Burlesque and the Circus

Everywhere I look lately, Circus themed Burlesque shows are springing up like weeds. I understand the draw....the macabre element....and I have participated in a few circus themed shows, but enough is enough. It's been done, done, and overdone. Played out. In the last year, I've received hundreds of invites to burlesque/circus fusion shows. It no longer feels fresh, nor does it sound like something to leave the house for. Perhaps the barrage of these events has desensitized my mind and eyes to what I might otherwise consider intriguing onstage.

I would like to find the next great untapped genre while the last of the dinosaurs rides the final trend wave back to the deserted, off-season shoreline that awaits them.

There is an amazing performance troupe here in Phoenix  (The Strange Family Circus)  that only does Circus entertainment, and they do it exceptionally well. I prefer to leave this very specialized, incredibly dazzling, fiercely executed art form to these experts.

Always something to learn

   If you were at the last show, many of you may not have noticed, but I had a major costume situation. I could not get out of my costume no matter what I did! Eventually, I freed myself, but I felt robbed of being able to showcase the dramatic moment of reveal. I spent the next few days completely disappointed....all that planning....all the trial and error.....was I back to square one? .....I felt defeated by this costume. Then my assistant who helped dress me prior to taking the stage let me know that she had forgotten to fasten THE key piece of the costume. I felt such relief, and anger (at myself) simultaneously that it's taken me a couple weeks to sort through.
  What I've learned:
   I really am capable of whatever I set my mind and body to
   It's wonderful to have help and support
   I MUST be the final checkpoint for all things prior to stage time
   Never give up, simply continue to perfect

Moving into the New Year

  New Year's Eve with Romantasy Cabaret and Burlescapades was a night to remember....
Now, moving forward into 2012, I am preparing my costumes and solos for the upcoming season auditions. For those who have been asking my process, I thought I would share it with you now, since I'm currently working on projects this moment.
  Usually when I choreograph, I have key points in the music that I want specific moves to happen. Once I decide on those, I fill in my dance, making sure the moves I choose not only stand on their own, but really showcase those points. 
  My costume takes shape from how I want my routine to end. Deciding my 'reveals' determines my costume...so I work backwards on garments, assuring function first. When I know the garment(s) work, I begin design and embellishment.
  I look forward to my new solos, as well as our new Burlescapades Troupe numbers!
  Until next time......<3

Burlesque Season, Phoenix, Az 2011

Auditions have ended for Romantasy Cabaret's August 27th Show have ended, and I'm just finishing my costumes now. I will be performing more of a classic Burlesque piece this show. Dry run is this Sunday, followed by Dress Rehearsal next Sunday.

Auditions for the RC Halloween Show are Sept 11th. I will be auditioning 2 solo pieces, both strip-tease, as well as a Burly number with my troupe, Burlescapades. Costume work for all this begins Tuesday. It's always harder to coordinate a Troupe piece, esp the costumes. This can turn into a very pricey undertaking if you don't pull out all your creative tricks.

Fabric for Holiday Shows has been ordered, and music has been chosen. Again, I've chosen a very classic Burlesque strip-tease, as well as a partner dance number.

stay tuned for updates......