Catch up with emerging performer Symphony Jay as she prepares for her solo debut!
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The question, “where do you get your feather fans” is one I hear pretty frequently. And I know with a couple of fan dancing courses on the horizon that some people might be keen to pick up a pair (or maybe put it on their holiday wish list!).
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If you don't have anything nice to say, come and sit with Olive.
She is dark, salty, and will break your tooth if you are unlucky.
She enjoys long baths in fine vodka, and isn't afraid to get dirty.
She might be an acquired taste. Because not everybody likes olives - but don't worry, she doesn't like you either - Olive Allure
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As I write this, I’m in the middle of my act development course – coaching several emerging performers towards a first time on stage (or spending some time trying to dedicate and improve their craft).
These are tips I have given to ever single artist that has taken 1-1 lessons with me. Ideas that I think can help you up your performance a notch or two.
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Read More“There’s never going to be the perfect time to debut your first solo. You can spend so much time being wrapped up in your head trying to perfect it, that you put off performing. Don’t do this. Just get out on stage and give it a go! Also, don’t go chasing perfection, there is no such thing” - Velvet Butterfly
This is part two in my part series on ‘good’ burlesque classes.
I’ll explore some qualities that I think teachers can engage with to make sure that they are really living up to their student’s expectations and developing the best atmosphere they can in class.
This isn’t coming from a place of thinking that my approach is ‘the best’. It’s just about what I think works well from a teaching perspective. I hope anyone that is planning on running classes or is already doing a lot of hard work in this space sees ideas that adds to what they are doing. It’s not about beating yourself up or reprimanding yourself.
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There isn’t anything fool proof that can tell you whether you will love or hate a particular burlesque class or teacher. This post is designed to help you investigate the elements that might help you make the best decision for yourself.
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Props are used in burlesque for so many reasons.
To add drama or create visual splendor to a routine.
To have something to work and play off.
To add extravagance or that extra ‘gimmick’ to you routine.
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There is never a quick fix solution when you are feeling a bit down about performing. But for my ten cents worth there are a few consistent things that I do if I feel down about performing or super stressed. These aren’t going to be the most ground breaking things you have ever heard - but if you need a starting point it’s not a bad launch pad. The most important thing is to remember that everyone feels down about their burlesque career at some point.
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What to give the burlesque babe that has everything? Whatever your price range, I’ve got you covered in this great holiday gift guide! And I’d love people to share their favourite stores or ideas in the comments!
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Burlesque and payment is always doing the rounds as a hot topic. There are always times where we regret decisions (almost instantly) when you go against your gut and perform at events that feel substandard or where you don’t feel valued....be it creatively or financially.
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One of the biggest requests for advice that I get is around building up confidence (for new performers) or getting the 'mojo' back (for more established performers that had a few knocks to their self-esteem).
I often think about cultivating 'resilience'. A super wanky phrase, perhaps. But it’s not always about building up bullet proof confidence. But about how you set yourself back up when you have a knock back or feel rejected.
Here are my take home tips for helping you get a bit more resilient to the knocks of life. Some tough love, but also some practical advice
So you are dipping your toe into performing? Perhaps you have just got started in the burlesque industry - or it’s something to think about. I don’t think you need to spend a fortune to get cracking. Here’s some tips and advice about how you can best manage your time and $$$ when you start out.
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While I love a good movie, it’s sometimes nice to delve more info the burlesque archives and understand more about the history. And if you are starting your burlesque journey, it’s also super important to understand where you fit in its rich history. Here are some of my picks of the documentaries out there.
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Writing an artist biography, introduction and CV can be a big struggle. When you have some time away from performing or teaching, it can be a good opportunity to take the time to build or revise these resources. If you are like me and it’s a really hated job - or you just don’t know where to start - I’ve pulled together some of the resources that have been helping me. Let me know how you go! .
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A couple of weeks ago I posted some weekend reading for burlesque performers and lovers alike. It was definitely like the ‘greatest hits’ of the burlesque book world. Or the stuff that you shouldn’t overlook.
Consider this entry the sequel to the original post. Where I cover some of the books that I think any burlesque buff should beg, borrow and steal - that might not be the best seller.
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On the weekend I hosted an Instagram Live tutorial talking all things burlesque on a budget. I know a lot of you asked for resources , shopping and tutorials. So I’ve included all my best ideas in the one blog post.
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Like every other person on the planet. I’ve been obsessed with the 30 day playlist challenge that Zoe Sugg’s (Zoella) posted on Twitter. Read on for the results - and for links to my amazing playlist!
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Thinking of starting a new event? Before you click ‘publish’ on that Facebook event, I’m here to give you a low down on idiot proofing your event preparation. Here are my 5 top tips for getting you to making your event financially manageable.
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