Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do?

Lipstick and Curls is a company specializing in vintage beauty and hair styling. It includes a large team of professionals with a vast amount of experience in hair and make up styling, but with a passion for beauty from a bygone era.  The company was established in January 2009 and now in it’s forth year continues to offer premier Vintage Styling to a wide audience.  Specializing in hair and make-up from the 1920s – 1980s we can transform you into a jazz era flapper girl, a starlet from Hollywood’s golden age, a rock n roll pin-up or a 60s sex kitten!  With the busy lives we lead, pampering time isn’t what it used to be, but Lipstick & Curls, with their skills, historical knowledge and love of the eras are determined to bring good old fashioned glamour back to the fore. Whether you are looking for a glamorous Betty Grable up do, a subtle Veronica Lake wave, an attention seeking beehive or just a vintage makeover to compliment your current style, the Lipstick & Curls girls are there to help!

How did Lipstick and Curls come about?

I moved to London when I was 18 and did a 3-year course in fashion and media hair and make up at London College of fashion and with the skills I acquired here I plunged straight into the industry. I have worked in fashion and media for 12 years prior to establishing Lipstick and Curls. I am very interested in film and often research back though the archives to find inspiration for my work. With a love of all things vintage I enjoy the London Vintage scene and became more aware of the need for vintage glamor in our modern day lives, the company has just grown organically.  I now specialize in Vintage Styling and continue to work in fashion and media. It is great to have a focus and research back through the decades. I unearth something new every day!

How has the company grown and developed since you started?

We have been very lucky as a business. In the first instance I wasn’t sure there was a market out there for what I did and loved so it was initially just a bit of fun and a side project to my freelance career. We had only been trading for 3 months when the Metro and various other publications took a huge interest in us and, to be honest, ever since we have had a fantastic relationship with the press. It wasn’t long before I decided to give all of my working time to Lipstick and Curls. We continue to try new projects and are always working with new people to develop the brand. It was only last year we had a pop up in Topshop Oxford Circus, this was a lot of hard work but took the company in a new direction. We now have a larger team than ever and are constantly tweaking the company’s image to keep it current and fresh.

Do you have any advice for anyone wishing to start his or her own company?

I think with any new business you have got to be prepared to give a lot of time and hard work into making it a success. When the company is a success you then have to work hard at maintaining that success. I think as a business you need to constantly be looking for new ways to develop the business and be aware of changes around you. The company profile is very important to us and we work very hard to maintain the status we have achieved within the vintage market place.

Before

After!

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Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline at the moment?

Yes we have lots of exciting things in the pipeline for the future. I have been working with channel 4 on a new documentary that will be aired at the beginning of May. I continue to write various features for magazines and I am very excited about the new Lipstick and Curls blog, I look forward to sharing lots of tips and tricks of my profession and using this as a platform to write about all the things I love.  We plan to continue doing great fashion shoots and are always collaborating with new and great artists within the business.

What is the thing you are most proud of from your time with Lipstick and Curls?

There are so many things that have made me proud, we have worked on a few books, which has been great. Our Topshop venture was a great experience too. We organized a team of 15 girls to work at the first Vintage  festival, which was so lovely seeing all our girls together in their uniforms, I think we spent the whole day having our picture taken and talking to press, we very rarely all get together and we were really well received! I was very proud of an article we did for The Sunday Times, it was a large fashion shoot that I did, I also did the writing and took part in the filming to support the article. I worked so hard on this and was really pleased when it made the front cover.

Is there anything that, as a business woman, you would do differently if you had the chance to do it all again?

No, I am a great believer in learning from your mistakes and I have, of course, made a few. I think you have to try things to see if they work and sometimes your time and money is wasted but it is always a learning experience and strengthens the business.

A gorgeous up do!

What are your plans for the future of the company?

We have a new logo and a new image and a great new website. We have lots of exciting things that will take us into different areas that we haven’t yet tried. I hope to continue spreading the word of our fabulous company and opening doors in other cities across the UK. We are expanding our team and expanding our services. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work within a field I am so passionate about and I plan to maintain it’s growing success.

