Darlings, we are so excited to share this amazing article written by 101 graduate Paige Rustles, sharing her transformative journey through Burlesque. Let this excerpt whet your whistle, and follow the links for the full article.
Reposted with permission
When I’m onstage, I’m performing for no one but myself.
photo by Jason Standeger
How we see the world shapes who we choose to be — and sharing compelling experiences can frame the way we treat each other, for the better. This is a powerful perspective.
The spotlight is bright in my eyes as I mischievously grin out at the crowd of unrecognizable faces in the audience. As I begin to slip an arm out of my cardigan, they go wild with screams and clapping.
And in that moment I am healed.
When one thinks of various healing modalities, burlesque doesn’t likely make the list. But since I began performing nearly eight years ago, burlesque has been one of the most transformative influences on my life. It helped me overcome my history of disordered eating, gain a new love for my body, and grapple with the ups and downs of my physical disability.
The post Here’s How I Learned to Love My Body Through Burlesque appeared first on Academy of Burlesque.
]]>By Kate Nyx
Re-posted with permission from Ecdysiast Costumer Facebook Group
Swarovski: The best of the best. Dita Von Teese’s go-to brand for sparkle. Also the priciest, Swarovski is cut crystal [glass with a high lead content], and is the premiere brand of sparkly things you glue on stripper droppings. They also have the most in-depth color chart, with several different tones and finishes. A gross [144] will run you anywhere from $6-$20 dollars, and a 10 gross [1440] pack [or factory pack as some distributors call them] can run you anywhere from $35-$150. They also have a good selection of larger specialty shapes.
Preciosa: From what I’ve found, Preciosa is the best competition for Swarovski as far as color choice and finishes. The pricing is fairly close to Swarovski as well, with some being more or less expensive depending on the retailer. Preciosa is also cut crystal. I know some people who swear by Preciosa, but I have never used them myself.
Value Bright: A budget brand of cut crystal from rhinestonebiz.com. The color chart is smaller, and their prices are about a third/half of what you’d pay for Swarovski. A gross can run you from $3-10, and a 10 gross pack can run you $20-$60. Some specialty shapes are available.
DMC: “Diamanté Machine Cut” crystal, sometimes referred to as “imitation Swarovksi” or “imitation Preciosa.” Similar to Value Bright in color chart and available finishes. From what I have found, no specialty shapes are commonly available through the lines that claim this manufacturing. You can get these from Devin MasoKiss, and she has exact pricing from her supplier, which ends up being about half of what you’d pay for Value Bright in my experience, or sometimes even less when purchasing through her. Pricing and quality can vary.
Resin: Resin stones are made from hot resin poured into molds. You can find them on Ebay for basically nothing, in various shapes, sizes, colours, and finishes. From my experience, the jelly AB stones are decently sparkly, but the plain colored stones tend to read the same as acrylic [aka not very sparkly] These are the cheapest option, I recommend Blinggasm if you’re looking to get a bunch in the same color/size.
Acrylic: These are the plastic rhinestones you get at the craft store, like what you’d see at AC Moore or Hobby Lobby. Some dark colors provide decent sparkle, but a very limited array of finishes and colors. They’re not even always the cheapest alternative! They are, however, the easiest to find locally more often than not.
Sizing:
https://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/charts/8248
Stones Sourcing
Rhinestone Guy
Rhinestones U (if you are a biz)
Dreamtime Creations
Kandicorp.com
Novarhinestone.com
Beadandtrim.com
Dupreesrhinestones.com
http://www.ebaystores.com/Chic-and-Trendy-Accessories
Think you might have a Rhinestone Addiction? Watch this video from Miss Indigo Blue to find out. And subscribe to our Youtube Channel!
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]]>The most common questions I get are “How do their lips get soooo sparkly? What is that Lipstick you’re wearing? …and where can I get it?”
Burlesque performers are known for their glitz and shine, but sparkly lips are at the absolute top of our shiny bag of tricks!
Well, now I’m going to share with YOU this tried & true burlesque “secret”…
Ruby Mimosa and I spent some time at StudioBLUE in Seattle, and we filmed this super quick, super EASY tutorial for you!
