Friday, August 31, 2007

Best of The Candy Gram: Books


The Candy Gram has had the best week ever and we hope you have a glittery Labor Day weekend. Our burlesquers dish up some great reading recommendations so you've got that perfect book to bring with you to the pool, beach or wherever you happen to be kickin' back.

Wonder Shows: Performing Science, Magic and Religion in America by Fred Nadis
Cell by Steven King
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
The Long Emergency by James Howard Kunstler
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
Deception Point by Dan Brown
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
The Best Burlesque Sketches: As Adapted for Sugar Babies and Other Entertainments by Ralph Allen
T.C. Boyle Stories
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Best of The Candy Gram: Super Powers


The Candy Gram is having such a super week we thought we'd bring you some super powers. When we asked our burlesquers' if they could have any superpower, what would it be, here's what they said:

I'd want to be able to teleport. Getting places would be so much easier and faster!
-- Paris Green

The ability to make internet trolls disappear by scratching my ass. Because internet trolls always suck, and my ass always itches.
-- Jo Boobs

Flight. So I could take off and go anywhere any time I wanted. I guess the freedom of it all would be the hook.
-- Jack Midnight

Oooh oooh! I used to obsess about Evie from Out of This World. She could freeze time by touching her finger tips together. I would get into trouble and then sit for hours thinking of how I could have avoided the trouble if I'd only had Evie's super power. One day...
-- Heidi Von Haught

I would want to be able to read and influence peoples' thoughts. I'm a very "what you see is what you get" girl and nothing perplexes me more than a person being two-faced, so I'd love to be able to know when it's happening and be able to perhaps re-direct that person's motives.
-- Diamond Minx

It would have to be reading people's minds. Yeah, then we would always know what the audience wanted!
-- The Titillation Twins

Time travel, baby. I'd love to visit the golden age of burlesque instead of just re-creating it!
-- Scratch

Laser beams that shoot from my eyes -- to smite my enemies of course.
-- Creamy Stevens

Oooh. Tough one. I was gonna say "fly," but honestly, I'd like to be able to clean my whole house just by wiggling my nose.
-- Gina Louise

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Best of The Candy Gram: Vacation Dreams


The Candy Gram is having the best week ever and as we approach the long Labor Day weekend we thought we'd tease you with our burlesquers' vacation dreams. When asked if they could go anywhere for vacation, here's what they said:

I'd go hiking in the Cusco region of Peru, to The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
-- Paris Green

I don’t have vacations, but I fantasize about taking a four-day train ride through the Rockies. Although I don’t miss living in Colorado, it’s been too long since I saw the mountains. My voicemail would say, “I’m high up in the Rockies. I’ll return your call when I come down.”
-- Jo Boobs

I've never been to Australia. That would be cool.
-- Jack Midnight

Puerto Rico, where part of my family is from.
-- Heidi Von Haught

Egypt. It's been my dream for years to make it there.
-- Diamond Minx

Amsterdam! Especially if we could perform while we were there.
-- The Titillation Twins

New York City ... in 1928.
-- Scratch

New York in the 1950's
-- Creamy Stevens

The beach.
-- Gina Louise

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Best of the Candy Gram: Necessities


The Candy Gram is having the best week ever and it's certain to leave you inspired. When asked what three things they can't live without our burlesquers have quite a list. Here's what you'll need for that shimmying shopping spree.

Liquid latex
Hot glue gun
Red Lipstick
Wheeled Suitcases
Some good backing tracks
Nude thong
Rhinestones
Feathers
Peroxide
Double-sided tape
Eyelash glue
Wigs
Large bobby pins
Glitter, glitter and more glitter

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Best of The Candy Gram: Music


Each Friday, a different burlesque performer bares all in the Candy Gram. Well, forget VH1, this week the Candy Gram is having the best week ever. All week The Candy Pitch will bring you the best of the Candy Grams, starting with a soundtrack to get you in the mood. When asked what are your three favorite songs to perform to, burlesquers say everything from Led Zeppelin to Gwen Stefani to Etta James. Here's a jazzy, sultry playlist of a few of those songs.



Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Friday, August 24, 2007

The Candy Gram: Miss Delirium Tremens


In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to New York's Miss Delirium Tremens.

