A Starter’s Guide to Performing Burlesque
When you are a 'Nubie' it's good to reach out into the Burly community for advice as it can be really competitive and as with many 'acts' you often only get one chance to make an impression. Burlesque has room for all.... providing you do your homework so that proper care and attention has gone into your act there will be someone who wants to see it. Lets face it - who wouldn’t want to see more of you?
1. Start with your Name or don't ...some artists go through a series of reinventions before they finally decide 'on the One' (what do you wish to convey?) but be careful as you might get stuck with it, so chose wisely. Personally I love names that make you smirk, but it doesn't have to be funny it just has to be You (or that version of you that is going to be onstage)! Google it to check it's unique to you - this is important - It will save confusion when people try to book / look you up on Social Media. Immitation often offends others who have spent years developing their act, you want to to be original.
2. Be Brave - with your music choices, this will help you stand out (e.g. 'Fever' is sooo passe darling´).
DON'T STEAL other performers music - Decide what you can do to make your act original - political/ satirical, cheeky, sarcastic, slutty, use of props, demeanour etc… Watch YouTube video's to check someone else hasn't already done it - then go for it.
3. Resist Temptation (just this once) Start small, try mixing a few talents (i.e. sing and strip OR dance and strip) this will help you look polished rather than patched together when starting out. When you have more than one discipline it's natural you'll want to showcase ALL of your talents and this can often be confusing to the audience and not necessarily beneficial to your act. Be Honest with yourself will the audience still enjoy it if you take the complicated stuff out??? If so drop it.
​
4. Dress to Impress - theme your costume and when you start out make sure if you are wearing it on stage - it is either being removed, a prop or important to your look. The more pieces the more margin for error. Once you are confident in your look, invest in good quality Costumes Lingerie / Corsets -warning- price does not always denote quality! You should be able to wear your costumes repeatedly and still look good. ...however, there is never too much glitter - more is always more - The glue gun is your friend if he's invisible - illusion is king - let your imagination soar.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice, Tweak it, then Practice how to recover if your props fail / voice squeaks / corset gets stuck /you trip / tassels fly off etc.. (all of which have happened to yours truly) Show it to someone who's opinion you trust - take the feedback (but feel free to ignore it).
Go with your Gut - it's much more reliable than your Heart ... just because you have a good idea doesn't mean it translates well, so rework it or ditch it .....and did I mention Practice? ...you get the idea.
6. Let it Show -One of the problems starting out is often how to get seen. Consider entering a competition (DO NOT take winning seriously - they are usually political or looking for something specific) but you get your audience and exposure (hopefully not literally) and they are great places to Network with other performers. Clubs / festival promoters won't usually touch you until you have performances under your belt. Performing for free outside of this devalues your Brand - don't do it unless there is no other way. Get Photo's / Video's / Testimonials as proof of performances. Show off to more people but make sure to only be a Diva On Stage/ for the audience NEVER Backstage (everybody knows everybody!). Be professional (have spares of everything) & remember - just before the headliner goes onstage is NOT the time to fangirl her.
7. Peeps -Find your kind of People, sometimes we all need a little help or advice - Value your peers/ supporters not just your fans. This is when you appreciate joining a Troupe or reaching out to a group of other likeminded performers you have met through your shared love of performance/ art/ dance/ shoes/ sparkles.
They don't have to do what you do, they just have to understand it so they can support you when you need it. They are the kind of people that just know what glue to use to stick a costume back together 15mins before a show, where to get the perfect UV eyeshadow/ Powdered Wig/ gold knicker elastic, or how to politely handle the overfriendly promoter/ sound engineer/ birthday boy and still get a repeat booking.
8. Dutch Courage -this may be contentious but I really believe it shows a lack of the very confidence, that makes Burlesque so sexy. 'One for the stage' can get out of hand when you are nervous, if you need a wee nip to make your legs carry you out there the first couple of times we all understand but getting Drunking before your act is idiotic and unprofessional (acting drunk however is a serious skill). After is fine in moderation (unless you are being paid in booze - then line 'em up) otherwise your props /costumes may not all make it home with you.
9. After Show - review what YOU felt went well and what needs work. Feedback is great but don't doubt your own artistic choices just because of a few negative comments, likewise false praise can be be just as unhelpful. However if your act is falling flat you won't get a call back, so feel free to deconstruct your act- tweak it or even scrap it ...but DON'T give up on Burlesque. Use your experience to improve or change what you are doing and guess what? Practice, Practice, Practice some more.
10. For everything else there's Masterclass- this is perfect if there is a skill you wish to master quickly (i.e. tassel twirling).
If you get a chance - Join a Troupe, their support and creative brainstorming are invaluable.
...Good Luck Darlings..... x Mwah x
Angelica Bangs