Tease-O-Rama Mania

Shake, shake, shake. Shake your booty ... right on over to Tease-O-Rama for "two days and three nights of wild and wicked burlesque mania and go-go action." The San Francisco burlesque convention and festival features classes in everything from tassel-twirling to burlesque fan dance technique and shows with everything from comedians to burlesque bombshells. For a complete schedule, shimmy over here.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese continues to dominate burly news. She tells the San Francisco Gate, "I don't regret ever (having) been married. I was a good faithful wife. I quite enjoyed it. I am hoping the next time I find someone who has the same ideas about marriage that I have."

Want to look sexy in your undies? The burly queen has plenty of tips including remembering you're worth it. "Don't be ashamed of indulging yourself. The big mistake people make is thinking they have to sacrifice beauty for fit. I'm not saying everyone should wear frilly little things all the time, but so many women have this utilitarian attitude towards lingerie."

In other news ...

Blue Light Burlesque revives old-style burlesque in Montreal.

Strip club ads atop taxis in New York causes a stir.

Jo Boobs uncovers the New York Burlesque Festival. And don't forget to check out the winners of the Golden Pasties Awards.

The Candy Gram: Baby Le'Strange

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 Baby Le'Strange.

What is your hometown?
Pittsburg,PA is my real home. Right now I live in Portland,OR

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've always wanted to be on stage in a rock band but never had the patience for an instrument. I've been performing burlesque for less than a year now and I love it. I would love to travel outside of Portland for shows in the near future. I think I'm addicted to the stage.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Six. My favorite are the Batman logo pasties that I had custom made by Gothfox in Portland,OR. I usually just make my own. I like having a different pair for each act.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Currently, Voodoo Lady by Ween, Brand New Key by the Dollyrots and I Like You by Sol Hoopii.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Bright pink lipstick, colorful eyeshadow and a solid cheering section.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
My friend Tiffany got me to take a class with Bella Berretta. She opened me up to the world of burlesque. I knew about it but it didn't really exist much in Pittsburgh, PA. It is also still budding in Portland.

My first encounter with Burlesque was in 2000 at the VaVa Voom Room in New York. I was really clueless at the time of what I was watching. I remember Miss Astrid and I'm sure I saw some other famous performers but I have little memory of the show. I look forward to going to BurlyCon Seattle and taking part in Tease o Rama Portland to meet and learn from some other seasoned perormers.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
I love Diamondback Annie, although i have only seen her on video. I look forward to seeing her live someday. I also really want to see Julie Atlas Muz, and Peekaboo Pointe live. I need to vacation to New York. In my local world I have a blast watching the very expressive Tana the Tattooed Lady. There is a handful of new performers here in Portland and I love watching everyone. It's great to have a bunch of gals to grow with together as performers.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Currently it's my metallic gold Converse All Stars. They go with everything. I'm addicted to all the lame metallic clothing at American Apparel.

What's the last movie you saw?
Tropic Thunder. I laughed so hard i cried.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Oh boy, I don't have cable so its pretty limited. I watch a lot of Oregon Public Broadcasting and I really enjoy that silly game show Wipeout. I would love to be on that show.

What book is on your nightstand?
The Exorcist, plus multiple magazines and Vegan cookbooks.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Tokyo, Japan!! I want to be overloaded on cuteness!!

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
All of Wonder Woman's powers plus flying. She has the best costume and I've idolized her since I was a kid. I have quite a large collection of Wonder Woman dolls and action figures. Some day I want to have a Wonder Woman room if i ever have my own house.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Rose Darling, Satan's Angel, Ophelia Flame, Panache La Plume, Ginger Valentine, Madame Rosebud, Little Brooklyn, Victoria Veneance, Sauci Calla Horra, Penny Starr Jr., Gemma Parker, Darla DeVine, Sparkly Devil, Vivienne VaVoom, Lux LaCroix, Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Bunny Love, Amber Topaz, Amelie Soleil, Red Hot Annie, HoneyLu, Kimberlee Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Dominique Immora, Yasmine Vine, Cherry Bomb, Millie Dollar, Joanie Gyoza, Bonbon Vivant, Lola Martinet, Frankie Boudoir, 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.

Video of the Week

Political Props

The perfect prop for a politically-themed performance:

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese twirls through several news stories as the burlesque queen continues to promoter her new line of lingerie for Wonderbra. She tells Monsters & Critics that even she has "unattractive" days. "Like any woman, I have days where I look in the mirror and think, 'How can anyone find me attractive?' Some days there's nothing for it but to go back to bed, but mostly I try to put a face on and turn the day around. I try to remember we all have those moments - even people you admire."