What is your hometown?
New York City, the best city in the world (or in the US anyway). I'm a native of NY -- while I can't say its perfect, I can't imagine living anyplace else. Not least because I don't know how to drive.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
In performing? My whole life. But I've been doing burlesque for about 6 years now. I gogoed periodically for a couple of years before that.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Too many to count. I bought a few pairs back at Pat Fields years ago when I started performing. A good friend made me a ton more, a lot of which have been worn until they are literally falling apart. Little Brooklyn made me my fabulous fried egg pasties, I have Ace (Card) pasties and Swarovski domino pasties.

Lately I've been making Swarovski-covered pasties both for myself and for clients. In addition to the domino ones (which are indeed rectangular) I have fire opal reds with red tassels, red with black edges and tassels, pink with black tassels, and gold and smoky topaz ones with black tassels. I'm about to make myself another batch including chartruese, light blue and Crystal AB.

I should really get rid of some of the ones that are no longer wearable, but they have such mammaries... err ... memories ... attached!

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
This changes all the time. At the moment probably Sway (Rosemary Clooney's version), Bechet's Creole Blues and Dance of the Sugar Rum Cherry by Duke Ellington.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Only 3? Pasties, G-string and red lipstick. Boring but those are the absolute essentials.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Dirty Martini and Julie Atlas Muz. I was lucky enough to start performing when the scene was a lot smaller. So from the beginning I was performing with the best.

I love the way Dirty dances. She moves so wonderfully, and can make *anything* work. Plus she's a wonderful human being, who I always enjoy spending time with.

I love Julie's dancing as well, but more than that I love her freedom and inventiveness. She is so unbelievably creative. Plus she gave me some great advice. I'd never worn blush, I have fairly pronounced cheekbones, and I just never saw the point. Julie was at a show I did and came backstage during intermission--she said "you have a beautiful face but you look like a pancake out there, wear blush!!!" And I have, ever since.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Too many to mention. There is so much talent out there! But I have to say the above two are certainly among my very tops. Of the legends -- well Lili St Cyr, for her elegance, grace and class, and Jennie Lee, because she always looks like she's having a ball. And one can't forget Dixie, she's an inspiration to us all.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
My Mode Merr Cheetah suit.

What's the last movie you saw?
At the theater? The new Harry Potter flick on IMAX. It was good, but the climax didn't work for me. At home? Children of Men. It was very good, and made me think, but I'm not sure if I truly *liked* it or not. I couldn't totally accept the entire premise.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Mostly I watch DVDs of tv shows -- Battlestar Galactica season three and Dr Who season three at the moment. I watch very little current TV. Partly because of the fact I don't have cable. As everyone knows, I love, love, love Star Trek -- especially Deep Space Nine. The only one I don't enjoy is Enterprise because it was AWFUL!.

What book is on your nightstand?
I've been reading terrible books this summer--mystery novels mostly. My brain needed a break.

I recently finished the final Harry Potter. The next book I'm really eager to read is Sarah Waters' most recent book. I think she's a great writer. Then maybe I'll read some AS Byatt. She wrote a quartet, but by the time I tried to read the 4th I could only vaguely recall the details of books 1-3, so I need to re-read those first.

I also have a list of books I *should* read, but those can wait.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Italy. For a long long time.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Does teleportation count? I'd love to have no commutes. And to be able to send myself wherever I want to go (anywhere in the world) instantly.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

J Lo and K Diddy?


Photos from J Lo's new video hit the Interwebs. In the Do It Well video the curve-alicious singer searches for her son who is being held hostage in a sex club. The set up allows director David LaChapelle to show off "a dominatrix, dressed up as a cat, whipping a man in a mouse mask and underpants." That's not the only kitty cat in the video. The photos show Kitten Deville strutting her stuff -- not Gwen Stefani.

Bada Bing!


The Sopranos got bumped, but the Bada Bing grinds on. The fictional strip club was actually the real-life Satin Dolls club in Lodi, NJ. The owners have decided to renovate and plan to auction off memorabilia from the show on eBay including two brass 12-foot stripper poles, a pool table, a disco ball and the fluorescent purple men's room sign.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Video of the Week

Star Wars really turns people on. My college roommate had an interesting Darth Vadar fantasy that definitely beat Ross' Princess Leia dreams. Then our friends at Fleshbot bring us news of a cloned soldier who "frolics down by the lake in her bikini." And, of course, there's this.

Desperate for Striptease


This fall Teri Hatcher strips down to her underwear for Badgley Mischka. The Desperate Housewives star seems to have a penchant for striptease and burlesque. She stays fit with Sheila Kelley's S Factor workout and even demonstrated her moves for Howard Stern.