The Australian Burlesque Festival is only in its third year but founders and producers Rosy Rabbit and Dolores Daiquiri have well and truly put its name on the international map with headliners such as Anna Fur Laxis, Lou Lou D’Vil, Peekaboo Pointe and Coco Framboise, as well as home grown talent in the form of Imogen Kelly, TASIA, Vesper White and Danica Lee.  The event, this year 7^th – 24^th June, is unlike other burlesque festivals as Rosy Rabbit explained – “The festival is somewhat of a monster child, in the best possible way! It just grows and grows and is really blossoming into something beautiful and unique. Our format is very different to other countries as we take our headliners on the road and spend the entire month of June teasing far and wide, and each year we have added more shows and destinations to the line up.”  The festival was the brain child of Rosy and Dolores who, having seen the success of other festivals overseas, wanted to replicate that on home turf.  The aim of the festival was to create an event that was run by performers, for performers and encouraged international guests to appear a little closer to home.  Back in 2009 the festival was also run by Melbourne based showgirl, Sapphira, and Burlesque King Chaz Royal, but nowadays Rosy and Dolores run the show with the able assistance of stage manager, Poppy Cherry.

Rosy Rabbit - Photograph by Angela McConnell

Whilst producing the festival is no mean feat, it not too great a challenge for the dynamic duo, who have well over 15 years performance experience between them.  Dolores told us how she came to discover burlesque, over ten years ago.  “My love of vintage led me to discover the burlesque revival in Los Angeles while I was there some years ago. I came back so enthusiastic about the art-form that I co-founded Australia’s first burlesque troupe in early 2001. We produced and performed in a myriad of successful shows in that time. I decided to go solo in 2009 for a number of reasons but mainly so I could concentrate on individual acts and producing. I have never been happier and love the fact that I am considered a pioneer in the burlesque revival in Australia.”  The touring festival includes events in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart and there is not just the shows themselves to enjoy, there will also be a series of workshops to participate in, which, as Rosy told us, will include  “everything from classic bump n grind to the fine art of assels! (twirling tassels on your bottom!)  There will of course be some classes that are for established performers wishing to hone their skills, but also some fabulous fun introduction workshops for those wanting their first taste of tease!”

The festival will kick off in Melbourne on 7^th June with the Baby Bombshells contest for newcomers to burlesque and the festivities will continue that week with Empress Erotique on 8^th, The Big Tease on 9^th and Nouvelle Royale on 10^th.  The various events promise to showcase a variety of styles but Dolores promises they will have something for everyone.  “Burlesque is evolving all the time in Australia and at present there is a swing towards narration, theatrics and comedy in burlesque acts. Classic striptease is still very popular and there a few really talented burly girls who are setting the bar and are extremely popular.”  2012 also sees the inaugural Australian Burlesque Community awards, ‘The Busties,’ as the final event on the festival calendar and the ladies are very excited to celebrate some of the hardworking ambassadors for their art.  Nominations are open now.

Dolores Daiquiri - Photograph by Angela McConnell

The pair are absolutely delighted with this year’s line-up, and promise that in 2012 the festival will be “bigger, brighter and thrilling to the core,” but they do have a secret wish list of performers they hope to one day headline and top of that list is none other than Burlesque Bible cover star Dirty Martini!  Looking to the future the ladies hope that the festival will continue to go from strength to strength and that Australian audiences will continue to embrace what they do.  They also have other, perhaps more surprising goals for the future of the event, as Rosy Rabbit elaborated – “as well as being the event of the year that audiences Australia-wide eagerly anticipate, it is also so important to me that we continue to foster a supportive community and provide opportunities to the incredibly devoted and talented artists we have here. I would love in the future to be able to provide funding for community projects and scholarships for deserving artists.”  We sincerely hope that the ladies are able to realise those admirable dreams in years to come and what better way to support them to do that than to enjoy some good old bump n grind?  If you are in Australia get your tickets now because the Australian Burlesque Festival is coming soon!

TASIA - Photograph by Angela McConnell

Imogen Kelly - Photograph by Angela McConnell

Rachel St James - Photograph by LA Franchi

For more info on the festival, and tickets, visit the website

Miss Burlesque Australia 2011 – Sina King

Can you tell us about your experience in burlesque before you applied to Miss Burlesque Australia?

