All The News That's Fit To Strip

The 2010 movie Burlesque will be singer Christina Aguilera's film debut. The film is currently in production and the pop star is getting good reviews from the cast and director. Co-star Stanley Tucci said:

"I hear she’s wonderful...I’ve been talking to some of the people at the studio, and everyone is thrilled with her.”

Burlesque also stars Eric Dane, Twilight actor Cam Gigandet, Kristin Bell, Alan Cumming and Dancing With the Stars pro, Julianne Hough.


In other news...

Seattle's Lily Verlain and Jasper McCann present A Land of Sweets, their take on the Christmas classic The Nutcracker.. The cast includes Seattle performers such as Indigo Blue, Waxie Moon, Inga Ingenue, Kitten La Rue and many more.

Australian burlesque dancer Gypsy Wood's spoof of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard was a hit at former Prime Minister Bob Hawke's 80th birthday bash.

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper pose together for a burlesque-inspired ad campaign.

Kelly DiNardo will be signing copies of Gilded Lili at the Dutch Oven Burlesque show at the Palace of Wonders in DC Saturday, December 19.

Video of the Week

'Tis the season for Yule A Go-Go.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Chicago-based photographer Heather Stumpf turns everyday women into Varga-style pin up girls. With her partner, Chris Popio she runs her studio, Vavoom Pinups with a mission to turn all kinds of women into poster girls. She said:

"We’re trying to even out the playing field with things we’re bombarded by on a daily basis,” Stumpf said before a shoot. “How women should look in advertising, magazines, billboards. From a very young age we think, ‘I can never be like this’ or ‘How can I be like this?’ We say with the right care, makeup, photography and pose coaching, you can attain what you want."

In other news...

The Windy City Burlesque Festival (Chicago) is now accepting applications for performers and troupes. Applications are due by Feb. 1.


Dutch Oven Burlesque out of Washington DC will hold a canned food drive on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Palace of Wonders. The food drive will benefit local residents in need.

photo credit: suntimes.com

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It appears that Holly Madison is filming a reality show about her life and her experiences as a burlesque showgirl. Madison, currently dances in Peepshow, at the Planet Hollywood hotel and resort in Vegas. Despite her experience as a Playmate, she still is picky about how and when she goes topless. She said:

"The ‘toplessness’ is worked into the show very tastefully and I was very controlling about when and how long I would be topless. Not because I am shy about nudity at all, but because I feel there is an effective way to do a burlesque show and then there is a sloppy way. I'm very inspired by Dita Von Teese and people who do it really well. Hef really liked the show, but I knew he would. He loves burlesque and the girls in the show are really beautiful. There are contemporary pop songs in the show, but a lot of old school style, too. The Red Riding Hood number reminds me so much of the sexy Red Riding hood Tex Avery cartoons from the 40's that Hef loves."

In other news...

New York City's Pinchbottom Burlesque hosted Lurid Pulp, an event promoting the new pulp novel, The Corpse Worse Pasties written by Jonathan Van Gieson, aka, Johnny Porkpie.

The Dallas Burlesque Festival announced that applications are now being accepted for the second annual festival, held the first weekend in February at the historic Texas Theater in Oak Cliff.

Video of the Week

Happy Thanksgiving.

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It seems like more and more stars keep getting added to the cast of Burlesque, the much anticipated musical starring Christina Aguilera and Cher. Fans of Grey's Anatomy will be happy to learn that Eric Dane signed on to play the love interest of Aguilera. Production reportedly begins this month with an expected release during the holidays next year. Dane joins Cher, Aguilera, Cam Gigandet, Kristin Bell, Stanley Tucci and others in this dramatic musical.

In other news...

Paris-based burlesque queen Gentry de Paris produces Gentry de Paris Burlesque Revue, full length burlesque production inspired by the famous cabarets and clubs in Paris. The upcoming show, Cinema Burlesque is Dec. 4, at Scopitone, 5 Avenue de l’Opéra.


And speaking of Paris, international burlesque star, Dita Von Teese is busy practicing verb conjugations and vocabulary words while she studies French in order to speak to her French boyfriend in his first language. She said via Twitter:

"Why oh why didn't I pay more attention in high school French?? Yes, now it really DOES seem like 20 years ago."

