Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Why Files

An anonymous reader wrote and asked "WHY these ladies do burlesque." So The Candy Pitch went right to the bedazzled source for the scoop.

Gina Louise:
1. Because I'm a performer, first and foremost.
2. Because it's been the most delightful, challenging, and exhilarating genre I've explored.
3. Because it's a creative fusion of all the things I love: dance, comedy, costume, sex, and history.
4. Because it's liberating.
5. Because it makes me think.
6. Because, as a 39-year-old suburban mom and housewife, I'm not supposed to.
7. Because I love seeing people naked.

Scarlett Letter:
I enjoy it because it is the ultimate one-person show. It has the potential of using absolutely every aspect of performing, theatre craft and art that I can think of. ... It can be funny, it can be thought provoking, it can be shocking, but it can also be just stunningly beautiful. It is only limited by the performer's imagination and the direction they want to take it.

Paris Green:
I perform burlesque for the sheer joy of it. I love that I can be silly and sensuous, ridiculous and racy all at the same time. I love that we - the audience and I - are sharing a little secret about where my act might take us. There is a connection you have with the audience as a burlesque performer that is unique - I haven't felt it as strongly as a musician or a comedian. It's a fantastic energy. Finally, there is a camaraderie among burlesque performers. It's old school showbiz. We're family.

Princess Farhana:
Burlesque not only spellbinds audiences, by displaying the beauty of the female body, it turns societal notions upside down, usually in a comedic way. Through a theatrical filter, under the stage lights, it parlays universal fantasies and female archetypes into high art, simultaneously empowering both the women who perform it and the women who observe it, while entertaining everybody in the process!

Jo Weldon:
I love the huge range of ways we get to perform, from classic to bizarre, and the community of people who perform. I love that we have historical organizations such as the Burlesque Hall of Fame and Burlesque at the Beach at Coney Island, as well as spaces for radical performers to experiment with performance art and transgressive themes. And I love the passion and heart that people bring to it. There are good, loving, generous, brilliant people in burlesque.

Vixen Violette:
A few years ago I was really struggling to find the feminine, sensual, and even sexual side of myself. A friend asked me on a whim if I would take a burlesque class with her. It was very out of character for me at the time, but it sounded like it might be fun and interesting. Surprisingly I started to touch on all of what I had been looking for there. Now that I've been performing for a few years I feel like Vixen Violette and I are merged into one person. I get her confidence, sparkle, and tiger-like sexuality, and she gets my winning sense of humor and mad rhinestoning skills.

Darlinda Just Darlinda:
I see how it inspires other women to love and respect their bodies. I also hope that with burlesque becoming so mainstream it might mean we will see more realistic bodies in the fashion/advertising world. I am a firm believer that underground arts has a huge effect on the mainstream world, especially in New York. All the big advertisers are going down town to party and watch a burlesque show to be shocked and awed! So I think it will seep in and they will have no choice but to accept real-non-starving bodies! I do burlesque, because I have to perform, I will be performing until the day I die! I love it!

Frankie Boudoir:
Burlesque is a self-expression that says the female form is beautiful, powerful, & alluring! It calls into question what the female role in society is, and also allows women to show the power that we've been given, to revel in it, without apology!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Today in BurlyQ History

In the January 1999 issue of Playboy, the magazine released their list of the one hundred beautiful women “who made this century sizzle.” Lili St. Cyr ranked number sixty-nine, ahead of Gypsy Rose Lee at seventy-eight. Not surprisingly, Marilyn Monroe scored the top spot. At the end of that month, on January 29, 1999 at the age of 81, Lili St. Cyr died of heart failure.

Newspapers like The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Independent in London, Time magazine, and Variety included obituaries which recounted her routines, run-ins with the law, and mentioned her connection to Marilyn Monroe. (As an aside, most got her birth date wrong. She was born in 1917, not 1918.)

In one memorial, a reporter for The Guardian wrote, "They don’t make entertainers like Lili St. Cyr . . . any more. The sincerity of Miss St. Cyr (say the name quickly) was what people came to see. Or at least, that was what her fans liked to believe. She was an artiste, a delightful character who practiced her art, well, sincerely; a charming lady who did everything in the very best taste."