My experience and knowledge of the world of burlesque was very limited, I had watched the film ‘Gypsy‘ as a young child and always wanted to try the career ‘when I grew up,’ however, before the competition I was yet to perform in the burlesque forum. Unconsciously, I had been preparing for this career from the day I saw the ‘Gypsy‘ film.  With my passion for dancing, acting, singing, modeling, and the world of sensuality, later coupled with a keen interest in business and marketing, writing, and fashion design, I had acquired the very skills I needed to take on the Miss Burlesque challenge.

What made you apply?

Paul Cush Photography

I am a very impatient person and I figured the best way to launch a new career is to start with as much exposure and credibility as possible. Winning a recognized title in any industry immediately makes people aware that you have certain abilities, and that’s what I wanted.

The night you were crowned Miss Burlesque Australia must have been crazy.  After all that hard work and anticipation what was it like to actually win?

Absolutely, it was surreal, all of those long months of focus and determination had paid off, and I’d achieved something so many people could have thought to be impossible. It is still one of my favorite moments in my life.

What has the past year been for you?   Has it totally changed your life? 

Winning has most definitely changed my life and made me a stronger person, not only because of the outcome but the process of preparation requiring master levels of mental focus, self-belief, organization, and an ability to remain positive and handle pressure. As with many niche competitions, the winner is awarded a one-off monetary or material prize, yet the ongoing support is up to the individual. Basically, you’re on your own. Since winning, my self-guided journey has exposed me to new opportunities and many more lessons.

How does it feel now that you are passing the crown over to someone else?

It feels great to understand what enormous effort the new winner would have put in, and to welcome another to our growing collection of winners. I am sure they will only add to the respect the title already has.

What is the key advice you would like to give to the winner?

The world is your stage… make the most of it.

Who is your burlesque role model and why?

I admire the artists that exercise their pure creativity and create art and entertainment that is uniquely their own, and more so when they have achieved their goals whilst maintaining this level of artistry and integrity.

What are your plans for the coming year and the future in general?

For the remainder of 2012 I plan to continue travelling, collaborating, and creating. I feel there are many more opportunities yet to be realized and I’m working on a new project to facilitate as many as possible as fast as possible; did I mention I was impatient?! I also want to build a team of passionate and like-minded people and my new website, launching in May, will make this a reality. If you’re inclined to be awesome, please be sure to check it out at www.MissSinaKing.com

Paul Cush Photography

Miss Burlesque Australia 2012 - Briana Bluebell

Rod Capon Photography

Tell us about your experience in burlesque before you applied to Miss Burlesque Australia?

When I first applied in 2010 I was relatively new to the scene having only a year’s experience.  Even though I had previous dancing experience I was yet to discover what contributed to a well executed burlesque performance.  It was a real turning point for me when I entered for the first time. I learnt so much more about my fellow performers, styles of burlesque and the community in general.

What made you apply?

A lot of girls in the industry were reluctant to apply because they didn’t want to see what they love become a competition.  I had a different view in that everything in life is a competition so why not make the most of the opportunity? I had nothing to lose at the time and I saw it as a business venture.  A way of putting myself out there and saying ‘Hey look what I can do!’  We received a lot of PR and it was quite fun being involved.

The night you were crowned Miss Burlesque Australia must have been crazy.  After all that hard work and anticipation what was it like to actually win?

Actually my ‘emotional moment’ when I knew it was mine was side of stage and I had been the only one who hadn’t been called out.  It was so special standing there with one of the producers holding my hand and the whole crowd waiting for the annoucement.  Tears welled in my eyes because this was the moment I had entered for in the first place.  It was mine and I had well and truly earned it this year.  I really wanted it.  I went for it and I got it.

What is your signature style and what act won you the title?

I have slowly come to learn what my style is and what suits me.  I think I’m definitely better-known for my more classic/glamorous style but I’m not limited to that.  I follow my heart and create acts from ideas and concepts that inspire me.  Themes like religion and materialism have affected me during my life so I have, and will continue to, produce acts that express my feelings on those issues which will result in either a comical or controversial style act which is more contemporary.  I believe it was my Classic routine that won me the title even though my Unique routine was strong as well.  I think the Classic set the standard for the judges.  I came out onstage with such confidence and knew I had nailed it before the first thirty seconds were over.  I had rehearsed it over and over.  Not to mention the costume I had created and the blue colour which,  I am told, was so beautiful under the lights.

Photograph by Rod Capon

Who is your burlesque role model and why?

I always find this a hard question to answer because I don’t really aspire to anyone.  I am inspired by so many different things but if we are going to talk about who I respect and look up to in the industry for their integrity, diplomacy, ambition and particularly their open-mindedness it would have to be Dolores Daiquiri.  She has shown such authority and example, from being one of the producers for the Australia Burlesque Festival, to monitoring social media groups when things can get out of hand!  I really respect her because from what I’ve seen she doesn’t let her personal feelings get in the way.  She is objective and professional and someone I aspire to be like.

What are your hopes and ambitions for the coming year?

I am hugely ambitious so the sky is the limit for me.  I will work really hard to utilise my title and set a high standard of example for other performers.  I’m contacting close friends in the industry to ask them what they expect of Miss Burlesque Australia 2012.  Ultimately I would like to travel and do some international tours, probably in the UK!  My first International appearance will be at the Movers, Shakers and Innovators showcase at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas on the 31st May! I can’t wait! I feel so honoured that I can carry this title and represent my country.  I hope I will make our community proud.

For more on Briana visit her website

I find writing beginnings always a faltering, key-and-screen bound process.  If I am to expose some my experiences and thoughts on burlesque to you, we do this in the club.

Emcee – Ladies and Gentlemen, BRITish HEart!

(Lights, music, The Goons’ Unchained Melody begins, I enter, wobbling and dancing, mugging and swearing, bright costume, I hold up a sign saying, BRITish HEart, it explodes, I sit on you, rub your head, take a mic and begin.)  Hello, look at you reading me like a book, and I know you are, so how are you all, sitting there, are you constable?  Good, then I shall begin, again.  (Voice over; Goons plays in background)

In 2006, Chris Davey was pissed off (Pulls angry face), he was working as a director (stand with sign saying whore) at the Edinburgh Fringe, he was tired; repetitions of fashionable visual performance were drying him out (Cough, vomit up condom).   So a friend and I plodded down to C Venue’s bar (condom on head, blow up) and we stumbled into Dusty Limits’ Carousel Cabaret (Pop confetti cannon from crotch).  In comparison to the technique and form heavy performance art I had been working in (robot dance), this was freedom (Present large needle). Every single body seemed to have a licence to let it rip (Touch condom), and in this space every normative was being trashed (I lean close to you) in an exhausting, and constant mind boggling way (Pop condom). I wanted in.  I noticed a competition, The Male Tournament of Tease.  Sadly (show sad face, follow with angry, robot dance, wink, smile, moon walk, etc. repeat to end of section)  I had missed the date by one week, so I prepared for the second year; I entered and was one of the winners.  The HEart was born (Spread legs give with to a HEart). Simultaneously I began a PhD (stupid idea) on boylesque striptease.

(The theme tune to Alien begins, I address you directly) My journey in burlesque has been one of me being drawn to performers who disturb subjects in punk ways, Rose Wood (Pull out veg. Soup, Julie Atlas Muz, Mat Fraser (Pull out cucumber), Abigail Collins (Pull out a bag of marshmallows) and many others (Throw rubbish),  I am not drawn to the aesthetics these performers present (Deep throat cucumber), or the way these performers move (Repeat), instead these performers claim my attention by the ways they put themselves and the spectators at risk (Drink veg soup).  I love the way they trash subjects (Vomit) mock seriousness (Throw marshmallows on vomit) and mock what performance is (Set marshmallows of fire).

