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Writing with Feather Fans
Aug 17th
“By night I whip my hair up in fantastic shapes, glue dramatic false eyelashes on, and cover myself in glitter. By night, I am a burlesque dancer, and ecdysiast, a striptease artist. I strut onstage in elaborate rhinestoned costumes, telling a story of lost love or lust through my dance. I seductively peel off my stockings, corset, and trappings of assumed femininity as I go, until it is just me, in pasties and panties, on display for an audience. I’m one of an elite group of avengers of the breast.
I’m hired across the United States and Canada, visiting museums and being a tourist during the day, and titillating their audiences, tassel twirling from city to city by night, sleeping in seedy motels or on borrowed couches, waking up in glitter and feathers. I’ve performed for a beer symposium, local access TV, and to intimate audiences of ten up to over a thousand. I’ve performed alongside a Cirque du Soleil actor, slept in tents with trapeze artists, and befriended sword swallowers. And let me tell you, it’s just as glamorous and gritty as it sounds.”
A short excerpt from a feature story I wrote about my burlesque life to be published in the October issue of Her Magazine.
Popularity: 6% [?]
The Benefits of Narcissism
Aug 11th
A quick, stream of consciousness on self-love:
via `Vorfas
Okay, so let’s not all be narcissists, but really, we should love ourselves, naughtily and otherwise.
When you undress for the night, how do you see your body? I’m not a mainstream media body type or size, but most nights, I think “Damn, I love my sexy self!”
Does anyone else get undressed for bed and just absolutely love how their body looks without clothes on? I kind of feel like I was meant to live a naked life. It’s one of the reasons burlesque is so appealing to me I guess!
It’s cheesy, but in a world where advertising and most of our outside influences tell us we’re not good enough, a little narcissism about superficial things like how you look, go a long way.
Sure there are things I want to change physically, I think we all want to live more active lives. But even if I don’t lose a pound and only gain strength and stamina, I’ll be happy. Because happy is an in-the-moment place, not somewhere in the future.
It took me a long time to get to this point. In high school I actively shunned any notion of feminity and body image. Sure I went to prom and wore a dress, but every other day was spent in an army jacket with boy-cut short hair. Of course, if you see me now I rarely wear pants. dresses and skirts make up almost all my wardrobe, and I revel in putting together costumes and cute outfits for evenings. All this to say that I used to think that image didn’t matter. It’s about what’s on the inside right? But if you’re constantly hiding who you are on the inside by rejecting people and shutting others out, how is anyone going to know? You don’t have to play by their rules.
Popularity: 7% [?]
The Perfect Pincurl
Jul 28th
Hey lads and ladies,
Several of you on Twitter and Facebook have asked about some of my vintage ‘dos lately. While I’m certainly no expert, and there are plenty of wonderful tutorials on YouTube, I find my best styles have come from perfecting the pincurl. If you can make a pincurl, then you can create awesome high poofs without teasing, 40s victory rolls, and easy day styles that will fall out into gorgeous, perfect curls for the evening with minimal effort.
So I decided to make my second ever video blog, and show you how to perfect your own pincurls and three easy, retro, hairstyles you can do based off the pincurl. Hope you enjoy!
What’s your go-to hair?
Popularity: 11% [?]
What are you Reading? -July
Jul 26th
With all the traveling, I’ve been able to finally devour some of the books that have been on my reading list for forever. Below are my most recent picks.
I was assigned Treat Me Like Dirt to review for VenusZine, otherwise I’m not sure I would have picked it up. I’m not a big music reader, and fantastically, this book is anything but. It covers the history of Toronto punk through oral tellings, so you can taste the grit of the streets and the characters of the people are so over-the-top but still feel real. I interviewed Liz Worth for VenusZine.com if you want more info.
My caffeine-inclined barista friend, Sarah, has been trying to push Box Office Poison on me for some time. I finally had a chance to get to it, and absolutely loved it. The story of post-college life in NYC in the late 90’s, it’s as much a time capsule as it is the same story of self-reflection, loathing, and love that is universal.
I read Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
a few years ago and really enjoyed Mary Roach’s research style with her running tangents, footnotes with personal observations, and of course the actual subject matter. So I have been meaning to get to her next work, Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Sex and Science. I’m still in the beginning of it, but thus far it is as engaging as Stiff even if it is a little more self-involved (she frequently is roped in as a subject for sexual studies, and I find her own neuroses about them less entertaining than irritating). Her examination of the studies and evolution of sexual science though is so much fun.
To add some weight to my fluffy summer list, I’ve started another longstanding untouched book on my shelf, White Noise. I don’t read a lot of literary fiction like I used to, so it’s nice to get back into the deep end of the pool. White Noise is truly a superb work of fiction, darkly funny, quietly tragic, and slightly outlandish in an ordinary way. Again a piece that is as applicable today as it was when it was published in the 1980s.
What’s on your summer reading list?
Popularity: 9% [?]
Friday I’m in Love (er, Saturday) – July 24th
Jul 24th
A day late, sorry loves, I was out of the country on a business/pleasure mission. More on that below!