Video of the Week

Given all the news about Burlesque, we'll give you a little Christina Aguilera burly preview.

Burlesque Undressed

Immodesty Blaize's Burlesque Undressed, in which she mixes live shows and interviews with burlesque stars past and present, hits the big screen in January -- in high definition.

Dita Dishes On Modern Burly

Dita Von Teese chatted with The Daily Beast about Paris, her new flipbooks and her gripes with modern burlesque. Her main complaint? Neo-burlesque doesn't pay tribute to its predecessors.

“You see a lot of burlesque-themed nightclubs opening, where there are girls dancing with boas, then the curtains close and that’s it. Burlesque was about striptease, and especially in America, a lot of the mainstream burlesque acts are taking all of the important elements about the history of burlesque out,” Von Teese laments. “I’ve made it my personal mission to stay true to what burlesque was in the ’30s and ’40s and keep striptease in. Maybe that makes me a little bit dangerous for American audience but it’s more important to me that I stay true to the big stars of burlesque, like Gypsy Rose Lee, Lili St. Cyr, and Sally Rand, the women who took their clothes off in front of an audience.”

Video of the Week

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A new actor has signed on to play in Steve Antin's new movie Burlesque which begins filming today. Alan Cumming, an actor from Scotland, joins Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough and Kristin Bell as a new cast member. Cumming will play a gender-bending emcee, not unlike Joel Grey's Oscar-winning role in the 1972 movie, Cabaret.

In other news ...

From photographer, Sheryl Nields, come a new book for Dita Von Teese fans. Dita: Striptease . This book features flip-book captures of some of Dita's most famous acts.


What good is setting alone in your room? Come to the cabaret! That's what legions of fans and dozens of unique cabaret acts did over the weekend in Seattle's Inaugural International Cabaret Festival.

Candy Gram: La Cholita

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello La Cholita

What is your hometown?
Los Angeles land of the fabulous, glamorous and occasional train wreck

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I was born performing and haven’t stopped since.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I have about 5-7 pairs that are in regular rotation but I own an insane amount of them. My best friend just started a pastie company called Chi Chi Couture which has everything from basic to one of a kind over the top pieces. I get to test drive and model all her creations before they go up for sale so they are everywhere in my house. It’s always funny when people come over ,innocently pick one up and go “Wow this is pretty.. what is it?” as they inspect it try to figure it out and then the look on their face when they finally realize and I say ‘Oh that goes on my nipples”

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Malaguena by Brian Setzer, It’s the song I performed to when I won Miss Viva Las Vegas 2007 and is definitely one of my signatures, Other than that it varies. I love anything raunchy with big horns and and lots of drums/symbals. My favorite is performing with live music because no matter what song you do it always takes on a life of it’s own. I love the live exchange that happens between musicians and dancers it’s such a thrill.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
An audience, red lipstick and rhinestones

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Aside from my mother Mae West was the single most spectacular woman to grace this earth and has been a big inspiration as far as grabbing life by the balls and being fabulous while doing it. Bette Midler is a sensational show woman whom I admire. I also like Astrid Hadad and her creativity as far as costumes and concepts she is brazen and decadent and I love her for it.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Immodesty Blaize, Lili St Cyr, Satan’s Angel, Tongolele and TIGGER!!

What is your favorite item of clothing?
A divinely outrageous bullet bra gold lame backless mermaid couture gown with Swarovski detailing that was designed just for me by David Contreras who owns and designs Tarantula Clothing. He understands the female form better than any designer I’ve ever met and his creations are all just to die for!

