Archive for 2010

Ok so why does my opinion matter? It doesn’t. HA! But I have authority and content to create so this little listy is of my favorite sizzlin n’ stripteasin acts that I’ve seen in 2010. Mind you, I have seen many AMAZING acts this year and honestly I do feel like I’m not giving credit everywhere that it is due. However, that being said, off the top of my head- the following were the acts that after the test of time,after all the countless brain cells lost to binge drinking, after making sure that I had first seen them in 2010 and not before- stood out as my favorites.

Curtain Dance- April O’Peel, Violet Femme, Melody Mangler

THE ABUSE OF AUTHORITY BEGINS! Ha ok so I’m in this one but this was my favorite number that I’ve been involved with all year and I thinks it pretty awesome if I do say so myself. And I am.

http://www.stripcheez.com/video/taboo-revue-opening

Red Hot Annie- Ar-tease-t

I got to watch this rad act at the VIBF this year and I thought it was sooo clever. Creative, Innovative, Sexy! Definitely stood out for me

http://redhotannie.com/videos/artteaset.htm

Lola Frost-BHOF Best Debut Entry

This was Lola’s entry for Best Debut this year at the BHOF andt she fucking killed it. KILLLLLLLEd it. You don’t even understand!! Ok if you were there you probably do-  but I’ve said it before, Lola=SEX.

http://www.stripcheez.com/video/lola-frost-at-the-mermaid-cafe

Nicky NineDoors- Black Coffee

Mangler leans over to me after we were done watching (read: drooling over) this number at Midnight Blue and sez “Glad I didn’t have to go on after that.” Exactly!! Plus there was a merkin!!!

http://www.stripcheez.com/video/nicky-ninedoors

Michelle L’amour-Tiger Act

I think I’m noticing a theme where I’m picking all these sensual acts; I guess because its something I struggle with, I really appreciate sexy performers and oh my goddd- is Michelle ever sexy. I thought this was just the greatest thing!! Probably one of my top three from the BHOF weekend!!!

Judith Stein/ Rubber Legs

I don’t have video of either of these legends- but I learnt so much just watching them. Judith destroyed with her stage presence- she was soooooo soososososo sexay!! And Rubber Legs was the most amazing comedy act I have ever seen. ever.

Indigo Blue- Ricky Cortez Tribute Act

The thing that I can’t get over watching the pros is just how flawless their performances are. No pastie malfunctions, no trips or slips. Just perfect. Sometimes people get all wanky saying classic numbers are boring. I dare them to say so after watching this masterpiece. C’est Marveleux!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH6hGWlnUqg

Julie Altas Muz- SunGod

All Hail!! This was just epic! I think that the marker of a truly great act is when you can’t even believe what just happened! I sure couldn’t!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsQgR6imEN4

Honorable mentions for other acts I don’t have links to include:

Delilah Dare’s Sword Act, Doc Chocolate’s Shaft number and Dame Booty Dench’s Bear Fucking act.

Here’s to another inspired and amazing 2011!! xox

I remember when I first started my Burlesque journey about three and half years ago. What started as an excuse for me to perform on a stage again soon became more than a one-off or a hobby but a passion and a lifestyle. I don’t know if I could ever fully articulate all the ways in which I love Burlesque and how it changed my life and me for the better. How the names of the boys I’ve dated have changed but my love of Burlesque and its love for me have never wavered. How I am the best performer in all aspects that I ever been, how I have met so many of the most amazing, creative, kind and talented people. That I have a community and they are my family. How I am constantly inspired and challenged. How my confidence and self worth have grown so much. How I have had so many opportunities that I never would have had otherwise like touring Canada, performing in Vegas, and choreographing for and performing in “legitimate” theaters. How when my Dad passed away this summer, that I had an outlet, I had support, and I had more projects than I knew what to do with to keep me going. Despite anything and everything, Burlesque has been the one constant that has never let me down. And I have alot of people to thank for that- I am so so so very grateful to them.

