So a few months backs, when I was seriously toying with the whole burlesque idea, I dragged my husband to the Jim Thorpe "Boolesque" show---Halloween themed burlesque acts. Campy, spooky, sexy ladies performing in an old Victorian town, in a vaudeville theater, on Halloween weekend. It was a good time to say the least.
I can't say for certain but I'm pretty sure that I was among the few attending not only for entertainment but for research purposes. I decided right then and there that my goal was to make it into the spring show. When I casually passed the idea on to my husband in the car that night---yeah, I think maybe I could do that. yeah, I think I'm gonna do that---I'm also pretty certain he didn't take me very seriously and yet here I am.
One of the featured acts that night was Miss Bianca DuPreé--a burlesque/pole artist out of Baltimore, MD. I knew what pole dancing was (or at least I thought) and I knew what burlesque dancing was (or at least I thought) but this was the first time I saw them combined. The resulting art I found reminiscent of the circus tight rope walker meets Vargas girl meets dance hall queen. Watching her felt like watching a circus performer or a magicians assistant. You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when there is potential for danger? Could she fall? Is she really dangling by one arm? You see the act unfold before your eyes and yet you're not sure of what you're seeing. A woman can seriously shimmy up a pole and suspend her body like a like a lotus hovering on the tension of a pond.
She danced, and teased, and tasseled as well! She removed clothing way up there on the pole! It was refreshing. Different. Not too heavy handed on the sport end--I've learned that pole sport/fitness is different from polesque, which is different from club dancing. Quite an education I'm getting. There are also apparent differences of opinion between the "sects", if you will, on the prowess/validity of each "sect" respectively. Don't me wrong though, I couldn't help but think as she reached out into space high above the audiences' head--that is a strong ass woman, those thighs could crush cinder blocks!
Shortly after "Boolesque" I found the strip tease class I wanted to take---which ended up becoming a private pole dancing class--not my original intention. Had I not seen Bianca perform I would not have been interested in learning to pole dance because I would have not made the connection between the two styles of performance. And if I hadn't seen it executed so well, I really wouldn't think they would work as a form unto itself. It does! And in my beginners opinion, those who feel that pole dancing does not have a place in burlesque have not had the opportunity to see is done well.
I get to go from spectator to performer/student--and I still consider myself very much a student. It's an amazing opportunity. I am so excited to learn. I am so excited to perform. I just don't know what else to say about it.
I will not be pole dancing in the spring show but Bianca DuPreé will be. She also has a blog. Check it out!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Jim Thorpe Burlesque, Sponsored by Dragontown Corsets
Jim Thorpe Burlesque, Sponsored by Dragontown Corsets
I am very proud to announce that Mrs. Bunny Bedford did indeed get accepted into the festival in both the showcase and competition performances!!!!! My hard work has paid off.
I'm tickled pink. Truly. It's better than Christmas. Not only do I have the opportunity to perform but the opportunity to LEARN. and share! and laugh!
I think I'm most excited to spend some time with other like-minded women who share a passion for this type of art and who are essentially their own businesses. I'm interested to know how they are balancing that with their personal lives and all the other things they do.
It will be nice to have some other living, breathing ladies around who are into it. I feel like my support system is so far from my reach most of the time. Believe it or not, burlesque dancing doesn't come up in conversation at playgroup very much. And costuming!! people who sew things with glitter and lace and stuff on it! yes!
off to practice, practice, practice. Thank you again so much my little devoted readership. I am so glad to share this experience with you.
I'll be in touch. I have to fill you in on what's been going on in potty land!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Mission Accomplished?
I would love to say that everything went off without a hitch but that would be less than truthful. I am referring, in fact, to my first public pole dancing performance which took place this past Thursday evening.
