Blue Morris Blog - Burlesque
A Man in Burlesque
- Published on Tuesday, 29 November 2011 08:00
- Category: Burlesque
It was four years ago today that I first stepped onto stage in a burlesque show. The first show I performed in I co-produced with Pink Flamingo Burlesque and Malaika Millions. I was the bandleader and guitar player. And yes, I took my clothes off on stage. I even did a shoulder-stand in my boxers while playing "Harlem Nocturne" on the guitar, upside-down!
These four years seemed to have passed quickly, and yet that first show feels so long ago. Since then I have played almost every role a person can in this business. I have been a producer, musician, solo boylesque performer, group dancer, composer, DJ, festival board member, lighting designer, and recently stage kitty.
I love burlesque and it's hard for me to imagine my life without it. But I know that day could come.
A guest in this community
I attended BurlyCon for the first time this year. I learned a great deal and also heard many things that got me thinking about burlesque and my place in it. In a panel discussion, Waxy Moon (a man) said something that pricked up my ears. Appreciating the joy he feels to have burlesque in his life, Waxy Moon gave a heartfelt thank-you to the burlesque community and said, "I feel so grateful to be a guest in this community of women."
When I heard that sentence my heart sank and for the rest of the day I couldn't help from asking myself this question over and over again: "Am I just a guest in this community?"
The remains of that day at BurlyCon were all the more interesting to me. As I walked the hotel halls, attended the seminars, and conversed at the parties, I noticed more than ever before that I was part of a minority. I was one of only a couple men in every class I attended. I don't know the numbers, but I would guess that BurlyCon was attended by about 95% women.
It's not surprising. But having worked in burlesque for four years now, I forgot that I am a minority in this business. I had become so accustomed to the company of women, and I have gratefully become so accepted by the women I work with, that I forget I am different. . . .
Dirty Dancing Burlesque Photos
- Published on Friday, 18 November 2011 05:33
- Category: Burlesque
Here are some of the best photos from the November 2011 Dirty Dancing Burlesque show! All photos are by Greg McKinnon.Thank you very much Greg for your awesome work!
{gallery}liveshowpics/dirty-dancing-2011{/gallery}Quotes about Dirty Dancing Burlesque
- Published on Friday, 18 November 2011 01:09
- Category: Burlesque
Burlesque Stage Sweeper Experience
- Published on Thursday, 17 November 2011 07:50
- Category: Burlesque
I have been working in burlesque for nearly four years now. I have played almost every role: musician, producer, burlesque performer... but I realized recently there was one job I still was yet to do: Stage Sweeper.
One cardinal rule of burlesque is this: Never pick up your own clothes. It's just not cool to come back on stage and pick up your own clothes after you spent so much sexy energy and choreography to tear them off so beautifully.
Sometimes known as “stage kitty,” it's the sweeper's job to pick up the stripped-off clothes of the burlesque artists after they exit the stage.
I volunteered to be the sweeper for the “Bra Talent Burlesque Show” at the Sin Bin last weekend for a few reasons: first because I produce shows and hire sweepers and since I hire them I want to know exactly what it is they do. But also, I love burlesque so much I want to experience every aspect of this art form that I can. Besides that, it was a lot of fun!
Twelve Lessons Learned
- Being a stage kitty is a lot like being a stage manager. It's not just your job to pick up afterwards, it's also your job to set the stage before each number. In the Bra Talent show, there were several numbers that required chairs. But not just any chair would suffice! Each performer required a very specific type of chair based on height, colour and style. I realized pretty quick I needed to take notes. There was no way I would be able to remember who wanted the white chair and who wanted the wooden chair without writing it down.
- Some burlesque numbers are quite simple. There's an advantage to this. With fewer props, there are fewer things that can go wrong.
- I am dyslexic and even though I have been performing on stage for more than a dozen years, the terms “stage right” and “stage left” still confuse my brain. To be certain I set the stage correctly, I checked with each performer just before they went on as they stood in the stage wing. I asked them to peek on stage and check the set up to make sure I got it right. It was worth it for the peace of mind. I would never want to be responsible for screwing up someone's number. Read More...
Dirty Dancing Burlesque in the Vancouver Courier
- Published on Thursday, 10 November 2011 08:44
- Category: Burlesque
The Vancouver Courier featured our show, "Dirty Dancing Burlesque" this week. The show has already sold out, but naturally we are grateful for the publicity anyhow.
This is the third show I have produced in 2011 under my own name, and it is also the third sell-out! I feel so fortunate for the response to these shows!
The Courier makes a small error in their write up. They say there are 12 burlesque performers. But actually it's 12 burlesque performanCES. Ah well! I have a degree in journalism and have worked in media. Time constraints means all kinds a stuff happens. And this mistake just makes it sound even better anyhow!
It's going to be an awesome show! I can't wait!
We are also immensely grateful for the photography from Reckless Photography. I have no doubt that the media has been so attracted to this show in part because of that amazing photo of April O'Peel and Lola Frost!