Showing posts with label burlesque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label burlesque. Show all posts

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Audition Tips Part 5...Playing Nice

Hi everyone!

Pixie O'Kneel here with the final installment of my audition tips.

We've all heard horror stories about divas. While every lady has a "Diva Card" in her pocket, it is best not to play that card. Being nice will get you a lot farther than being a Diva will.

~Be nice to the other auditionees in all aspects of the audition process.

~Chat but don't gossip. If you get the reputation of a gossip, you might just find yourself sitting in the corner by yourself.

~Thumper's Daddy was right when he said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.". This little mantra can really come in handy.



~Be willing to lend a helping hand. Help others with zippers, props, loan hair pins, etc. It will come back to you in the end.

~Be respectful of others and their "process". Everyone has a "process" they go through in order to prepare themselves for an audition. Some chatter like crazy, others would rather not chat and want to be left alone in order to mentally prepare themselves. And then there are those who are a combination of the two. Scope everyone out and figure out who falls into what category and go from there.

~Make introductions. Introduce yourself to the "newbies" and people you don't know. If you see some one you've seen perform at an audition, introduce yourself and tell her you saw her last show. It is a big boost to be recognized. It is also helpful to new performers to be able to make a connection. Who knows, you might make a new friend.

~Be humble. When you're given a compliment regarding your audition piece, your costume, or even your handbag, a heartfelt "thank you" is always appreciated. People will know you're genuinely grateful for their compliments.

Remember this: If you're nice to everyone, including the producers, you'll get asked back. People will say, "Oh yeah, I remember her. She was sweet and really nice, let's ask her back." And we all want to be asked back, right?





Talk to you again soon!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Audition Tips Part 1...Your Music & Auditioning by Video

Hi everyone!

Pixie O'Kneel here.

The auditions for Gifts & Garters are coming up on November 5th. Here are a few suggestions to make sure you will shine like the top of the Chrysler Building at your next audition.

Music

~Put your music on a CD and bring 2 copies. Make sure you use the blank discs that say "CD-R" on the packaging.

~Have the music for your audition piece and only that music on the CD. Don't use your practice CD that is looped.

~Don't expect the place you are auditioning to have hook ups for your Ipod, or other MP3 player.

Auditioning via Video

~Make sure your pets are not in the room you are filming in. Pets are extremely unpredictable. The same thing goes for children, you never know what the little darlings are going to do, plus it's distracting.

~Have some one help you with the camera and the music. if you are able, edit the parts of you running over to start the camera and then running over to start the music out.

~Move the furniture around so it is not blocking the view of you.

~If you are not using a video link to your audition from a site such as YouTube, send a DVD and not a VHS tape.

~Make sure you are vertical on the screen and not horizontal.

~DVD vs. Video link? In my honest opinion, It is best to send a video link, that is unless you are specifically asked to send a DVD.


I hope these tips have been helpful, and I will be posting more in the future.

Talk to y'all again soon!

Monday, August 17, 2009

MidSummer Recap


Our first annual MidSummer Masquerade, we think was a success.

Ok, really- we're pretty sure it was a success. We had a great time, the audience had a great time, the performers - well yea, they ROCKED. There were some sassy performances, sensual and mysterious performances, surprise appearances and well, really- I guess you had to be there, we hope you were!
The costume pageant contestants, well- again- really you had to be there to see the uber macho-ness stand off between the luchador wrestler, La Chica Naturaleza, and the guy with the 2 foot Mohawk. (I'm sayin'!) The bevy of beauties competing for Most Glamorous, were indeed all the various shades of glamour and glitz. The gents, well they were quite dapper and Debonair.

Our crowned winner Most Bewitching, (pictured- photo by Naked Lens- our event photographer) was the lady Vivienne Vermouth! She set the bar really high for next year!

It was really a great night. Thanks to all who were a part of it! More tantalizing stories and pictures to come.
Meantime...

How about you? What was your favorite story from the evening? We wanna know!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Meet The Producers Part 2


photo credit:

Hi Everyone!

Pixie O'Kneel here.

I am one of the co-producers of Bewitching Burlesque and I also usually act as Stage Manager.