What’s the last movie you saw?
Perfume it was enchanting, intoxicating, disturbing and beautiful.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
I don’t get to watch it much but I like Chelsea Lately and the last show I saw that I really loved was It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

What book is on your nightstand?
There’s two, The Alchemist which I’ve read 100 times and “did she or didn’t she” A book of all the most marvelous women stars from the 20’s- now and the scandals that surrounded them.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I would love to charter a luxury yacht through the Mediterranean for me and 200 of my closest friends.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I suppose it’s rather predictable but Time Travel. I would kill to have the ability to travel the world throughout different eras on a regular basis. Like “Oh I think I’ll spend this summer in Paris circa 1940” There are so many moments in history that would be amazing to experience first hand, shows I’d love to see, people I’d want to meet.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Gentry de Paris, Jade Pearl, Kitten DeVille, Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, 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

All The News That's Fit To Strip

While lots of buzz is circulating around the forthcoming movie Burlesque, staring Christina Aguilera and Cher, burlesque fans can see a striptease by another famous actor in the upcoming musical, Nine. Penelope Cruz plays a burlesque dancer and mistress of well-known film director Guido Contini, played by Daniel Day Lewis. In the movie, out on December 25, Cruz's character performs a sultry striptease in a corset and stockings.

In other news...

Striptease in Canada? While burlesque may be known as an American art, our friends to the north have their own history as well. Becki Ross' new book, Burlesque West: Showgirls, Sex and Sin in Postwar Vancouver reveals the unique burlesque scene in Vancouver from 1945-1980. Ross' book is the product of 11 years of research and interviews with more than 50 people from dancers to workers and club owners in the burlesque theaters and clubs.

The Crazy Horse Saloon is unveiling a brand new show, bringing to life the artistic vision of choreographer Philippe Decouflé.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Veronica Mars star, Kristin Bell is the latest to join the cast of the upcoming movie Burlesque. The long hours of dance rehearsal are beginning to take its toll. She said:

"I've started dance rehearsals and my neck is sore and my inner thighs are so sore."

She also discusses her role in the movie-musical. She will play opposite Christina Aguliera , competing with her for the spotlight. She adds:

"There's a competition between the two of us. I really want to sing and she's allowed to sing at the club so we fight... In the end when all is well, they may sing together. I almost wish they wouldn't, because I would rather just listen to Christina."

In other news...

For a group of mothers from Tennessee, it's bottles and diapers during the week and rhinestones and feathers on the weekends.

There's more to do in Cambridge, Mass. than study. Try burlesque. Axe to Ice Productions presents Boiling Point Burlesque, a revue of striptease and drag performances this Sunday at the Oberon Theater.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Christina Aguilera is reportedly turning to Dita Von Teese for some tips and advice on burlesque moves.

"Christina is meticulous in her preparation for anything she does,” explains a source close to the star. "She is already training hard to be ready for this role and has asked Dita for some coaching on the more technical aspects of burlesque dancing. She doesn’t want to have to use a double for anything if she can help it."

Yet another source says:

"It is not about g-strings and pasties. It's about female empowerment. No one is ever in lingerie. The film is sexy, but there's no stripping."

Burlesque begins filming next month and is slated to release Thanksgiving 2010.

In other news...

Michelle L'amour's Naked Girls Reading rapidly expands to cities throughout the United States and catches the attention of Carson Daly.

Becki Ross, a sociologist from the University of BC has penned a new book, Burlesque West: Showgirls, Sex and Sin in Postwar Vancouver. Her new work explores the West Coast strip scene through first person accounts and interviews.

Revealing Images: Erochica Bamboo

In Revealing Images, photographer Don Spiro dishes up sweet photographic treats and the stories behind them. Today, Don aims his lens at 2008's Miss Exotic World Erochica Bamboo.



This is one of my favorite portraits, of Miss Exotic World 2003, Erochica Bamboo. The simple costume of feathers, pearls and black velvet gloves accented by giant false eyelashes and stylized makeup conveys a sense of timeless beauty that I associate with Miss Bamboo in real life.

We had spent a whole evening doing various costume and makeup changes, varying the backgrounds, poses and lightings for each image. For this one I chose to shoot her from the waist up with glamour lighting like an old Hollywood publicity still. I wanted to accentuate not just her face, but the pasties, pearl necklace and matching earrings that all added to the allure and elegance of Miss Bamboo.