This has been my totem for the past month. This image just, grabs me and envelopes me completely. It is a reminder to never be timid, but also not overbold. Madamoiselle Scheel is completely content just resting on the lions in their cage. There’s a delicious balance achieved in this.
The week in review:
On Sunday my Burlesque 101 class completed their six week session. Such amazing women all. We celebrated in a secret room with a chocolate iced cake and cupcake white wine.
I had the privilege of interviewing sword swallower extraordinaire, Dan Meyer. Dan has been featured on America’s Got Talent, holds multiple Guinness World Records, is a regular with Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and winner of an Ig Nobel Prize. Dan and I have been in contact through Twitter for a while but this was the first time we met in person. He is a wonderfully inspiring man. He absolutely loves what he does and is committed to preserving and evolving the great American sideshow.
I learned how to eat fire!! Dan and I were talking about performing and burlesque. I mentioned how I’d been working with fire but had yet to go so far as putting the torches in my mouth, and he offered to give me a lesson. Absolutely thrilling! I am still practicing on looking not terrified, but I plan on getting the Mr. to take a video soon so you can see how hardcore I am, haha.
The Mr. started his graduate studies in creative fiction on the 9th. He’s studying at a low residency program, so he goes out for workshops twice a year, and the rest of the work is online. I love that he had a wonderful time at his workshops, but I’m so happy to have him home again. Also, it was his birthday yesterday!!
I performed my signature burlesque act at the Toronto Burlesque Festival on Thursday. I just flew back today and that is why I’m a little late to posting. Canada was great! Every time I’ve been I’ve met the most amazing, warm people. Add that to a thriving and empowering burlesque community and Holy Whoa. I met a gorgeous redhead, the delightfully named Red Herring, on Thursday and ended up going home with her that night. Yes, her couch was comfy and her and her boyfriend a delight. So glad they took me in as my supposed to be roommate, the inimitable Lula Hoop Garou, got stuck in traffic all night driving from Chicago. TBF is a giant festival machine, and unfortunately I only got a little taste of Thursday and the Friday show, but it was all so well run and smooth on the performer and audience side. Oh and the swag, yum. I’ll have to share the details later this week! I also got to finally meet one of my Twitter loves, Ellie for a chocolate milk
Okay this was two weeks ago, but I’m catching up! Colorado . . . damn lover, you sure know how to charm! Denver was such a great city. I roomed with a dancer from LA, Red Snapper, and hung with her, Panama Red, and Scarlett Letter the weekend. (Apparently there’s a redhead theme in my life lately). Fantastic venues, soaring skylines, and really wonderful company.
I stayed up all night after the show Friday and so excuse my addled brain if this post is scattered. I’ll try and go a little more in depth on the fests and adventures later! The rest of this weekend I plan on just relaxing in my skivvies!
What did you do this week?
Popularity: 9% [?]
Nashville Ladies Take Note!
Jul 21st
Normally I don’t divulge about who I’m copywriting and freelancing for, but I was asked to share this by one client.
I’ve been working for the past few months with a great nonprofit, All About Women (AAW).
From the site:
All About Women, Inc. (AAW) is a non-profit (501c3) organization, created to remove barriers that prevent women from taking care of themselves. Time, resources, language, geography, education, fear and other challenges were identified in the Status of Women Report that ranked women in Tennessee 49th in the country based on health, education, economics and political participation.. Since 2003, AAW has offered the “One Day, One Place” FREE events across Tennessee.
While “health” is the focus of All About Women, we define it broadly to include fitness, nutrition, wellness, beauty, mental health, education, career, family issues, legal, spiritual, safety, financial, etc. AAW markets to all women ages 18-64 with a special focus on underserved women making $40,000 or less.
The goal of the AAW web site is to partner with women 24/7 and help them adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. Our strategies include an ongoing story line with trademarked characters Lily and Z, interactive activities, Q & A with experts, forums and a personal journal for each participating woman.
Everything in this organization is volunteer built and driven, from the content writers to the illustrators to the web development and design. (I’m paid out of a grant specifically for bringing all these disparate pieces together) It’s a great program and we’re currently just beginning to build the community. I’ve written about the creative and mental benefits of volunteering before and this is a great, easy, and free way to connect with other women on issues ranging from time management to hormones to sleep to how to make a living will.
AAW’s online life begins today, so please take a minute and check it out! If social networking is more your speed, our forums are in need of engaging writers to share stories or jsut interact.
Thank you for your support! If you’d be interested in volunteering for AAW, check out their needs here.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Hot Summer Nights
Jul 6th
Hi lovers,
I’m crazy busy this summer, traveling a lot for burlesque and with just about as much freelance work as I can handle (yay)! But all that running around does not a bloggess make sadly.
Speaking of travel, wanted to update all ya’ll about where I’ll be if you want to see me perform/get a drink with me!
July 9-11th: This weekend, I’ll be mainstaging at the Colorado Burlesque Festival!
Then July 22nd-25th, I’ll be an international performer at the Toronto Burlesque Festival. I’m in the Rising Stars showcase on Thursday night, which means I actually get to just relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend!
July 30th I’m back in Nashvegas, performing with Becca Brown at the Rutledge.