As co-producer, I help Glam'Amour with a lot of the pre-production activities, such as selecting the venue for the show, selecting performers who audition for the show, helping the vendors, and lots of other stuff that goes into planning an event.

As Stage Manager, it is my job to make sure the show runs smoothly and on time. I also direct the Panty Wranglers, and the Emcee. The Panty Wranglers and I set up and tear down the props for the performers and make sure the correct costume bits go to the correct performers.

I also made my burlesque debut at one of our shows and I will be performing again at Mid Summer Masquerade on August 8th. I am very excited about it!

Talk to y'all again soon!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Miss Ginger Valentine

Today, say hello to Ginger Valentine. Miss Valentine is no stranger to Bewitching Burlesque, having performed in a a BBR production earlier this Spring.


Ginger is a classically trained ballerina who ditched her point shoes for pasties. She is featured often in the media for her classes and performances. Miss Valentine stays busy these days by running her own burlesque school; she also contributes to several burlesque blogs (including this one), and has a very busy travel schedule ahead of her. Over the next two months, Ginger will travel to Denver, Austin, Minneapolis and New Orleans where she will perform alongside contemporary burlesque legends like Michelle L'amour and Jo "Boobs" Weldon in the Mondo Showcase.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Miss Jade Pearl

Miss Jade Pearl is new to the burlesque scene, but has been dancing for quite awhile. This year, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of North Texas. And last year, she danced in a local cabaret troupe, so she knows a thing or two about shakin' it.

Those of you who have seen her before will be in for a special treat on August 8 as she reveals more skin than ever in her stunning new burlesque debut! You do not want to miss this very special lady.

Buy tickets in advance to see Jade, and all of her gorgeous burlesque friends at the Mid Summer Masquerade Show next month!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Meet The Producers Part 1


Through the Looking Glass Studios

Time to meet the creator of Bewitching Burlesque Revue, Glam'Amour.

Glam'Amour began Bewitching Burlesque Revue as a way to give up and coming Burlesque performers a way to get their foot in the door, making sure everyone who has the desire gets a chance to shine no matter their experience level, age, or size. Since then, she's produced three other shows, and she has two more on the way. She has built quite a name for herself and at each show we have more and more dancers at our auditions.

Glam'Amour is not just an event producer, she is also burlesque performer and has numerous performances in the DFW area under her pasties. She has been seen at Dallas Burlesque Festival, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Diffusion, Nouvelle Burlesque Revue, and Hot Rods & Heels.

Last May, Glam'Amour received recognition for all of her hard work in the burlesque community as a dancer and producer. She was nominated by her peers and selected to win the Burlesque Darling award for showing outstanding drive, motivation, talent at the Hot Rods and Heels Festival.

You never know what to expect next from this award-winning producer and performer.


Meet The Judges Part 4


We are thrilled to present our final judge, Don Nedler. He has been the owner and operator of the world famous Lizard Lounge and The Church since 1991.

He has also owned and operated the Starck Club from 1996 through 1999 and the Lizard Lounge in Austin, Houston and Miami from 1988 through 2001.

We will be relying on his expertise to help us find the best costumes out there. Remember to dress your best!

Friday, July 17, 2009

What's In A Name?


Hi Everyone!

Pixie O'Kneel here!

There are many jobs at a Burlesque show that don't involve taking off any clothes.

One I like to think is the coolest is what we at Bewitching Burlesque call the Panty Wrangler. There are lots of names for this job, "Pick Up Artist", "Stage Maid", and "Stage Kitten", just to name a few. The names vary region to region.

The Panty Wrangler is the person who goes behind the performers and picks up all of the stuff they leave behind. They are also part of the show, eye candy so to speak. In some shows, the P.W. even might have a bit part with the Emcee or if she (or he) has another talent like singing, juggling, or comedy they could also be asked to give the audience a peep of their hidden talent.

The job of the P.W. is not as easy as some may think it would be. A good P.W. knows that she is part of the show and needs to make picking up discarded clothing look as fun and sexy as possible. She will be required get made up and dressed up, keep her cool, not get anyone's costume bits mixed up, help the Stage Manager set up and tear down props, help to make the show run on time....All while smiling and acting like she is having the time of her life.

