Reclaiming the Burly-Q: Appropriating it as a Feminist Performance Art

In the activist world of reclamation, who decides what should be fought for and what gets left on the wayside? One thing that third wave feminists can agree on is that we don’t always agree. Whoa, that’s right you’ve seen that dirty word feminism twice now! Let’s define it shall we dears, just to clear up any misconceptions. When you read that go ahead and substitute it for the struggle for social, political and economic equality between men and women. There we go, moving on! Now, being a sex-positive feminist (go look it up baby doll it’s some good sexy reading) I feel very passionate about reclaiming specific creative outlets such as the performance art of Burlesque. I myself have participated in burlesque shows and am fully active in the burgeoning Pin Up culture in DFW, and cannot adequately describe the empowerment I feel when I get on stage or sell some pasties to another broad at a show! 

This isn’t just striptease…far from it. This is about expression and entertainment, about gorgeous rockabilly/pyschobilly/goth/rock/glam/ what-have-you ladies of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities getting on stage and knockin’ everyone dead by how in control they are. It’s mesmerizing when done right, and boy do those women know how to do it right! This is a harkening back to a classier standard of performance, one in which pride can be taken. This is about women deciding when, where, and how they will shake it! When these ladies demonstrate the love of their bodies and the satisfaction they feel from a cheering audience, it is always sexy. I’ve had the sincere pleasure of working and interacting with quite a few of the up and comings in the North Texas and DFW burly-q circuit…and frankly I’m hooked! It never fails that in every troupe there are beautiful, unconventional, empowered, and bold women who are just plain obsessed with Pin up culture and they have their bright eyes set on takin’ back the golden era of burlesque! 

See, women got shafted in the 1940s and 1950s…and well, this unfortunately carries on presently. But no more, we want this time back, and in full glory! Burlesque that is for women by women, and pro-woman is thankfully not at all hard to find anymore. There is a new breed of burlesque taking over; one where tattoos and body modifications are welcomed, and where the "any figured" woman can feel at home on stage! With each performance these classy dames are re-writing the standard of beauty, which has been bias and unnatural for far too long. So the next time you feel like participating in a little activism, go to a burly-q and support your local Pin ups and Burly-q Queens and prepare to be seduced and shimmied into satisfaction! 

xoxo

Vinny

Lady Divina

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are you know about the fabulous woman who I will be interviewing this week. She personifies elegance, grace, and timeless beauty (you'd swear she was born in the wrong time period.) She is Lady Divina, the raven haired entertainer who has been a beacon in the DFW burlesque scene. She, along with Diamond Jim, have brought many famous burlesque entertainers to DFW, including Michelle L'Amour, Kitten DeVille, and soon Kalani Kokonuts and Rene L'Roux! Her penchant for classic burlesque keeps her legion of fans begging for more, and her attention to detail (right down to the rhinestoned stilettos) make women everywhere drool (including me, she got me hooked on Swarovski's!) Read on to discover more about your beloved Divina!



1.) How did you get into burlesque?

I have always been in love with the 30’s and 40’s era. I’ve seen Dita von Teese three times in Dallas and I fell in love with the art of the tease. I’ve always talked about dabbling in burlesque and pin-up modeling. I finally got into pin-up modeling a few years ago and Jill Rasco, one of my favorite photographers asked me to do a burlesque number in her website launch party at the Church. Well, the rest is history!


2.) Who are your main influences?

I would have to say, even though I have the upmost respect for Dita von Teese, it is her contemporary, Catherine D’Lish who has inspired me the most. She is the reason I wanted to give burlesque a try. I am also influenced by the sirens and femme fatales of the silver screen, Mae West (we are born on the same day), Ava Gardener, Heddy Lamarr, and Elizabeth Taylor.


3.) You are known for your beautiful routines decked out in Swarovski crystals... how long does it take you to finish a costume generally?

Some of my costumes can take a few weeks, but most of them take a few months. Hand-placing Swarovskis on costumes can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Most of my corsets are custom made from a corset maker from California. I currently have a costume that is being custom made by my costume consultant friend, which may take over a month for the gown alone, not including the thousands of Swarovskis rhinestones that will be hand placed on the lace.






4.) What has been a challenge for you this year, and what has been your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest challenge is this year is keeping up with the high standards, as the Dallas burlesque community keeps raising the bar with each and every performance. There are some fabulous and creative talent that is wowing the audiences with over the top numbers and routines. I’m trying my very best to keep up with dazzling costumes and bigger routine ideas.
My biggest accomplishment is that our show is constantly booking national talent & the brightest local performers. WE have one of the best stages in town to call home to our productions (see Lakewood Theater).


5.) Having accomplished so much this year, and so many more things in the works, how do you blow off steam and keep sane?

I do a lot of bicycling, it’s great exercise and very therapeutic. Pasty making is also therapeutic for me; there is a method and process to it, which I enjoy.


