New Zealand Burlesque Festival 2013

So after the New York Burlesque Festival comes the New Zealand Burlesque Festival!

I had a few days in NYC after the Festival concluded, most of which time was spent in Central Park eating the yummiest food I could find (mainly gluten free cookies from Shmackary's and milkshakes from the Shake Shack)

My last evening in NYC- Chelsea

About 27 hours after boarding my plane in New York City I disembarked in New Zealand ready to perform, I had to be, I arrived at 2pm and was scheduled to perform in 7 hours at the Promenade Ball!
Thankfully for my frazzled plane brain, the Festival co- producer, Kerry Rodda was waiting at the airport with a sleepy Jett Adore in tow.

My first impression of New Zealand had come from the air. As we started to descend and the plane started banking to the left, the many islands could be seen below us, deep valleys and high ridges, green foliage, aqua blue water and looking to the distant North I could see snow capped mountains.
My hotel was on one of the main streets of Wellington, Cuba Street, about 5 minutes from the Theatre. Once I got my bearings it was easy to navigate the town.

The Paramount Theatre was on a main street near the wharf, you ascended some stairs to an old foyer and then headed back down into an amphitheatre style stage.
Backstage was roomy with mirrors passed between us. I set up in a corner near the door with my huge suitcase, overnight bag and costume which I had posted to Kerry rather than drag to New York City- it weighed 4kg and would have slowed down my shopping binges substantially...

Backstage before the show starts with Dolores Daiquiri

The room was predominantly filled with headliners from the US and fellow Aussies, Dolores Daiquiri who was relaxed and sat back waiting for her turn on stage, Silla Black who was in NZ for one quick night, Ginger Leah Rye the Melbourne red head and Deb Delicioius an Irish ex pat with a devilish sidekick.
The US contingent was in force, the Stage Door Johnnies, Frenchie Kiss, Lola Van Ella, Sammy the Tramp, Surlie J Temple, and our emcee Lucky Deluxe who I remember meeting in 2011 when I kittened at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival.

Performing Sirenes at a new venue is always a bit daunting as I require the kittens to do a bit of choreography at the end.

But the two kitty's were able to pick up the simple yet time sensitive choreo with ease!
They were brilliant girls who made the night so much easier, especially when my crown fell off early!

 Video shot and edited by Sam Wheeler

After performing I joined the rest of the cast and crew standing in the wings watching as the Stage Door Johnnies performed the final act of the night.
The audience went nuts as the boys disrobed in a soft shoe shuffle, go go dancing act, 'The Bomb', ran backstage and waited for the curtain call.
As names were called I waited to join the line forming on stage... the performer before me was called... The performer after me was called, in fact all the performers but me were called, the Johnnies being the last! They could see my predicament (do I just run on?!) and pulled me on with them to take a bow.

Taking a bow at The New Zealand Burlesque Festival

Backstage we all took advantage of their muscles and their manners for some happy snaps, the girls were hoisted up one by one, high into the air to strike a pose.

 

Stage Door Johnnies, Ray Gunn, Bazuka Joe and Jett Adore

The following morning I met Dolores and Aussie performer Ginger Leah Rye in Cuba street for a late brekkie. Ginger and I had first met at the 2012 Perth International Burlesque Festival where we were treated to a free drink while waiting to board our delayed flights home, the bartender had been at the show the night before!

Ginger and I indulging in some post breakfast posing in front of the NZBF billboard!

We walked the cobbled, busy streets to Jervois Quay to check out the burlesque fair and the nearby underground market which stocks a range of local arts and craft. I purchased a ceramic hanging heart with a word imprinted into the centre and to my shame asked "what does it mean?" The seller looked at me with some pity, "love." Yet I'm glad I asked and didn't perpetuate my initial thought that 'aroha' must be like the hawaiin 'aloha!'

posing at the Burlesque Fair with Dolores Daiquiri

Hmmm... 'LSD' in lights?

I dropped into Rachel Rouge's flat on Cuba street where she let me borrow her wifi- Wellington has free wifi but it isn't reliable- Rachel's huge flat is three floors up above a shop, a roomy area that she and her housemates have transformed.
In its present form, it was a performer's hostel, although at that moment it was performer free, only Ruby Ruination was there affixing rhinestones on her glove in anticipation of the Saturday Spectacular.

Hanging in the foyer with Rachel Rouge at the Saturday Spectacular!

The Saturday Spectacular was a Queen and King's competition, the winner to receive a scholarship and the chance to perform at the Show-me Burlesque festival in St Louis, Missouri.

Ruby, the winner, emerged in a black costume and curly blonde wig and danced to lyrics sung by Bonita Danger Doll- 'Violence is a Girl's best friend' to the tune of 'Diamond's are a girl's best friend.'

The final day came too soon, I met up with Dolores for breakfast, a spot of shopping and a long walk to the Wellington cable car which took us up the hill to the botanical gardens- my navigation was a bit off but the trusting Dolores followed me, even when I heedlessly took her up a long, steep flight of steps.
The view from the gardens was incredible, we could see straight across the city to the other hills and after a few happy snaps of Dolores's phone we slowly made our way through the gardens to the other side of the hill which has a street of antique shops. Finally after a few stops to browse we made our way around the hill, back to the main city.
Tired and ready for a nap we set off to our respective hotels to change before meeting back up at the Sunday mixer.

Mixing with Bonita Danger Doll and Ruby Ruination at the Sunday mixer

Aussie trifecta with Dolores and Danica Lee

I didn't mix for long, heading back up to my hotel, stopping to get some kumara fries, which are a bit like sweet potato, on my way.