After Screaming Chicken, the people who are have been very directly responsible for so much of my growth and inspiration are Burgundy Brixx and the Purrfessor. I have been in awe of them since they first arrived in Canada three years ago. I couldn’t believe that I even knew people that had resumes like theirs let alone that they talked and were nice to me. I was so impressed and inspired that they had performed in productions like Stomp, that Burgundy was a former Rockette, and that they had so much successful experience in all aspects of performing.  And to top it all off, they would compliment me and encourage me and book me for their monthly turned weekly Kitty Nights. That these people who I admired so much, had faith in me!!?? It meant so much. So very very much. I keep track of gigs that I’ve played. More of a personal satisfaction resume than anything else- but I just counted and I’ve played Kitty Nights 16 times since early 2008.

Kitty Nights was always a fun place for me to challenge myself. I always would try for one if not two new numbers to showcase. Usually I only had to come up with one solo act with Taboo but I needed two for Kitty Nights. I used this opportunity to try and develop numbers that I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable with but wanted to try anyway aka being serious and sexy. Burgundy always would tell me what a good job I had done (even if I have doubts about that) and it always meant the world to me to have her respect and encouragement. I have always had so much fun at Kitty Nights and the fact that it was produced so well meant I never had to stress or play to less than a packed and appreciative audience. That it was one of my first paid gigs helped elevate me to a professional status that gave me the confidence to believe that my skills and abilities were worth something and that I should keep trying. They always had time for me and they always treated me like a friend as well as a professional.

They also were instrumental in helping the Vancouver Burlesque Festival evolve into one of the biggest Burlesque events Vancouver has ever seen. That festival was also one of the major highlights of my Burly career. Watching Burgundy has been a source of constant inspiration for me. She is just SO talented and SO creative! I have never seen her do a bad number. Ever. Her roster of Burlettas is so impressive and she just keeps them coming!!! I aspire to even be half as talented as her. I always told her that I don’t have very many role models. Coming from a small town where everyone’s big dream is the picket fence and to breed, I don’t know that I ever did. But she is one of mine. And when a host can honestly make or destroy a show, the Purrfessor is a cut above. Always hilarious and always able to warm the crowd up perfectly. They and Kitty Nights are both a huge reason for Burlesque becoming as big as it has in Vancouver. They employ more dancers than anyone- my story is not unique. Many dancers in Vancouver have no other steady gigs than Kitty Nights or owe alot to and are inspired by Burgundy and the Purrfessor.  They work harder than anyone I know. I cannot even fathom how they are able to produce an amazing show WEEKLY!?  They are so passionate about Burlesque. They are really great friends and mentors to most everyone is our community- and its a pretty big community. I don’t know what we are going to do without them..

Burgundy Brixx and The Purrfessor’s work permit renewals have been denied and they have been asked to leave Canada by December 2nd.

If you enjoy Kitty Nights, the burlesque scene, and everything fun that they’ve been bringing you every Sunday night, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO SIGN THIS PETITION NOW:http://www.gopetition.com/petition/40811.html to help keep Burgundy Brixx and The Purrrfessor here in Canada so they can continue their devoted work making “no-fun city” as fun, vibrant and artistic as possible by bringing you shows like Kitty Nights and helping performers all over the city in their quest to be working artists by providing ongoing paid work opportunities for them. We are hoping to persuade MP Libby Davies to provide us with an MP intervention in the government’s request.

“The funny thing about this burlesque in the movie is they sort of reinvented it in a way that Europe already knows it. Americans kind of associate burlesque with stripping, which is not what it is at all. Burlesque is actually sort of a funny, wonderful, playful tease.”