6.) What is in store for La Divina and La Divina Productions in the future?

I got some great shows coming up in the very near future. We just finished our Dallas debut of Naked Girls Reading, created by our favourite Chicago performer, Michelle L’amour. The show was a huge hit and we are currently working on the next show for mid November. This month we have the Nouvelle Burlesque at the Lakewood Theater, which the winner of the burlesque competition will get a spot in our Burlesque Nocturne Revue in October. The Burlesque Nocturne will arguable be our most extravagant show, featuring the current Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Kalani Kokonuts. Visit www.ladivinaburlesque.com for more details.
And by no means are we slowing down from there! We have two shows that are in the works, including one with a huge burlesque celebrity, Catherine D'Lish! So, keep tuned to the Dallas website, www.dallasburlesque.com.

If Divina says it is exciting, then you better believe I'll be on board! I went to the Naked Girls reading with my friend Cayla of Decadent Dame Designs, and let me tell you, do not miss the next one! It is a fun event that you will never forget!

Keep on the lookout in the next week, I have brought on Ms. Vinny Velour, a newcomer to the burlesque scene, to be a guest writer for the Daily Shot! Give her a shoout out when she makes her debut post, let her know how much you love her!

Cheers!

Vivienne

Nouvelle Burlesque at the Lakewood Theater!

Hello, my lovelies! Are you ready for the plentiful burlesque yummies that DFW will be offering in the comingg months? I hope you are!

One of the first up is the highly anticipated Nouvelle Burlesque Revue, Sept. 19th at the Lakewood Theater. This is going to be a burlesque competition, in which the gals will be vying for a spot in the highly coveted Burlesque Nocturne on Oct. 23rd, featuring Kalani Kokonuts and Rene L'Roux! One or two lucky ladies will get to perform on the stage with them and the rest of the Nocturne cast!

Now, where you come in - Come out to Nouvelle, and show your love in loudness for your favorite burlesque performer! Be sure to tell Lady Divina or Diamond Jim whom you would love to see at the Nocturne! There will be many area performers, including myself, so come out and scream for your fave! Visit www.dallasburlesque.com or www.ladivinaburlesque.com for info, and buy your tickets at the Lakewood Box Office! See you there!

What's on Your Bookshelf?

I've decided to branch out a bit, my delicious readers - let's talk about words. Naughty words, nice words, and all of them in between. Words being strung together to make sentences, then paragraphs - meshing together rapidly to form paragraphs, until it all comes together in a heaping pile of pages and forms a book or magazine. I'll hunt down some of the sexiest, smartest, and most amazing literature I can find... and let you in on the little treasures I happen upon. ;)

If you made it out to the Atomic Frolic in July, then you not only saw some AMAZING burlesque, but you probably saw this guy hanging on on stage and in the front of the theater - he's none other than Java, of Bachelor Pad Magazine!


On the left, of course! That's me on the right!

BPM brings the absolute finest in pinup gals, atomic age culture, witty commentary, and much more! The new issue will be featuring one of my friends, Ruby Joule from Austin, in its pages, as well as Kim Falcon on its cover!


You can also see such beauties as Bernie Dexter, Jamie Deadly, and our own Lady Divina in past issues, so hurry and subscribe, I think Java may let you buy some back issues, if there are any left! This is one 'zine you can't miss out on!

For my book selection, I'm also going to head to Java's list of books - I'm liking the idea of this one - "The History of Men's Magazines Vol. 1", by Dian Hanson
Taschen, 2004.

"There have been studies of the history of men's magazines before, but never like this. Dian Hanson undertook the epic task of tracing the history from the early art and film magazines to the modern day porno mags. This history is collected in six massive volumes. Each book is a hefty collection filled with the best art and photography ever featured in men's magazines. Volume One, which we profile here, deals with the birth of men's magazines and takes us through just after World War Two." (from http://www.javasbachelorpad.com/mensmagazines.html).

Enjoy, and as always, cheers!

Vivienne

Let me catch my breath...

So much has gone on since I myself have updated! So, back on the 8th of August, I headed over to the Plaza Arts Center to be a voyeur and costume participant for Glam'Amour's Bewitching Burlesque Midsummer Masquerade. (Say that 5 times fast!) The show was AMAZING! The debuts were astounding (gotta say, Jade Pearl and Miss Bubbles von BonBon were among my faves!) and the still fresh Aviva Voila put on quite a show, despite a costume malfunction, and recieved the only standing ovation that night. That to me means that you are meant to be a TRUE performer! The veterans put on thier game faces and wowed the crowd as usual, with Ginger Valentine, Black Mariah and Ruby Joule headlining the show!