Monday, January 28, 2008

All The News That's Fit To Strip

We get a quickie on what burlesque is in two different articles. In a piece on a new burlesque exhibit in New Mexico, performer Sarah Robarge said:

"A well-done burlesque piece will have content to it, in the form of costume, theme and story. It's more about the tease and the slow reveal of what's under the costume, the anticipation that's built up during the striptease and, sometimes, what you don't see in the piece."

And England's Bella Besame, left, sees burlesque "as injecting glamour into everyday life which can only be a good thing. My idea of good Burlesque takes in a fifties striptease aesthetic and a lot of panache. Others will choose to bring things more up to date and that's the key to each person's self-expression."

In other news ...

Jenna Jameson takes it off for her boyfriend.

Don't miss Ravenna Black on Wife Swap this Wednesday night on ABC.

If you're in New Orleans, Fleur de Teases sasses up Valentine's Day.

Burlesque revivals continue to thrive.

Friday, January 25, 2008

The Candy Gram: Frankie Boudoir

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 Frankie Boudoir.

What is your hometown?
Long Beach, CA

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Since I danced swing at the Derby and discovered vintage lingerie circa '93 - those pre-Swingers days watching Royal Crown Revue in Hollywood.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I buy the plain ones in packs, and create em as needed based on outfit, gig, photo shoot coming up. I have about 20 (4 per pack) in stock. I have 4 currently made.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
One Hour Mama by Lavay Smith & her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
I Don't Know Enough About You by Miss Peggy Lee
The Party in Your Head by Reverend Horton Heat

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Lip Gloss
Corsette
6" Platforms

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Betty Page and an early Liz Taylor (sizzlin' smolderin' sexy!)

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Such a difficult question! I'm sticking with Betty Page.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Favorite favorite? My first altered cincher. We got it from Sears, cut it, put in the bone and grommets and made it tie in the back.

What's the last movie you saw?
The Doorway to Hell

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Project Runway, Conan O'Brien, Mad Men

What book is on your nightstand?
My Journal. Love to write at night.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Jamaica!

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
To be a Chameleon. Why? I love being able to experience as much of everything as possible, and to be limitless. If I were able to be a chameleon, I could move with anyone in any crowd and blend in.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Vixen Violette, Ravenna Black, Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Video of the Week

Princess Farhana stars in Underbelly, a feature-length documentary about her belly dance and burlesque career. The film will be released in March, but you can get a royal tease in our video of the week.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Over the Moon for Wonderbra

Dita Von Teese is putting it on instead of her usual take off. As the new spokesperson for Wonderbra, the burlesque dancer will model the latest collection. She'll also design her own line based on vintage '40s lingerie.

Friday, January 18, 2008

The Candy Gram: Vixen Violette

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 Vixen Violette

What is your hometown?
Los Angeles by way of Indiana

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I have always been a performer, since I was the wacky 7 year old entertaining my entire family with choreographed renditions of Don't Put Another Dime in the Jukebox. In a more professional vein I started as a singer, which led me into musicals, which led me down the long, dirty, dangerous route to improv comedy. It's a long story, but evidently living room karaoke is a gateway drug.
How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Six in steady rotation. The 7th and 8th are in production.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi, Darts of Pleasure by Franz Ferdinand, or anything with a live band.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Rhinestones, hair pieces, and red lipstick.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Hands down I am most influenced by the friends I have made in burlesque. From my production partner, Lux La Croix, to such fabulous performers as Jewel of Denial, Penny Star Jr, Ruby White, Lili VonSchtupp, newcomer Dizzy von Damn, La Cholita and many others. I feel so lucky to get to see these incredible, and above all, interesting women perform all the time.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
When I went to see the Miss Exotic World competition last year I was so awed and inspired by Kalani Kokonuts. Talk about exciting, beautiful, with incredible production value! Since then I have had the honor of being in a couple of shows with her and she is always not only jaw-dropping, but kind. I can't imagine a better combination.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
In the world of burlesque I am most proud of my cowgirl costume, with tear away chaps, and fringed corset that I made myself this past year. I love a good corset! But I will admit that in every day life I am pretty smitten with my favorite sweatpants.