Tucked in, made up, stretched out, KFC snacker for fuel--oh yes, only the best in performance enhancing supplements for Bunny. Side note: KFC you are fucking cheap. Yes, I understand that my snacker was a mere $1.19 but when has a chicken nugget inside a dinner roll constituted a sandwich? Especially with competition like the McDouble (which Bunny consumed as a post pole dancing celebratory meal) coming in at a dollar or the Wendy's sour cream and chive baked potato for that matter. And one chicken nugget does not even count as an appetizer. Everyone knows that six is the minimum number of chicken nuggets that should be present at any one sitting--you think a four piece will do it only to kick yourself when you don't have the last two to finish off the little packets of sauce. Six chicken nuggets =snack one tampon-sized "snacker" = no more KFC for Bunny. Anyway....
There are six of us total to dance and only one other girl is a student like me. The youngest of us is 19 and the oldest is a very graceful, powerful, late forty something. I'm told to dance first (least experienced) which is fine with me, I would much rather go first. The ladies and I go about our business of stretching, dressing, primping and very friendly chit chat. Each is so kind and supportive--they really made it a lovely time for me. It has been my experience that it only takes one slightly catty female to ruin the entire vibe of a room. Women have an impeccable knack for dragging others into their bad day. Of many of the backstage experiences I have had, this one was so chill and so comfortable-- for lack of a more exciting word.
So it's time to dance. The crowd is a little thin--well, to be accurate a lot thin. Apparently there was a concert at a bigger local venue that sucked up much of our crowd. An audience is an audience and being that this is a benefit for a local non-profit everyone wants the show to go well. I get up there, I'm ready...music..and skip in the cd...music stops...music starts...skips ...music stops...music starts...skips--you get the idea. As the DJ frantically and unsuccessfully keeps trying to load and play the fucked up cd (not one I provided, mind you). Note to self: make sure you bring an extra copy of your music next time to help out a frazzled DJ. People are giving me the same look as when they're watching the dryer cycle at the laundromat so I decide to take a seat until it's sorted out.
I plop down in the chair next to my husband who's giving me a look that says where's the hidden camera? "Of all the things that could have gone wrong," I said a little deflated "this is not what I anticipated." Resting my chin on my hand I looked up to a young photographer with a giant camera asking for a picture. I obliged. Why not? She handed me a business card from a local weekend publication and disappeared. If I find the picture on line I will be sure to post it . I am curious to see my expression..and ya know, if my cleavage looked good.
After a few desperate minutes of confusion, Maria (my teacher and host of the event) pops up to the DJ stand with her laptop and the evening commences. I danced well--considering by the time I got through the actual dance everyone had already had enough of hearing my song! I didn't mess up. I felt good. I completed my mission--to pole dance in public. Can I ask for more than that? Probably not.
The rest of the dancers were absolutely amazing. Their skill, flexibility, strength and confidence has inspired me to go further with my pole dancing for sure. It was beautiful to watch. It may not have been a cabaret in New York or a competition in Philly but it was a cool experience. There were a couple of young ladies in the audience who gave me a little nod after I finished dancing. At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think. I wasn't wearing my glasses and thought maybe they knew me and I didn't recognize them. When their names were drawn as winners of a free pole class (they apparently put all their drawing tickets in that bag) I realized they were enthusiastic newbies such as myself and I interpreted their silent kudos as the if you can do it, I can do it nod of approval. That was just as rewarding as not falling on my ass! Maybe more so.
I don't quite understand why this art form is not more mainstream. If you like gymnastics or figure skating or ballet you will love this. Trust me. Whatever notions that are floating around in America's collective mind on this topic are wrong. Feminist is not a word I've ever used to describe myself but I do feel I'm an intelligent, forward thinking, pro woman type of gal. In all honesty, I'm really fucking sick and tired of other women making derogatory comments or thinly veiled judgments about exotic dancing in all or any of its forms--especially in the name of "feminism". In my opinion, exotic dance showcases the beauty and power of the female body. The dancer is in control of what is revealed and how the body is used and is also being paid accordingly. How is this exploitive? Is this really negatively effecting womankind?
Women are knowingly or unknowingly objectified throughout their lives--that is not going change at least not at it's most basic human level. It's just not. So why not take charge of it and make something beautiful and provocative? Are male body builders being exploited or objectified? No one is boo hooing them.