My key light was to the left of the camera and a bit high, I asked her to turn her face right into it, keeping the front of her face free of shadow except for her cheeks, while allowing light to hit her earring. She curved her shoulders and the light raked across her body, streaking across her arms and cleavage and allowing her necklace to shine. I placed a second, softer light behind her to light the top of her camera-right shoulder. Bouncing off the floor it provided a soft glow on the shadowed side of her breasts, neck and chin.

I was very happy with the result, a kind of film-noir image that was moody with a lot of contrast, but I didn’t want hair to disappear into the darkness behind her. Rather than light her hair with a strong backlight, which is one way to get good separation of the subject from the background, I chose instead to light the backdrop itself. The backdrop was dark grey, and I spotted a light very tight into it in the space above her shoulder.

I shot this image with color film, exposing it so that her face was about two stops over my key, which gave me amazing skin tones on her body and making all the pearls glow. The background ranged from near white wear the spot was most intense to dark grey on the edges of frame, with a full range of tones between. She gave a beautiful smile and looked right up into her light, just like many of those old movie star glamour shots. Her charisma in this image and the charm in her face is so overpowering that the fact that she is wearing little more than pasties is almost overlooked.

~Don Spiro

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Eliza Dushku is another celebrity jumping on the burlesque bandwagon. Inspired by dancers she saw at a wrap party for her science-fiction show, Dollhouse, the actress hopes her character has a chance to try burlesque too. The creator of Dollhouse said:

"We haven't figured out how to put it in an episode yet but we are still trying! We had some burlesque dancers at the wrap party and she was like, 'I want to do that'."

In other news...

See what happens when Orchid Mei, a handful of legends and the New York Times meet up in a hotel room in Wis.

The infamous Slipper Room in New York gets a nod from NPR.

Candy Gram: Gentry de Paris

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello Gentry Lane.

What is your hometown?
Paris (via Hollywood )

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
Since I first saw Gypsy at around age 12. But I didn’t start taking off my clothes until I was 23. (I guess I’m a late bloomer).

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Not that many. Perhaps a dozen. Do you want me to go count?

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Harlem Nocturne (I know, I know! But there’s a reason it’s a classic!)
Too Darn Hot
A French song that I’m going to regret posting called J’Coûte Cher. It’s super vavoom jazzy and has great lyrics. Copy me and I’ll kill you. Actually, I won’t have to. It would be career suicide to use a song that’s already so closely associated with me. So there.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Really high heels with quick release ankle straps, Kryolan pancake and good lighting.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Dita. She’s generous with her advice, she doesn’t mince words, and now I’m getting pretty good at figuring out when she’s joking. (I’m so gullible, it’s tragic/hysterical). She has set the standard and anyone who doesn’t admit to her level of influence on their own career is a Big Fat Liar.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Gypsy is my favorite because of her marketing ability, but she doesn’t seem like she was a very nice person. People will hate me for saying this, but I find the real stories behind these women quite sad. I don’t know one who led an admirable life. Except Josephine Baker, but she was never technically a stripper.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I have 3 François Tamarin corsets that make my waist 18” In a word: Hot.

What’s the last movie you saw?
Good God! I don’t even remember. I’m fighting the inclination to lie and put something intellectual. But it was probably a BBC documentary. I hate going to the movie theater. The seats are filthy.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
House and Mad Men. I’d do Don Draper in a second.

What book is on your nightstand?
The script for my show in September -- The Gentry de Paris Revue with Dita Von Teese.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Thailand. I’d like to get a three-hour massage while lying face down in a kiddy pool full of Pad Thai. I hear it’s legal there. And only costs $7.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Teleportation. Because the Paris metro sucks.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Jade Pearl, Kitten DeVille, Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, 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

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Cam Gigandet of Twilight fame is slated to play the love interest of Christina Aguilera in her first movie, Burlesque. He says:

"It's about a girl from the Midwest who moves out to Los Angeles to pursue her career as a singer. Obviously, it's Christina Aguilera, so she has an amazing voice. She finds a club run by Cher, a burlesque club. And she takes it to a whole new level and, of course, meets me—the love of her life."

In other news...

The New York Burlesque Festival kicks off this week. This festival is celebrating its seventh year with four nights of dazzling burlesque. Golden Pastie awards for categories such as "Hottest Cougar," "Most Classic" and "The Biggest Schlep in Burlesque" will be presented on Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Possion Rouge in NYC.

