Cold nights, hot burlesque

I can't believe it's the end of the year again...where did 2010 go? It's been a roller coaster but I'm finishing up this year strong, bringing things full circle, maintaining projects that I started when this year began. I started out this year taking an amazing Goddess Burlesque workshop which I've talked a bit about here and it opened me up to a whole new world of expression and movement.

So here we are in December and I'm performing again with my Goddess Burlesque sistren this Friday. It's Howlin' Vic's (also known as Liza Minelli) last show for a long, long, long time (maybe ever...*sheds tears*) so we are doing it BIG! It's 2 shows back to back and I'll be performing in the 7:30 show. I'm really excited to be reunited with the beautiful and powerful goddesses who I started this journey with, and to see how we've all grown in this performance space. So when you get your butt out of work this Friday, head over to the Brooklyn Arts Exchange and come show us some love :)

Burlesque Ad Infinitum
Friday, December 10th: Two shows: 7:30PM and 9:30PM
BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange
421 Fifth Avenue (btn 7th & 8th Street), Park Slope Brooklyn
Tickets are $15 ahead of time, $20 at the door

7:30PM SHOW:
Auburn Hills, Bitty Bamboo, Brauntastic, Cora Caverns, Crystal Balls aka Lauren Hunter, Dom Juan, Jazabel Jade, Kstar, Plum Manchego, Poisoned Ivy, Sparkle Plenty, Tallulah Luv, and Tiny D.

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Oh No She Di'n't...!

I'm coming to understand that many people thumb their nose at burlesque and think it's just about some chicks stripping on a stage thinking they're fancy cuz they wear boas and corsets. Now boas and corsets are hella fun and sexy and there's nothing wrong with getting nekkid but there is a very specific theatrical aspect to the art form of burlesque that should be revered and respected.

The ladies of Brown Girls Burlesque are masters of this art, making political statements and telling relevant stories to the audience with sass, strength and satire. Last month's Culture Classics was a full-out production providing commentary on mail order brides, Christian imperialism, the myth of the "tragic mulatto," and Israeli occupation of Gaza. It challenged your brains and your loins ;) Mindblowing, huh?

Well, now the ladies are cooling it down with "Oh No She Di'n't..." (part of the Coney Island Burlesque at the Beach series) which shows women coming out of their comfort zones, acting a fool and being controversial. The show will cover religion, abortion, international violence while uncovering some beautiful and powerful goddesses. I am the "Stage Mommy" of the show and I'm totally amped to be working with these dynamic sisters again. The legendary Miss Astrid is hosting so it should get pretty raucous. If you missed Culture Classics, here's your second chance to see how brown girls get down...

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Full systems go...snow don't stop a show

the fruits of goddess burlesque tonight in BK :)

GIRL MEAT Fun(d)raiser!
Friday, February 26th
Doors open at 7:00 for mingling, eating, drinking and the silent auction!
Performance at 8:00.
Party with DJ and dancing until 11:00.
Brooklyn Arts Exchange
421 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope (btn 7th & 8th St.)
Suggested admission: $15
www.bax.org

Join Victoria Libertore and friends in this celebration of her ten years devoted to making performance in NYC. It's a party and performance with Cynthia Hopkins, Maddy Mann & Lexie Miller, Comedian Robin Cloud, Reverend Raymond Nader as well as burlesque beauties making their debut: Jazabel, Kstar, Maya Lusion, Poisoned Ivy and Reverend Harness! DJ Crazy Cuban aka/Alberto Denis will take us from the performances into partying and dancing. Light food and beverages for you! All funds go towards her new show GIRL MEAT.

GIRL MEAT
According to legend, Countess Elizabeth Bathory is the most prolific female serial killer in history. Drinking and bathing in the blood of her victims, she tortured and killed hundreds of women. Intrigued by this true story, solo performer Victoria Libertore channels Bathory's essence with intensity, a dose of camp and a hint of insanity. All the while exploring why as a society we find naked, twisted-up, bloodied bodies of women so damn fascinating. Direction by Rosalie Purvis. Dramaturgy by Jen-Scott Mobley. Set design by Jono Lukas. Costume design by Jeff Sturdivant. www.howlingvic.com

Silent auction and raffle items include: headshot/portrait session, audition/feedback with a theatre, TV and film agent, theatre and dance tickets, one-on-one yoga session, one-on-one drumming session, reiki session, Body Talk session, trapeze lesson, high-end hair cut, framed photography, handmade jewelry and an intuitive reading.

(incredible teacher and goddess among us Howlin' Vic)

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Knowing Strength (an addendum)

Trying to be timely in posting my thoughts on the AMAs, I left out the main highlight...Whitney Houston's comeback. We all know where she's been and what she's been through (remember the trainwreck that was "Being Bobby Brown") and even her comeback album has been met with lukewarm reviews. But this is where Whitney, the diva we have grown up with and still love despite her missteps, truly shines...in heartfelt ballads.

"Survived my darkest hour, my faith kept me alive, I picked myself back up, held my head up high, I was not built to break, didn't know my own strength."--Whitney (or whoever wrote the song)

I'm bothered that I forgot this in the original post, especially since this performance and message touched me (and Reba as well)...perhaps a reflection of my tendency to put intellect before emotions, hide my feelings, and not always recognizing my own inner strength (until I'm tested). Or maybe I was just sleepy and need some gingko. I also neglected to mention another superwoman, Mary J. Blige, who is also a testament to overcoming obstacles with grace. I guess I should take notes instead of tweeting (that's how I missed Adam Lambert controversial performance!). Anyhoo, thanks Ms. Houston for the reminder that we can rise from the darkness no matter how far and hard we fall. Congrats, thank you and welcome back.

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