Now, onto the costume portion - my main squeeze Erin Go Braughless from ATX freaking KILLED in a handmade mucha libre costume, and hammed it up to take the Crowd Favorite! A most handsomely dressed man decked out in Edwardian fare took Most Debonair, and Alice from Dallas took Most Glamorous. Now, I'll be honest, I really was rooting for two different gals standing next to me for most Bewitching - one was completely decked out in 1920's garb, and the other in a fetching top hat, corset and gown that looked KILLER - but when they called my name, I just grinned like an idiot and tried not to cry tears of joy. I spent a good 8 or 9 days of 4-8 hours a day on my costume, all the way down to the pantyhose were all mapped out. I looked out on the crowd cheering so hard for me, and I wanted nothing more than to hug everyone! It was truly an amazing evening, and I look forward to sitting on the panel of judges next year.

I will post photos very very soon! Or, go to my MySpace, or my friends Halo or NakedLens!

Cheers!

V

MIss Coco Lectric!

You all know I love my Austin gals - there are so many talented ladies in ATX! Among them are the lovely Jigglewatts, and I have had the priviledge of performing with the dynamite duo of Ruby Joule and Coco Lectric on various stages... and since I have already had Ruby on my blog, it's Coco's turn to give you her take on traveling, troupe life, and why she loves to dance!



Miss Coco Lectric has been gracing stages all over Texas and the southwest with the Jigglewatts Burlesque for three years. She utilizes her classic dance training, love for the exotic, and her cutting wit to astound audiences across the globe. She has performed in Austin at La Zona Rosa, Antone's, Stubb's, and Continental Club, and the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas, among many others. Honors include: Texas Bikini Team Best Dance Performance Award, and the Audience Choice Award at the Texas Burlesque Festival 2009, and just finished a national tour performing burlesque and go-go with psychobilly band Johnny Hootrock.

1.) What got you into burlesque?

I had been interested in striptease for the ten years I had been a professional choreographer and dancer and had incorporated it into some of my jazz and go-go choreography. However, it wasn’t until a moment on the set of an independent zombie movie musical that Miss Ruby Joule and Miss Cherry Zapp and I decided to form a group with the sole purpose of creating burlesque. I got into burlesque, personally, because I love putting sensuality and fun back into being sexy.

2.) You have some of the most amazingly unique routines! How do you come up with the inspiration for them?

They just happen. My brain is tuned into burlesque most of the time. It’s what I think of when I wake up in the morning and, consequently, I am inspired by the things I see and hear throughout the day. Sometimes I’ll hear a song and all of the sudden I have the whole number played out for me in my head, and I think, “Yeah, this has to happen.” At other times I decide that I want to be a character like the Queen of Hearts, or a carousel pony, or even a tangerine, and I make that happen. There are even times that friends and lovers inspire an act; routines are very personal to me and I give each number my all.

3.) You have been part of the Jigglewatts for some time now, how would you describe your troupe?

Our troupe is fabulous! We had quite a theatrical beginning. Our first shows were theme oriented and we incorporated a lot of ensembles. As time went on we began to notice that solos were much easier to put together because getting four to five girls together on a regular basis can be difficult. When we decided to focus on solos our group really started to flourish; our individual styles became more apparent and beautiful. We are a very supportive troupe and we have similar goals—to create amazing routines and support women who are working toward the same goal. Currently, our troupe consists of Miss Ruby Joule, Cherry Zapp, Goldie Candela, Pearl Lux, Champagne Shock, and me.



4.) What has been a challenge for you this year? Your biggest achievement?

Oddly enough, the challenge for me this year has been coordinating all of the shows that we’re performing in and the ones that we’re creating. It’s more of a matter of time and money that makes burlesque so complicated; it takes a great deal of both to be successful.
Miss Ruby and I have gone to great lengths this year to hone our craft; this has required a great deal of travel. We learned so much from our trip to Las Vegas for the Burlesque Hall of Fame/Miss Exotic World weekend. The business aspect of burlesque can be just as important at the artistic side—no one will ever see what we’ve created if we don’t find a way to get it out there.
My biggest achievement this year has been the opportunity to show large audiences what we can do and make friends with other burlesque groups from around the world. This year I won the Audience Choice Award at the Texas Burlesque Festival, which was a great and surprising moment for me; we made some great new friends at the event, too. The next day Miss Ruby and I performed at Hot Rods & Heels in Dallas where we made a grand impression on the audience there, and of course, more new friends. Miss Ruby and I were able to show the nation a thing or two while on tour with psychobilly band, Johnny Hootrock. It was an honor to be able to bring classic burlesque to stages all over the southwest. We were particularly elated to perform at the Viper Room in Los Angeles.

5.) What's a personal goal you'd like to see accomplished in the coming months?