British Heart by Steve Davey

(Voice over continues with me speaking over) As part of my ongoing testing and experimenting with what (“I’m sorry I’m covered in vomit I need a wash” exit stage) I can get away with I wanted to do an act in which I actively denied performing burlesque, (Enter with soap buckets, exit) or the erotic, whilst accidentally and knowingly doing this.  (Enter with sponges, go to wash self, smell body; gag) And I love knowing what makes me shit myself (Turn to specs, “Sorry, I can’t, I need, I need help.” Gag. Enter spectators space “God I smell so bad”). Taking risks physically stimulates me on every corporeal level (Hand out sponges, remove jacket). So when Chaz re-erected his festival as the World Burlesque Games I decided to use this as a chance to experiment with these ideas about messing with burlesque and testing my own limits (Remove shirt; gag).  Right now, I am at home lounging out on my glitter-speckled carpet, NAKED, writing how I can burlesque a burlesque act (Remove trousers) in a burlesque event, by burlesquing (Remove shoes, socks, tease, play; gag).  I’m asking myself questions such as (Remove underwear; naked) ‘Will pole dance fit?’ (Hand out sponges)  ‘Should it be a clown or gypsy?’ (Hand out buckets of soap “Wash ME!”) ‘What part of burlesque do I want to screw?’ (“WASH ME!”) and ‘What would the audience never want?’ (Specs wash me)

(I don’t give a . . by Peaches starts, whilst being sponged, I speak) Thinking about my own practice, HARDER I have been exposed to and subsequently informed by the best and most extreme burlesquers worldwide, WASH ME HARDER, I hope I never stop testing my limits in the live space of what I define as burlesque, MY BUM.  A word to all other burlesquers about the future of burlesque, WASH MY BUM, my own passage into burlesque has irreversibly stretched me, and I will continue.  Enjoy, MY BUM, your own passage, and enjoy the stretching.   STOP!  SOMEBODY JUST ENTERED ME.  (Music repeat track 1.)  THAT’S IT, THAT’S THE END; I’M NOT HAVING YOU PERVERTS PROBE ME ANY FURTHER. (Exit swearing and throwing sponges at spectators)

For more on British Heart visit his website

For more on World Burlesque Games click here

]]> http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?feed=rss2&p=1988 0 http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?p=1971 http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?p=1971#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:37:27 +0000 joanne.taylor http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?p=1971 A graduate from the award winning London based burlesque school The Cheek of It in just 2010, Shirley Windmill burst onto the scene when she won Best Variety Newcomer at London Burlesque Week last year and with her cheeky smile and considerable charm she has been proving why ever since. 

I trained and worked as an actor before discovering burlesque. I was at a hen party and Lady Cheek from the Cheek of It was running it. I had so much fun that I looked up the course she mentioned and signed up straight away. I absolutely loved it and created ‘Daisy and Doris,’ which was a cheesecake duo, straight after the beginner’s course. I then went on to the advanced course and created the character of Shirley Windmill.  I had always loved British Music Hall from an early age and wanted my first solo act to reflect this. The advanced course was great as it pushed you to show something every week and so you were constantly working on it and getting feedback.  I think it was the freedom to create which drew me to burlesque. The chance to have fun for five minutes and it not be too serious was really appealing. Coming from an acting background there are lots of Nos but there seemed to lots of Yeses in burlesque.

When I first started out I did lots of different nights, which was great as I saw lots of styles and found where I fitted in. What I love about the scene is there are so many takes on what burlesque is so it can be a real mixed bag on any night.  I found I fitted in more with the variety scene which has some great nights like The Blue Stockings Society and Kinky and Quirky to name a few.

I have a few icons in the burlesque world. Kiki Kaboom is awesome. I first saw her when she won best newcomer way back when and she just blows me away every time.  Ginger Blush and Audacity Chutzpah are way up there on my list of favourites for their comedy genius. Their acts are like mini stories and I love the characters they come up with.

I applied to the World Burlesque Games as I won best variety newcomer last year and had a great time. We had 3 heats so by the final all the performers were good friends and backstage the atmosphere was great. Winning that title gave me a lot more confidence and has helped with getting me more work so I really wanted to be involved in the festival that gave me so much.

