Highlights of Rock ‘n Roll: An Academy of Burlesque Alumni Spectacular (June 18 @ West Hall).

•06/22/2011 • Leave a Comment

Lila Dread & Sir Eddie Van Glam in Rock'N'Roll: An Academy of Burlesque Alumni Spectacular

– Written and photographed by Chris Blakeley, Contributing Writer/Photographer (Seattle)

For all the grandeur that’s available in the burlesque scene, I’m grateful for the smaller shows. And for Seattle’s many strong troupes, I love a show that serves as a sampler of performers- both veterans and newcomers alike. Which is a roundabout way to explain why I’m really happy to add the Academy of Burlesque’s Alumni showcases to my roster of semi-regular shows.

I should also explain that I’ve been shooting the Academy’s 101 recitals since 2007, where I get to see some really bizarre takes on burlesque by newcomers to the scene not so well versed on the standard tropes. It’s seeing boxers, balloons and the occasional act that I simply can’t describe, and the occasional odd music choice (Massive Attack, anyone?) that keeps me excited. But it can also be frustrating to know that I may not see some of that talent again. (Which is another long way to give another reason why I am that happy to add the Alumni shows etc., etc.)

I went to West Hall on Friday night for a night of rock and roll (or, as the genuinely ethnic host Flirty Sanchez put it in her native tongue, “rrrock y rrroll”) and was not disappointed. The audience was treated to fan dances, greased lightning, southern belles gone to seed, cookery, a biohazard addict and one very naughty teacher. And if that wasn’t enough we had Iva Handfull, fresh from her debut at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, performing a modified version of her Firestarter fan dance.

The standout acts of the evening really demonstrated the breadth of styles that the Academy embraces. The first featured Donatella MeLies in silver body paint and garbage bags as… what, exactly? A spirit of garbage? Recycling gone wrong? Does it really matter except that it was unlike anything I’ve seen in recent years. She really owned the stage and brought such flow to her act that I was captivated. The other standout act was Piston Chambers, featuring a washed-up drummer from a hair band from the 1980s (disclaimer, I helped write and perform her voice-over narration) that included gratuitous spandex, drum solos and creative use of cardboard.

Yes, we have amazing talent. Yes, it’s great to go to the Triple Door to take in the spectacle. But do yourself a favor and check out the Alumni of an evening. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Mitzy Sixx

Iva Handfull in a reprise of "Firestarter".

Cute girl in a tube top? The lovely Atlanta Summer.

Piston Chambers- there will be spandex.

Laela Lovechild

Flirty Sanchez...flossing.

Best use of silver body paint: Donatella MeLies

** For more of Chris Blakeley’s photography, please follow the link on the sidebar, at right.**

Posted in Written by Chris
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A cupcake and cocktail reception celebrating Seattle’s Burlesque Hall of Famers.

•06/17/2011 • 1 Comment

A Reception

Seattle is one of the most influential and talent-rich burlesque meccas in the country. In the world, truthfully. How did it grow into such a hotbed of performance? For one thing, we have Miss Indigo Blue. The newly crowned Miss Exotic World has been a performer, educator, mentor, historian, business woman, DIY-er, and all around glamour puss for twenty years now. She’s like the patron saint of Seattle burlesque. With her new title, now she’s on display for the entire world to be proud of the way that we are every day.

And she’s not alone in playing a pivotal role in Seattle’s incredible scene. She’s flanked by the likes of other innovators such as The Swedish Housewife (producer of this year’s Titans of Tease Showcase, she’s been developing the night for 7 years, taking only last year off)- a brilliant producer, historian, and performer focused on artists and honoring true creativity; Lily Verlaine- winner of 2nd Runner Up Miss Exotic World, also a producer and brilliant performer- and Kitten LaRue, who did not appear at BHOF but has had a huge influence as a founding member of The Atomic Bombshells, a troupe featuring both Indigo and Lily. Many other early neo and classic performers helped to ignite a movement here- too many to mention in fact.

Then there are the venues. We have West Hall (current home to students of the Academy of Burlesque), boutique cabarets like the Jewelbox (imperative for launching new acts) and The Pink Door. There’s medium size stages such as Noc Noc housing wildly successful resident troupe Sinner Saint Burlesque, and at the high end of the spectrum are grand scale theaters such as the opulent Triple Door and Columbia City Theatre housing larger productions.

Miss Indigo Blue also credits the audiences, growing up with our family of groundbreaking performers in the last twenty years, for making Seattle the burlesque hothouse that it is. We have an intelligent, passionate fan base and some of the best performers in the world. Waxie Moon has not one but two films featuring his work, and Inga Ingénue recently won the Miss Viva Las Vegas title. Our sister cities of Portland and Olympia are making waves, and BurlyCon is growing bigger every year. We even have our own dedicated news blog (that’s right, I’m talking about BSP). How did Seattle grow into the burlesque mecca that it is? We have every element of a fully functional and beautiful community firing on all cylinders.

To that end, Miss Indigo Blue and The Academy of Burlesque are throwing an open reception on July 2 to celebrate the Burlesque Hall of Fame’s Seattle performers. Cupcakes and cocktails will flow, a BHOF slideshow will be shown, and donations to the Burlesque Hall of Fame and the Exotic World & The Burlesque Revival film will be accepted. “It’s everything you need to know about what is fueling the passion of modern day burlesque,” The Swedish Housewife says of the film. When asked how she feels about Seattle’s stellar showing at BHOF this year, she simply stated “It’s about time.”

And now, for what went down in Vegas.

In addition to all the amazing photos popping up online, there’s a ton of video making the rounds- primarily by one Bruce McIntosh of Wild Dog Road Photography. You can see his comprehensive BHOF youtube collection HERE and HERE; below is Bruce’s video from all of our beloved Northwestern competitors, including the title winning performance from Seattle’s burlesque patron saint- Miss Indigo Blue.

Saturday’s “21st Annual Tournament of Tease” competition was held Saturday, June 4 at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas:

INDIGO BLUE (Seattle, Winner of Reigning Queen of Burlesque: Miss Exotic World)

LILY VERLAINE (Seattle, Winner of 2nd Runner Up: Miss Exotic World)

IVA HANDFULL (Seattle, Nominated for Best Debut)

RANDI RASCAL (Seattle, Nominated for Best Debut)

CHARLOTTE TREUSE (Portland, Nominated for Best Debut)

ANGELIQUE DeVIL(Portland, Nominated for Best Debut)

Here is video of the Seattle and Portland performers who were chosen for the Burlesque Hall of Fame’s Thursday night “Movers, Shakers, & Innovators” showcase:

WAXIE MOON (Seattle)

INGA INGENUE (Seattle)

NINA NIGHTSHADE (Portland)

Congrats to all the performers that were a part of BHOF 2011 from far and wide! See you July 2 at the reception!

Posted in Written by Jessica
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Disney After Dark.

•06/14/2011 • 1 Comment

Poster design, Wiggy Stardust

Disney is about to get a dirty, dirty makeover- Stripped Screw style. Seattle’s post-modern burlesque troupe presents two weekends of back to back bedtime stories from the Magic Kingdom and beyond. No fairy princess is sacred. (Thank god).

As if exploring the sordid world of beloved character fantasy isn’t enough of an occasion, Disney After Dark (June 17-18/24-25 at The Jewelbox) marks the last Stripped Screw shows for departing members and friends Randi Rascal (just returned from competing for “Best Debut” at Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend 2011) and Wiggy Stardust, who will continue with their own stellar projects and performances and will be missed very much. The newest Stripped Screws, Kylie Koyote and Kutie LaBootie, will make their first troupe appearances this weekend as well. As for the snake, I’m not so sure…

Kylie Koyote's troupe debut with Stripped Screw is Friday, June 17.

Says Minetta Lane on Stripped Screw’s future plans: “Our goal as a troupe is to start producing shows with one complete storyline from beginning to end and this is our first go at that. We are extremely excited for this show and for Kutie and Kylie to be joining us. They both have a wonderful uniqueness and are great performers. This is the beginning of great things for the troupe. Wiggy and Randi will be missed but we wish them the best of luck in everything they do.”

Minetta and Violet Tendencies have still more tricks up their breakaway sleeves. Teaming up under the moniker Valkyrie Productions, the ladies will soon announce an inaugural show for their brand new production company. The mission will be to create shows where less experienced performers can share the stage with seasoned veterans. Valkyrie hopes to foster an even greater sense of community within Seattle burlesque while producing some mind-blowing showcases. A little burlesque, a little boylesque, and perhaps a little Coney Island will be coming soon. More details to follow.

