Top 10 Tips for Middling Burlesque Babes

Dr. Lucky's Top 10 Tips for Middling Burlesque Babes

You have memorized Dr. Lucky's Top Ten Tips for Budding Burlesque Babes and have mastered the basics. You have subscribed to the Patron Saint of Glamour and understand that less = less and more = more. You've been performing for "awhile." You have acts, you get booked, you are a star. You may even have fans who post comments on your myspace about how great you were in a show. You have a card and a YouTube channel, even your own blog. If this sounds like YOU, then these tips are for YOU!

1) You still suck.
If you don't think you suck, you are in real trouble. Everybody sucks and if you don't realize this you will never get any better. Sucking is a permanent state of being. Sucking less is a goal we can all work towards and even accomplish. Think about it. Makes perfect sense now, doesn't it?

2) Don't be a diva.
Stop bitching about conditions and pay. I assure you that someone paved the way for you to even have this shitty gig in the backroom of some crappy bar with no dressing room. Divas don't get booked in burlesque and if they do, they often don't get booked again. Don't let your backstage antics be the reason others waiver about hiring you.

3) Develop a unique vocabulary.
Have a signature act or acts. Figure out the move or moves you love to do and work it/them. Have a style that's instantly recognizable. Since you have accomplished the Top 10 Tips for Budding Burlesque Babes, you've done your research. Now don't simply steal cute moves you see others do. Develop a style but your style.

4) Support your colleagues.
Watch your fellow performers perform. Don't be stuck in the fucking mirror for 2 and ½ hours while your colleagues are knocking themselves out on stage. You can learn a lot from watching other performers, regardless of your personal opinion of the performance. In fact, you can probably learn more from the act you didn't like than you can from the one you loved. Go to shows when you aren't performing. Support the scene.

5) Take classes.
Clowning, improv, dance, sewing, designing, art classes – continue to develop your craft and your creative spirit. Don't worry, there's a dream catcher that comes with this tip. But if you don't realize you suck (see #1), then you probably don't see the point of taking a class. Take a look at some of your favorite performers. I assure you they continue to develop their craft by, among other things, taking classes.

6) Fix that shitty costume.
A stapled line of slack fringe on a white bra? Come on! At least you've realized that your underwear is not a costume. But halfway to the finish line is still not a winning position, my friend. Being "busy" is absolutely not an excuse to look like a fucking train wreck. If you are that busy, prioritize and get rid of something in your life. Fix the zipper. Comb your damn wig. Run the seam through the sewing machine. If you don't know how to sew, then make friends with some fags who do know how.

7) Learn to say no.
Stop being a fucking diva (see #3) and realize that the show will go on without you. Don't take crappy gigs or work so much that you can't develop your acts (see #2 and #5 and #6) or support the scene and other performers (see #4). Practice with me. "No." Good. Now, one more time, "N-O-O!" Remember this is fun and if you are not having fun because you are running around, then you need to prioritize.

8) Don't bitch about other performers.
Stop complaining about the newbies. You were a newbie about a minute ago in burlesque time. I assure you this will happen to you. Guaranteed. Make sure you are looking in the mirror when it does. It's not a cute look. In general, try to keep unsolicited opinions to yourself. Of course everyone sucks next to your brilliance but remember there's something for everyone in burlesque. Someone loves that act you hate.

9) Professionalize.
Burlesque is an amateur art form which means simply that it doesn't take a lot of training, schooling, or frankly "skills" to get on the stage. However, to get to the top requires professionalization and a shit load of gumption. You can feign your lack of talent by developing a professional portfolio. Get professional photos taken. Get a reel and documentation of your signature acts. There are lots of free user-generated internet resources you should take advantage of. But eventually you need a website. Make business cards and flyers. Hand them out at shows. Keep your bio up to date. Have high res images ready to go. Treat your act like a business.

10) Go Global.
Pop that little bubble you live in and recognize there's a bog beautiful world out there. You may be the hottest shit in your little shitty town, but I assure you the majority of people in the world don't know who you are and frankly they don't care. It's your job to make them care. Go to national and international festivals. When you go out of town, try and get gigs. Use your networking skills to connect to other performers, producers, and venues. Once outside your bubble, you'll realize that there are bigger fish the world over. Take note of other's commitment to detail, both onstage and off.

And now, one more bonus tip for you Middling Burlesque Babes: Develop your ASSets without getting too COCKy. Your EGO will get in the way. Let your ID take over.

Resources from Dr. Lucky's Students

In the spirit of sharing resources to become a bigger better burlesque babe, students from Dr. Lucky’s Persona and Character Development class share resources for shopping and those “figures” that everyone should know:

Useful Resources:
Manhattan Wardrobe
On West 29th:http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/store/index.html

Trim Shop:
B & Q Trimmings, 210 W 38th St, by 7th Ave.
“Insane appliqués! Highly recommended!”

MJ Trimming
1008 6th Avenue

Metalifferous (metal works)
34 W. 46th, between 5th & 6th
http://www.metalliferous.com/

Mood Fabrics
225 W. 37th Street

Tic Tac Toe -- “Stripper Store”
161 W. 4th Street (near Avenue of the Americas)

Drag/Abstract Make-up Artist:
http://www.youtube.com/user/petrilude#p/u

Scopitone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT0voxIK4eg&feature=related

Solid Gold:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr6H241usvYhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMtMKGirULk

Must Know People (in no particular order):
Wau Wau Sisters
Kiki & Herb
Tempest Storm
Vampira
Neal Medlyn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzsbzec-heI&feature=related