper Room, Marilyn’s handprints, Catherine D’Lish, Jo Boobs… they have shown me that perhaps the world is smaller and friendlier than I once thought.

CL: I’ve found that, no matter where we perform, audiences want to be enchanted. When we get up on the stage and dazzle audiences they are more than willing to accept the escape from their every day lives. I can’t help but want to create a more and more spectacular numbers.

 
Q: It is human nature to always want bigger and better. What does 2010 hold for the Jigglewatts, both as a troupe, and as individuals?

R:  We’re continually dreaming up ideas for “our next big show” with the troupe; perhaps one of those ideas will be brought to fruition.  We have both been invited to perform at the Southwest Burlesque Festival in New Mexico, and I plan to make as many stops on the festival circuit as possible.  I would also love to devote more energy to helping our younger Jigglewatts develop their burlesque presence and refine their acts.

CL: As a troupe we are working toward producing more shows in the Austin and San Antonio area and getting our name and reputation for quality performances out there. The Jigglewatts have a very high standard of quality when it comes to performances, we work very hard at what we do and that should continue. We’re always learning about ways we can improve, so traveling will also be in store for us next year. As a solo artist I plan to keep trying to outdo myself as a performer and costumer. I also am looking forward to teaching more burlesque workshops and classes on the road. I’ve taken in upon myself to create more of a classic burlesque presence in San Antonio–it’s a risk–but burlesque is important to me.
 
Q: What would be your dream performance?

R:My dream performance would involve a stage in Europe, a large prop of some kind; crescent moon, swing, champagne glass, or maybe a disco ball that I “hatch” out of, and a live orchestra… all of this wrapped up in a well-produced film.  I’d also love to play Mistinguett (legendary star of the Moulin Rouge) in a film about her life.  A girl can dream, right?

CL: Every time I dream up something I try to make it happen. I’m working toward being a Broadway performer later in life, but for now I want a big stage, big props, and big smiles in the audience.

Catch Ruby Joule & Coco Lectric at these upcoming events:
 
R: Dec 5: Gifts & Garters, Feb 2010: SW Burlesque Fest.  (Filming in Nov)

CL: I will be filming a couple of movies in November, will be in the next issue of Bachelor Pad, performing in Chicago on November 12th a the Blue Bayou and Vaudezilla Presents The Absolut Comedy Show + Punk Rock Red Carpet on November 14th, performing in Gifts and Garters on December 5th, and The Southwest Burlesque Festival February 20. 

Austin based Burlesque Entertainer Erin Go Braughless talks drag queens, comic books, and being hot.

Q: You recently won the title of “most outrageous” in your luche libre costume that made audiences roar with laughter. We think outrageous is a great way to describe the over the top hilarity of your burlesque numbers. Have you always been a comedian of sorts?

Believe it or not, I am actually a really quiet person.  I think backstage at shows, people a lot of times think that I am rude, but in truth, I am super shy!  Once people get to know me though, I open up and become a totally different person and I have a really citric sense of humor and act pretty outrageous all of the time.  I also think it helps that I work full-time year round at Lucy In Disguise with Diamonds, an over the top costume shop in Austin, read comic books, watch professional wrestling several times a week, worship drag queens, and wear over the top fashions most days of the week.
 
Q: In your submission to Pin Curl, you wrote ” [I] give the audience just what they came for- a close and personal encounter with the endangered species of the confident woman.” We were taken by this. In your opinion, why is the confident woman an endangered species?

I think that most women are so caught up in being hotter or thinner or younger that we forget to take a look in the mirror today and go “damn I look good”.  You hear women say all the time “when I was 17 I thought I was so awkward and ugly, but now looking back, I was a real Bettie”, so my goal is to always find something that I love about the way I look that day.  Sometimes I have a breakout so I focus on my hair, or on a bad hair day I focus on my awesome rack, so I always feel confident and sexy; I don’t ever want to look back and feel like I missed out on a single experience because of my own insecurities.
 
Q: Your email signature includes your self-given title “Big Fat Burlesque Queen”. In a society that frowns upon the word “fat”, you have chosen to embrace it. Why do you choose “fat” instead of gentler words like “plump”, or “full-figured”?

Fat is just what I am.  To me saying you are offended by the word fat is the same as being offended by the words short or blonde.  I am all of those things and I don’t call myself “flaxen haired” or “vertically challenged”, I don’t call myself fluffy, chubby, or anything else.  I also choose to use the word fat because when you use it, it is impossible for others to use it against you as a weapon.  I am fat.  I always have been.  I always will be.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: You are a founding member of “Big Star Burlesque”. Tell us more about the founding and mission of BSB.

Our founder is Blue Valentine and she was inspired to create BSB after seeing the Fat Bottom Revue in San Francisco.  She came back to Austin and started an all plus-sized troupe to help inspire and empower plus-sized women all over Texas.  After Blue moved to San Antonio to found Stars and Garters Burlesque, I took over our troupe and have been carrying on the mission of empowering women of all shapes and sizes through dance, strip tease, and soaking up the spot light.  Myself and the other girls feel a huge sense of responsibility in carrying on the mission and ideas and she set forth in our founding.

Q: Do you find that there is a smaller audience for a troupe of bigger gals, as opposed to a more diverse troupe?

I think that we tend to draw in a crowd that appreciates full figured women as we often perform at functions that are for plus-sized women and their fans.  I also think that we draw in a lot of first timers because we have a gimmick, and if there is one thing you need in show business, its a gimmick!

Q: You recently started the Erin Go Braughless School of Burlesque. What are the top three things you would like your students to learn from your classes?

1. Anyone can twirl tassels
2. There is a big drag goddess in all of us
3. Fat girls take up more room in the spotlight

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: