Jo Weldon's New York School of Burlesque

I just say yes to camel toe, but if you're not willing to let it all hang out, there is a product specifically for you. http://www.cuchini.com / Ask me anything about Burlesque!

Patience and Fortitude, cover your eyes! Above: Gypsy Rose Lee. Image Source. GYPSY ROSE LEE: AN AMERICAN ICON LAID BARE Saturday, January 8, 2011 - 7:00 PM EST Tickets and information January 8, 2011 is Gypsy Rose Lee’s 100th birthday! The New York Public Library “Live” series—the same program that brought you Keith Richards and Jay-Z—now brings Gypsy Rose Lee to life. On Saturday, January 8, “Live” will launch its spring season with a centennial bash honoring Gypsy Rose Lee, subject of the greatest musical in American history, novelist, playwright, New Yorker essayist, fashion icon, actress, activist, legend, member of New York’s literati, and in the words of H.L. Mencken, world-famous “ecdysiast.” Expect an evening that will be tremendous, fun, rowdy, risqué, serious, high, low, and everything in between—just like Gypsy herself—featuring striptease performances from America’s top burlesque stars, dramatic readings from never-before-published letters in Gypsy’s archives (wh...

Full disclosure: My publisher, HarperCollins, is also Liz Goldwyn's publisher, as well as Dita Von Teese's. HarperCollins KNOWS burlesque! But I bought Liz's book before I ever had a book contract, and it is spectacular. It is one of the most amazing books you'll find on the subject of mid-20th century burlesque striptease. If you are a burlesque fan and you haven't gotten this book, you are missing out. If you know a burlesque fan, get it for them for Christmas. The memorabilia and stories will fascinate anyone, whether or not they are a fan of burlesque, with their display of artistry and charm and human interest. You also don't want to miss her documentary film, Pretty Things, featuring astonishing and entertaining interviews with the great Zorita and my dear departed friend (who I always miss particularly at this time of year--kisses and pasties to you, sweet one) Sherry Britton . I just did a brief interview with Liz to announce tomorrow's book sig...

Formally trained dancers may have a tendency to think more about their choreography than their audience. In many rigidly choreographed dance routines, the dancer's focus is to the choreographer or to the other dancers; in burlesque, it is usually outward, to the audience. And often a trained dancer new to burlesque will merely dance, stop, and take off a piece of clothing instead of making the clothing removal playful, enticing, and innovative. It's not just what's revealed but the tease and play that leads up to the reveal that makes the costume removal worth watching. A burlesque routine offers a unique opportunity to perform a striptease and/or combine glamour, mischief, and an arc. If the number doesn't take advantage of this, burlesque audiences might get restless and start texting during your number. Ask me anything about Burlesque!

It's been hard to keep up with this blog while keeping up with Twitter, Facebook, and Formspring, and while writing and promoting a book! One thing I used to do frequently that I miss is sharing a few recent photos I've taken. I hope you enjoy these shots from backstage at the New York Burlesque Festival this past weekend! Amber Ray Miss Indigo Blue World Famous *BOB* If you use any photos from my blog, please link back to me. Or you're a fckin jerk.

The NY School of Burlesque has student showcases in which new students and alumni perform, and often show producers come to find new talent. There are also shows specifically interested in new performers that make announcements of opportunities on their social media, so having a burlesque FB page is a good way to network. However, it's also a good idea to go to shows, find ones that you like, support them, and offer to be a stage kitten, intern, or assistant, each with their own systems. You will not necessarily get to perform with that show, but you will learn a lot very quickly, and you will meet other performers and be able to associate with people who can suggest other opportunties. Plus, it's fun! There is more information on some of the ettiquette of getting into shows in my book, The Burlesque Handbook, but it's important to understand that policies vary from show to show. Ask me anything about Burlesque!