Photograph by Andy Whale

This year my act is again inspired by Music Hall; I have had someone record the music, and had singing lessons, to prepare.  I also had a striptease session with the fabulous Hotcake Kitty, to sharpen the skills and hours of sewing too! I like to create characters for my acts so I research the era and create a back story for them. The audience can’t tell this but I like to know so I feel more like the character. I’ll know everything from their father’s name to favourite ice cream. I like to think every act is a story, whether it’s a classic fan dance or a cheesecake act, the narrative is the key.

The burlesque scene is forever changing and it’s hard to say where I see it going. For me, I have developed Shirley Windmill into a full length play which was on at the Dugdale Theatre in March so for the next few months I will be concentrating on where that will go. There is also a Morris dancing act with Ginger Blush and Audacity Chutzpah that we have just created so we are flogging that to anyone that will have us!

Having made some great friends in the business I know that it’s getting tougher out there in regards to pay etc but some of the most exciting things I have seen have been in the last few months so I hope burlesque will keep on evolving and leaving us wondering what next… ? I think that’s the beauty of it.

For more on Shirley Windmill visit her website

Tomorrow will be the last part of our World Burlesque Games Special!  Will you be attending?

]]> http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?feed=rss2&p=1971 0 http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?p=1973 http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?p=1973#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:36:50 +0000 joanne.taylor http://www.burlesquebiblemag.com/?p=1973 Since Tabitha Taboo purred her way into first place and won Best New Striptease at last year’s London Burlesque Week this pretty little kitty hasn’t looked back. 

When asked about my first experience of Burlesque I immediately think back to January 2010. My New Year’s resolution was to get back into something creative after having completed a National Diploma in Performing Arts a few years earlier, with unfulfilled intentions of progressing to drama school; mostly due to the fear of becoming an unemployed actress.

I took my very first Burlesque class, taught by the fabulous Lady Cheek, with the desire to find a new hobby, a creative outlet that I could enjoy from time to time; but after that first class I came away knowing that this was going to be something much more than that.  I felt like I’d found the missing jigsaw piece, and I think that’s because in actual fact I’d already experienced Burlesque before I even knew what to call it.  As a theatrical performer I’d always been drawn to the provocative or playful roles, with elements I now recognise as Burlesque in style, and it became clear that this was very much a part of my natural persona. I soon came to realise that I could make the most of those characteristics, and flourish through the art of the tease.

After completing Lady Cheek’s ‘Spotlight Advanced’ burlesque course, my first ever solo performance took place at Madame JoJo’s and it has since become one of my favourite venues at which to perform.  I’m still surprised at how much I’ve managed to achieve in such a short space of time and I believe that’s partly due to my success at last year’s London Burlesque Week. Winning the ‘Best New Striptease’ title at the Newcomer’s Contest was such an honour and really boosted my career; from the exposure I received during the festival, I went on to perform in Barcelona and in Zurich – the latter being a huge highlight for me!

Over the past year I’ve performed at numerous London venues and, I’m delighted to say, have even had the pleasure of performing several dates with An Evening of Burlesque on their UK tour.  There are so many names on the scene right now that offer great inspiration that it’s sometimes difficult to narrow it down to the most impressive acts, but a couple of my favourite performers at the moment are Anna Fur Laxis and Emma Mylan.  Anna is so creative and dazzling with her performances and I think she really sets the standard when it comes to putting on a spectacular show, a true Burlesque icon in my opinion. Emma Mylan produces and performs in a fantastic show in Zurich called Ooh La La Cherie and not only is she an amazing hostess but she exudes elegance and a charm both on and off stage that few could fail to be enchanted by! I admire this natural quality greatly.

Photograph by Martin Hobby

At present, I’m working on my next act, which will debut at this year’s World Burlesque Games. I heard through the grapevine that, after winning last year’s contest, I would probably be asked to perform this year but I didn’t want to rest on my laurels so I sent through an application anyway and was delighted to be announced as a guest performer at the VIP Opening Ceremonies.

Having already started the process of thinking up my next act before the applications had even begun; I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to debut.  This time, I’m going for a retro comedy horror feel, with inspiration taken from movies such as Carry On Screaming and Roman Polanski’s The Fearless Vampire Killers.  I adore the slapstick style of their horror, and hope to emulate that in my new act. I’ve chosen a track from the Ghost World movie soundtrack which happens to be completely unrelated to my chosen genre, yet I love the track and felt it to be appropriate and fairly original – although to my horror (no pun intended!), a brand which shall remain unnamed has just this month released their advertising campaign using the exact same track! But such is life, you must carry on and have faith in your creative direction, and so the show must go on!

