Making an Act~ Part 1

Recently a reader of mine said she was really interested in how I make an act up, from start to finish.  This process is so crazy and fun and creative, so I'm going to do a series on this topic as I get ready for a show in May.

Most of the shows I perform in are produced by my teacher Bombshell Betty. So what happens is.... she will put out a performer call with the theme for that month. I can sign up or not depending on if I like the theme, have the time and the money. Then it's a mad dash to figure out a character, costume concept, and song. These have to be submitted to her as quick as I can, since Betty has so many other performers submitting ideas at the same time. If I want a spot in the show, I pretty much have to submit an idea in a flash! Yes, this is a little frustrating since for me the song selection takes the longest and I want to put thought into what I want my act to be, but I think she is pretty willing to let a performer change things up a bit as the act grows.

For May 8th show the theme is great! Super hero's & villain's.  I HAD to be in this one. First question: do I want to be a super hero or a villain?  That was easy, who has more naughty fun? The villain of coarse! Second question; Who do I want to be? The first idea that came to me was Cat woman, but that to me was too obvious a character, one everyone would expect to see. The next idea was Poison Ivy. I imagined flowers and vines wrapped around my body, but then I realised my good friend Miss If-N-Whendy had already done an act similar & I didn't want to copy. Then, I had the shining moment idea. The "of coarse I have to be her" idea. The "I can't be anyone BUT her" idea.

Cruella de Vil !!

How perfect a villain is she? She is so naughty, and bosses around men, and her outfit is wonderful.  You have to hate her and love her.  Alright, character = done.

Next, the area that is the hardest for me and takes the longest, finding the right music.  I right way thought of the part of the movie where Rodger is playing a song on his piano about Cruella de Vil. I looked it up on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEc0woB3piM   a very cute and fun Disney song, but not one for burlesque. 

I just kept searching and found the perfect song on itunes, Cruella De Vil by Knightsbridge. It's fun, jazzy, and has a great beat for burlesque!

Last, I had to come up with a costume.  This is pretty easy as Cruella has a pretty famous costume.

I have to figure out how to make it all come off and what will be underneath, but more on that on another blog.

I sent every thing in hoping that it would be approved. And, it was! I'm so happy to be able to come up with my own rendition of such a famous villain!

Check in with me and see how this idea grows into a reality of a full on performance.

xoxo

Dangerous Delilah







Momma & Burlesque

 My mom came to visit me!! I knew just where to take her, to the fabulous show put on by none other than my mentor Bombshell Betty. Once in a blue moon, Betty puts on a show on Friday nights and this happened to coincide with my moms visit. So I just HAD to take her.

Now, my mom knows I am a burlesque dancer, but she doesn't reeally like to talk about it. I have shown her my beautiful and fun costumes, but once I start telling her how they come off, she is no longer interested.



I really wanted her to understand what I do and what burlesque really is. This show was perfect, I wasn't performing so she could just watch and be entertained! But, I was a little nervous, what if she didn't like it?!

We got all dressed up and went out to a super yummy french restaurant. Some good food, a little wine and we were off to the show. The Los Shimmy Shakers were opening that night with a few dancers of their own. And what was so awesome about that.....is not only was the music amazing, but three of my most favorite dancers were dancing for them!! Ms. Red Velvet, Ms. Tasty Temptress and Ms. If-N-Whendy! Oh how I love these lady's. I was so happy and my mom was having a great time. Then to my surprise Bombshell Betty came out and did a stunning, flowy number with the band! My mom loved her. One of the best parts of the night....Mr. Randy Johnson welcomed my mom from up on stage. She got a real kick out of that.

During the break I introduced a few of my burlesque friends to my mom. I showed her the burlesque poker cards I was in, she bought a pair of Randys famous pasties and we watched a few more acts. Since my sister had talked my mom into wearing super high heels, her feet started hurting, well.... all of ours were, and we headed out a bit early.

I asked her what she thought.....She............................liked it!! Whoot whoot! She talked about some of the performers she liked and said she had fun and that it was a bit like theater.  I know that if people learn what burlesque really is, they see that it's not a bad thing.                                                

Love you mom & thank you for being open minded!!

xoxo
Dangerous Delilah