Monday, August 20, 2007

All the News That's Fit To Strip


Angela Richardson, who performs with Cherry Pop Burlesque as Olive Talique, chats about tassel-twirling workshops, feminism and her favorite numbers. A quick tease:

"You think about going to a tassel-twirling workshop, and you think, "hmmm ..." but in fact, it's really excellent to be in this room with a bunch of women who are shyly wondering about this and by the end are just laughing and reveling in the female energy. That sounds corny, but there really is something cool about thinking, "We're all just gorgeous and this is great."

In other news ...

Who is going to design a burlesque-themed condom?

Striptease is one of New York's "major cultural attractions."

Weird Al Yankovic performed a striptease, getting down to boxer shorts and fishnet stockings.

Naked TV loses its government subsidies, but promises to "carry on making a striptease news show."

Friday, August 17, 2007

The Candy Gram: Paris Green


In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Paris Green who performs with the Belmont Burlesque Revue in Chicago.

What is your hometown?
Chicago, IL

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been performing in one way or another since I was in grade school. I was an exceptionally shy kid, so my parents kept signing me up for anything and everything - music lessons, theater camps, choir groups - in an attempt to help me get over it. Their plan eventually worked, probably better than they anticipated. I went on to study acting at Northwestern University and have studied comedy at the ImprovOlympic and Annoyance Theaters in Chicago.

My first taste of burlesque came when I was 13 years old - I got a gig playing in the pit orchestra for a summer rep theater production of Gypsy. It planted the notion that taking off your clothes was fun, glamorous and sometimes involved gladiator helmets. I started performing burlesque regularly here in Chicago about 4 years ago.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
About two dozen. My favorites were made for me by Lady Annabelle, one of the Belmont Bombshells. She is a pastie-making queen.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Taki Rari by Yma Sumac, Sam's Blues by Sam Taylor, and Feeling Good - the Bombshells use both the Nina Simone version and the Muse version of the song, we like both, but for different venues.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Liquid latex, glitter and a hot glue gun.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Esther Williams. I spent my formative years as a highly competitive synchronized swimmer. I honestly believe that the ten years of synchro firmly planted the seeds of my burlesque career, and I've got my coach and team by way of Esther to thank for all that... the sparkly little headpieces and swimsuits, the choreographed routines, the kitsch factor, the precision, the work ethic... Just as in burlesque, synchro takes a lot of hard work to make something beautiful look effortless.

Also, because so much of my experience has been based in a team environment, that's the mentality I try to bring to my burlesque as well. Belmont Burlesque operates as a troupe - we plan our shows together, we try and share both the work and the fun of putting on the Revue. I think a lot of the approach I have towards Belmont Burlesque - and producing theater and burlesque in general - can be traced back to how the team dynamic worked around the swimming pool.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
I am very fond of Lili St. Cyr. Of current performers, I'm a big fan of Bloody Belle and I think Diamondback Annie is amazing.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
In all honesty, I'm a crazy obsessed knitter, so my favorite item of clothing is always going to be whatever knitted project (typically a sweater) I've just finished. My favorite burlesque item of clothing is the garter belt I use for my honeybee strip.

What’s the last movie you saw?
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, complete with shadow cast performance by the Midnight Madness crew here in Chicago. Those kids are alright.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
I tend to watch a lot of reality TV. I like shows like Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance and America's Next Top Model because if you can stand to filter out all of the reality show sensationalism and mechanics, you get to see talented people doing the thing they do best. I also enjoy House, Doctor Who and Battlestar Galactica. I very much miss Arrested Development. And while this is not so much television, I will watch absolutely anything with Alan Rickman in it.

What book is on your nightstand?
Wonder Shows: Performing Science, Magic and Religion in America by Fred Nadis

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I'd go hiking in the Cusco region of Peru, to The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I'd want to be able to teleport. Getting places would be so much easier and faster!


Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

All Shook Up

We've featured extra video this week so why stop now? In honor of the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death, we bring you a different kind of hunka hunka burnin' love.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Video of the Week

Forget air conditioning. The hot, steamy days of August are meant for fans. And this fan dance by Gwendoline Lamour has the perfect, sultry soundtrack for a slow, summer daze.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Behind the Behind

Michelle L'Amour, Franky Vivid and the Lavendar Cabaret are dishing up the inside scoop on a burlesquers life with Behind the Behind. The first episode of the documentary series follows Michelle on a recent trip to New York. The uncensored video, which does contain nudity, is available only The Candy Pitch and Michelle's VIP Key Club. For those of you who are wiling away the August days at work the censored and blurred version is here and here.