The latest issue of Bachelor Pad Magazine celebrating "Babes, Booze and Burly-Q," is now available and it features a column from burlesque dancer, Penny Starr Jr. and pin ups of Austin-based performer, Ruby Joule.

Candy Gram: Jade Pearl

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello Jade Pearl.

What is your hometown?
League City. TX but now I'm settled into the Dallas area.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I have been interested in performing since I was 3. I eventually received my Bachelors in Dance. As for burlesque, I've been interested in that since I saw Cabaret at the ripe old age of 10. Liza Minelli was too sexy to deny.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I have one pair of ruby red show pasties complete with nipple tassels and a bunch that are rejects from when I went on a pastie-making binge. If we count those, then I own “a lot.”

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I love to perform to Big Spender, Show Off, and Sing, Sing, Sing!

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
I couldn't live without false eyelashes with corresponding glue, blush, and super waterproof eyeliner.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Bob Fosse definitely inspired me to explore the more sensual side of dance. After seeing many of his movies including Cabaret and All That Jazz, I wanted to grow up and be Liza Minelli or Ann Reinking.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
My favorite old school burly queen is definitely Gypsy Rose Lee. I was even in Gypsy, the musical, when I was a kid. I was one of Baby June's newsboys. I guess I got the burly bug at a young age. My favorite neo-burly queen is probably Dita von Teese. You just can't beat her innate charm.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I love my fishnets, all of them. I don't care if that's cheating. If I had to absolutely pick a pair, I love my tan fishnets because combined with my tan heels, they make my legs look a lot longer than they really are.

What’s the last movie you saw?
Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix. As of right now, I'm preparing for the Half Blood Prince to come out.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
Well, I don't actually watch TV in real time, but the shows that I am addicted to right now are South Park, True Blood, and The Supersizers, which is a British food history show.

What book is on your nightstand?
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm slowly trying to read all the books on the BBC's The Big Read.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Does everywhere count as an answer? No? Alright. I would probably visit India because I love the food and the culture. Where else can you find a Wonder of the World dedicated to someone's wife? Exactly.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Teleport. Hands down. Dallas and Houston traffic have destroyed me. All I want to do is get from point A to B. Then I can spend more time having fun instead of always in transit.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Kitten DeVille, Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, 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

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Rita Alexander the Oyster Girl returned to her home city for the New Orleans Burlesque Festival two weeks ago to participate as a panelist and judge, but she needed a little convincing from producer Rick Delaup. She said:

"The burlesque [revival], I was like, 'Where is this going to go? Is this going to end up cheap, or tawdry, or insane?' I didn't really trust it. ... Ricky was doing the panel discussion for Exotic World, and of course when he came to Vegas, he says, 'Please let me take you to lunch.' For two years he did it, and the second year I was almost feeding him questions to ask [the panelists]. It was like we were a little team there. He [had] this dream of this thing that he's doing, and I said, 'Well Ricky, if you ever get that on, I will come, I will participate.' And damn, he got it on! I made a promise."

In other news...

Montreal launched is inaugural Burlesque Festival this past weekend. Headliners included Michelle L'amour, Dirty Martini, Roxi Dlite, and the current Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Kalani Kokonuts.

The Associated Press explores the implications of modern women performing burlesque in a recent article that focuses on the Chicago scene.

Revealing Images: The Va Va Voom Room

In Revealing Images, photographer Don Spiro dishes up sweet photographic treats and the stories behind them. Today, Don aims his lens at 2008's Miss Exotic World The Va Va Voom Room.



I did the camera work and stills for Augusta’s documentary, “The Velvet Hammer Burlesque.” In addition to spending years with the seminal Los Angeles troupe, I got to know the New York contingent, regular performers at Miss Astrid’s “Va Va Voom Room.” We traveled to New York to shoot interviews and performances at Fez, the Va Va Voom Room’s venue, with Velvet Hammer alumnae Kate Valentine (aka Miss Astrid), Dirty Martini, The World Famous *BOB*, and Julie Atlas Muz. I shot stills of each but due to scheduling *BOB* had to leave before early so I shot group shots with the other three.

