Apple Venus

First of all, I just realized I hadn’t announced that I will be in the late set of the Absolut Sexy show on August 15th! I’m excited. There’s a Red Carpet at 10pm, so if you want piccies with some hot ladies, come early (and often – ha! I’m a dork) and stay late: my set starts at 2am! I know it’s long haul, but I’ll shake you all night long, baby. :)

Now, if you’re just keeping up with what I’m doing, you can stop reading right there! But if you want to see what’s going on in my brain… stay tuned for that wonder after the jump. ;)

I’ve been thinking …. I’ve been thinking a lot about burlesque.

I’ve been thinking about what it is – both at large in the world, and what it is to me. Is it important? Is artsy better than fun, or should all good acts have a little of both?

What makes a good act? How do production values jive with budget? I recently read an interview with the current Miss Exotic World, Kalani Kokonuts, who voiced the opinion that it was better to have a small number of really good acts than more of them at a lower quality. Coming from a theatre background, I could never give production values short shrift. In fact, this is one of the things I’d LOVE to see grow and evolve in the Chicago area scene.

But one of the things I love about said scene is the can-do, “scrapper” attitude of so many of its AWESOME performers. So many great acts have been little more than spontaneous street theatre, and sometimes I think that’s the best way to go. It’s like making magic out of nothing. And to say nothing of timing; Wham Bam Pam throwing together her MJ act in a single day (or perhaps having serendipitous timing with an act already in the works) is a testament to burlesque harkening back to Commedia Dell’Arte, pulling the most current news and pop culture references right into the story.

Having an enormous, timeless, overwhelmingly beautiful (and sparkly) act is something I intend to achieve in my burly performance lifetime, but giant set pieces and a cast of thousands doesn’t allow for such enchanting spontaneity.

So I guess I’m still torn on that one.

And then, there are questions of style. I’ve been asked more than once what my style is. I feel bad saying I don’t have one yet, but I have to remind myself that it’s good not to be boxed in too early. I’m a Jill of all Trades in my own life, and my acts should reflect that.

What about scope of career? I want to perform regionally and nationally, and while I know it’s too soon now, how should I go about planning? Can I perform in competitions and still be supportive of the community? I think so, but I’m still getting to know the Chicago community, let alone the National one. I love everyone so far, and I don’t have beef with anyone. Being intensely low maintenance as I am, I would like it to stay that way, and will do whatever I can to foster goodness in fellow dancers, friends, producers, fans, and anyone else involve. If the whole deal about the whole deal is getting naked, then I think it’s important to be that way in our relationships, too — honest, critical in a positive way, and supportive.

What about the grotesque part of burlesque? Whether its satirical, political, or just icky, I’d love to see more acts that are – sorry for the unintentional pun – a bit more outside the box. Lately I’ve been having inklings of ideas for, errr, shall we say, “non-traditional” acts (read: really kinda nasty but hilarious, a la parts of South Park)… But I’m totally scared everyone will think I’m some big weirdo, so I am keeping them to myself for the time being. It’ll be fun to see what actually hits the light of day.

And I’d love to see more clowns, acrobats, singers, and actors in the shows as well. I’m a theatre nerd with the degree to show for it (perhaps namedropping Commedia tipped you off??), and more involvement with the thriving (well, as much as anything is thriving in this economy) Chicago theatre scene could only, in my opinion, be a plus.

So, those involved in the burly scene and those who aren’t, if you want to collaborate – singing, dancing, clowning in duets or groups, or something else entirely – please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I’m probably gonna be musing on this stuff more in my blog in the future, so stay tuned if you like this kinda thang, and feel entirely free to tune out if ya don’t.

Phew.

Despite the monologue above, this shouldn’t be a one-sided conversation. Please feel free to comment on the blog or on Facebook. I am so excited to get to know everyone’s thoughts and opinions, so just jump in! The water is fine –and I’m skinny dippin’. :)