06

Feb

Stripper Talk #13: Body beauty

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

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I should mention that this particular blog is long but could be longer because of the enormity of the topic. Hopefully this episode with start another conversation on the topic of body positivity in burlesque. I’m hoping to touch more on sub-topics within the idea of “body image in burlesque” in future Stripper Talk sessions. Please comment or send me an email (glitterwonderland@gmail.com) if you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered. 

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This week’s question comes from a performer who would like to remain anonymous.

” I have been attacked by people due to my size, with things like “She’s fat and she needs to lose weight if she’s gonna take off her clothing” and I know am not a professional dancer like some of the girls but I put effort in my performing and costuming. I’m constantly put down by people saying “sizeist” remarks about my body or the way I perform. As of late I just want to quit. I really need help I want to be healthy for me and that be ok.

Does size really matter?

looking to your answer.

with much love and admiration…”

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23 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

Stripper Talk/Uncategorized

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31

Jan

Stripper Talk #12: Pushing cultural boundaries?

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

****I need to note for clarification that anyone who emails me is granted anonymity WHEN THEY ASK FOR IT, NO MATTER THE QUESTION. This week’s question comes from a performer who did not ask for it, and therefore their name was disclosed. 

This week’s question comes from Miss Lorrie Ann from Las Vegas, Nevada

“My question to you is this:
I love pushing all sorts of boundaries in my satirical burlesque routines I perform. To be honest, as a performer when I go see other shows I’m board out of my gourd when all the routines are classic, strip tease, or bump and grind. I guess you can say I require more visual stimulation from performance. I like to see seriously choreographed routines or fucked up funny skit style routines. So as a performer I have this idea of doing a 1960′s slave/KKK routine as a funny haha routine equipped with noose  and all…. You as an African American performer, would you #1 be in a routine like this as the slave, and #2 would you find this offensive if you were just an audience member, or laugh at it because after all burlesque is about poking fun at all things equally( in my opinion)…….Why should one be able to poke fun at a redneck, Jew, or china man but not other “sensitive” past worldly issues.  I have also thought of routines such as old minstrel or black face routines and again would love your input:) thank you again!

Cheers,
Miss Lorrie Ann”
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30 days ago Short URL 98 Comments

Stripper Talk

24

Jan

Stripper Talk #11: Costuming?

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from Cherry Bombshell in New Zealand:

“Hi Sydni,

Firstly, I’d like to say that I think you are an inspiration – love your work and a huge fan of your blog.

I have a question… I’m a newbie to burlesque – did some classes, entered a competition and won – now have my first official gig lined up and another competition to look forward to.

I am buzzing with wonderful ideas for shows, but there is one thing that I find tricky – the costume.

I get stuck because for weeks I will be trying to find a costume that will work with my idea (New Zealand resources are extremely limited), then by the time I have it sussed my costume, the gig deadline is looming and I have to rush to put together a routine, but I’m finding it really hard, dare I say it, almost impossible to plan a routine with an imaginary dress/costume on.

 I keep researching my favorite US performers and they all have exquisite costumes.

I am juggling a full-time job running my own business as well as a blog and in my downtime am trying to build a burlesque performance career. I have trouble deciding which order to do things in – do you think of an idea, find a costume, then plan the routine? Do you have any tips or contacts for sourcing costumes?

Thank you in advance for your tips.

x
Cherry Bombshell”

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37 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

Stripper Talk

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16

Jan

Stripper Talk #10: what do you think about a free show?

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from the Luvely Rae in New York City! 

“Hi Sydni,

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on “free shows”. More and more producers in my neighborhood (New York City) are offering “free” burlesque shows. I recently had a customer ask why I haven’t considered going this route, which I went into a 15 minute discourse on how a “free” show is never really free and even though most of those producers are getting a cut of the bar to cover performer pay, I think audiences should understand that performers aren’t performing for free and should be paid. After all you don’t go to the movies or to a Broadway show and expect to get in for free.  What are your thoughts? Do free shows help the community by making the art for accessible to audiences or hurt the industry. I once heard a performer say in an interview that “the girls just do it for fun.” That it wasn’t about the money. I disagree with that statement, but so many times I hear new performers chatting about a show “that’s good experience”.  Should audiences expect to pay to see burlesque?

Kisses,

The Luvely Rae”

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44 days ago Short URL Comments

Discussions/Stripper Talk

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09

Jan

Stripper Talk #9: Help! I have boozy troupe-mates!

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from an anonymous person and place (to protect their troupe) 

“ My troupe likes to booze it up and I’m not much of a drinker. I don’t mind that they drink, but I do mind that they’re so tipsy before and during shows and I worry about the impression they make on people that come backstage that aren’t a part of the troupe. What do you suggest I could do about this? ”

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52 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Uncategorized

02

Jan

Stripper Talk #8: I want to do my first show!

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from Brittany H.

” Dear Sydni,

Ever since I saw my first show in October, I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole into that glitter wonderland that is burlesque.  Eventually I’d love to perform in a show when I have more experience.  I guess my question would be how to break into my first show.  I’ve been told some shows require an audition and some a video.  What would be the best option? 