We traveled light, a crew of Augusta and myself, so that meant only as much equipment as we could both carry: A video camera with microphones and tripod, a still camera with film, and lighting gear. I am a lighting technician in the film industry so I’m familiar with what equipment is most efficient, and I rented a set of Dedo lights as soon as we hit the city. They are compact but extremely powerful and use little electricity, which made them perfect for the job: shooting video in a dark club with sketchy circuit breakers.

The three wore the signature matching pink Velvet Hammer corsets, designed for the troupe by Sue Nice. They posed in front of Fez’s red velvet stage curtain and I blasted one Dedo at full power right from the front by the camera, flooding the light as wide as I could. Shooting 400 ASA color film with my Nikon, I had the lens wide open. I then put Dedos on either side of the stage as far apart as I could, and spotted them down to rake the curtains and edge light the performers, adding texture so the scene wouldn’t be flat. Kate, Dirty and Julie fooled around, playing to the camera and falling into natural yet beautiful compositions that only professional dancers seem to master (All three have years of classical training between them).

When I got back to LA I developed the film. Despite being protected in travel the X-ray machine had done some damage. This was right after 2001 so I don’t know if someone had taken the film out to x-ray it or what happened, but there were faint, green, grainy zig-zag patterns all over the roll. (Ever since, I get the film processed before I travel.) I really liked the images I got, and hated to think they were destroyed.

I don’t like to retouch, but this was an emergency. I had an early version of Photoshop and started messing with some scans of my favorite images. Directly from the negative the photos look terrible in the spots with the zig-zag, but the rest of the image look pristine. I was able to adjust, smooth, blur, and cut and paste in every which way to reduce the green and the grain, eventually making the images useable, at least at a lower resolution. I was very happy with the final result. Augusta used it to promote her documentary, “The Velvet Hammer Burlesque” (http://www.itsachick.com/TVHB.html) and Sue Nice even used it to promote her corsetry (www.nicecorsets.com).

~Don Spiro

Make Like the Go Go's ...

... 'cause it's all about vacation.

Don't worry, The Candy Pitch hasn't lost its sweet tooth. We're going to take a little recess, but will return after Labor Day with lots of saucy treats. Stay tuned this fall for Candy Grams with stars like Gentry de Paris, how to tips and great pix from Don Spiro.

On or Off?

Is it time to button back up?

How To Burlesque

In our monthly column How To Burlesque, Miss Frankie Tease, left, brings you tips and advice on a mishmash of burly topics. Today, she dishes on how to apply false eyelashes.

Whether you have thick eyelashes or not, applying a false eyelash set can perk up the face for your photo or performance. Lashes come in strips, pre-made from human hair, or individual lash sets, which are great for accenting your already existing lashes.There are also metallic and colored falsies out there. Practice applying the falsies so they look as if they are part of your own lash line. You'll need a tube of lash glue, usually called lash grip. This can also be used to apply body jewels or pasties in a pinch, so it's great to keep on hand.

Squeeze some of the glue on to a tissue or small palette. Dip a toothpick into the adhesive and spread liberally onto the fake lash line on the side that will cover your natural lashes. Wait a few seconds for the glue to get tacky so that it adheres readily. Stare straight ahead into your mirror, with your brows raised to allow easy access. Follow the curve of your own lash line when you push the fake lashes. Do not push them onto your eyelid, but into your actual lash line. It may take a few tries, but this is a task that quickly becomes second nature. When you've got it down, try adding small rhinestones to the base of your lash line for an extra accent. Pretty soon you'll be carrying a spare set of false lashes and glue and won't be able to live without them.


Removing False Eyelashes -- powered by eHow.com

Video of the Week

Revealing Images: Valentina Violette of the Velvet Hammer

In Revealing Images, photographer Don Spiro dishes up sweet photographic treats and the stories behind them. Today, Don aims his lens at 2008's Miss Exotic World Valentina Violette of the Velvet Hammer.