She tells The Scotsman: "I've always loved the idea of not being what people expect me to be. I"m not an exhibitionist that"s not why I do what I do. Day-to-day, I"m actually quite shy. I like my hemline below the knee. I would never bare my belly. I"m a little conscious about how much cleavage I"m showing. I feel like I don"t really need to show my body, and I like the mystery about not showing it I prefer the idea of someone wondering what"s underneath the dress."

And she tells The Times: "I remember being 20 and thinking there’s no way I’ll be feather-dancing when I’m 35! And I can say with conviction that I’m in better shape now than I was then. I don’t wanna predict for myself or make rules for myself about that. I think I’ve been really good at evolving and making the right choices. And I’m pretty sure people don’t look at me and say, ‘Ooh gosh, should she really be doing that any more?’ I don’t think that’s happening.”

In other news ...

Detroit’s legends of burlesque reminisce.

BlackBook talks to the Porcelain Twinz about their lawsuit with The Box.

Madonna does a striptease tribute to Britney.

The Candy Gram

This weekend's New York Burlesque Festival includes performances by several past Candy Gram interviewees:

* Little Brooklyn
* Sauci Calla Horra
* Vivienne VaVoom
* Vixen Violette
* Amber Ray
* Angie Pontani
* Tanya Cheex
* Clams Casino
* Trixie Little
* Michelle L'Amour
* Miss Dirty Martini
* Miss Delirium Tremens
* Jo Boobs
* Creamy Stevens

A New York State of Mind

The New York Burlesque Festival kicks off with a fishnet-clad leg today. Metromix teases the event with a fantastic photo gallery, which includes Michelle L'Amour, left, Angie Pontani, Jo Boobs, Trixie Little and more.

Video of the Week

Dita's Va-Va-Voom Discovery

Dita Von Teese discovers the gene for sexiness in the new ad for her Wonderbra line.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese has said if she ever marries again it will not include "til death do us part". The burlesque star told The Daily Telegraph: "I loved the ritual of being married but if I marry again I would change the vows from 'til death us do part' to 'I'm really in love with you right now'." And to our British readers, she's also looking for an English beau.

In other news ...

The Porcelain Twinz accuse club owner of sexual harassment.

Pam Anderson strips for Ellen.

Burlesque teases its way into Wilmington and shimmies into New Paltz.

Britney Spears comeback to include a bevy of burlesque dancers.

The Candy Gram: Rose Darling

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 Rose Darling.

What is your hometown?
Houston, TX

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've always been a bit of a ham. I treat my clothes as costumes when I go to parties and always end up sticking out somehow. Growing up, every time I saw a beautiful girl, in the movies or real life, I thought to myself, "I want to be like that when I'm older!" Every time I saw a movie with dancing in it, I would watch that part over and over, trying to do the same moves. But specifically burlesque, it's always been there, I just didn't know how to be involved until I joined the Velvet Kittens.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I actually don't own any. Our style is more the vaudevillian/cabaret. We always have bras, panties, fishnets & thigh-highs on with every costume.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I love Big Spender, Missed Me and Sippage. The way Jana Edele, our director, choreographs them (which are group numbers), it feels like
a theater production. We all have individual parts which reflect our character and complements our individual talents. When you bring that to the whole dance, it really makes it powerful.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Glitter, Fake Eyelashes, Confidence.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
The spirit of the group has always kept me going. I find it so amazing that everyone in the troupe is so different but we get along with each other. They inspire me to get better and better!

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Josephine Baker. I've always been fascinated with her life, she accomplished so many things. I even did a report on her when I was in middle school.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I'm more into accessories, they let you really play up anything. One of my favorites is an antique jeweled necklace that is covered in pale lavender rhinestones and makes me feel like a princess.

What's the last movie you saw?
Dark Knight. I love Batman!

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Mad Men, Heroes, Dexter and I have a weakness for America's Next Top Model.

What book is on your nightstand?
I have several, I love reading. The fun ones are a comic book by Paul Pope, 100% and a '50s fiction called A Piece of the Action by Herb Gardner.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I really want to go to Croatia, I heard their beaches are amazing!