-Kristen Bell, star of the upcoming “Burlesque” movie-

That movie. We all know what one I’m talking about. Don’t we? Oohh yes we do. That “Burlesque” movie. With Cher. And Christina Aguilera. That one. Ugh. I’ve rewrote this several times and its so hard to get into it without ranting.  I think the best way I’ve heard it put as to why exactly the whole thing is so unsettling was from Madame Mae I, a wonderful Vancouver performer and producer. In her feedback on one of the first rants I had written, she wrote to me about how she felt:

“with all the variety in the world of true burlesque – in shapes, sizes, personalities, styles, music preferences, presentations, use of props, senses of humor, etc – the most offensive part of it all is that this movie is claiming to define what Burlesque is without making any reference to all that they have left out. “

THAT IS EXACTLY IT!!! This combined with the very obvious intentions of selling the movie to the same target market of thirteen year old girls who buy Christina Aguilera and Pussycat Doll CDs is leaving a very icky taste in my mouth.

From what I can tell, the feeling in the community is one of distrust, apprehension, and general outrage. Pretty sure no one is happy about this. Being misrepresented on such a large scale is pretty frightening. So what do we do!?

As the release date approaches, I’m FINALLY seeing some dialogue about this. First step, lets keep that coming! If we don’t say something about it, how is anyone going to know we don’t want to be identified by a glorified music video.

Secondly, lets look at this as an opportunity to draw some attention to ourselves! Hello coat-tails!!! Now I’ve thought about this. My first ideas were abit too, erhm revolutionary. I basically wanted signs and pasties at every premiere and probably Steve Antin’s head on a pike. Oh April. So Lord of the Flies. I’ve since rescinded into thinking there must be an easier and better way. Stay with me here… but what about Facebook? We’re all on there, and we’re all on there all day, every day. If the global community and all our supporters were to band together- the media takes note when 100000 people do anything. That includes joining a group on a social networking site. I’m obviously up for any other suggestions. If anyone can think of any other Wacky Publicity Stunts to get our opinion any exposure without coming across as the bad guys, please, please please- Suggest it, Dialogue it, Do it! I know I have been waiting for someone to say or do something. I don’t know if people just don’t know want to do or if we just don’t want Cher to be mad at us- but I think its important to stand up for what we believe in.

If Burlesque the movie does not represent Burlesque to you, please join my Facebook group and voice your concerns and disappointment.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_163698530330190&ap=1

How did you get involved in Burlesque?

I impulsively straightened out Cecilia Bravo’s (Fluffgirl) stocking seam as she was washing her hands in the Brickyard’s bathroom. Ihad never met her. I did not say hi. I just crouched down, said ‘your seam is crooked’ and started straightening it in an OCD moment. I was probably high. Anyway she looked down at me and was like ‘Your cute, Do you wanna do burlesque?’ I said yes. obviously.

Whats your favorite act to perform?

My favorite number right now is my Phoenix number cause its new. I don’t like doing stuff more than a few times really so any new number is my favorite. That and for my own personal pleasure I like doing long slow classic burlettas to music that makes you wanna cry and maybe kill yourself just a little bit. Its kinda like masturbation. Give me five minutes I will take off one glove, grind the soul out of that song and work out a few of my demons. Maybe not so entertaining for short attention span audiences but good for me. I probably just need to get them all stoned first.

Whats your favorite act you’ve seen?

Sex at the Circus. Pretty much the whole thing. And Camaro Luvroc’s picnic number. And your Unicorn number. And Shaboobie’s Barbarella number always. And anything Farrah Moans does with fans.

Highlights thus far?

When Amber Ray loved Rosie Delight Needs a New Brain, called me a force of nature and gave me a flower. My heart just melted. I love her. Oh and when a bar full of dirty gory Victoria punks started chanting ‘Praise be to God!’ at me when my music stalled during my bloody nun number. That was good too. Oh and when the ghost of Madame Lucy Mae Brown pretty much told me she approved of Cinco de Murder, where she was the main character, by haunting my ass right before we started the play.

Performance Art or Performance Fart?

I like both but I need balance. The middle way but done by balancing extremes. For every time I paint myself white and do something arty and a little up my ass, I have to balance it out by biting the head off a chicken or stuffing sausage down my pants.