My personal goal for the coming months is to perform for a larger and broader audience. I look forward to knocking some socks off in New Orleans at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival Burlesque Bash with Catherine D’Lish on September 12th, in Dallas in Burlesque Nocturne featuring Kalani Kokonuts on October 23rd, and I am honored to be headlining with Miss Ruby Joule in the Gifts & Garters holiday event in Dallas on December 5th.



6.) Burlesque can be a time consuming and expensive venture, why is it so important for you to continue to perform?

For me, the art of burlesque is not only enjoyable, but also rewarding. The art of burlesque incorporates many aspects of the artist’s sensuality, social climate, and their own traits and desires. Being burlesque performer is empowering and inspiring. As a performer with a diverse cultural background and a fuller figure, I find that I am able to encourage many other women to test the limits of their sensuality by example. When I’m on stage I am having the time of my life; I feel honored to be able to be so available to the audience. I’m there to feel special and make others feel special, too. It’s the greatest compliment when women approach me after the show to tell me how much they want to do what I’m doing and that they’d love to learn.

Thank you so much Coco for letting me interview you! I'm excited to be able to perform with you and Ruby again at Gifts and Garters in December!

Cheers!

Vivienne

Photo Credits - Allie Smith Photography, Chris Gomez Photography, Miss Missy Photography

All the way from Las Vegas - DUSTY SUMMERS!!!!

For all of you that have gotten to know me, you know that I am a total burlesque nerd - I love to read about the history of burlesque, I read constantly about shows and stars all over the globe, shoot, I even follow a bunch of burlyq folks and businesses on my Twitter. I get so excited and nervous when I meet one of my idols - when I met Michelle L'Amour back in March I almost cried, and I'm surprised that I could talk to her without stammering! Well, here is another one of those moments - I have the distinct pleasure and honor of interviewing none other than the Nude Magician herself, Dusty Summers! I can't express how lucky I feel to have such an honor! Read on to hear about the way burlesque was, her career, and some GREAT tips for anyone who wants to learn the biz.



1.) Tell us a little about your burlesque career as the Nude Magician!

I started as a bikini go go girl in about 1966 in Phoenix, AZ. Less than a year later, I was doing my first strip in a theatre in downtown Phoenix that was trying to revive burlesque! Chris Starr, a burlesque queen from the 50’s, was the choreographer and gave me the name Dusty. In the next few years I worked mostly as a topless go go dancer who also did a strip tease which made me unique at the time.

Eventually, I got an agent and became a full time exotic. When I was booked into Surfside Seven in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, I met and later married the comic/magician Professor Turban. He taught me magic.

In about 1975 I was booked in the Royal Las Vegas in Las Vegas in a show called “Olde Tyme Burlesque.” In the years following I worked in several showrooms in Las Vegas when I wasn’t touring the rest of the country and Canada.

In 1983 I opened my own burlesque club Dusty’s West in San Angelo, Texas. In 1992 I left the entertainment world and went to work at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, first as a dealer, then as a pit boss.

I also wrote and published two books; The Lady is a Stripper/ Memoirs of Las Vegas’ Only Nude Magician, and The Golden G-String and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.


Photo taken at 2009 Miss Exotic World, by Ed Barnas

2.) How has burlesque changed, from your point of view?

Shows are MUCH shorter and the girls are performing much less frequently. Very few are earning a living in burlesque.

3.) The burlesque scene has soared in popularity in recent years, with movies, books and celebrities like Dita von Teese representing our culture. Do you feel that the standards have had to change for performers, to meet the popularity?

I think audiences nowadays expect immediate gratification. They don’t have the patience for the slow tease of the old days. Most young people don’t know the difference between burlesque and lap dancing but I think that as they are exposed to the glamour, tease, fun and entertainment of today’s enthusiastic, talented burlesque performers they will want more.



4.) Describe one of the best moments in your burlesque career, and one of your most challenging.

There have been many great moments during my burlesque career including starring in my own show on the Strip in Las Vegas, touring this country, performing in Canada (where the audiences are fantastic) and performing at my first Exotic World event in 2006. It is fun reconnecting with the women I worked with long ago. I love meeting the new stars of today’s burlesque scene and seeing them perform.
It is challenging to try to put on a show today that justifies the admiration of the neo burlesque crowd. I could never have imagined years ago that I would be performing again in burlesque at my age!

5.) What is your involvement currently in burlesque?

So far it has been limited to appearances at Exotic World in Las Vegas and the Boston Burlesque Expo in Boston but I am planning on performing in Los Angeles with Lili VonSchtupp sometime this fall and most likely in various Texas venues. I would like to perform in more of the burlesque festivals around the country if I can afford it. I really enjoy sharing my experiences with today’s performers and helping them when I can.

6.) What advice would you give to today’s burlesque performers?

Enjoy yourself onstage. When or if it isn’t fun anymore, QUIT! Keep it classy and keep smiling.

Thank you so much Dusty for sharing your story with us!

Cheers!

Vivienne