Yours truly,
Brittany H.”
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58 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

Stripper Talk

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26

Dec

Stripper Talk #7: Break into Boylesque?

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from D. Xavier:

” What advise can you give a guy thats trying to break into the burlesque scene?”

Hi D. Xavier!

Congratulations on wanting to join the ranks of some of the sexiest men on the planet. I’ve been in wonderment of many of the boylesque sensations performing all over the world, and here in Seattle, Washington, you wouldn’t believe the scene here- it’s dripping of wonderful testosterone. We have, to name just a few, Waxie Moon, The’Luminous Pariah, Paris Original and frequent traveller from Portland, Russell Bruner.

To answer your question, I would advise a lot of research to begin with. There are a lot of ways to break into the boylesque community, and it’s very entwined with the burlesque community, all over the globe. If you don’t know of any boylesque performers in your area, I would ask a lady in the scene to introduce you to a few, and then you need to get cracking! Take burlesque classes, as a lot of the principles are the same- the art of striptease needs no gender, just a lot of sexual energy and a good sense of humor. Write inquiry emails to boylesque stars all over the nation and if there’s a man dancing in your area, why don’t you ask him for lessons or, if you hit it off very well- some mentoring?

Boylesque isn’t all that new, it’s just emerging more as time goes on and the burlesque (all gender identifications and types) scene gets bigger and bigger. You’ll find if you continue your quest and go to festivals that there are more boylesque figures that you can shake your *ahem* at!

Most importantly, you need to get your own style, pick a name that best reflects you, and work hard. Work on movement, character, getting your costumes to appropriately reflect your persona, and then get out there. Perhaps start by asking to help out with a show as a stage hand, get to know your fellow strippers, and also see if there are some newbie showcases in your area or surrounding areas. Whatever you decide to do, be humble, be kind and ask a lot of questions.

It’s an emerging part of our burlesque history and there are a lot of boylesque stars that love to talk about the art. If you have a chance, you should check out Tigger! (he teaches!) the first ever King of Boylesque 2006 (with the Burlesque Hall of Fame www.burlesquehall.com)

Here’s some of my favorite boylesque moments that are found on YouTube:

Best of luck to you!

xo
Sydni Deveraux

*Would you like your burlesque question answered in Stripper Talk? Email me at GlitterWonderland@gmail.comWant to see more of me? Check out www.GlitterWonderland.com

65 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Stripper Talk

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19

Dec

Stripper Talk #6: I’m not getting paid my rate

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from a performing friend who would like to remain anonymous: 

Hey Sydni,

I would like to remain anonymous.
I haven’t been performing nearly as much this year because most of the shows in (withheld to protect) won’t pay me my rate.

In previous blogs you’ve written about NOT performing for anything less than your rate for several reasons.

I find myself performing less and less because I refuse to be paid $25.
I’m kind of at a cross road between not performing hardly at all because no one  will pay me my rate or performing for WAY less than I deserve because if I don’t, I rarely get to let my caged burlesque animal out. I’m not really finding any middle ground.
I realize the economy is bad but my rate is not outrageous.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Anonymous

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73 days ago Short URL 3 Comments

Stripper Talk

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12

Dec

Stripper Talk #5: Burlesque and Family

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s questions come from two ladies who seem to have something in common!

“Hey Miss Sydni,

First off I just want to say that I have been soaking up all your advice and admiring all that you do since I met you at the Vancouver burlesque fest this past May :-) Since I’m such a tall girl myself im glad I can have a Glamazon like you to look up to in the burlesque community. :-)

Now here is my question. How do you (or how did you) deal with and talk to family members that STRONGLY opposed to your choice to become an burlesque entertainer? I’ve hit that road block already so early in my burlesque life, that I’m already discouraged. I have fallen so madly in love with burlesque that I wish my family would understand and try to see my point of view. I feel like I am Juliette and that burlesque is my Romeo. Forbidden love *le sigh*

Warmly,
Coconut”

and

Hello Mrs. Deveraux,

 I am a very big fan of vintage 40′s and 50′s everything!  Which lead me into the world of burlesque and I have been taken in by it’s beauty, grace and freedom.  So much so I want to be a performer, I have gone so far as to connect w/ the burlesque community in my area, find and attend shows and even find classes to start working on the craft.  However I was raised in a religious household that would not be too fond of that career choice.  Do you have any advice or could provide some clarity to my situation?  I really would appreciate any input, thank you.

B.Merri

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79 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Stripper Talk

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05

Dec

Stripper Talk #4: how do I approach a producer?

Author of Stripper Talk, Sydni Deveraux

Hello world! It’s Stripper Talk time again! This is a place where I field questions and answer them to the best of my ability, hopefully giving anyone who’s interested in burlesque some insight.

This week’s question comes from last weeks inquisitor Atlanta Summer, from Seattle WA: 

“As a hobbyist and a soloist (not a troupe member), I’d love to get in on shows that have “special guests” but I have no idea how to start, how to approach a producer (occasionally not even WHO to approach), how to be noticed and get on the performance radar. Do you have advice?”
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86 days ago Short URL 5 Comments

Stripper Talk

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