Some performers get their start in Burlesque as Panty Wranglers. Miss Bunny Bailey was the Panty Wrangler at our April Bewitching Burlesque show. You can see Bunny pulling panty duty at the Atomic Frolic show on July 18th, and she will be gracing the stage as a performer at Mid Summer Masquerade on August 8th.

So, you just never know, you maybe picking up stockings in one show and leaving yours behind in the next.

Talk to you again soon!




Thursday, July 16, 2009

Meet The Judges Part 3

Introducing, Jesse from The Edge!

Hey Kitty Kats my name is Jessie….creative communications operative by day/burgeoning bombastic burlesque babe by night.

I am purrrrfectly delighted to be included in the Bewitching Burlesque Review, it will give me a chance to practice total and utter fabulosity. I am crazy madly in love with the DFW burlesque scene and it is an honor to be invited to join the judging for this event.

As a card carrying member of the Brill Babe Brigade I am a passionate proponent of promoting all that is pretty. To borrow from Ms. Angelou “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass”…so ladies put on those stilettos and rock it

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Debuantes at Bewitching

Debuantes at Bewitching

We know that DFW loves to be the first "in the know," and at Bewitching Burlesque- we make sure you get to see the very best new talent to hit the DFW area first - so you can be the one to say,

"Oh, yes! I remember her! We saw her months ago at Bewitching- you're right, she's awesome. So glad you finally got the chance to see her!"

Our shows have open auditions and we find some of the most creative and beautiful talent to strut, shimmmy and slide their stuff

Some of the fabulous performers that we have had grace our stage for their debuts:

Rose Darling and her sassy french stylings, made her debut on our stage and she has sky rocketed with her burlesque career since. She is a featured performer at Atomic Frolic, has been invited to perform at events in Chicago and is going to be a performer at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival after party in September!

Cora Coquette brought her tool box and so much more when she came to the Bewitching stage and she is also a featured performer at Atomic Frolic this weekend. This sweet and cheeky lady is sure to go far!

Scarlet Rose Royal bent over backwards, sideways, and other mind boggling ways to be a part of Bewitching Burlesque and she was cast in the huge hit show- Hot Rods and Heels as well as joining BB again this August.

Aviva Viola was certainly a tempting sweet treat at our last event and are we excited to have her back for our Mid Summer event and the number she has in store is just darling! We can't wait to see where she takes her creativity next!

Bunny Bailey, a fabulous cabaret dancer, joined the Bewitching Burlesque Stage team as one of sassiest panty wranglers we've ever come across at our last event. This August, she is debuting her first solo performance! Trust us, it's going to be hot!

And our debutantes of the Mid Summer Masquerade: Bubbles Von Bon Bon, Jade Pearl and Bunny Bailey are gonna put some starch in your collar! If you want to be the first to be in the know of up and coming Burlesque Performers, Bewitching Burlesque is the event to see!

Scarlet Rose Royal debuts back in March

photo credit: Naked Lens

Monday, July 13, 2009

Miss Black Mariah

Our show is growing closer everyday! For those of you burlesque show virgins out there who may not be familiar with some of our veteran performers, say hello to the beautifully salacious Black Mariah.

Black Mariah is no newcomer to the burlesque scene. Having performed originally in Knoxville, Tenn. with White Lightning' Burlesque she moved here a few years ago and joined the Lollie Bombs, one of the first burlesque troupes in the DFW area. She also works as a soloist and you can catch her this Saturday in Atomic Frolic. Black Mariah has been featured in Pin Curl Magazine and also modeled for Dallas Dr. Sketchy. Her strong presence on stage always keeps the crowds coming back for more. She is one of our featured performers in our next show, and you don't want to miss her beautiful round...eyes ;)

Friday, July 10, 2009

Burlesque Classes in Dallas

Learn to bump-n-grind and shimmy like a burly queen in Ginger Valentine's Burlesque Charm School.

Level One begins on Monday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. at The Girls Room in Dallas. One level is four classes over two weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Call 214-448-2933 to make your reservation today!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

One Month Away!

Bewitching Burlesque Revue's Mid Summer Masquerade is one month from today! It's time to start thinking about your costume if you haven't already. We have gathered some fabulous judges to help us determine the winners.