I’ve worked with a lot of people in various subcultures, and one of the most interesting and influential has to be Michelle Carr, who in the mid 90s co-founded the Velvet Hammer Burlesque, the troupe that inspired many performers around the country to become burlesque dancers or create their own troupes. Michele had already gained notoriety in the in Los Angeles as one of the owners of Jabberjaw, a coffeehouse that served as a venue for musicians like Beck, Kurt Cobain, Hole, and many others. The Velvet Hammer started because she wanted the glamour and tease that were missing from modern LA strip clubs, and wanted a show that would entertain her and her friends. At the time audiences and club owners did not know what burlesque was. Heavily immersed in nostalgia and vintage culture, she re-imagined it to develop her own lifestyle.

Michelle’s stage persona was Valentina Violette. This shoot was for promotional material for the November 2001 show at the El Rey in Los Angeles. We were all excited about it, we had just returned from the first Tease-O-Rama convention in New Orleans where the Velvet Hammer had joined forces with its east coast sisters of New York’s Va Va Voom Room. It was the tail end of the swing revival, which meant that audiences were still dressing up in suits and ties and vintage dresses to have a night out on the town.

Unlike many performers in burlesque, whose big reveal is a pair of pasties, Michelle often removed her top early in her dance. Her big reveal was her thick black mane of hair that cascaded down past her waist, often held in place with chopsticks until the climax of her number. The image we shot is just as risqué, heavily teasing the viewer into enticement while still being tasteful enough to display in public. All she wore as Valentina were gloves, stockings, a feathered hairpiece and a small bolero vest. Otherwise, she was nude, to best show off a body covered in ink.

This was a group shoot. You can’t tell from the photo, but I had just finished shooting one performer and several others were just out of view, talking, rehearsing, adjusting wardrobe, putting on makeup and getting ready for their turns in front of the camera. Music blared, as it usually does during my shoots, but everyone was focused and dedicated to creating art.

Michelle sat in front of a dark grey background on a small stool facing just to the right of camera at forty-five degrees. Her jacket was revealingly open and her hands were crossed over her knees, discreetly covering herself enough that the viewer could see she wasn’t wearing anything. I used two lights with no diffusion, one very high off to camera right, directly facing her, and one on the left side of the camera, very low. She lowered her head into shadow. I exposed for her face, bringing out details in the blacks of her costume and hair and letting her exposed skin go almost white. The final resulting image has a terrific range of contrast. It has a tone that reminds me of a fin-de-siècle print.

~Don Spiro

Candy Gram: Kitten Deville

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello Miss Exotic World 2002 Kitten de Ville.

What is your hometown?
Downey, CA.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I've been performing since 1995.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Too many to count, but I only wear a few.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I don't want to list because too many people will copy. (ha ha)

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Mac lipstick, Derma blend, Danskin fishnets.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Iggy Pop and Lux Interior

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Lilly Christine

What is your favorite item of clothing?
A sexy dress.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
Bewitched

What book is on your nightstand?
Too many to name. My nightstand is a book case!

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
France, I want to move there!

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
To fly. I've had so many nice dreams where I can fly/swim through the sky.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, 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.

The Dude Gets Saucy

This September, Vaudezilla does it up with Rollin' Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque, a show in which all of the routines are based on the movie. Red Hot Annie, a huge fan of the flick, explains the film inspired the troupe because the first burlesque shows would "take something from pop culture and then create a spoof/parody of it. I love parody, and Rollin' Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque is just the first in a series of parody-style theatrical burlesque shows Vaudezilla plans to create."

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Holly Madison stars in the Vegas strip show, Peepshow. Former flame, Hugh Hefner brought in his new girlfriends to support his ex. He said:

"I was delighted, it was wonderful. I really enjoyed it, I think everyone did, it was really enjoyable!"

In other news...

Penelope Cruz admits the audition for Nine, the musical adaptation of a Federico Fellini film in which she plays a burlesque dancer, was the hardest one she's ever done.

City officials in the London Borough of Camden have made it quite difficult for producers and dancers to put on burlesque shows thanks to their new strict regulations. Venues that host burlesque shows must now apply for a special adult entertainment license. Dancers marched in protest last week.

