Burlesque Womens Institute

jo-ann samantha · Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 3

Hi any advise for someone with a life's ambition to become a burlesque entertainer (even before it was fashionable) I was born to wear a corset and glamourous costumes!!

I really need all the help i can get such as dancing courses etc as i'm absolute beginner, although have done loads of other dancin' such as tap/ballet/modern and belly'. I would appreciate all the help i can get, ps i live in the south of england (hampshire).

xx Jo-Ann

Miss Candy · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

Hey , welcome to the form !

Im sure lots of people can give you advice on this!

xxx

DarklyDelicious Millicent · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 528

Hi yes lots on here can give advice, I live in Hampshire too..so if you ever need to share petrol etc to get to some kind of burly thing..I dont mind helping out...have sooo much free time.... Shocked

xx
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Mysti Vine · Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 20 Location: UK currently

When I started out doing burlesque many many moons ago Rolling Eyes

, I was with a troupe and and they had maids, you had to audition then, if you got it, you'd get all dressed up as a maid (hair & make-up) with the performers backstage, learn tips, help get them ready and pick up their costumes and bits after they'd been on. Believe me, you learn a lot - you stand backstage and listen to the music, you get to see each one's style, you'll see all the different types of costumes, get make-up tips, find out about music, make contacts, and when you're ready, after you've learned as much as you need, you can then take to the stage armed with the knowledge you have gleaned from the other performers, you will be ready to strut your stuff. It also gets you used to being onstage, in steps.
Well, that's my two cents worth. Good luck out there.
x
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Miss Baby Bones · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:51 am Post subject:

Mysti has a good point! Smile

if you offer to help out at events (trusted ones, i might add) you'll gain so much experience.

also, go to as many shows as you can. seeing lots of different performers should inspire you, plus you'll see all the different sorts of crowds you can get!

for your first shows you may have to do deals like expenses only, if that, to gain stage experience in this genre.

but keep details like that between yourself and the promoter, its no-one elses business and everyone kinda keeps that sorta thing quiet
as paid performers get ticked off that so many newbies are now performing for free
its pricing everyone out of the market

but we all have to remember, we all started somewhere!

just remember keep private matters private. your fee is your own business.

please check out the thread of Performer Eqituette for a basic Dos and Donts of burlesque

http://burlesquewomensinstitute.myfreeforum.org/about2960.html

i hope it helps Smile

xxx
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Miss Baby Bones · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

ps. someone told me that some er, *other* people were advising newbies to 'demand a set fee' for their gigs (and quite a high fee too!)

well im sorry, but any newbie demanding that will just get no work!

what a stupid thing to say!

unless you're absolutely amazing with some sort of special talent/ you're incredibly well trained in dance already, forget it.

if you're just an average newbie, demanding anything wont get you anywhere*

right rant over! haha

xxx

*altho you can obviously ask to be treated well in return for your professionalism, a changing area (within reason) so dont have a diva strop if its a small room.... and personal safety. that goes without saying.
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jo-ann samantha · Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 3

thanks so much everybody i'm very grateful i think i also need to find a really good burlesque workshop aswell to get my confidence up. I'm really good tapdancer and have done ballet and belly so i can atleast dance.

Your all stars xxx Wink

Miss Baby Bones · Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 3:24 pm Post subject:

where you based hun?

xxx
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Eris · Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 37 Location: South Coast

Hi Honey

I'm down near Southampton - whereabouts are you?

There's quite a lot of events popping up around the place in the new year so there should be lots of chances to meet people.

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