Friday, August 10, 2007

All the News That's Fit To Strip


What is it about Carson Daly that makes women want to take off their clothes? First Petra Nemcova teased the Last Call host. Then Dita Von Teese slipped off her silk stockings and presented them to the appreciative host.

In other news ...

Vance DeGeneres, Daily Show correspondent, brother to Ellen and artist, is concerned robots are stealing our strippers.

The Glamazons survive another round of America's Got Talent. Tune in tomorrow night to see if they make it to the finals.

Jo Boobs reviews The American Burlesque Show.

In Playboy's September issue My Name Is Earl star Jaime Pressly talks about not wanting to make out with women -- even Angelina Jolie -- and why women enjoy strip clubs. “Because there’s no competition or threat," says Pressly of strip clubs. "I mean, I see a hot woman, and what is she going to do, rape me? My girlfriends and I love going to strip clubs where we sit down with drinks while hot chicks walk around and aren’t bitchy. In a regular club, the women are assholes—everybody’s in competition. You go into a strip club and it’s like everybody’s free-spirited, open-minded. It’s safe.”

The Candy Gram: Jo Boobs


In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to New York's Jo Boobs who has also performed as Jo Weldon and Tanya Hyde.

What is your hometown?
New York City, by way of Littleton CO and Atlanta GA

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Since about 1978. I swear.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I don’t know; I have dozens for my students to use in my classes and probably about two dozen more for my own costumes. They’re everywhere, and stuck to everything. I do have 3 Golden Pasties (NYBF Awards)! I’m very proud of that. Not bad for an aging lap dancer.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
This varies, but lately:
Lucretia MacEvil by Blood Sweat and Tears
International Lover by Prince
The theme from Taxi Driver

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Glitter
Red Lipstick
Wheeled Suitcases

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Indirectly, Venus Delight, who was the first person I saw recreating vintage burlesque routines—this would have been in the late 80s or early 90s. Directly, Bambi the Mermaid, Torchy Taboo, and Remy Vicious, who all pushed me to start performing again after I had stopped in the late 90s. Also, Whitney Ward and Joe Coleman have always encouraged me to think of myself as doing something worthwhile and to try out my wildest ideas. And Dixie Evans is an example to me, for loving burlesque her entire life and staying in touch with her friends. Sherry Britton has also inspired me with her humor and her ability to combine saltiness with elegance, and also with her close relationships with lifelong friends. Friends are the most important thing.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Too many! Too much love to put onto one name. I’ve had so much support from the New York burlesque community. I am really lucky to be in New York at this time.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
G-strings! G-strings forever!

What's the last movie you saw?
The King of Hearts

What's on your must-see-TV list?
More YouTube of old commercials

What book is on your nightstand?
Literary Las Vegas

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I don’t have vacations, but I fantasize about taking a four-day train ride through the Rockies. Although I don’t miss living in Colorado, it’s been too long since I saw the mountains. My voicemail would say, “I’m high up in the Rockies. I’ll return your call when I come down.”

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
The ability to make internet trolls disappear by scratching my ass. Because internet trolls always suck, and my ass always itches.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

The Name Game Part Two


Tuesday David Brooks' column sparked some thoughts on burlesque names. In the comments to that post Brett wondered about the fun stories behind some performers' names and Miss Jezebel explained that her name was in honor of Bette Davis.

So in part two of the name game I thought I'd share how Marie Van Schaack became Lili St. Cyr. As Lili explained it, she chose her first name because it "evoked mystery and intrigue ... There had already been Lillie Langtry and Diamond Lil.” For a while she used different last names depending on where she was performing. She was known as Lili Fehnova in San Francisco, Lili LaRue in Las Vegas, and Lili LaBang in San Diego. But then, after reading about the St. Cyr military academy in France and pondering the success of millionaire Rex St. Cyr, she finally settled on Lili St. Cyr. The last name fit for other reasons. Lili ditched much of the tongue-in-cheek irreverence and satire of her burlesque predecessors. Her routines were far more straight forward. Her name said it all: St. Cyr was sincere, her acts were honest in their sexuality, overt in their glamour.