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I would love to be able to transport myself where ever I wanted. I always have so little time and so many things to do and places to be. It would make my life a lot easier!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Satan's Angel, Ophelia Flame, Panache La Plume, Ginger Valentine, Madame Rosebud, Little Brooklyn, Victoria Veneance, Sauci Calla Horra, Penny Starr Jr., Gemma Parker, Darla DeVine, Sparkly Devil, Vivienne VaVoom, Lux LaCroix, Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Bunny Love, Amber Topaz, Amelie Soleil, Red Hot Annie, HoneyLu, Kimberlee Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Dominique Immora, Yasmine Vine, Cherry Bomb, Millie Dollar, Joanie Gyoza, Bonbon Vivant, Lola Martinet, Frankie Boudoir, 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.

Video of the Week

Satan's Angel is on fire.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese isn't just a burlesque queen, she's a traveling queen. She offers up some travel tips to The Telegraph, including her in-flight beauty routine.

"Lots of moisturiser, water and sleep. I change into pyjamas on the plane and bring basic make-up for landing: powder, lip gloss and creme blush."

In other news ...

Ricci Cortez, burlesque queen and legend, passed away at the age of 83. Jo Weldon has pix.

Comedian "Uncle Floyd" Vivino recalls a time when he played chauffeur to the old burlesque masters.

The Candy Gram: Satan's Angel

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 Satan's Angel, queen of the fire tassels.

What is your hometown?
San Francisco, CA.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
On and off for 47 years.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Approximately six pairs, which I had made in the 1960s. But I do make regular and fire pasties so I always have at least 25-50 pairs on hand at all times to sell on my Web site and EBay.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Highway to Hell (ACDC)
Foreplay/Long Time (Boston)
Take Me To The Top (Loverboy)
And anything that's down white and dirty by Eric Claption

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Being old, corset, bra, nylons! And undies of course.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Lili St. Cyr. Sexy but with class.
Gypsy Rose Lee. Brass and balls.
Mae West. Flashy, gaudy, rhinestone-y beaded gowns.
Ann Corio. Grace, style and walked like a queen.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Past: Lili St. Cyr
Present: Michelle L'Amour

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Normal stuff -- jeans and high heels with one of my vintage furs. On Stage, my full huge negligee.

What's the last movie you saw?
The New Rambo

What's on your must-see-TV list?
Not a damn thing! I find TV boring unless it's an old movie.

What book is on your nightstand?
The Bible. Several to be exact.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Any Pacific Island will do, mainly one that's not been civilized.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Well, I've always loved our super-power comic strip heroes, but I'm not sure. Maybe X-Ray Vision so I could look through your dress. Oh! Hell, I don't know. What a crazy question!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Ophelia Flame, Panache La Plume, Ginger Valentine, Madame Rosebud, Little Brooklyn, Victoria Veneance, Sauci Calla Horra, Penny Starr Jr., Gemma Parker, Darla DeVine, Sparkly Devil, Vivienne VaVoom, Lux LaCroix, Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Bunny Love, Amber Topaz, Amelie Soleil, Red Hot Annie, HoneyLu, Kimberlee Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Dominique Immora, Yasmine Vine, Cherry Bomb, Millie Dollar, Joanie Gyoza, Bonbon Vivant, Lola Martinet, Frankie Boudoir, 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.

Video of the Week

Say cheers to the Twin Cities' Ophelia Flame.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Dita Von Teese reveals some interesting tidbits to Black Book. Here's a little sample:

- "But when sexuality, style, humor and playfulness all come together, along with a bit of innocence, well, that’s when a burlesque show becomes great."

- "You always have that double-edged sword. You’re like, Well, I feel empowered because I’m independent and no men in my personal life can tell me what to do. ... But then there’s the other side of things: Am I using my body? ... But I think that if I were Nicole Kidman, and I were in a movie, and they were negotiating over my body parts—what my tits are worth, what my ass is worth, how much extra money that’s going to get me — how is that any different?"

-"I’m not really concerned by the competition, because I’ve already moved on to the next thing by the time they think they’ve caught up to me."

The burlesque star is also included in the magazine's Style Gallery.

In other news ...

Gothamist chats with the reigning queen of burlesque, Miss Angie Pontani.

Check out this "manifesto-in-progress about what it means to create a burlesque scene that is feminist."

In another story on Dita's new lingerie line, Ad Age wonders if Jo Boobs will be the new face of Victoria's Secret.

Do you have a constitutional right to learn how to lap dance?

Burlesque dancer Trixie Minx was one of the New Orleans dancers who rode out Gustav.