Jo Weldon's New York School of Burlesque

Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque , for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com .

I didn't make it to see the show this year. Thank goodness for photographers! The Land of the Sweets All photos by Chris Blakeley , used with permission.

I have been flat on my back with a horrendous flu since I got back from Tease-O-Rama, and this is the first chance I've had to post some photos. Although I got a lot of sharp sort of journalistic photos, at the moment I'm in love with my grainier, more impressionistic stuff. So I hope you enjoy a few of those. My Godzilla feet on the stairs on my way to perform. Kitten on the Keys' pig pasties reflected in the mirror on the piano. Dirty Martini getting ready to do her balloon act. Right now I have to go to bed, because tomorrow I'm conducting my Classic Moves class, hosting a bachelorette party, having a student showcase, and performing on the early shift at the Slipper Room. But I do hope to get more photos up. In the meantime, you can find more in the burlesque group on Flickr. Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque , for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com .

The audience at Corio (they're focused on World Famous *BOB*) Allen Lee in the audience at the Saturday Spectacular Lola Rock N Rolla with Dirty at the Saturday Spectacular Trixie Little onstage during the Finale at the Saturday Spectacular Paparazzi at the red carpet at SOBs Dirty Martini at The Golden Pasties Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque , for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com .

As much as I miss having the time to take and edit photos, I'm thrilled that I'm getting to see all these other folks' photography. One of my favorite photographers, who as a bonus uploads his shots to flickr to share almost immediately, is in the process of posting his BHOF 2008 pix right now. Here are a few photos of redheads, in order of appearance, from the private Friday night event: Me Catherine D'Lish Tempest Storm Visit Mike's flickr photostream to see many more dazzling moments from throughout the weekend. Photos used with the express written permission of the photographer. Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque , for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com .

There were several gorgeous costumes which had been worn by burlesque legends on display at the Burlesque Bazaar that was part of the weekend's events. Here are a few snaps! If you click on any of these pictures, you'll be taken to my flickr photostream where there are several more shots and more details. Blaze Starr's Gown Kiva's Beaded Bra Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque , for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com .

I've been stalking around taking pix of burlesque performers for several years now. My friends have been infinitely patient with me and very accommodating on occasion. Here, my friends viewed in part...the whole of which is greater than, which is saying something, judging by these exceptionally fine parts. Dirty Martini's Bust Ms. Tickle's Waist Nasty Canasta's Leaf Clams Casino's Behind

Tigger is a fabulous speaker, Shakespearean actor, and a librarian, as well a fre-quent co-conspirator with Julie Atlas Muz. He's also one of the most charismatic and entertaining performers in burlesque, with a clear aesthetic and highly developed numbers. He's a lot of fun to photograph! Tigger at Coney Island . Tigger at Starshine Burlesque . Tigger at the Slipper Room . Ian Harvie , Me, Margaret Cho , and Tigger Backstage at The Sensuous Woman . Tigger on MySpace

Pinkie Special waiting for the show to begin. Bunny Love prepares to sing "Santa Baby" with the live band. Gal Friday straightens the star during a Classic Moves class. If you have holiday pix, please links to them in your comments! I know a certian Seattle photographer has a pic or two of Miss Indigo Blue performing her Menorah number...

Julie Atlas Muz at the Slipper Room. Photo by Jo Weldon (me). Honi Harlow at The Follies Fromage. Photo by Norman Blake. Me as a Kid. Photo by Allen Lee Here's another farm animal in addition to the goat action; my beloved Cherokee (who performed in my first-ever student showcase and who moved away to LA and just did a stint on tv teaching someone burlesque) as a lamb, backstage at Badass Burlesque. Photos by me.

Ms. Tickle is a legend in the New York burlesque and performance art scene, a true original and a favorite of almost everyone who's ever seen one of her charming, sexy, innovative acts. She still performs but works primarily as a costumer and stylist, most recently for Marc Jacobs' holiday parties. Below are some photos of her signature act, "The Art of the Striptease," in which she strips by turning the pages of a book. As clever as that concept is, she goes even further by by adding one little detail after another, doing a whole lot more than just turning the pages! Her imagination and style have rocked my world for nearly a decade. Ms. Tickle on Myspace

Margaret plays so many roles in the Sensuous Woman it's hard to keep track! Here are just a few.

Diana Yanez Ryan Heffington Selene Luna Ian Harvie There are some more in Margaret's blog: http://www.margaretcho.com/blog/

Peekaboo Pointe, Melody Sweets, and Angie Pontani looking over the Balcony at the Box. The dancers onstage during the shoot. Leighton and Ed on the set. Ed Westwick, very handsome and much sweeter than his character. The gorgeous, smart, and talented Miss Leighton Meester. What a doll!