In addition to being a Lead Instructor teaching Burlesque 101 at the Academy of Burlesque, Ruby *also* teaches our Pin-up Makeup, Makeup for Burlesque, Wig Tricks, and Bump & Grind Dance Classes.
Now, she’s brought her copious expertise to help YOU make your lips sparkle!
And you won’t need these little capsules, either <poop glitter>, because with burlesque lips it happens naturally!
Make your mouth magical with us!
Love & Glitter,
Indigo
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]]>What do performers want? To perform! And how do performers GET to perform? Building your performance career requires networking, doing research, going to different shows, and putting your foot in the door.
Ah, that’s where we all get a little tripped up… just what do you need to submit that great act, and what if you have…. multiple great acts? How do you, well, Get Your Sh*t Together?
Have WE got the thing for you! Indigo Blue has created a free, downloadable workbook all about how to get it done. We highly recommend it. Sign up to receive YOUR free download! →→→
Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Build A Great Act! (We know you’e got it!)
2. Find out where you want to perform. Burlesquefests.org is a great resource if you are looking to do the festival run and get out of your city
3. Prep to submit.
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]]>Have you seen Dita’s hand-jeweled Swarovski encrusted costumes made by the exquisite Catherine D’Lish? OMG they are Divine! I want them all! No-one sparkles like Dita!
Burlesque can be as decadent (and pricey) or as down-home (and budget-friendly) as you can imagine. Over the years we’ve compiled some great resources which we would love to share with you!
Dita Von Teese
Indigo Blue by Chris Blakeley
My first costume was a thrift-store vintage dress, shoes, and pillbox hat, and off-the-rack undies & bra decorated with felt and sequins. Over time I added a few rhinestones for sparkle.
Since then I have been fortunate to work with incredible designers like Catherine, Danial Webster, and Jamie Von Stratton to build a spectacular wardrobe.
But whether you are making your first costume with sequins, or lusting over Dita’s Swarovski, one lesson stands true: The real sparkle comes from the inside. Always work on that first, and you will be sure to shine bright.
Xx
Indigo
Indigo Blue by POC Photography, costume by Danial Hellman
Shoes by Catherine D’Lish, from Dita’s private collection
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]]>If you’ve been to a Burlesque show in Seattle recently, you’ve probably seen The Academy of Burlesque’s current Photographer-in-Residence, Max Shaw. Max’s stunning images of the current Reigning Queen of Burlesque and Academy Lead Instructor INGA have garnered him national attention.
Max specializes in performer headshots, glamour and boudoir shoots, and live event photography. He also does family photos, weddings, corporate headshots, troupe photos, and even pets!
Max’s sensitive and collaborative approach to capturing the essence of individuals and groups is at the heart of his evocative images. He naturally creates a safe, comfortable, fun, and experimental environment for his subjects, and easily draws out both the vulnerable and powerful moments.
We are delighted to have Max at STUDIOBlue, and honored to have him as our Recital/Show Photographer, as well as snapping in-class and behind-the-scenes images of the Academy of Burlesque. Grab a chance to shoot with Max at STUDIOBlue this August during the Academy of Burlesque’s summer break!
In Max’s own words:
“My biggest inspirations right now are Alfred Cheney Johnson and Neil Kendall. Annie Liebovitz, too!
Our Queen INGA has become such an inspiration for me and I feel so lucky that I get to create with her often. She’s definitely one of my muses!
It’s an honor to be in Seattle right now – and it’s my hope to capture even just a piece of this queer moment.
One of my goals for the upcoming year is to travel and photograph a show out of town. I’d love to make it to BHOF 2019 and a couple of festivals along the way!”
Max is much more than just a talented eye behind the lens. Find out more on this podcast featuring Max, and another Seattle photographer Dylan M Austin. Dive into Max’s personal story, and his philosophy on photography and queerness.
Check out even more of Max Shaw’s amazing work on his brand new website (where you can also make booking inquiries!) and follow him on Instagram.
Curious about studio rental? Check out STUDIOblue for more information!