For readers in Sydney, Australia, you can catch The Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2009, Miss Angie Pontani at the Vanguard Aug. 13 and 14.

Video of the Week

Love this song. Really love the burlesque-ishness to the video.

All The News That's Fit To Strip

After a two-year absence, Dita Von Teese finally returns to L.A. with a sold-out show at the Avalon last week. Blackbookmag.com reports:

"She did three sets — two of which she performs at the Crazy Horse in Paris: one set to her own remake of a Mae West tune, A Guy What Takes His Time that ended with her in a black bathtub giving herself a very luxurious bath; a second one put a twist on her classic martini glass act (it’s been altered to signify a Cointreau cocktail — they were the night’s sponsor). And her final act was brand new. It was dubbed "The Opium Den” and was set partially to the Cure’s Lullaby, and it featured an elaborate red and orange glowing "Oriental' set. "

In other news...

Dr. Lucky, professor at both New York University and the New York School of Burlesque, breaks down the fundamental differences between burlesque and conventional stripping.

Companies like Hendricks Gin hope to attract the art crowd by sponsoring such events as the New York Burlesque Festival, and most recently the Toronto Burlesque Festival this past weekend.

Candy Gram: Miss C.

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Miss C.

What is your hometown?
Halifax, "Good Times in the Maritimes!" Nova Scotia Canada

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I have been performing pretty much my whole life with my debut being the time I got to wear the highly coveted tea towel on my head as the Virgin Mary in my grade three Christmas play. I also did ballet, tap, jazz, and drama at school. As I got older I was "Club Kid" known around town for my over the top outfits/wigs/shoes which landed me some gigs as a GoGo dancer at night clubs/raves, etc. It was through these events that I ended up getting involved in the beginning of the burlesque scene here in 2004. I'd always been a rockabilly girl at heart and had been familiar to burlesque since I was a kid (my mother even used to hum The Stripper if I so much as began to take off my sweater!) so performing burlesque felt like a natural progression.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Well I have a pasty making business (Pretty Titty Pasties) so I've always got LOTS of pasties around. I wouldn't even know how many I personally have. They are everywhere in my house. You can't open a junk drawer or go in the bathroom or even sit on my couch without finding a pair.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
I don't know if I have specific favorites because it depends on my mood and the show. Any song by Herb Alpert or Artie Shaw, and of course, my favorite music of all time to perform to would be by Earl Bostic; his song Jungle Drums is a pretty good measure of the kind of music I like to perform to and very fitting for my burlesque persona.

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Three? Only THREE? Ok, well then I will cheat if I can.
1) My makeup bag full of red lip sticks, glitter, liquid eye liner,and false eye lashes
2) My Glue Gun
3) Super Strength Water Proof Band Aids (when the pasties WONT stick for whatever reason or you don't have time between costume changes for spirit gum to dry a couple of those bad boys hot glue gunned to the back of a pair of pasties will help save what little modesty you have left!)

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
The seeds of my burlesque love affair were planted when I was just a small child by Tex Avery cartoons. But without a doubt, hands-down Dixie Evans has been my biggest inspiration. I hope to some day meet her - it would be such an honor.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Dixie Evans will always be my number one but I am in awe of so many modern burlesque dancers like Dirty Martini, Kitten Deville, AngiePontani, Michelle L'Amour, Bambi The Mermaid...the list goes on!

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Sadly, my flannel PJs. Much to my boyfriend's disappointment I'm a jammie girl when I get home.

What’s the last movie you saw?
In the movie theater, Jurassic Park 35mm screening a few weeks ago. I watch a lot of movies at home especially independent weird stuff my film buff boy friend brings home.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
Mad Men, Dexter, True Blood (vampire Bill is so dreamy!), Family Guy,and I was totally digging Dollhouse for a while too.

What book is on your nightstand?
I don't have much time for reading but I'm sure there's a candy bar wrapper on the night stand. It has writing on it. Does that count?

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
The UK, I grew up there and haven't been back since we moved to Canada when I was in my early teens.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Well, with super power comes super responsibilities. I have enough responsibilities as it is so I might pass on this one lest I end up making more work for myself!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, 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.