Next on my agenda is getting out there and exploring the international scene some more, travelling and taking my acts to new countries really thrills me.  Who knows what the future holds, I can only hope that I’ll remain lucky enough to keep performing and living my dream. That said, luck alone is not enough, and I intend to work hard to maintain my creativity and keep producing work that I’m proud of. The people I’ve met along the way and the experiences I’ve had so far have been wonderful, only time will tell where the journey takes me from here!

For more info on Tabitha Taboo follow her on facebook

Pop back tomorrow for more from the stars of World Burlesque Games 2012!

My name is Ivy Paige and I am a showgirl at heart, what else could I do with such a passion for theatre, glamour and cabaret?  I would consider my work a medley of stand up, song and striptease. As an artist I cherry pick from history, from the high couture and opulence of the 18th century, to the crowd-pleasing ruckus of music hall. I also work as a host, which is something I will be doing at this year’s World Burlesque Games.  In fact I have compered at every single London Burlesque Festival, and pretty much every other cabaret event in London.  Well, a girl’s got to earn a living!

It’s exciting to be a part of such a prestigious event and it’s a great platform for new burlesque performers.  I feel quite maternal towards the girls, especially the new ones. Personally I love having the pleasure of performing to wonderful and passionate audiences.  In preparation for the upcoming Games I have spent the last few weeks bathing in milk & honey, as well as taking daily doses of gin, which are purely medicinal of course.  Anyone can be drunk during the day but it takes a true professional to be standing at 3 am!  I am also planning my outfits. My ideas themselves come from all different sources but I have always had a passion for the 18th Century.   There is something inherently erotic and clandestine about the powdered faces, heaving bosoms and excessive opulence.  I find my inspiration in many things; I once wore a shoe as a hat! However, I am particularly excited to be debuting a new costume at the festival that is dripping in millions of emerald Swarovski crystals.

Ivy Paige

We are very lucky to have such a rich burlesque scene here in the UK.  I have had the pleasure of working with, and watching, so many talented performers and they have all influenced me greatly.  I love the Tiger Lilies for their superb combination of music and cabaret, The Marquis of Gray for his wit and ability to lead me astray, Amber Topaz for her sensational burlesque performances (I have seen that women make the audience jump to their feet with excitement) Roxy Velvet for her Birdcage routine, Chrys Columbine’s Naked Nocturne act, I could go and on! They are too many to mention but one of the perks of working as a host is you get to see all the talent, which is incredibly inspiring.

As for my future in burlesque; well, the credit crunch has affected many small businesses, however not me. Thanks to sound financial advice and personal donations I could soon have a bordello on every high street corner, get practicing your fan dances ladies!  I have also just been accepted to study a PhD on the role of the showgirl within contemporary performance so when I’m not onstage you might find me sitting in the library, resplendent in corset and killer heels!

For more on Ivy visit her website

Look out for more fantastic features on World Burlesque Games for the rest of the week!

The lovely ladies at Collectif have offered our wonderful readers an excellent 20% discount for the whole of May so head on over to their website and get shopping!  They have a great range of dresses, tops, skirts and trousers in a variety of gorgeous styles, as well as lovely coats, jackets and accessories.  The only difficult part will be choosing which ones to buy!

Sizes are refreshingly generous so keep that in mind when choosing.  All you need to do is enter the promotional code BB20 into the promotional code box at the checkout to get your discount and it is eligible on up to five orders between 1st and 31st May!  Happy Shopping!

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Event: The Baby Blues Club

Date: Thursday 3^rd May

Location: Albion Street, Glasgow

This will be the launch of this brand new show, should be fab!

Facebook page

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Kitty Bang Bang

Event: La Reve

Date: Friday 4th May

Location: Cafe De Paris, London W1D 6BL

The show on 4th May boasts a brilliant line up including BB faves Kitty Bang Bang and Elliot Mason and the lovely illusionist Alexis Terry.

