I got my bodice fabric on May 19th and my skirt fabric on May 21st. I just got my closures in the mail on Saturday. Where am I with this new costume after a few weeks?
I made two mock-ups for the bodice before making the bodice out of the actual fabric. I had to remake the lining, and I have to take in the back when I have the bustier that goes beneath the bodice. The panty didn't work with the mock-up so I have to make a new one. I made the skirt, stitched on two thirds of the ruffle, ordered the feather trim for the rest of it. I bought rhinestones, dyed my fancy shoes and dissolved the glue on one of the soles.
This number debuts on July 11th. I have less than a month. I made a list of the remaining tasks to complete the costume (besides ordering supplies on the internet). There are 23 things on that list and almost a month to get them all done. If each task takes an hour, that's 23 more hours of work to go. I have a pretty strong feeling that most of the tasks will take more than an hour; making pasties won't be a fast cycle and neither will creating and fitting a new panty. I'm probably looking at 40 more hours to completion.
That seems a little daunting. Looks like I'm packing my costume tomorrow so I can get some work done. Can I get it all done in time?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Letter Follies: June Edition
Shows at 9:30 and 10:30
This month we feature the lovely performance arts of...
Miss Angie Cakes
Red Snapper
Miss Josie Bunnie
Vixen Magdalene
Scarlett Letter
accompanied by the lovely dancers of Star Garden.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday Night Tease!
Cover charge for June 6th, 2011
$15 advance limited VIP seating through Meet up
http://www.meetup.com/Mond
$12 (tickets available at the door)
Hosted by:
Phil Van Tee
with burlesque by:
Bella Luna
Flame Cynders
Patty Cupcake
Iona Vibrator
Red Snapper
Vixen Magdalene
Veronika La Tour
and from Australia:
Christopher Hogsworth
Bar Opens: 6pm
Seating Starts: 9:30pm
Show Starts: 10pm
3 Clubs
1123 Vine St.
(Vine at Santa Monica)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
No photography. Performers subject to change without notice.
21+, full bar, no food.
Need help?
Email Lili with any questions: lili@burlesque411.com
Reservations available for parties of six or more, 818-378-8866 or lili@burlesque411.com
Follow us on twitter: @MNTease
You'll get updates and flyers for discounts.
http://twitter.com/MNTease
Dance Class Challenge: 34/100 - Yoga for Health: Basics
Sometimes you really get what you pay for on Netflix instant. After some major walking on an injured arch, dance class didn't seem like the wisest plan for the weekend. I decided to do some yoga at home, using "Yoga for Health: Basics" led by Jenny Cornero as my guide.
Three things were working against me while I did this video. First, I had a tough time understanding the instructor. The video started abruptly, seeming like something was cut off the introduction. It wasn't the easiest video to watch either. Of course, your eyes are supposed to be closed for parts of the yoga routine so I was cheating.
Second, I've only taken a few yoga classes. I took a class with Lux LaCroix when she was getting her certification, a class with Evie last year, one class at the Great Burlesque Expo, and two Kundalini classes before they were 86ed from that studio. I've taken far more Pilates classes so it's no problem for me to do unsupervised home study with Pilates. I recognized while doing the video that I still need supervision to get the positions correct without hurting myself.
Lastly, Buster hates yoga. My dogs have always wanted to be participants in my workouts, but they usually get bored and leave the room or take a nap. Buster would drag his nastiest toy onto my belly when I was trying to do bridges. He'd take up residence on my legs when I was trying to do leg stretches, and he'd curl up behind my back when I was trying to do inversions. He didn't pester me during the relaxation bit at the end. Of course, he was pissed when I was rolling up my yoga mat afterwards.
While I did get a stretch without hurting my arch further, I don't think I'm going to do the other videos in this series. Too much working against me.
Three things were working against me while I did this video. First, I had a tough time understanding the instructor. The video started abruptly, seeming like something was cut off the introduction. It wasn't the easiest video to watch either. Of course, your eyes are supposed to be closed for parts of the yoga routine so I was cheating.
Second, I've only taken a few yoga classes. I took a class with Lux LaCroix when she was getting her certification, a class with Evie last year, one class at the Great Burlesque Expo, and two Kundalini classes before they were 86ed from that studio. I've taken far more Pilates classes so it's no problem for me to do unsupervised home study with Pilates. I recognized while doing the video that I still need supervision to get the positions correct without hurting myself.
Lastly, Buster hates yoga. My dogs have always wanted to be participants in my workouts, but they usually get bored and leave the room or take a nap. Buster would drag his nastiest toy onto my belly when I was trying to do bridges. He'd take up residence on my legs when I was trying to do leg stretches, and he'd curl up behind my back when I was trying to do inversions. He didn't pester me during the relaxation bit at the end. Of course, he was pissed when I was rolling up my yoga mat afterwards.
While I did get a stretch without hurting my arch further, I don't think I'm going to do the other videos in this series. Too much working against me.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Red Snapper: Now More Eco-Friendly Packaging!