What's the last movie you saw?
I saw There will be Blood in the theaters and it was really wonderful. The performances were just amazing. More recently I saw Knocked Up at home and laughed my butt off.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
My favorite show right now is Pushing Daisies. My other career is in the television industry and this show embraces everything I love about the art form of TV. Of course, I also love Project Runway. Go Chris!

What book is on your nightstand?
The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie. I just finished it and highly recommend it.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I have to pick ONE???? I would love to go back to Europe, or take a trip through South America, but I work hard! Maybe I just need to go someplace tropical and sip frozen drinks all day.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would love the ability of super speed. Between my bustling career and my overwhelming costuming and performance schedule, it would be nice to get things done a little more quickly. Although, anyone who knows me knows that no matter how much time I have, I can find a way to fill it.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Ravenna Black, Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

A Candy Pitch Non-Sequitur

Burlesquer performers regular take it off to help others. Well, keep your clothes on kids, and just click here to help raise money for survivors of domestic abuse. For every click on the "Click to Empower Now" button on the home page, $1 will be donated to the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund. This Fund covers education, training and job related expenses such as tuition fees, child care and transportation so that survivors may gain the financial independence they deserve. The goal is to reach 300,000 clicks.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Video of the Week

Jack Midnight suggested this Gorilla Chase for the Video of the Week. Have one you want to share with The Candy Pitch? Send it to kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Things That Make Me Go Grrrrrrr.....

... And not in a sexy, playing tigeress kind of way.

Bloomberg News includes this story about how local issues in the early primaries play an outsized role in setting national and international policy. For Nevadans that issue is Yucca Mountain and nuclear energy.

The headline reads "Las Vegas Strippers May Influence Global Nuclear-Waste Policy" -- clearly a cheap headline-grabbing ploy. "Las Vegas Chefs May Influence Global Nuclear Waste Policy" or "Casino Workers May Influence Global Nuclear Waste Policy" lacks the same shock value.

The story is also insulting. The lead reads: "Tori, a 37-year-old Las Vegas stripper, is an unlikely person to set national energy policy."

Why? Tori is a Nevada voter who, based on the rest of the story, seems up on the issue. Do we doubt her ability to sift through political policies simply because she is a stripper? If she's an unlikely person to set national policy, should we be equally concerned about the Iowa farmer worried about ethanol or the Michigan auto worker worried about the economy?

Forget condescending surprise that a stripper might effect national policy. How about the candidates visit gentleman's clubs and burlesque shows in the same way they visit livestock auctions and diners. Dita Von Teese's vote counts too you know.

Monday, January 14, 2008

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese makes the newspaper ink dance this week with lots of little tidbits. The burlesque queen is suing a dominatrix over stolen moves. She's got Jeremy Piven swooning. And she thinks the British are kinky.

In other news ...

Gilded Lili was the book of the week at Author Author. I chatted with hostess Bethanne Patrick about Lili and all things burlesque.

Lili St. Cyr, Tempest Storm and Gypsy Rose Lee used to cause quite a stir at the Chi Chi in Palm Springs.

High-end lingerie hitches its garter to burlesque.

Fabulon dissects the photo used as the cover on Gilded Lili.

Friday, January 11, 2008

The Candy Gram: Ravenna Black

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 Viva Las Vegas contestant Ravenna Black.

What is your hometown?
Seattle

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Technically, since I was three. When anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said "A ballerina or a princess!" Close enough!

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I dunno; I make most of mine so they’re constantly being reinvented or replaced. Plus I have a bad shopping habit so I do tend to buy them sometimes, too.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
At the moment, my three favorites are:
- The Ghost of Smokey Joe, a variation of Cab Calloway’s Minnie The Moocher, as recorded by my favorite swing band, Lee Press-On and the Nails
- Keep on Churnin’ Til the Butter Comes by the legendary Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris
- Barnyard Bop by my friend and fellow Seattle-ite, rockabilly genius Marshall Scott Warner.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Fake eyelashes, Dermablend, and double-sided carpet tape.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Miss Indigo Blue, without a doubt.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Dee Milo, ever since I met her working as the back-stage dresser at my very first Exotic World. Her performance of “The Red Dress That Survived The Flames” brought tears to my eyes, and her encouragement that night, and ever since, has meant the world to me. She’s helping me re-create the “Bridal” version of her signature act, which nearly got her arrested in the 50’s, and I only hope I can do it justice.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
High fuckin’ heels, baby! I am 4’ 11” so I need all the help I can get.

