All The News That's Fit To Strip

The documentary A Wink And A Smile follows several Seattle women as they go through Miss Indigo Blue's Seattle Academy of Burlesque. Film Threat spoke with director Deirdre Timmons, who reveals the film's not really about stripping:

"If you watch any film, whether it’s about tri-athletes, or skiers, or racecar drivers, it isn’t about the thing they’re doing, but about what motivates them to do the thing they’re doing. That is the case in this film. It’s not about stripping, although that is what they’re doing. But it’s a vehicle to get to the next level in their lives."

In other news ...

After, the 1996 movie Striptease, which was based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel Strip Tease, other adaptations of the author's work got the kibosh.

Dita Von Teese settles law suit against dominatrix.

Take a peak at the trailer for the burlesque flick Make It Happen

Reyna Von Vett raises Denver's fallen women of yore with her new burlesque musical revue, Leadville or Bust.

Meet the newest Boston Babydoll, the race-car loving Cheri DeVille.

Ruby Rocket, Bombshell Betty and Lady Borgia give new meaning to comic strip at Comic-Con.

Iowans are in a tizzy about striptease as performance art or indecent exposure.

Let's Make A Date

We've rounded the corner into fall so it's time to kick off the 2008 calendar season. OK, maybe it's a little early, but it's really never too early to celebrate Dr. Sketchy's well-drawn ladies. Dr. Sketchy's 2008 Pinup Calendar features drawings of Michelle L'Amour, Indigo Blue and other burlesque queens by the multi-talented Molly Crabapple, founder of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. The painter/model/fire-eating burlesque dancer's calendar is only $15 so shimmy on over there and give 2008 a bumpin' start.

Burlesque 101

The music thumps and you peel off an elbow-length glove. It picks up and you give the crowd a little shimmy. Finally, down to your pasties and g-string you give a little bounce and twirl your tassels. Yes. YOU. Come on, admit it, you've always wanted to learn the art of the bump 'n' grind.

Burlesque classses and seminars around the country let you get your glitter on with help from the pros. For an intensive workshop Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque and Jo Boobs' School of Burlesque have teamed up to offer a Summer Weekend Burlesque Retreat. From August 23-26 you can learn about the history of burlesque as well as performance skills like the burlesque walk, developing a stage persona, and, of course, tassel twirling. Can't make it to Arlington, Washington for the retreat? Here are a few other spots offering classes.

In New York Jo Boobs regularly offers workshops including a Master Class at Coney Island.

Lux LaCroix teaches a five-week class called Bump & Grind 101 in the Los Angeles area.

In Montreal Velma Candyass teaches a fun-filled workshop.

In San Francisco Betty Bombshell runs several burlesque dance classes per week, plus special workshops including Pinup Posing, Pastie Making and Twirling and Corset Making.

Kitty Victorian offers a burlesque workshop in Washington, DC.

In London the Ministry of Burlesque offers Burlesque for Beginners, Boylesque and more.

In Chicago Michelle L'Amour teaches two levels of burlesque, performance-based classes.

The Candy Pitch gave burly a twirl, but this week we take our first pole-dancing lesson. Stay tuned for a report. Know of other classes? Leave 'em in the comments or e-mail me at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. I'll add 'em in throughout the day.