Who is a lucky ducky? Vancouver is a lucky ducky!!! And whhhhyyy you may ask!? Well because this past weekend Diamond Minx and Rosie Bitts co-produced the Midnight Blue Burlesque Show at the Wise Hall featuring none other than the beautiful and talented Michelle L’amour. **insert collective SQUEEE from everyone we know.

Michelle was kept bizee helping Vancouver launch their edition of Naked Girls Reading, teaching workshops and bringing the house down with her amazing solo performances at Midnight Blue. You thought you were tired!!

Just in case you were wondering what is Naked Girls Reading? Its exactly how it sounds. Naked girls…. reading. I didn’t get a chance to make it to the show but I heard it went really well. I mean common! They were naked AND reading!? I can’t really see how that wouldn’t be entertaining!

Because I knew Michelle was coming to Van and that she would be offering workshops here I opted to not take any of her classes at BurlyCon. I had heard through the grapevine that they were really amazing so I was really stoked to take her classes. Lucky us in Vancouver had the option to attend both a Boa and Fan Dancing class this past weekend and I got to take both. They were soooooooo great!!! (Is it just me or do I review like an 11 year old girl… hmmm..) but seriously… sooo great!! I’ve never really tried to deconstruct classic movements like the bump and grind before and I found her class really informative. Michelle is a great teacher; very warm and gracious- funny too!  She was able to walk the hard line with ease and give corrections without making anyone feel uncomfortable. I would recommend for anyone! I had way too much fun playing with the big girl fans. Probably going to have to start selling chocolate covered almonds soon so I can buy a pair.

The show on Saturday was wonderful as well! Really great mix of local performers featuring a varied array of acts. Singing, Dancing, Comedy, Live music and of course Michelle!!!  For me stand out acts included the Brolesque declaration of love for Miss L’amour from Chai Tea, Doc Chocolate, and Blue Morris. Was a really great blending of the musical talents of the boys combined with hysterical lyrics and striptease.  Count Chocula merkin!? Genius. The other number that I was absolutely mesmerized by came from classic songstress Nicky Ninedoors with piano accompaniment by Brother Keys. Although relatively new to the Burlesque Scene, Nicky has proved herself to be quite the powerhouse of talent. There was very little I could critique the number on and I forsee great things for her in the future when she gains abit more experience. This all leads us to Michelle. I can’t even do her performances justice. She was just perfect!  Her first act (which you can watch on Stripcheez of her performance at the TBF ) combined stunning boa work with Michelle’s stunning sensuality climaxing with the ass that goes Pow! Seriously. It went pow. Like 500 times!!! I do not even remotely know how she got it to move like that. DAMN. Its like a wizard ass or something. Her second number was her classic fan dance Sally Rand tribute number and it was so beautiful. Honestly was a living, moving masterpiece. I wanted to cry. There was a sense of absolute reverence in the crowd and I know so many people are so glad they were able to see Miss L’amour in person so will be able to remember when. She is just absolute perfection- A living angel! I am in complete awe of her grace and talent and feel so grateful that I was able to meet her and watch her perform. *swoon* Michelle L’amour+ Vancouver= True Luv 4Eva!!!

Wow-wa-wee-Wah!!! Ohm my gad! This was the funnest thing ever! It was my first year to ever attend Seattle’s annual Burlesque convention and I am a changed woman!! If you have the opportunity next year, GO! I am seriously endorsing this to every performer and to every person even remotely interested in Burlesque-just fucking GO! The bang for your buck is unbelievable! Where else can you feed your soul like this? Being able to take 4 days worth of workshops with unbelievable BQ Mega-Stars like Dee Milo, Indigo Blue, Jo Boobs, Tigger, World Famous BOB, Darlinda Just Darlinda, and Trixie and the Evil Hate Monkey- and thats just to mention a few?? No big deal. Ummm.. actually- BIG DEAL! Everyone had an absolute blast and left renewed, inspired, and grateful.

