The Candy Gram: Creamy Stevens

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 Creamy Stevens, who performs with Little Brooklyn as the Starshine Burlesque.

What's your hometown?
Washington, DC

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
5 years

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Around 15

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Apache by the Sugar Hill Gang, Nighttime is the Right Time by Ray Charles, Lament by the David Rose Orchestra

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Eyelash glue, carpet tape and wigs.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Lady Ace and Miss Tickle, the first performers I ever saw. I saw that in the context of burlesque, you could be aggressive, scary, or funny - even all in the same act and not have to sacrifice other aspects of being a woman. And that's something we don't have the luxury of in our everyday lives.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Living: Dirty Martini
Passed On: Zorita

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Black pencil skirt - you just can't go wrong.

What's the last movie you saw?
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

What's on your must-see-TV list?
The Shield and The Riches

What book is on your nightstand?
T.C. Boyle Stories

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
New York in the 1950's

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Laser beams that shoot from my eyes -- to smite my enemies of course.


Photo courtesy of Lisa Smith

Grin and Bare It

Our friends over at Playboy share some interesting news on their blog. According to a study from researchers at Emory University, women go for the action. The study showed both men and women pictures of couples having sex. The men's eyes looked at the woman's face first while women checked out the activity. The study's authors speculate that this may be because it's easier to judge a man's state of arousal simply from his naked body. Either way, for you performers out there, keep smiling -- at least half your audience is checking out your face before they look at your other assets.

And while we're catching up with Playboy, we also learned that the Queen of England honored Joe Corre and Serena Rees, the founders of Agent Provocateur.

Update: The Candy Pitch is just sending a big, wet kiss to Playboy today. In more Bunny-licious news, the AP reports Hugh Hefner plans to open a Playboy mansion in the emerging gambling mecca of Macau. The 40,000-square-foot mansion is slated to open in late 2009.

Video of the Week

After being Paris bound yesterday, The Candy Pitch craved something a little more classic. Here's Tempest Storm.

Paris Bound

It's impossible to ignore all the Paris Hilton hub-bub. One blogger wondered what Paris should do now that she's free. Forty Deuce owner Ivan Kane wisely suggested she hire a driver for all appearances. No one asked, but The Candy Pitch thinks she should stop pretending and embrace her passion for burlesque. She certainly knows how to tease:

And she's definitely not afraid to strip:

Wanted: G-String Catcher

It's summer and cities across the country are flush with fresh-faced go-getters. Ambitious youngsters in the DC/Baltimore area looking for a more, ahem, unique summer experience should check in with Trixie Little and Evil Hate Monkey. The burlesque duo is hiring. Where else can one learn how to safely remove pasties, where to buy unitards for Monkey-Men or other secrets of the shimmying trade? For interested interns, here's the job post:

Trixie Little & The Evil Hate Monkey have one internship position available for a sharp, reliable and uber-organized individual interested in learning about production aspects of showbiz. Internship responsibilities may include email correspondence, prop/set assistance, running errands, scheduling, stage management, etc- all related to the DC Fringe Festival and the Virgin Music Festival. Individual must have their own car, computer access and be available some weekdays. 4-10 hours per week. This is a non-paid position from July 1- August 10th.

MUST BE AVAILABLE THESE DATES:
Wed July 25
Fri July 27
Sat July 28

Sun July 29
Sat Aug 4
Sun Aug 5

Those interested in applying should send a very *creative* paragraph of why you're the best candidate, a list of relevant experience and a statement of your showbiz-related goals. Visual aids must be low-res in jpeg format.

Send your email-application ASAP to trixie@trixielittle.com with the subject heading: INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

All the News That's Fit To Strip

Burlesque gets bumpin' in Honolulu with the Cherry Blossom Cabaret.

Billiam's Music Blog reviews The Suicide Girls: The First Tour.

Dita Von Teese shows off lingerie in Peach John’s new collection.

Women in burlesque clothes proves too sexy for the Brits.

Broadway Bares breaks records.