What's the last movie you saw?
Fred Claus, with my kids.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Uh… Wife Swap? Haha!

What book is on your nightstand?
Consensual Sadomasochism: How to Talk About It and How To Do It Safely by William Henkin and Sybil Holiday (AKA burlesque legend Holiday O’Hara).

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I have always wanted to visit Bora Bora, but I hear Tacoma’s nice.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would want to be able to fly, because I’m afraid of falling and it would sure beat sitting in traffic!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Dress Me Up In Your Love

Healthy & Active, an online shop for lingerie, sexual toys and more, sends its love to Candy Pitch readers with a special discount. Get corsets, stockings and more. Enter "candypitch" in the coupon code spot for 5% off your order.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Video of the Week

Tracy Phillips is ...
a) The girl who plays the belly dancer in Charlie Wilson's War
b) Current Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips' daughter
c) A burlesque dancer who has appeared at Forty Deuce
d) The Candy Pitch's Video of the Week
e) All of the above

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Sketching Lili

A friend sent me this illustration by Australian artist Ross Radiation, which he explains was based on a Lili St. Cyr pose. The illustration seems harsher than most pictures I've seen of Lili. And, considering the title of the drawing is "Madame Morbid", perhaps that was the intent.

The drawing is based on a photo which was shot by Irving Klaw, the man famous for his bondage shots of Bettie Page. He took the stills when Lili visited his New York studio to film a burlesque short. Lili hated the pictures. She never made any money from their sale and she disliked the quality.

"Every time I see those pictures, I have a fit because they’re not good pictures," she told Eric Schaefer, author of Bold! Daring! Shocking! True!: A History of Exploitation Films. "I was used to working . . . with wonderful photographers like [Bruno] Bernard. Bernard and I spent hours working on our pictures, spending all this time and making such a fuss over them. And then having these pictures from Irving Klaw show up . . . It made me angry every time I looked at them."

Monday, January 7, 2008

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese chats about champagne, Christian Louboutin and her favorite corset:

It's made by Mr. Pearl; he's the most elusive couturier in the world for corsets -- he only makes a couple a year and won't just see anyone. He made a very special corset to go under my wedding gown [Von Teese was a briefly married to rocker Marilyn Manson], and it reminds me of the special time I spent with Mr. Pearl. I had 12 fittings, and I had to fly to Paris for each fitting, and I have very fond memories of drinking violet-scented Champagne in his atelier down this dark, narrow, crooked street near Notre Dame cathedral.

In other news ...

William Safire explains the origins of the "long pole in the tent" with a nod to burlesque.

The Daily Mirror unveils the secrets of Gilded Lili.

A former burlesque dancer inspired her granddaughter's documentary.

Meet the fitness instructor behind cardio striptease.

If you're in Minneapolis this weekend, be sure to catch The Best of Midwest Burlesk, which is hosted by Lili's Burlesque Revue and features 35 performers including Michelle L'amour and Foxy Tann & the Wham Bams.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Best of The Candy Gram: Music

Technology put the Grinch on a little holiday gift I had planned on leaving in The Candy Pitch's (fishnet) stocking. Apparently it's been magically resolved, so your regularly scheduled Candy Gram interview will return next week. Today, I offer this belated present -- another compilation from the Best of The Candy Gram. Hopefully, it will steam things up during the cold, winter months.



Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Viva La Competition

Viva Las Vegas gets bumpin' April 10-13. Throughout January, you can head over to the site and vote for who you'd would like to see compete. The top six contestants get to perform at Viva Las Vegas with the audience deciding on the winner.

One of the contestants, Veronica Lashe, dished on the Candy Gram. We'll feature more contestants in the coming weeks. If other contestants and performers would like to be featured in the weekly Q&A, drop me a line at KellyDiNardo AT gmail DOT com.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Video of the Week

As we've mentioned, Madonna is sweet on burlesque. Now, Penny Whistle serves us this little treat from the Material Girl.



Do you have a video you'd like The Candy Pitch to feature? Send the link to kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com.