Now there were basically a bajillion classes one could take on subjects as diverse as the teachers themselves. Make-up, Hair, Clowning, Performance Art, Costuming, Comedy, Striptease Skills of every stripe. Check out www.burlyconseattle.com for a full schedule. There were also panels, a flash mob, performer feedback sessions, brunch and a pink party. Life was good this weekend my friends… very very good.

Now I can only really testify for the classes that I took and I can only speak as to how they inspired me and ultimately I want to pay tribute to the teachers themselves. This is just a small review of my favs.

Now my favorite class was Tigger’s Personna and Performance. His class should be mandatory for everyone twirling a pastie out there. I cannot stress how inspiring he is. And what an amazing teacher!!! I think the true strength of this class is that it not only addresses the how to of Burlesque but also the why. Tigger is a true artist. You can feel and see his passion in his lecture and see that his presence in the Burly world has deeper motivations than just having fun (although it definitely is fun). Tigger wants to change the world! And the greatest lesson I took from this class was that you cannot help but respect an intention that has greater meaning. That Burlesque can and does change the world. That the Why is just as important as the How, and lucky for us, both were covered! Awesome! Honestly, any chance you have to take this class, DO! Tigger is absolutely mesmerizing and just magic to listen to.

Another of my favorite classes was Performance Art with Darlinda Just Darlinda. Again, another really great teacher! She was informed, encouraging and very engaging. I appreciate that she asked questions and encouraged her students to the same; taking into account their opinions and experiences. I had absolutely no idea what to expect and I found the entire class very informative and pretty hilarious. We also learned a specific performance art skill that also ended up being very hilarious. Ask around as to what that skill was. Hilarious.

I also took the self confidence workshop with World Famous BOB and it was really great. This class was honestly sacred. I don’t want to divulge any details but like BOB, it was a really, really beautiful experience. I have read soooooo many self help books. I am honestly a self help book guru. I just love ‘em and I can honestly say I am a self development connoisseur. So take it from me, this class is worth your time whether you think you have self confidence or not. BOB gives you tools that will actually work and honestly, were ones I have never heard or tried before. This is also not to mention that you get to see BOB up close and personal and in action. Someone who is just beautiful inside and out and is willing to share herself in order to help you. Fucking beautiful. I also would love to testify that she is a great teacher- very fun, very warm, very approachable. You feel like in another land, you would probably end up being best friends forever. I will send you your half of the heart shaped necklace soon BB. Great, great, teacher- Great, great class.

I also took a few classes with Ol’Scratch from Boston. Commedia Dell Arte and Publicity. This guy really knows what he is talking about. I was just epically impressed with his knowledge. Its like hanging out with a book. But still very personable- very impressed. This dude is a serious wealth of information. Befriend him.

Another highlight was Jo Boobs’ “How to be a Teacher” class, which really was more of a discussion. It was just nice to know that we all have our insecurities about what and how we are doing, even someone as informed and awesome as Jo! There was some really nice dialogue. An important part of what was discussed definitely involved class content. Although we may be teaching similar things, like in a routine, its important to come at them with your special flavoring. Be unique!! Do not teach someone else’s class!! Or Jo will murder you. That is all.

One of my favorite moments was listening to the keynote address from Dee Milo. She was absolute love. When someone asked what would you like to see done differently from the performers of today she said nothing. Absolutely nothing, that we were all beautiful just the way we were. I wept.

I only have 2 complaints

1.) The music at the Pink Party was TERRIBLE!!! I know there is no accounting for taste (especially mine) but it would’ve been nice to see some old school 45s that everyone would’ve liked. Some feel good oldies or at least a mix of all sorts of music. That noise made me want a glow stick. And drugs. Because drugs are the only way I would’ve enjoyed that. BLAH!