The O.C. Weekly looks at "pole-fitness land, where women are addicted to whatever it is that goes on behind closed doors in dimly lit studios and work out, exotic-dancer-style."

The Movie Reporter snaps some photos at Erotica L.A.

Stripper Geek bares "the misadventures, inside stories and exploits of an exotic dancer."

The Candy Gram: Gina Louise

Today, The Candy Pitch launches an ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- where 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. In honor of Lili St. Cyr, the woman who introduced The Candy Pitch to the burlesque world, we kick off the series with a member of Lili's Burlesque, Gina Louise.

What's your hometown?
Mounds View, Minnesota (A fitting name for a burlesque performer, eh?)

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been doing striptease since 2003. My performance background includes modern dance, musical theater, gymnastics, and ballet.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
17

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Harlem Nocturne is a classic that moves me, but my favorite thing is to dance to a live band. If the song has a groove and the band is good, that's all that matters.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Large bobby pins, toupee tape, and lots of gumption.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
I love Rita Moreno, Sophia Loren, Lucille Ball, Eartha Kitt, and so many more. In a nutshell, I'd have to say it was TV re-runs, photos of glamorous women, and my parents for getting me involved in dance at a young age.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
My dear friend Ophelia Flame.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Black yoga pants for day. (And I do mean every day...) Emerald green vintage cocktail dress for evening.

What's the last movie you saw?
Notes on a Scandal.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Angelina Ballerina.

What book is on your nightstand?
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
The beach.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
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.


Photo courtesy of Marc Norberg.

Viva Las Vegas

Our trip to Las Vegas wasn't all about the lovely ladies of the Miss Exotic World pageant. The Candy Pitch explored the sexy side of Sin City for Forbes Traveler. Get a little history, some recommendations from Dita Von Teese and some sizzling pictures in the 10 Sexiest Revues in Las Vegas.

Video of the Week

Over the last few years Leslie Zemeckis has dipped an elbow-length glove into the world of burlesque, playing the saucy Staar on stage throughout L.A. She recently finished a mocumentary based on her show and the film features guest appearances by Carrie Fisher, Jeffrey Tambor and Fabio. Up next, is a documentary on the history of burlesque. "People think it's all about strippers and that's not even remotely what burlesque is about," Leslie, who is expecting a daughter with husband Robert Zemeckis, told Stork magazine. Stay tuned to The Candy Pitch for updates on Leslie's documentary. In the meantime, enjoy her "Boobs," which features a shimmying Laura Bush.

Burlypedia: Banned in Boston

The Puritan-founded city of Boston maintained strict censorship rules when it came to theatrical performances, movies and concerts. From the 19th century on Boston officials regularly banned anything they found to be objectionable, salacious, inappropriate or offensive. The phrase Banned in Boston was used to describe the books, movies and other performances that were prohibited in the city. In burlesque, dancers around the country would perform the Boston or clean version of their routines when cops or vice officials were known to be in the audience. The last of the Boston city censors was Richard Sinnott. After banning Marvin Gaye and the Jackson Five, the appropriately named censor left the post in 1982 when the city elminated the position. In the words of the banned R&B singer, Boston was finally free to get it on.

All the News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese inspires pin-up styles and "the must-have pin-up accessories are high-heeled platform pumps with fishnet stockings."

Jessica Simpson uses Pussycat Dolls moves in the bedroom.

Speaking of the Pussycat Dolls, Kim Kardashian says meow.

Bambi the Mermaid talks tails, seashells and snake charming.

Spiegelworld returns in July.

Porn vs. art. Stripping vs. burlesque. The debate continues.

The trailer for Lindsay Lohan's new flick hits YouTube. Catch glimpses of her striptease.

Simon Cowell doesn't like burlesque, though he's far more appreciative than David Hasselfhoff.

Nightrider Burlesque

Anyone who does this can't be bad -- unless you mean bad in the Eighties, Michael Jackson kind of way.

All the News That's Fit To Strip

Michelle L'Amour has some folks in Illinois all worked up -- and not in the usual way she gets 'em worked up. Apparently, not everyone appreciates "the ass that goes Pow."