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]]>Darlings, it’s that time again! The 2018 Academy of Burlesque Faculty Showcase struts the stage again on Friday, September 21! Tickets are flying faster than Miss Indigo Blue’s tassels, so get ’em HERE before they are gone!
And while you wait for the next month to pass so you can join us all at West Hall, check out these tantalizing photos from last year’s showcase, shot by Mandy Flame!
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]]>I am so excited to share that our very own INGA was crowned Miss Exotic World 2018, Reigning Queen of Burlesque, at the 2018 Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant and Weekender! As Miss Exotic World 2011, I can tell you now that it’s one of the most thrilling, humbling, and incredible experiences to be the Queen of Burlesque! All of us at the Academy are so excited to honor INGA for this huge achievement!
SHE DID IT!
After many years of applying and one previous shot at the title in 2008, our very own The One The Only INGA was accepted to compete in the 2018 Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant and Weekender in Las Vegas. Over 400 applicants had yearned for the 10 slots to show their stuff to an illustrious panel of judges. After 8 strong performers had taken the stage, Inga finally had the chance to show her stunning robe and stocking act. Then, another contestant. While the judges debated, two more performances entertained the audience. Finally, all the contestants lined up on stage. The prizes were handed out for Most Classic, Most Comedic, on and on… until the final award of the night: Miss Exotic World.
INGA WON!
LET’S CELEBRATE!
To acknowledge INGA’s tremendous achievement, there will be a Reception in her honor on Sunday July 1, 2018 1-3pm at the Century Ballroom. All are welcome to attend! Buy yourself a celebratory drink at the no-host bar! Take a photo with the Queen! Leave with some of her fancy merchandise! And partake of the surprise appearances and tiny treats that are in store for you.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR INGA?
INGA already has a very busy performance and teaching schedule. and it will only get busier we’re sure! If you’d like to catch a class with her before she gets swept away to every festival that craves her, keep your eye out for the Fall Burlesque 101 class! She will be co-teaching that class with Elsa Von Schmaltz!
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]]>I am so excited to introduce you to these amazing Brazilian Burlesque Performers! Two of them have traveled and performed in the US, but the others you will be just getting to know.
Although we’re on opposite sides of the equator, Brazil and the US have always had a fascinating cultural exchange.
I’ve been to Brazil many times, but in 2016 I travelled twice to perform Burlesque!
I am especially excited to introduce you to my dear friend and colleague Delirious Fenix, who will be the Artist-In-Residence at the Academy of Burlesque for 2016 this October!
Enjoy getting to know these amazing people, os meus amigos, “A Familia Tradicional Burlesca”.
Marquesa Amapola – Sao Paulo
With an infectious laugh, a Rubenesque ripe pear shape, and a unique and inventive look, The Marquesa Amapola is creating epic routines that blend religious observation, pun, double entendre, and fashion forward costuming (she is the muse of and travels with her fabulous hatmaker (chapeleiro) Eduardo Laurinho, who all by himself is walking inspiration). The Marquesa’s act “A Vaca Profana” takes the sacred milk of the cow and squirts it, well, everywhere. And her Tea Parties are not to be missed. She’s only been performing for a few years, but she is sure to be a force to be reckoned with!