2.) BE FRIENDLIER YOU ASSHOLES! Oh my god! All I am asking is for a goddamn smile!!! I know who you are. And I know that you know who I am. I smiled at you. I am not a hobo asking you for change!? The whole spirit of the thing was soposed to be about community! I found some people came across as very unfriendly and down right snot-tay!! It felt like I was in some sort of high school flashback. Even if I know you or if I don’t know you- Trust me, you aren’t that cool and I am your future fan or friend. We don’t have to talk. Just smile… please… just smile back at me. Nod, wave, make eye contact. It obviously wasn’t everyone. Some people were absolutely lovely. And it wasn’t the teachers!!! They were all so approachable and warm and personable!! But I just think its worth mentioning that one of the best things about our community is the community.. isn’t it??

That being said, those are minor minor MINOR complaints compared to the amazing. I am a changed person! That is such an amazing thing to be able to say! And I doubt you’d find even one person who attended that couldn’t say the same thing. Thank you so much!!!! To Indigo Blue and the rest of the BlueBurlyCon committee- You have created something absolutely amazing and we are all so indebted to you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

How did you get involved in Burlesque?

I owe it to Burgundy Brixx! We met doing a gig as singers/dancers & co-choreographers for a tribute show. She told me about her other gig and I was intrigued. I got my foot into the door Go-Go dancing at Kitty Nights. I took Burgundy’s ‘Elements of Tease’ workshop series to learn the basics. I consider her a mentor and feel grateful to know such a lovely person. I did my first Burletta at Kitty Nights and the rest is history! I fell in love with the art form as well as the community supporting it.

Whats your favorite act to perform?

Above all I love to Go-Go dance. Over the years I have learned the classic 60′s Go-Go style and enjoy incorporating this into improvised performance. When I’m up there I feel present, connected with the audience and in my element.

Whats your favorite act that you’ve seen?

Well, this is always changing so I will let you know my favorite act of the week – Delilah Dare and her ‘Toxic’ number. It is so captivating and powerful. She blends her extensive training in tribal fusion belly dance with strip-tease in a creative and emotive way while incorporating the use of beautiful fans. It blew me away when I saw it last night in rehearsal.

Highlights thus far?

I am tremendously excited about a new project called Pandora and The Locksmiths with fellow performers/friends Nicky NineDoors, Carole Brunette & Delilah Dare. As a collective, we put on a burlesque/cabaret show accompanied by a live jazz band that is very classic in style. It is a source of inspiration for me and a chance to work with incredible people. Another highlight would definitely be performing in a show (Kitty Nights) with Dirty Martini. She is a powerful, beautiful and talented woman. I felt fortunate for the experience. Finally, I was proud to have co-produced my first show for the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival this year called ‘Paris à Minuit’ and look forward to future projects.

What is your favorite way to work on your Fitness?

I try to eat lots of healthy organic food, do Yoga and can often be found rehearsing dance numbers, no matter what the setting!

I had a girl ask me at a party if she was too skinny to do Burlesque. I, of course, told her definitely not! In my opinion anyways and at least in Vancouver, Burlesque celebrates everyone!! We’ve got it all!! However, she thought that it seemed like it was only for the super voluptuous. I told her that its probably because this is one of the few places that honor the chubsters but it brought up some interesting thought for me on ye olde fat vs skinny burlesque debate! Yayy!! Can you hardly wait!?

Now for whatever reason, being fat is the most threatening thing to people. I’m not sure why but people are allowed to openly hate, mock, and despise people who are overweight. I completely understand that there are health benefits but I can also think that if it were that easy to be thin we’d all already be there. We don’t yell slurs at other unhealthy lifestyle choices. Its not an insult to call someone a smoker. Seriously imagine it- “You fucking smoking piece of shit!!!” That is serious comedy. Replace smoking with fat and…… you get what I’m saying. It is pure venom and hatred when someone is attacking someone’s weight. And it happens everyday to lots of really amazing people who are made to feel like they like they aren’t valuable and that their worth is only equal to how thin they are. Shit-tay.

