#burlesqueetiquette

[allixmortis]

Be nice

It is incredibly rude to reblog or repost a burlesque performer or pinup model's photo without crediting them or listing their name. Attribution should also be given to photographers. The more you know...

[allixmortis]

Great piece from Jo Weldon about the role of stage kittens / cubs. I can't stress enough how important it is to work as a stage kitten - even as you become a more established performer. I spent my first year in burlesque as a kitten and still find myself kitten-ing for my peers. If you're new to the scene - especially here in Boston - take time to kitten a few shows before you start approaching producers and troupes for bookings. It's the best way to a. see the shows, and b. get to know the producers and performers and show them that you're a good fit.

[allixmortis]

Advice for Aspiring Burlesque Dancers (from World Famous BOB)

Reblogging from World Famous Bob's Facebook page as its so wonderful & perfect. If you're thinking of taking up burlesque in 2013 (really taking it up - not just emulating the movie) this is a must read. Allix New to Burlesque? Wanna be? My advice follows: Right away my advice for anyone starting in Burlesque is: 1. Know the history- research Burlesque and the women that came before you. The only way we can create the future of anything in a responsible way is by honoring its past. 2. Don't be jealous or competitive- if you are truly original then there is no competition! (sigh* what a relief!) 3. Lead by example- be the person you would want to share a backstage with- be the performer you would want to see- and always respect that others may have a different approach to it all. 4. Take lessons- whether it's acting, dance, butoh, or ballet- you're only as good as the time you put in. 5. The second it's not what you want to do anymore stop. 6. Do not expect to make a living doing it- it is VERY popular and there are only so many seats on the tour bus. It does not mean that you will not- just don't go into thinking you will. Most full time professional performers, myself included, do A LOT of artistic things to pay the bills. Catherine D'Lish, Dirty Martini, Dita Von Tease, Julie Atlas Muz are a few of the talented but also lucky ones that do just Burlesque for the most part. Costumes, classes, and travel cost $. 7. Follow your heart. 8. Respect women and cheer them on- including yourself- Diva's are lonely people. 9. I will leave you with my personal onstage mantra: "Wig on, Chin up, Heels High, Move Forward!"-World Famous *BOB* That is what I say when I have a job to do and need super hero powers to do it. I teach at The New York School of Burlesque and would love to see you in class. Until Then- Love & Poodles, World Famous *BOB*

[allixmortis]

Sydni Deveraux writes a fabulous column called "Stripper Talk" that I've been consuming voraciously since happening across it on 21st C. Burlesque's site. While wading through the archives on Sydni's personal site I came across this post.

First, I need to commend Sydni for her grace and patience. I would not have had the same had I been tasked with answering the horrifying, racist, and downright trollish question sent in. Second, while I at first thought the question must be a prank it turns out that it was indeed not. "Miss Lorrie Ann" the writer popped in down thread to respond, comment further, and continue to try to pour her thoughts on racist, classicist, tripe as "art" into the burlesque community.

The letter and response and comment threads are must reads for anyone involved in the community - especially if you are someone who does not fully understand the damage or implications that cultural appropriation has for other performers, our audiences, and the community at large.

[allixmortis]

Rant of the Day

If I'm sent one more ad/recruitment post involving burlesque classes taught by people who have NEVER performed burlesque I might scream!

Seriously, I don't offer to teach painting classes because I picked up an acrylic set at the store, why do some folks think this art is so easy to teach?

It's not just infuriating, it's disrespectful - to those of us who are performers and professionals and to the students that are being duped.

I know there's a lot of back and forth in the community about who exactly is qualified to teach, but I think we all agree on one thing - someone who has never once been onstage or performed burlesque should not be teaching it. Stop co-opting my community imposters!

End Rant

[allixmortis]

A Brief Rant

from twitter (by yours truly):

(1/2)

I appreciate burlesque fans-I don't appreciate creepers who think they're entitled to dates bc they've seen me nearly naked.

(2/2)

It's rare that this happens-but still. We're performers, not objects. If you need a date hit okcupid, not my professional Facebook page.

I love interacting with audiences after shows - I love meeting burlesque enthusiasts and new comers. What I don't love though are gentleman, usually straight men, who seem to think that because they watched me from afar they are now entitled to a big chunk of my time, to touch me, to be rude or perverse. While bouncers can handle these guys, it's the Facebook creepers I hate most of all. My professional FB page actually lists that I'm in a relationship. And even if I was available (which is such a stupid assumption to make), why would I be courting suitors from a pool of dudes with limited social skills on the internet?

Simple audience etiquette - don't creep on performers. Also, straight dudes, seriously - get a grip. The outside world may be geared towards your gaze, but in my universe, you're expected to behave. End Rant.