For now, see all these fabulous ladies and gentlemen together:

Stripped Screw Presents: Disney After Dark
Jewel Box at the Rendezvous (Seattle)
June 17-18, June 24-25
Get tickets HERE

The main mouse and his cohorts have gotten up to plenty of mischief in the past, but have you ever wondered what happens behind closed doors in the magic kingdom once the sun goes down? The deviant ladies of Stripped Screw know and are all too happy to show you.

Follow our rather unorthodox princess on her path to find true love. Guided by the Blue Faerie amidst depraved princes, mischievous maidens, depressed donkeys and smiling conniving felines she’ll be lucky to come out the other side of this rabbit hole.

Starring: Minetta Lane, Randi Rascal, Roxie Moxie, Violet Tendencies, Wiggy Stardust & Stella D’Letto
With: Bella Bijoux, Kutie LaBootie and Kylie Koyote!
Special guests: Paris Original, Trojan Original and Sir Richard Longfellow

Kylie Koyote (Photo Chris Blakeley)

A shot from Kutie La Bootie's Academy of Burlesque Recital

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In other news…if you’re eager to learn about the business of being naked and would like to mingle with some of burlesque’s finest instructors and stars, the final day for BurlyCon Early Bird Registration is this Wednesday, June 15. Prices are tiered from now until October- this is the best time to buy at a deeply discounted price. Click
HERE to register.

Michelle L'amour teaches fan dance technique at a previous BurlyCon.

Posted in Written by Jessica
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Miss Indigo Blue, Seattle’s Burlesque Sweetheart, is Miss Exotic World 2011.

•06/11/2011 • 2 Comments

Miss Indigo Blue enters the stage at BHoF (POC Photo)

-Story used with kind permission of Miss Indigo Blue.

Seattle-based international burlesque sensation Miss Indigo Blue, “The Twirly Girl,” has been crowned the Reigning Queen of Burlesque at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Reunion and Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. The newly named Queen, officially “Miss Exotic World 2011” took home a tiara and a 3-foot tall trophy for her win, and a second trophy for the “Most Classic” award.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve the Burlesque Community as the Reigning Queen of Burlesque. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to raise funds for the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum and to share the history of Burlesque with the world,” said the new Burlesque royalty.

The Annual Burlesque Hall of Fame (BHoF) Reunion, now in its 54th year, gathers dozens of burlesque legends to reminisce with other icons of the art, and share their experience with younger performers. The BHoF Pageant is the preeminent burlesque event of the year in the United States. Approximately 1600 burlesque performers, fans, and aficionados from around the world attend the weekend event, spending four days performing, networking, partying and promoting burlesque at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

Miss Indigo Blue is best known as the Headmistress of the Seattle-based Academy of Burlesque, and as the star of the independent film “A Wink And A Smile” by local female filmmaker Dierdre Timmons. She is the Executive Director of BurlyCon burlesque convention, held annually in Seattle. Miss Indigo Blue is also a member of the Atomic Bombshells troupe, and performs regularly at the Triple Door in Lily Verlaine Productions such as “Through The Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice In Wonderland” and “Land Of The Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker”.

The stunning Lily Verlaine, known as “A Living, Breathing Work of Art”, also took home honors as Second Runner-Up in the Miss Exotic World competition. Both local beauties wore custom couture gowns created by local designer Danial Webster.

This is the second national title brought home to Seattle this year by local Burlesque performers. Inga Ingénue, “The Little Blonde Bomb,” recently won the Miss Viva Las Vegas title and also performed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in a Danial Webster creation.

Burlesque has seen a major resurgence over the past 15 years, with artists like Dita Von Teese regularly making headlines, and a new major motion film “Burlesque” starring Christina Aguilera and Cher drawing crowds nationwide. The underground Burlesque scene has produced its own stars such as Miss Exotic World 2004 Dirty Martini and Miss Exotic World 2006 Julie Atlas Muz, both of whom star in the current independent film “Tournee” which won a Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Burlesque is a uniquely American art and entertainment form characterized by short strip-tease dances performed in lavish tear-away costumes, often with a clever gimmick or humorous twist. The revival of Burlesque is, for the primarily female performers and audiences, an opportunity to revel in the glory and power of sexuality in an empowered and fun way.