So something that is cool about BurlyQ is that we can all play . Chubsters too! YAY!
But there is something interesting going on in terms of reverse fatism. People are getting all haterade on the skinny girls. A literal example is a review about Dinah Might’s performance at the Burlesque Hall of Fame from culturalcapitol.com (disclaimer: Dear Mr. Oxblood. I love you and your reviews. I actually really want to work for you. I’m sorry for calling you on your shit. Call me? xx)

“all I can say about Dinah Might is that I hate her perfect body and her stupid face—sorry, my thirteen year-old girl coming out.  Seriously, isn’t burlesque for ALL body types and can’t someone whose face is jammin’, body hecka slammin’, go pose for FHM or something?  Cash it in, hon.”

Umm. It IS for all body types! Even the “perfect” ones. Ok so maybe my thirteen year old girl is slightly jealous too but she is GOOD! No hatey hate!! Thats the easy thing to do. Whats hard is moving forward- its hard to see that being equal doesn’t mean being just as big of an asshole- it means behaving how you wanted to be treated. I think the biggest issue that holds women back in general is our perceptions and attitudes towards each other. I don’t know how much of it is evolution or genetics or something- but for women? Jealousy, labeling and not supporting one another is the main problem in the first place. Its really easy to want to say HA HA now you know how I feel but that isn’t helping! Its hurting.

There is some debate around “Curvy” shows or troupes that feature bigger gals exclusively and I get it. There is some exclusion here and now I might be backpedalling on my last point but I think that they are necessary at the same time. We don’t have shows that celebrate how thin someone is because it’d kinda be like giving yourself an academy award with your Mom in the audience. Its the same reason as to why we don’t have White People Appreciation month. Every day is White People Day. Its important for women to have pride in their bodies and honestly its alot harder when you are bigger. Plus it means so much to people to be able to see something that they can relate to. So so so much. HOWEVER- I also don’t think it means we can get all bitchy with our skinny sisters or treat them poorly.

I really think that Burlesque is going to play a really pivotal role for society and how it defines beauty. The message we are creating is that ALL women are beautiful; Chubsters, Stickbugs and everyone in between. There is nothing wrong with creating a future that truly believes in that and is one where we are supporting and helping and celebrating each other as we are.

How did you get involved in Burlesque?

I have a performance background in theatre, musical theatre, dance, and drag, plus a BFA in Theatre(Design) from UVic, so I had a natural inclination toward burlesque. While living in Japan in 2007, I was listening to Tom Waits’ “Big in Japan” and was suddenly inspired with a GREAT idea for a burlesque number. When I came back to Canada, I was encouraged by friends (particularly local performer Diamond Minx) to take up burlesque and return to the stage. In January 2009 I found Girls On Top, a not-for-profit burlesque troupe which raised money and awareness for survival sex-trade workers. I was so excited to use my skills in design and performance to help a cause i truly believe in but I was scared to come back to the stage after such a long absence. I hadn’t danced seriously in 14 years, but when I auditioned with them, and 3 weeks later when I debuted my first burlesque number, it all just clicked.

Whats your favorite act to perform?

I LOVE performing “The Sweater” by Canadian spoken-word artist Miram Cadell, which was gifted to me by my Fairy Dragmother. It’s a lipsynch number with intense lyrics and requires a huge amount of acting. Also, for my generation, it’s a brilliant reminder of a time when music had wit and personality.

Whats your favorite act you’ve seen?

That’s a ridiculously hard question. Vancouver alone is filed with so much wit and talent, let alone international acts, so it’s really tough to pick just one. I would have to give you my top three:

1: Nicky Ninedoors performing “Closer” as a live-vocal jazz number with striptease (excuse me, I need to change my panties now)

2: Lola Frost performing damn near anything, particularly her number with the champagne bottle.

3: April O’Peel performing the Mime.

Highlights thus far?

My highlights include performing at the BHOF weekend in Las Vegas (dancing at the pool-party in 44-degree weather on burning hot cement), Girls On Top’s final show the Glass Slipper at The Cultch, designing and creating costumes for GOT, performing at fundraisers around town especially the TCRG Shimmy Shake Showdown, meeting incredibly talented and gracious burlesque superstars from all over the world who get excited about shiny things the same way I do.