Aurora D’Vine – Sao Paulo
An incredible Pin-up model and vintage enthusiast, Aurora D’Vine is the Real Deal. She literally wakes up like that…flawless. Beyond her impeccable appearance and vintage-inspired acts, she’s also a historian and has been conducting interviews of Brazil’s near forgotten showgirls of the classic era, “Vedettes”. Her acts evoke the adorable, the sexy, the vintage, the impossible-to-imitate. Even in her era-accurate pieces that have very little striptease, she’s a compelling and talented entertainer
Sete de Ouros – Sao Paulo
One of the instigators of The Burlesque Takeover and a co-producer of the PopPorn annual event, Sete De Ouros is the Brazillian answer to Paris is Burning – all wrapped up in to one super-sexy fierce queeny faggot of epic proportions. With gender blending and political performances that push the envelope of art, sex, humor, and entertainment, do not forget that this artist is serious. A trained museum professional and performance artist, he was lauded by Marina Abramovic in 2015 for his homage, “The Lapdance Is Present” to her “The Artist Is Present”
Black Rainbow – Sao Paulo
Known as “the dark side of burlesque” in Brazil, Black Rainbow’s fetishy acts give only a tiny hint of the actual fetishist within! Her background is in “real” stripping. She discovered burlesque when it first went mainstream in mass media (thanks to that infamous movie), as many did, and fell in love with it when she was invited to join The Burlesque Takeover. She is also the Winner of the Sexy Hot Prize in 2015 for Best LGBT Actress for the movie “Jujubas” from XPlastic with supporting performer Sweetie Bird and the Creative Director of her own alt porn producing company, We Porn
Delirious Fenix – Rio De Janiero
The co-producer of YES, Nos Temos Burlesco, the Burlesque Festival in Rio De Janeiro, Delirious Fenix is a trained theatrical professional and professor of theater, makeup, dance, and Burlesque in Rio. She has been an integral part of cementing the connections across Brazil that have become “A Familia Tradicional Burlesca”, and is actively working towards a network of traveling Burlesque performers in Brazil. A staunch feminist and activist, Delirious employs gender bending in her acts featuring “Grag”, and illusion in her “The Empress Wears No Clothes” act. A frequent collaborator with videographer Fabiano Cafure, Isabel has also been instrumental in connecting influential artists from many generations in the developing Burlesque Scene in brazil. You may never have heard of her, but fans in New York and Seattle will have the chance to be introduced to her in October of 2016 when she travels to the US for her Artist In Residency at the Academy of Burlesque in Seattle. And if you’re at BurlyCon this year, reach out and say “oi!” to her!
YOU SHOULD KNOW Miss G – Curitiba
If you are in Vienna or New York, you may have encountered this ethereal entertainer. Spiritual, political, intellectual, Miss G is an academic and an artistic creator and the co-producer of YES, Nos Temos Burlesco. Miss G has received academic grants to travel and study in New York with Julie Atlas Muz, and in Vienna (thanks to the non-profit KulturKontakt Austria) She also brought Julie Atlas Muz and Dirty Martini to Rio to perform in a Burlesque show about Meat: “Carne Segunda”. Her acts are high concept pieces that evoke Brazilian traditional spiritual practices and wild powerful female sexuality.
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Sweetie Bird – Las Vegas
Most recently relocated to Las Vegas, NV, Sweetie Bird is the quintessential millennial nerdy alt-porn star and intellectual revolutionary. Co-founder of The Burlesque Takeover and PopPorn, Sweetie is fully bilingual in English and Portuguese (and possibly Vulcan) and is an endless and determined student of the classical and neo-burlesque forms. She studied and performed in New York with Dr. Lucky and has attended BurlyCon since for several years. She can be blamed (or take the credit) for being the most continuous conduit between Brazilian and American Burlesque artists in the last decade. It could be argued that she single handedly (or tasseledly) built the connections between the performers across the vast landscape of Brazil. She is truly a bi-national treasure.
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]]>You Learn More at Seattle’s Academy of Burlesque Than the Art of Taking It All Off—Although You Learn That, Too.
Matt Baume from the Stranger spent time at Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque to learn about the experience from students as well as Headmistress Indigo Blue.
The story that comes from Matt’s time at the academy strips away the common ideas around what motivates people to take a big step into the unknown and the impacts it has on their life’s.
“I am excited and terrified and everything at the same time,” Gino said as he prepared to strip down to his underwear before strangers, friends, and his boss.
With the weather getting nicer, Sabrina is looking forward to applying her classroom experience to real life—though not necessarily in the context of a performance.
“We always go camping, and we go to this one spot on a river,” she said. “And this year, I know I’m not going to be like, ‘I’m not going in.’ I’m just going to strip and get in there. I’m not getting any younger. Why not enjoy what I have now? I’m alive.”
“I was never gonna take it,” Sabrina said of the class. “I’m kind of a chickenshit. I probably would’ve made excuses.”
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