The Spirit of Jennie Lee

As this big burlesque weekend approaches, I know a lot of people are dealing with high levels of emotion, and recent events are making a lot of those emotions even higher. But WHEREVER you may be this weekend: whatever show you may be attending or performing at, whether you're a burlesque performer, enthusiast, or producer, I urge you all to do one thing: carry with you the spirit of Jennie Lee. This weekend was founded on her mission to bring burlesque artists together. To gain strength from each-other, and build on each-others' successes. To share stories, laughs, skills and good times, and to protect each-other from harm. Competition isn't a bad thing. It can challenge us to become better people, stronger and more committed artists. But my challenge to you is this: shake off your fears and inhibitions, unite with your sisters (and brothers) of burlesque this weekend and share in Jennie Lee's spirit of acceptance, camaraderie and support. Make new burlesque friends, and cherish the old. Learn, grow and have a fantastic time. Do that, and you'll really be bowling a strike for the Bazoom Girl!

The Evolution of an art-form: growing pains

The more politically driven performance art pieces are at the heart and forefront of the neo-burlesque movement, but as the word "burlesque" becomes more mainstream, it also becomes another style of entertainment to become capitalized upon and made corporate.

Music and Burlesque

Music and Burlesque
by Burgundy Brixx

A musical arrangement can make or break a burlesque performance.
It’s not enough for a performer to like or even love a song or a piece of music. It has to have structure and impact for stage performance. You have to really analyze it. Is there an arc to it that takes you on a journey? Does it have drive and dynamics that inform your movements and gestures? Does it have excitement? Are there phrases of music that really speak to you as musical impressions of moments you’d like to express in your piece? A great musical arrangement should never force you to add "filler" to your piece. It should lift you up and help carry both you and your audience through a dynamic performance.

The quest for persona and individuality in burlesque.

The quest for persona and individuality in burlesque.

by Burgundy Brixx
1/13/2011

As burlesque is a unique art form, it’s natural to struggle to find your place within it. Especially since such a foundation for it is the preservation and tribute to the history and heritage of the form. It’s easy to feel stuck in a rut in terms of style, and it can be incredibly difficult to break that pattern. It’s a concern for any artist, of course, but as burlesque is a solo art form, the quest for a personal identity and sense of style will always be a challenge since our individual stage personality is such a large part of our craft.