I'm the first to admit that my rhinestone encrusted shoes killed some brain cells. I worked exclusively with E-6000 for all of the rhinestoning on the shoes and the rest of that costume. It's been a year and the costume still has that gluey smell. I want to have my wits about me for as long as possible, so I'm making some changes.
I'm still using E-6000 where absolutely necessary (like on props). For my other rhinestone needs, I'm using the less toxic Gem-Tac and Jewel It. My current project will have sew-on rhinestones. I'm getting a hot-fix tool in the near future so I can try that option. I can't deal with the E-6000 fumes, and I worry about what kind of long term damage is happening to my body by having that dried yet toxic glue rubbing up against it. This means I can rhinestone at my day job when I'm alone and no one can smell the evidence later in the day.
I'm also allergy prone. I can't touch wool. It seems I'm developing a feather allergy, which means I have to keep the feathery stuff away from my face and use caution when fan dancing. Add to that my hippy philosophy of not wasting resources. (The Indians would use the entire buffalo. If I'm willing to wear the byproduct, I should be willing to eat the meat of the animal that provided it. I've eaten ostrich before, but I don't eat it any more. I'm cutting back on my ostrich feather consumption.) What was going to be an ostrich feather skirt for this new costume evolved. My second concept was an ostrich fringe skirt. When I noticed my sinuses going off from extended feather exposure, I decided to use natural and synthetic fabrics to beef up the skirt and use a very small amount of ostrich fringe. Fortunately, I'm able to alter that concept without sacrificing the silhouette of the costume.
I'm trying to be smarter, greener and more careful about the things I use on and near my body. I'm not ready to stop wearing leather shoes, but I'm also not ready to give up beef. Fellow performers, what can you do to modify your consumption of resources and use of toxic materials without sacrificing your artistic visions?
I'm still using E-6000 where absolutely necessary (like on props). For my other rhinestone needs, I'm using the less toxic Gem-Tac and Jewel It. My current project will have sew-on rhinestones. I'm getting a hot-fix tool in the near future so I can try that option. I can't deal with the E-6000 fumes, and I worry about what kind of long term damage is happening to my body by having that dried yet toxic glue rubbing up against it. This means I can rhinestone at my day job when I'm alone and no one can smell the evidence later in the day.
I'm also allergy prone. I can't touch wool. It seems I'm developing a feather allergy, which means I have to keep the feathery stuff away from my face and use caution when fan dancing. Add to that my hippy philosophy of not wasting resources. (The Indians would use the entire buffalo. If I'm willing to wear the byproduct, I should be willing to eat the meat of the animal that provided it. I've eaten ostrich before, but I don't eat it any more. I'm cutting back on my ostrich feather consumption.) What was going to be an ostrich feather skirt for this new costume evolved. My second concept was an ostrich fringe skirt. When I noticed my sinuses going off from extended feather exposure, I decided to use natural and synthetic fabrics to beef up the skirt and use a very small amount of ostrich fringe. Fortunately, I'm able to alter that concept without sacrificing the silhouette of the costume.
I'm trying to be smarter, greener and more careful about the things I use on and near my body. I'm not ready to stop wearing leather shoes, but I'm also not ready to give up beef. Fellow performers, what can you do to modify your consumption of resources and use of toxic materials without sacrificing your artistic visions?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Naturally Naughty Pics
Here are some wonderful photos from Amber Darrow of my Little Rock "Naturally Naughty Burlesque" adventure with Diamond Dames.
The Considerate Man's Guide to Naked Girls
I recognize that in my line of work, people want to interact with me. I strip, I do Naked Girls Reading, I try to be pleasant and friendly. I'll cruise the room post-show in my pasties and pose for photos in my skivvies. I know this is part of my job, and my audiences are usually happy and respectful. Of course, there are a few Creeping Peters here and there to ruin the comfort that we ladies feel in our drawers or bare skin at these events. If you want to interact with any of the fleshy babes you see at shows, heed my advice. (I use the term 'naked' below to cover full nudity and major nudity.)
- Naked ladies are much like birds. You can feed them but they're vulnerable and scare easy. If you want to enjoy the view and/or conversation, don't startle them or they will fly away and return with a bodyguard or security. Most likely they'll rush off to get dressed as well.
- If a naked lady is willing to pose for a photo with you, follow her lead. Don't get all grabby with her. If she cozies up next to you for the photo, there are places you may be permitted to touch her for the photo. Specifically, she may invite you to put a hand at her waist. Keep your touch light and between her lowest rib and the top of her hip bone. Don't worry -- it'll make a great photo.
- If a naked lady hugs you as a greeting after a show, don't put your hands anywhere inappropriate. If you get all gropey, word will get around that you're a Creeping Peter and the girls won't come by to say hello.
- DON'T REACH OUT AND TOUCH THE NAKED LADIES!! Sure, you've seen them naked but you haven't been invited to touch them. Remember what I said in 1 above?
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