Jerry Mitchell bares all about Broadway Bares.

Sophia Loren lied.

Video of the Week

Miss Exotic World 2007, Immodesty Blaize, shimmies and shakes her pom-poms.

Exotic World Redux

The Candy Pitch isn't the only one abuzz about Exotic World. Here's what some other folks are saying.

Powparazzi features some very sexy photos of Michelle L'Amour, left, by Don Spiro.

Jo Boobs, who did a great tribute to Candy Barr, is still wondering how much of what happened Vegas has to stay in Vegas.

Vixen Violette offers a rundown -- with pictures -- of the whole Exotic World weekend.

The Blessings of Liberty has "finally recovered from all the hard work of observing gorgeous bodies in pasties and g-strings."

Devilica posted photos from Friday night.

Exotic World Redux

Lola Pearl was as red hot as her fans.

Photo courtesy of Martin Lindsay.

Exotic World Redux

The performers in the Best Duo category prove that twice is always nice. Gravity Plays Favorites twirled around a pole in an aerial tease.

Photo courtesy of Martin Lindsay.

Exotic World Redux

Japan's Violet Eva shimmied her pink-fringed hips right into Best Debut winner.

Photo courtesy of Martin Lindsay.

Exotic World Redux

Chicago's Vivian Velvet blew the crowds away with a more modern twist to the fan dance.

Photo courtesy of Martin Lindsay.

Exotic World Redux

This year's Exotic World pageant was a shimmying, acrobatic, tassel-twirling, eye-popping festival of rhinestones, g-strings, feathers and fun. But you don't want to read about the fun, you want to see what all the fuss was about. We'll be posting pictures throughout the day.

Sure, we understand burlesque is all about the tease, but today The Candy Pitch is gonna cut right to the chase and start with the winner. London's Immodesty Blaize brought the house -- and her dress down -- to take home the crown of Miss Exotic World 2007.

Famed Montreal Belly Dancer Died

The Candy Pitch's pal reporter Alan Hustak of the Montreal Gazette tells us that Fawzia Amir Rahman passed away recently. Check out this past Sunday's paper for the full obit, but here's an excerpt:

Fawzia Amir Rahman, the sultry Egyptian-born belly dancer who was harassed by municipal authorities in the early 1960’s after she introduced the art to Montreal, died in Ottawa’s Élisabeth Bruyère Hospice on May 16. She was 76 and succumbed to brain cancer.

Rahman, who claimed to have begun her career as a court dancer for Egypt’s King Farouk when she was 15 years old, deplored the term belly dancing.

“What I do is a native folk dance,” she said. “Little children learn it, and it is done in homes in Egypt as well as at weddings and parties. The name belly dancing makes it sound vulgar, but this is not so. It is a movement of many parts of the body. It is not indecent dancing. It is not like taking your clothes off. There is nothing obscene about it.”

To prove her point she performed her act, without the harem skirt, in a Montreal courtroom before Judge Gerald Almond in 1961 after she had been charged with obscenity. ... It wasn’t Fawzia’s only brush with the law. She had similarly been acquitted in 1960 of presenting an immoral dance. She was, however, eventually convicted in 1963 on charges of staging an obscene dance at her club, fined $200 and ordered deported.The deportation order was never carried out.

The Candy Pitch is still reeling from all that is Vegas, but head back this way tomorrow for an Exotic World recap.

Burlypedia: Merkin

Today's burlypedia is inspired by Zumanity, an amazing show that gives audience participation a whole new meaning. There was at least one performance in the sexy Cirque du Soleil spectacle where the dancers used merkins, a wig for the nether regions. It's been used by burlesque dancers as a way to comply with censors and the law while still giving the illusion of complete nudity. Today they can be an obvious part of a costume like the bright, pink one at left, or as in the case of Zumanity, realistic enough to make you wonder that maybe, just maybe you're seeing the bare essentials.

When The Candy Pitch returns from Vegas tune in for all the dish on Exotic World, Forty Deuce, Zumanity and the Playboy Club.

Celluloid Striptease

Jane Fonda performs a gravity-defying striptease in Barbarella.