Miss Indigo won her crown at the largest attended Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant and Reunion ever, held in Las Vegas, Nevada June 2-5. Her win was the culmination of an intense competition that started with over 300 entries from around the world. The final field of 15 contestants was judged by panel of celebrity and expert judges who deemed Miss Indigo Blue triumphant due to her Exper-Tease.

Miss Indigo Blue is currently planning her year-long agenda of duties, as well as continuing to run the Academy of Burlesque and plan the annual BurlyCon Burlesque convention in Seattle this fall. “I hope to travel widely this year to perform, teach, and meet with community members about building a larger home for our museum collection of Burlesque memorabilia…and thank goodness this isn’t the Miss America Pageant, because I’m definitely posing naked this year!”

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire, educate and entertain the public, fostering an appreciation for and understanding of the unique history and heritage of vintage American Burlesque. In 2006, the Burlesque Hall of Fame relocated from Helendale, California to Las Vegas, Nevada in hopes of establishing a permanent, first-rate tourist attraction and research/exhibition space for our one-of-a-kind collection. More information is available at: www.burlesquehall.com.

Miss Indigo Blue is the Headmistress of the Academy of Burlesque, Executive Director of BurlyCon Burlesque Convention, and co-Director of Education at the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Miss Indigo Blue is the star of the film “A Wink And A Smile”, available on Netflix and iTunes. Miss Indigo Blue is a Burlesque performer and teacher based in Seattle, Wash. Visit her at www.missindigoblue.com.

Indigo in custom couture gown and garments created by local designer Danial Webster (POC Photo)

(POC Photo)

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(POC Photo)

(POC Photo)

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Vegas Does Burlesque! POC chronicles his trip to BHOF.

•06/10/2011 • 1 Comment

Miss Indigo Blue performing her award-winning number at BHOF 2011

-Written and photographed by Paul O’Connell, Contributing Writer/Photog (Seattle)

Of course by now everyone knows that our very own Miss Indigo Blue was crowned Miss Exotic World 2011 at the annual Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. It was quite the scene- the Seattle contingent swarming around her in the lobby with happy tears and hugs. Congratulations as well to Seattle’s exquisite Lily Verlaine-2nd runner up to Miss Exotic World, who performed in her fantastical Stargazer Gown.

As for me, I was just excited to be fully ensconced in a four day burlesque bonanza of men and women taking off their clothes for the benefit of the non-profit  Burlesque Hall of Fame and museum. As one of the premier burlesque events of the year, the performers and competitors really perfected their acts into a shimmying, rhinestone-filled delight for the senses. Aside from the fabulousness that was on the expansive stage at The Orleans, what stood out for me was the incredible innovation and creativity the performers brought to their acts. The Razzle Tassel Tease Show -a group of three ladies from Vancouver competing for Best Troupe- utilized three portable clothing racks in a very interesting and provocative way. The group’s Melody Mangler told me the idea was accidental. “We had the racks and there are no venues with curtains in town, so we started there and it grew.” Each of the ladies had their own racks (pun very much intended) which they dressed in curtains, opening and closing them, revealing different levels of naughtiness while wheeling them around and taking turns straddling them like nobody’s business.

For me though, I just love the community and seeing people you haven’t seen in a while or finally meeting the ones you’ve only met online. But ultimately what I love even more is chronicling these events through the lens, capturing the magic of burlesque on the stage, any stage really. Capturing every glove seductively peeling off the fingers. Every piece of clothing sliding off glittered skin. Every wink. Every snarl. Every pastie and twirling tassel. And every trophy being licked (well, that’s just Indigo really).

Thanks BHOF, for great shows filled with first class performances. And thanks for the after parties, and sunning by the pool, new friends and most importantly thanks for an ass-tassel (aka “assel”) flash mob to “Kick Out The Jams”.

It’s all better living through burlesque.

Miss Indigo Blue affectionately licks her BHOF 2011 Reigining Queen of Burlesque trophy

 

The Razzle Tassel Tease Show.

 

The Razzle Tassel Tease Show working that rack.

 

The Razzle Tassel Tease Show demonstrates a little aerial.

 

Posted in Written by Paul O'Connell
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