And don't forget to buy your tickets in advance!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Get Your Costumes Ready

Just what do we mean by "Dress to Excess" at our Mid Summer Masquerade? We know our community loves to dress to the nines when they are just going out for the grocery's (you never know who you'll run in to, right?) so we want you all to pull out the stops and do what you've wanted to do and Dress to Excess!

Our costume pageant is more than just a costume *contest* it's a DARE- to give yourself permission to go as crazy as you want to and dip in to your creative well as deep as it goes.


(We only ask that you cover any areas that would be covered by a string bikini. Gotta stay on the right side of the line with the law.)


Our judges have four different categories to hand out the awards.


Most Glamorous: Female/Feminine- doesn't mean you are female- just that you define curves, grace and are dressed to Excess in glamorous, sensual beauty.


Most Debonair
: Male/Masculine- does not mean that you are male, just in a masculine costume and dressed to Excess with your "my macho" and yes, you can be macho in a skirt- we've seen it...and drooled about it.


Most Outrageous: creative, comedic, crazy or just... odd... we love the odd....


Most Bewitching: The judges favorite costume of the evening. The crowed title of the evening.


Do you have to dress in a costume to attend the event? No! We welcome voyeurs too! What's the point of dressing to excess, if there's no one to appreciate it! Got questions? Just drop us a line at Bewitchingburlesque at gmail dot com.


Come on out... we double dog dare you too!




Read all about one of our fabulous judges, Rocio, here.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Glam'Amour in Pin Curl Magazine

Get your fill of producer-performer and all around fantastic lady, Glam'Amour in this month's issue of Pin Curl Magazine.

In her feature, she dishes on what it's like to produce, breaking into the Dallas burlesque scene and what we can expect next.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Audition Results are IN

Pixie and I are grateful to those who took the time to go all out and knock our garters off with their dazzling routines. Between video submissions and the live auditions we had lots of ladies to choose from.

Boy-howdy, the caliber of performance in the Lone Star State just keeps getting better and better. It was such a tough decision – we only had 4 open positions for the event and if we could have squeezed in a few more into the line up (with out risking going over on our venue rental) we would have faster than you can say "bump and grind.

Those who auditioned were: Zamra, Bubbles Von Bon Bon, Bunny Bailey, Vivienne Vermuth, Jade Pearl, Arceneaux, Aviva Viola, LoLo Lawless and Scarlett Rose Royale.

From this fine group we cast: Bubbles Von BonBon, Bunny Bailey, Jade Pearl and Aviva Voila. We are also excited to have Arceneaux and Scarlet Rose Royal join our stage team as a panty wranglers.

Our next auditions will be November 5 for our collaborative event with Through the Looking Glass Studio- “Gifts and Garters” with a show date of December 5.
Be sure and come back for a sneak peek at our new performers!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Burlesque Auditions for Mid Summer Masquerade

Did you know that Bewitching Burlesque Revue just loves to uncover new talent? Many performers have debuted on our stage. Rose Darling debuted as a soloist earlier this year and since has been a finalist for the "One to Watch" award at Hot Rods and Heels and she will be performing in Chicago in August. Cora Coquette, another debutante from our show in April has been asked to perform in La Divina Burlesque's Atomic Frolic at The Lakewood Theater.

So, think you have what it takes?

We are looking for new performers for our next event Aug.8th- a Mid Summer Masquerade! All are welcome.

In person auditions for this event are:
June 24, 8pm at the
Plaza Theater
1115 4th Ave
Carrollton, Texas.

Video submissions are also accepted and can be submitted any time up until the 24th.
We are also looking for vendors for this event! Contact Bewitchingburlesque AT gmail DOT com for more information!

Next Show: Mid Summer Masquerade

Bewitching Burlesque is excited to announce the First Annual Mid Summer Masquerade Event Aug. 8 at 8 p.m at the Plaza Arts Center in Carrollton. This Burlesque revue and costume pageant will showcase the some of the best in Texas burlesque, unique vendors and feature a stunning costume pageant.
Awards for costumes include: “Most Outrageous,” “Most Glamorous,” “Most Debonair,” “Crowd Favorite” and the crowned title: “Most Bewitching”

We will have more information soon, so come back often!