Here’s a preview of the kind of help I’m sharing in my “Make Your Burlesque Act” group! So many more videos, links and your questions answered when you join this online community. Only $12/month (less than your phone bill)!
How to Make Your Burlesque Act
WORKSHOP NOTES
Use this written outline to review material presented in the workshop video. As mentioned, this method for building a burlesque act works equally for those preparing a special private striptease for a loved one and for those preparing to get on the burlesque stage.
1) Choose Your Music
Length : 3.5 to 4.5 mins for an act onstage / 5 to 7 mins for your home performance
Style : makes you feel sexy / variety / big ending / resonates with audience / matches your costume and character
Number of Songs : one song good for beginners onstage / two songs help tell a story of transformation and good for home performances
2) Choose a Character / Story
Who will you be? version of yourself / someone else eg. Diva, PinUp or Seductress
Where will you be? important for costume choice and movement choices eg. bedroom, party, dreamworld, dungeon
What is the arch of your act? Show evolution using movement and costume choices eg. Repressed housewife —> Sensual woman / Classy and rich —> Uninhibited and animalistic / Foreplay —> Orgasm
Is there a reason for taking off the clothes OR do we start with the assumption of a striptease?
Is there one moment of change or is the transformation gradual?
3) Get Costume and Props
Number of pieces : Up to a maximum of 6 pieces for beginners. All props and costume pieces should be essential.
Order of removals : consider how you want to build energy up until the very end
Type of costume pieces : what would your character wear? what matches the movement dictated by your music? what colour fits best?
Modifications : all pieces onstage should be customized. Closures often need to be customized to adapt how the piece comes off.
4) Plan your Moves
Classic burlesque moves are your foundation : bump n’ grind, shimmy, parade & pose and extensions.
Customize with your own moves : find what moves feel right for your body while wearing your costume and staying in your character and the arch of your act.
3 Basic steps of the tease : 1) Draw attention and manufacture desire / 2) Remove the costume piece / 3) Celebrate the reveal by drawing attention to the skin you uncovered <— all three steps for EVERY costume piece! This will take up a large portion of the act.