PERFORMERS SALON - A few tips from our burlesque friends

Your Name

“The most contentious subject a burlesquer will come across, you’ll get matching names sometimes but the most common complaint is the similar nom de plume. Check the burlesque names register and make sure your name is at least not too alike another’s. Register your burlesque name and stick to it.” Morgan

Designing the act

“Do your research and see what other people are doing, try to come up with something original or at least a different take on an old idea. Everyone does a fan dance and that’s fine, after all it’s very beautiful and once you learn the moves you have to perform it or it will break your heart. I have seen some different uses of fans, for example I’ve seen fans made of fire, knives and even long skeletal fingers. Innovate, innovate, innovate that’s the name of the game.” Rudy Wakening

“If you have no natural rhythm at all it won’t hold you back, if you can get some professional dance training it will set you apart from the herd. There are loads of courses out there that teach burlesque dance so check them out. Remember all the burlesque moves in the world do not make a great burlesque dancer, it just shows that you know the moves. Great burlesque dancers can bring other dance diciplines into their acts with stunning effect. If you have seen Mitzy Bear’s Carmen Miranda show with her eye popping one hundred mile an hour shimmies then you’ll understand what I mean.” Haiva Bunn 

“I have seen so many great performers who don’t have any dance skills. What they bring to their acts is a heavy dose off charisma and personality. That’s the vavavoom effect! My advice is, have a go and enjoy yourself, get some training if you can because it will make a difference to your confidence and stage presence.” Nero Bonaparte

Costume

“Details, detail, details……… Just really think about the whole package you are presenting from tip to toe. You don’t have to be an amazing flash dancer or have the most perfect body. It’s all about stage presence and your whole package as in costuming, your character, conviction in movements and your connection with the audience.” Angela Eve

When you’re on stage

“I’ve seen performers step off the stage a number of times and it’s not pretty, fortunately no one was hurt so my tip is rehearse. Get in the club early and get to know that stage and any hazards that may lie in wait. Holes for heels are a good example, if it’s a hired stage they can sometimes be made in sections which can move apart if not fixed properly. Wires are a nightmare, it’s a good idea if you’re following a band to make sure the stage manager has removed any cables left behind, if not be stubborn, insist even flirt but get them moved. Cables are like live men, get too close and before you know it you’re tangled up in one!” Haiva Bunn

“Keep your head up and make eye contact with the crowd, even if you can’t bear to make eye contact focus on peoples fore heads or something in the background. Remember not to look in just one direction, look all around and include everyone in your performance, bring them in to it. You’re up there larger than life for most people so try to break down that barrier, invite them into the little burlesque world you’ve created for them. Use facial expressions beam a smile and you’ll melt the coldest hearts, wink and flutter your lashes and they’ll be at your feet.” Rudy Wakening 

More to come in next months issue, feel free to send in your own advice and tips and we’ll try to print as many as we can.