Celluloid Striptease

Rita Hayworth is all tease in Gilda.

Celluloid Striptease

Little Miss Sunshine's laugh-out-loud striptease scene.

Celluloid Striptease

Apparently in the upcoming summer flick I Know Who Killed Me Lindsay Lohan does a "seductively dirty striptease" which got me thinking about the tease on film. Some favorites, in no particular order:

Little Miss Sunshine
Barbarella
Lady of Burlesque
Blue Velvet
Pal Joey
Blaze
Too Hot To Handle
Gilda

Stay tuned and The Candy Pitch will feature a few clips throughout the day.

Stripped Of Its Name

Exotic World's got a new name. The museum will now be known as The Burlesque Hall of Fame. Why mix it up? From the ever lovely Laura Herbert:

Simplicity.
Over time, Exotic World has been though many changes--and many, many names: The Burlesque Historical Society, Inspirational Star Land, The Movers & Shakers Striptease Hall of Fame... the list goes on and on. But, no matter how our business cards may have read throughout the years, from the very beginning we've remained at our core a "hall of fame"--identifying and honoring Burlesque's best, both on and offstage.

Semantics.
Let's face it: In contemporary times, the term “exotic” has connotations that can be confusing (you'd be surprised how many calls we get inquiring about our birds and reptiles), if not downright misleading. When Jennie Lee & company launched the Exotique [sic] Dancers League in the 1950s, "exotic dance" and burlesque were one and the same. Today, the term is widely applied to *all* forms of adult entertainment, regardless of their origin or content. While we've got no issue with people calling themselves "exotic" (or being labeled as such by others), the more broadly the term is applied, the less it represents who we are and we do.

Of course, the name Exotic World will continue to live on--in Exotic World Weekend, the Miss Exotic World title (albeit slightly appended as 'Miss Exotic World, Reigning Queen of Burlesque'), and as part of our shared history.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

The big news, of course, is that the Exotic World Weekend gets bumpin' tomorrow. Saturday, Julie Atlas Muz (left) will give up her crown as Miss Exotic World and another peeler will don the crown -- and not much else. Can't make it to Vegas for the festivities? Tune in to The Candy Pitch next week for updates and pictures.

AMC premieres a new series called Mad Men July 19. Set in the Sixties, the show "follows thirtysomething Don Draper, creative director for the Sterling Cooper ad agency, which hawks everything from cigarettes to political candidates," according to Variety. A Candy Pitch reader tells us the pilot features a short burlesque scene. Catch a glimpse here.

Sheila Kelley's S Factor workout shimmies into Houston. The pole-dancing workout that's been featured on Oprah several times has spawned a book, DVDs and studios in California, New York and Illinois.

Another striptease workout comes to your DVD player. The Express interviews 2006 Playboy Playmate of the Year about the workout.

Dita Von Teese will reportedly perform in an upcoming movie featuring Willie Nelson and Katherine Helson.

World Famous B*O*B and Dirty Martini tease Atoosa Rubenstein -- with eclairs.

Video of the Week

Foxy Tann and the Wham-Bam Thank You Ma'ams sizzled at Miss Exotic World 2006.

Breast Defense

The 50th annual striptease reunion and the 2007 Miss Exotic World competition are just days away. Exotic World was founded by Jennie Lee, a dancer known as "The Bazoom Girl." In 1991, at the age of 61, Jennie died of breast cancer. So it seems only appropriate that this year Exotic World has teamed up with the Keep A Breast Foundation to raise money for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Throughout the weekend burlesque stars like Julie Atlas Muz, Michelle L'amour, Dirty Martini and Tempest Storm as well as celebrities like Margaret Cho will have their breasts cast by sculptors. Then each mold will be given to a different artist who will decorate the bust before it is exhibited and auctioned off. The first round of finished casts will debut at Florida's Casa Monica Hotel in October 2007. In June 2008, the entire collection will be displayed in Downtown Las Vegas, as part of the city's First Friday Exhibition Series. Both exhibitions will be open to the public, and all casts will be auctioned online at Keep A Breast.