What Sparkly Thing are you most attracted to?

Vintage Buttons!! It’s actually how I got my stage name. Starting with my mother’s button box when I was about 3 years old, I have always been attracted to sparkly or shiny things (which is often called Magpie Syndrome). My mom used to call me her little magpie, so I’m Maggie Pie.

In my last post, I talked about valuing ourselves as “real” and “legitimate” dancers. This is obviously important so that as we enter the consciousness of the mainstream we are treated with the respect we want and deserve. This brought up alot of thought for me about the culture of dance in Western society and what Burlesque can bring to the table.

I have also previously discussed how I felt some of the true beauty in Burly Q lies in its imperfections and in its humanity. That there are no restrictions based on age, weight, sex, race, or ability. Because this is such a self directed art, the worth and value of a performer can be expressed in so many different ways that look past the boundaries we usually hold ourselves up against. I can’t because I’m not good enough at whatever because of whatever doesn’t really exist here. And that is amazing. What we have created is accessibility.

I had a friend recently come back from a trip to Tahiti. She has been a few times now and is just absolutely in love with the culture and I can see why. From our talks about it, what I understand is this:

So like most early cultures, Dance played a giant role in the lives of the Tahitians. They danced to greet visitors, to pray, to challenge a rival or to seduce a potential mate (meow!). This brings us to the part of the story that sucks. And like most early cultures, mother fucking white people showed up and ruined the party. When the first British colonists and missionaries came to Tahiti they believed the dances to be provocative and offensive and in 1820 abolished most forms of dance. BOOO! And again, like most early cultures, the assimilation almost destroyed them. However, in the 1950s a full on renaissance occurred and dance was back! Now they have a month long festival yearly that everyone prepares for year round. And I mean EVERYONE! The whole island dances. Everyone. Entire villages meet to rehearse for the festival. I was absolutely amazed by this!! How was possible that everyone was ABLE to participate? My friend told me that its not uncommon to see villages gathering in a field to learn and practice. Wowwww!!! Dancing has once again become a giant part of the culture, legacy and healing of these people.

I told this story because I am so inspired by it. I want dance to be accessible for everyone in our culture. And right now, Burlesque is I think, one of the most accessible of dance forms. And I think the healthiest because there are no restrictions about who can or can’t participate. Obviously the cream of the crop will rise to the top but there are opportunities everywhere for the newest of the new to try it out. I know there are alot of boo being said about if people use it as feel good tool are going to ruin it because they simply aren’t good enough. But like I said, the cream of the crop will rise to the top!!! And I think that everyone in this art (exception being those with previous nude dancing experience) had to come to terms with ideas about their body and it being naked and what their ideas about naked bodies in general should look like before that first performance. The diversity in the bodies of the performers because we aren’t telling anyone you need to be this or that also teaches us that same idea. And I think that is a beautiful thing. Because it challenges you. It changes your ideas about what that naked body needs to be. And yes. I think that is a healthy thing for our culture to come to terms with as a whole because currently the standard isn’t based on anything other than making you feel bad so you buy something to try and fix it.

And I think about how happy I am when I am able to dance- and how good it feels to dance with others and I wish everyone could and would have the opportunities I had that lead me here. I love that there are people in our troupe that now have a chance to enjoy what I have for so many years. And I can see how happy it makes them. How Burlesque has changed their lives for the better because they are able to express themselves through dance! And how being part of group dancing together creates a feelings of unity and positivity. There is so much to be said about being a part of something bigger than yourself.

And this is why I am here. I have a performing background and if this wasn’t available, I am sure I would still be performing. And I would be trying to develop myself in other modalities. I could be doing that right now instead. But I don’t want to be a musical theatre actor or a modern dancer. I want to be a Burlesque Dancer. For a variety of reasons- but they also include the positivity and community that come with it. I love that Burlesque is accessible. I think its important. And I want it to stay that way.