La Reve

Miss Polly Rae

Event: Coco Boudoir

Location: Chapel Arts, Bath

Date: Saturday 12th May

The line-up at Coco Boudoir is always outstanding and this month they have the delicious Polly Rae and divine Darkteaser performing.

For more info visit the Chapel Arts website

The FrouFrou Club

Event: The Frou Frou Club

Location: The Little Theatre, Hebden Bridge

Date: Saturday 19^th May

This event promises to be a stonker, including burlyQ powerhouses Lexi Sexx, Bettina Spankenhaus and Constance Peach.

The Frou Frou Club

International Burlesque Circus

Event: International Burlesque Circus

Location: Tivoli, Utrecht, Holland

Date: Saturday 26th May

The team at The International Burlesque Circus work hard to create an incredible evening for their guests and this sailor themed event promises not to disappoint.

International Burlesque Circus

Kinky and Quirky

Event: Kinky and Quirky’s Red Carpet Burlesque and Boogie

Location: The Pavillion Esplanade, Exmouth

Date: Thursday 31st May

Kinky and Quirky are hosting a very exciting red carpet event to open the Exeter festival and the night will include former BB cover girl Anna Fur Laxis performing The Prestige!  That is definitely worth an evening out but hurry, tickets will sell out!

Kinky and Quirky facebook page

As well as all of these fabulous events there will also be World Burlesque Games running at various venues from May 7th – 13th.   The closing ceremony has already sold out so snap up your tickets quickly!

7th - 13th May 2012

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Alongside the World Burlesque Games will be the burlesque art exhibition A Brush with Burlesque, its open to anyone so get yourself down to Soho to this glorious collection from some of Britain’s most talented artists.

A Brush with Burlesque

When cabaret first enveloped my world, I can’t quite pin down. I spent my formative years in ‘fancy dress’ performing for relatives and friends in my parent’s living room, or roping all the neighbouring children into (my!) choreographed shows in our front garden. I’ve always known I would work in some form of entertainment, but it was only when my burlesque career proper began, five years ago, that the final sequinned piece of the puzzle fell firmly into place.

I began by running the Dublin Burlesque Ball with a then-business partner and soon realised that producing shows was not for me. I found it incredibly stressful, and also found it didn’t feel quite right to be behind the scenes. My narcissistic side needed exposing (ooo-er). So I headed off for London town in true Chick Whittington form and decided if I was going to do it, I was going to do it properly. I spent three years performing throughout the UK, before returning to Ireland in early 2011. I am now based in Dublin and have performed throughout Europe, thus far.

My style has changed somewhat, since I first began. I started out working a more cheesecake style of performance, but found it never sat comfortably with me. I would see other cheesecake performers owning the stage and knew I was not as confident with that style. I then developed my choreography, costuming, music and different inspirational aspects, which brought me to what is now my classic style of performance. I feel so comfortable in this form of narrative and dance and that comes across in my performance.

There are a number of people who inspire and drive me. Performers like Luna Rosa and Mr.Pustra are so brilliant at what they do, and are so focused and hard-working, that they definitely push me in my own motivation.  I’m very obviously inspired by the ’20s and ’30s, and the Folies Bergere showgirl aesthetic is also visible in my own work.

I was due to take part in last year’s London Burlesque Festival and the day before my show I damaged a nerve in my back and was unable to perform. It transpired that the injury prevented me from performing for the following 8 months, and that break only proved to fuel my passion for all things cabaret! It was for that reason that I was more determined than ever to take part in this year’s festival and I am so honoured to have been chosen to compete for World Female Crown.

I am really looking forward to the festival and have been rehearsing, costuming and rhinestoning furiously!  I cannot divulge my chosen act, except to say that I am excited to showcase a twist on an old classic.  Burlesque has changed so much in the five years I have been performing and I can only see it evolving even more over the coming years. I hope that in times of economic struggle and false-tan aesthetics we offer a welcome relief and escape from the mundane! Viva la Diva!

For more on Harlot visit her website

Keep your eye out for our World Burlesque Games specials all week!