I wonder how much of this negative sentiment is truly about the objectification of women and how much of it really has to do with our society's fear of our own bodies.
These were just the thoughts running through my head as I blasted back my McDouble on the car ride home.
Anyway, I had a great time. Now as far as the burlesque festival--I will find out about that Tuesday, I believe. Little Bunny is not feeling very positive about that one. I really want to do it. It would be a wonderful opportunity but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they passed me up. At least for the time being. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Tucked in, made up, stretched out, KFC snacker for fuel--oh yes, only the best in performance enhancing supplements for Bunny. Side note: KFC you are fucking cheap. Yes, I understand that my snacker was a mere $1.19 but when has a chicken nugget inside a dinner roll constituted a sandwich? Especially with competition like the McDouble (which Bunny consumed as a post pole dancing celebratory meal) coming in at a dollar or the Wendy's sour cream and chive baked potato for that matter. And one chicken nugget does not even count as an appetizer. Everyone knows that six is the minimum number of chicken nuggets that should be present at any one sitting--you think a four piece will do it only to kick yourself when you don't have the last two to finish off the little packets of sauce. Six chicken nuggets =snack one tampon-sized "snacker" = no more KFC for Bunny. Anyway....
There are six of us total to dance and only one other girl is a student like me. The youngest of us is 19 and the oldest is a very graceful, powerful, late forty something. I'm told to dance first (least experienced) which is fine with me, I would much rather go first. The ladies and I go about our business of stretching, dressing, primping and very friendly chit chat. Each is so kind and supportive--they really made it a lovely time for me. It has been my experience that it only takes one slightly catty female to ruin the entire vibe of a room. Women have an impeccable knack for dragging others into their bad day. Of many of the backstage experiences I have had, this one was so chill and so comfortable-- for lack of a more exciting word.
So it's time to dance. The crowd is a little thin--well, to be accurate a lot thin. Apparently there was a concert at a bigger local venue that sucked up much of our crowd. An audience is an audience and being that this is a benefit for a local non-profit everyone wants the show to go well. I get up there, I'm ready...music..and skip in the cd...music stops...music starts...skips ...music stops...music starts...skips--you get the idea. As the DJ frantically and unsuccessfully keeps trying to load and play the fucked up cd (not one I provided, mind you). Note to self: make sure you bring an extra copy of your music next time to help out a frazzled DJ. People are giving me the same look as when they're watching the dryer cycle at the laundromat so I decide to take a seat until it's sorted out.
I plop down in the chair next to my husband who's giving me a look that says where's the hidden camera? "Of all the things that could have gone wrong," I said a little deflated "this is not what I anticipated." Resting my chin on my hand I looked up to a young photographer with a giant camera asking for a picture. I obliged. Why not? She handed me a business card from a local weekend publication and disappeared. If I find the picture on line I will be sure to post it . I am curious to see my expression..and ya know, if my cleavage looked good.
After a few desperate minutes of confusion, Maria (my teacher and host of the event) pops up to the DJ stand with her laptop and the evening commences. I danced well--considering by the time I got through the actual dance everyone had already had enough of hearing my song! I didn't mess up. I felt good. I completed my mission--to pole dance in public. Can I ask for more than that? Probably not.
The rest of the dancers were absolutely amazing. Their skill, flexibility, strength and confidence has inspired me to go further with my pole dancing for sure. It was beautiful to watch. It may not have been a cabaret in New York or a competition in Philly but it was a cool experience. There were a couple of young ladies in the audience who gave me a little nod after I finished dancing. At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think. I wasn't wearing my glasses and thought maybe they knew me and I didn't recognize them. When their names were drawn as winners of a free pole class (they apparently put all their drawing tickets in that bag) I realized they were enthusiastic newbies such as myself and I interpreted their silent kudos as the if you can do it, I can do it nod of approval. That was just as rewarding as not falling on my ass! Maybe more so.
I don't quite understand why this art form is not more mainstream. If you like gymnastics or figure skating or ballet you will love this. Trust me. Whatever notions that are floating around in America's collective mind on this topic are wrong. Feminist is not a word I've ever used to describe myself but I do feel I'm an intelligent, forward thinking, pro woman type of gal. In all honesty, I'm really fucking sick and tired of other women making derogatory comments or thinly veiled judgments about exotic dancing in all or any of its forms--especially in the name of "feminism". In my opinion, exotic dance showcases the beauty and power of the female body. The dancer is in control of what is revealed and how the body is used and is also being paid accordingly. How is this exploitive? Is this really negatively effecting womankind?
Women are knowingly or unknowingly objectified throughout their lives--that is not going change at least not at it's most basic human level. It's just not. So why not take charge of it and make something beautiful and provocative? Are male body builders being exploited or objectified? No one is boo hooing them.
I wonder how much of this negative sentiment is truly about the objectification of women and how much of it really has to do with our society's fear of our own bodies.
These were just the thoughts running through my head as I blasted back my McDouble on the car ride home.
Anyway, I had a great time. Now as far as the burlesque festival--I will find out about that Tuesday, I believe. Little Bunny is not feeling very positive about that one. I really want to do it. It would be a wonderful opportunity but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they passed me up. At least for the time being. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tonight is the Night!!!!!!
Once again I have to apologize for not writing more frequently over the last couple of weeks, thanks for understanding.
I just finished practicing my pole dance for tonight's showcase/fundraiser. Of course, it was a disaster. A common mistake of being over rehearsed and trying to throw in new stuff which just results in chaos. I have also been having a mental block on one of my spins that starts from the left, after a couple of times I get it but there isn't going to be any "do overs" this evening.
And then there's the whole schmuck factor of me trying to look and act like I know what I'm doing in an environment I've never been a part of before. Mr. Bunny Bedford is coming along for support and a night out. Some night out. He is a brave man but I know he is very nervous for me. What if I fall? What if I get laughed at? What if one of his friends from high school randomly shows up and then posts unflattering pictures of me on facebook, what if, what if, what if. I can't blame him. I have the same concerns but my excitement and hard work is winning over.
My three year old has been having fun learning to slide down Mommy's fireman pole. Oh, boy. After pole dancing my next conquest is potty training. So if anyone out there has any brilliant suggestions, I'm all bunny ears.
Anyway, I'm off to pick an outfit--what does one wear to such a function (other than my costume, of course)?And I've been holding off on shaving my legs--that'll take a while, then I have to find my craft adhesive so I can spray my boobs into the top of my costume before we leave the house--I want to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions, figure out what chicken nugget combo to serve for dinner tonight and the obligatory vacuuming and laundry duty.
It has the makings of a very full day. Wish me luck! Send me good vibes! I will report back to you soon.
I just finished practicing my pole dance for tonight's showcase/fundraiser. Of course, it was a disaster. A common mistake of being over rehearsed and trying to throw in new stuff which just results in chaos. I have also been having a mental block on one of my spins that starts from the left, after a couple of times I get it but there isn't going to be any "do overs" this evening.
And then there's the whole schmuck factor of me trying to look and act like I know what I'm doing in an environment I've never been a part of before. Mr. Bunny Bedford is coming along for support and a night out. Some night out. He is a brave man but I know he is very nervous for me. What if I fall? What if I get laughed at? What if one of his friends from high school randomly shows up and then posts unflattering pictures of me on facebook, what if, what if, what if. I can't blame him. I have the same concerns but my excitement and hard work is winning over.
My three year old has been having fun learning to slide down Mommy's fireman pole. Oh, boy. After pole dancing my next conquest is potty training. So if anyone out there has any brilliant suggestions, I'm all bunny ears.
Anyway, I'm off to pick an outfit--what does one wear to such a function (other than my costume, of course)?And I've been holding off on shaving my legs--that'll take a while, then I have to find my craft adhesive so I can spray my boobs into the top of my costume before we leave the house--I want to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions, figure out what chicken nugget combo to serve for dinner tonight and the obligatory vacuuming and laundry duty.
It has the makings of a very full day. Wish me luck! Send me good vibes! I will report back to you soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