August 15th a new semester of Delinquent Debutantes classes begin!
August 20th I’ll be rocking out to the Ramones in a Rock n’ Roll High School show.
And whew, that’s the lineup for now, though I have a few more submissions for festivals outstanding. Want me to perform in your city? I’d love to! email me for more info!
Popularity: 13% [?]
Introducing the Delinquent Debutantes!
Mar 15th
Hello ladies and lads,
So I’ve been quiet on here but definitely not so outside the digital world. I’ve been wanting to engage more in burlesque community in Nashville since I moved here, and now the wonderful Bianca 13, former Chicago ballet artist and fantastic burlesque performer, and I are opening a burlesque finishing school, the Delinquent Debutantes! We will offer classes ranging from pin up poses, to choreography to ballet and yoga for burlesque as well as bachelorette parties and workshops in tassel twirling and costuming. I am beyond excited to have a one-stop for all things burlesque in Nashville, and to continue to foster and grow the community here.
If you’re in Nashville, please come out to our opening gala on March 27th. There’ll be a burlesque bazaar and performances by our talented instructors (including moi!). 8pm at 1406 McGavock Pike, BYOB.
Follow us on Twitter @DelinquentDebs! We’ll post specials and follower only deals coming soon!
Love and pasties,
Headmistress Freya
Popularity: 29% [?]
How do I get a burlesque gig?
Feb 8th
Just got back from a whirlwind of boobs and glitter from the Dallas Burlesque Festival. Great show, great girls, and an amazing audience. I feel lucky and so pleased to have shared the stage with everyone who performed.
I received an email over the weekend from a reader asking about shows. My troupe, Music City Burlesque, gets quite a few similar emails from girls looking to do burlesque, so I thought I’d share with everyone. She writes:
“I’m a burlesque dancer looking for work and I’d love some advice on getting gigs. Thanks girl!” -Katie
First off, getting gigs is great, but it won’t really count as “work.” Although most shows pay, they only pay enough to maybe cover your costume materials expenses, not counting the hours of choreographing, practicing, and the time to actually craft your costume. There are a precious few dancers who make a living off burlesque, and most of those also either teach classes, in the case of Michelle L’Amour and Indigo Blue or brand themselves through books and makeup, like Dita Von Teese. The rest of us do burlesque for various reasons, but money isn’t one of them. Just an aside, since I get a lot of questions about how much we make dancing.
I’m assuming you’re a new dancer and don’t have any contacts in the business. If you’re a new dancer, it’s kind of hard to get out there because troupes and venues want to know what you’ve done. A great way to get your first show is to take classes and perform in a student showcase. That’s how I got my start in burlesque, and I learned a lot from the other girls in my class as well as my teachers. Of course, you may not be in an area where that’s available. If that’s the case, you need to make an audition video, with your full makeup and finished routine, and finished costume. It doesn’t matter if it’s in your living room and the lighting quality sucks, this is to show prospective people that you’re serious and have put in the time to finish a routine. Photos are always a plus even if it’s just a myspace of facebook page.
Are you in an area with lots of burlesque or not so much? Do a little research to see what kind of burlesque or sideshow is happening in your area. If you’re lucky enough to be in a mecca of burlesque, start going to lots of shows. Dress up and talk to performers afterward if they’re open to it. Don’t pitch yourself, just mention that you liked their performance and see if they have a website or facebook. If you can network and meet people beforehand, you’ll stand out when you send them your pitch.
If you live in an area with no burlesque, don’t despair! Burlesque is constantly growing and becoming more mainstream. Keep looking, and start a meetup group for those interested in burlesque. If you can find a venue, there are plenty of touring acts that you could help bring to town. If you live within driving distance of a burlesque troupe, make the trip to see one of their shows, and see if they’d be interested in coming to do a show near you.
Once you’ve made contact with a troupe, it’s time to send them your pitch. Mention you’ve seen their show and talked to performer X. Ask if they ever host guest performers and list all your finished routines and the accompanying music. Include links to your photos and the aforementioned video. Be courteous and willing to do anything. They may ask you to work the merchandise booth at a show or to stage kitten (picking up discarded performer clothing onstage) before asking you to perform.
Booking non-burlesque shows, like opening for a band, are a little trickier. You could contact a specific venue directly or a specific band directly giving the same information you would give to a troupe. Do your research and make sure you’re pitching appropriately. In other words don’t pitch a classic fan dance to a pop-punk band.
Keep in mind that certain states have laws about nudity in bars. In Nashville, if we perform anywhere that serves alcohol, we must wear a quarter bra (covering under boob and side boob) and full panties. If you violate that law and someone reports it, the venue, not you, gets fined. If a venue has been burned by performers not obeying the law, they may never let burlesque be performed there again, so don’t take it to heart if a venue flat out refuses you because you do burlesque.
Be persistent. Keep watching shows and even youtube videos to better yourself and be more knowledgeable about the burlesque scene and how it’s evolving. Get involved however you can and always be nice to everyone. This is a really small world and if you’re rude or a diva, it’ll be hard to get more gigs.
Hope that helps my would be ecdysiasts!
Popularity: 35% [?]
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