Know any good stories about how a burlesque performer chose his or her name? Leave 'em in the comments.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Video of the Week

Apparently Faith Dane, the original Mazeppa in Gypsy, was rejected from reprising her role in a new production of the play. She filed an age discrimination complaint against the theater, but the stress from the incident landed her in the hospital. So the video of the week is in honor of the now 83-year-old, former horn-blowing stripper.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

The Name Game


This morning, David Brooks got me thinking about names. I'm sure the New York Times reporter meant for me to consider my own, but the names that came to mind were Kalani Kokonuts, Lucy Fur and Immodesty Blaize

Burlesque names seem to fall into several categories. There are those that hint at the performer's body in some way -- Fanny Tastic, Trixie Little, Jo Boobs. Some names like Dita Von Teese and Michelle L'Amour play to the desired effect. There are lots of food-related names -- Candy Barr, Della Delicious, Bonbon Vivant. And some that are simply fun whether it's because of a double entendre or how it rolls off the tongue -- Lola Pearl, Panty Raid, Harvest Moon, Lux LaCroix.

And if like me, you've had trouble coming up with a suitable burlesque name there's a name generator which spits out things like Ginger Spice, Antoinette Parfait, Caresse Frou-Frou, Miss Ecstasy Deluxe, Vivienne diVine.

Monday, August 6, 2007

All the News That's Fit To Strip


Dita Von Teese, Frederick's of Hollywood newest cover girl, spills her biggest turn-ons and shares her secrets for keeping a relationship hot to Maxim

In other news ...

Jo Boobs interviews burlesque legend Toni Elling.

Petra Nemcova teases Carson Daly.

BlogCritics reviews Hollywood After Dark, the 1968 film in which Rue McClanahan plays an aspiring actress "stuck working a seedy burlesque show with a couple of thieves for bosses."

Friday, August 3, 2007

The Candy Gram: Jack Midnight


In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Chicago's Jack Midnight who performs with the Belmont Burlesque Revue.

Where is your hometown?
Chicago

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been singing professionally for 27 years, and I've been a professional actor and improvisor for 24 years now. I've been a Bettie Page devotee for about 20 years now, and have been active in the burlesque community for 4 years.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Me? None. My girlfriend? Too many to count.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Steppin' Out With My Baby, Fly Me To The Moon, and Mack the Knife.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
My microphone, my vintage tux, and some good backing tracks.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Well, all of the Rat Pack, but Dean Martin mostly.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Other than the lovely ladies of the Belmont Burlesque Revue? I'm a big fan of Bloody Belle currently, but my vintage favorite is Tempest Storm.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
My vintage tux jacket.

What's the last movie you saw?
Children of Men

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Eureka, Big Love, John from Cincinatti, and Smallville.

What book is on your nightstand?
I've got several Neil Gaiman books of short fiction, I've got Steven King's Cell and I've got Blink on my nightstand right now.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I've never been to Australia. That would be cool.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Flight. So I could take off and go anywhere any time I wanted. I guess the freedom of it all would be the hook.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Tune In and Turn On


Dita Von Teese is steaming up the Independent Film Channel all weekend long. The pale beauty takes a break from splashing around in a martini glass to host the IFC's new miniseries Indie Sex: Censored, a four-part series that explores sex and censorship in entertainment. The site for the series teases the program with lots of fun goodies including quizzes, a photo gallery, video and a list of the 50 greatest sex scenes in cinema.

Still not enough Dita? Radar talks to Dita about the miniseries, her rabid burlesque fans and how long she'll stay performing. And she shares where she draws some of her inspiration from with New York Resident:

"Well, most of my shows are inspired by movies from the 1940s and ‘50s, and there wasn’t much sex involved back then onscreen. Because I am performing a strip, it’s more important for me to be less blatant about the sexual content of the acts to offset the nudity. I like the combination of innocence and the strip, because with too much sexual innuendo, it becomes predictable. But I have lots of favorite sexual moments in film … “The Postman Always Rings Twice” has some hot sex scenes, and so do “Queen Margot” and “Henry & June.” I tend to go for films set in the past because I love a flash of stocking and garter!"

STILL not enough Dita? Our friends at Fishbowl share this saucy, suspender-snapping interview.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Video of the Week

This montage of performers -- Betty Boop to Bettie Page, Tempest Storm to Dita Von Teese -- is set to a steamy, sultry song that's perfect for the first day of August. The song, if you're wondering, is Dizzy with Wonder by Anja Garbarek.