After scoffing down my bounty of fried food I settled down to pack and set my alarm for an early wake up of 4am.
Shoes, pyjamas and a towel were sacrificed to make room for souvenirs, including new pasties I had picked up at the burlesque market and the end result was cabin luggage of seven kg with a couple of jackets hanging over my arms and my suitcase packed to bursting but just making it in at 20kg.

Group shot! The fabulous Danny and Kerry front and centre

Applications are now open for the 2014 New Zealand Burlesque Festival and if you're looking for an excuse to fall down the hobbit hole (and trying some kumara fries) you have until June 10 to submit... If you have the extra time I would advise applying for the tour and seeing more of what New Zealand has to offer.

Ain't Miss Showgirl Couture for nothing!

At Miss Burlesque Australia with my MBA Tasmania sash and Miss Showgirl Couture sash

I have a love - some would call it an obsession- for vintage burlesque and showgirl costumes. I like to reuse and give new life to retired stage and circus costumes in shoots and for a limited time, onstage. But, when I can't revive or create by myself, I collaborate or purchase from other costumiers and designers.
Melbourne designer, Zoe Felice created my white dress that I used for the New York Burlesque Festival and Tasmanian designers Sonia Heap and Kristi of Corsets by Nasty Ginny have both collaborated with me to create signature outfits for use on stage.

Photo by Jessica Kate Casey

 My latest costume is from Nasty Ginny Corsets, the label of Kristi Robertson, a designer I've known for decades as my best friend's former step mother and my former 'boss' when I spent a week interning in her successful bridal design business in central Hobart.

This pink dress worn by the character Ivy in the second season of Smash was just one of the images used for inspiration

Kristi's drawing of my dress

My week at Kristi's Bridal shop made me realise I needed to increase my limited sewing skills however although I was pretty useless in the workroom, I was able to help Kristi during a photoshoot and weekend Bridal expo.
This was a pretty amazing experience as I was in a stage where girls that graced the pages of Dolly and Girlfriend were more important to me then women like Kate Adie or Marie Colvin.
It was a relief to find that they were all down to earth, funny chicks who also discussed with immense gravity, the "newest" way to strut down the catwalk as demonstrated by a Tasmanian international model.

The bare bones of the dress...

Historically burlesque has had its share of cheap and cheerful, handmade and custom made costumes. Some performers made their own, others used top costumiers such as Gussie Gross and Rex Huntington who were, according to Liz Goldwyn, the most prolific burlesque costume designers in the 1940s, as well as Billie Lingston, Betty Meyers, Madame Etoile, Mother Haines and Brooks Brothers.
In contemporary burlesque, performer Catherine D'Lish supplies gowns, fans, and boas worldwide, then there are performers who create whole outfits for other performers. Louisiana based performer, Charlotte Treuse is one and according to Perle Noire, Charlotte is so exact with her rhinestoning, she actually measures and marks where each jewel will be attached.
Liz Goldwyn's documentary and book, Pretty Things  features some of the costumiers from the golden age of burlesque (1920- 1960) as does the documentary and book, Behind the Burly Q by Leslie Zemeckis.

Corset with lace overlay

Finished- It just needs added rhinestones...

When I visited Kristi at her workroom she had just returned from a trip to London during which she had received some hasty messages from me, bursting with ideas.
I drove out to her studio, located on her property in Leslievale- surrounded by chickens and ponies- and we discussed the new act I was creating. Kristi was keen to do both the overdress of black and white and the colourful costume beneath.
My great friend and supporter Carolina, convinced me that orange rather than red would be striking and I finally decided after gathering ideas on Pintrest, that I liked the idea of graduating the colours in an ombre effect.
Fittings were paramount in order to ensure the correct shape, fit, weight and the ease of removal. I also knew that I wanted the skirt to sit over the corset to create the illusion of a dress. I knew that I wanted a panel at the front and Kristi added the fishtail at the back..
Kristi took my ideas, added her own and created something incredible. She was so patient and no idea was too outrageous. She painstakingly hand beaded the corset, underwear set and the skirt and understood the importance of having a costume that was secure yet could come off with a quick flick.

Close up of the bra without crystals

Kristi made the pattern for the bra and g-string herself

For the full set which includes a fully lined overdress, corset, skirt, gloves, bra and knickers plus the design which included blocking, the costs were reasonable, however if you are getting a costume custom made be prepared to spend more then originally quoted and to make time for extra fittings. If you pick the right designer, the results are worth the wait!
I retained the right to rhinestone simply to keep costs down and as I actually rather enjoy keeping my hands busy when I'm watching TV or a movie.

The finished product in action!!

Photo by Jessica Kate Casey

Photo by Bret Salinger

Photo by Bret Salinger

The latest addition to my sunrise ombre costume is a panel skirt that Kristi finished just in time for me to take to Flinders Island. She hand dyed the chiffon skirt panels and beaded a large applique that's affixed to the front of the skirt. I purchased the trim from M& J Trims in NYC but you can also purchase online.

Backstage at the Flinders Island hall

New York, Burlesque (and food) 2013

The City that Never Sleeps, Empire City, the Big Apple.
Whatever you call it, New York City is a mecca for burlesque performers and during four nights when the New York Burlesque Festival is on, the pilgrims gather from near and far.

The Golden Pasties- Group shot  Photo by Filip Wolak courtesy Time out Magazine

I have attended the NYBF as a member of the audience, a stage kitten and now, as a performer on Sunday night's Golden Pasties awards. More of an industry night, the Highline Ballroom's tables were full of performers, producers, New York's finest, burlesque legends and patrons willing to watch the swiftly delivered award presentations for the acts that followed.

Photo by Angela McConnell

But before the festival, there's the city itself, sprawling, loud, bold, New York City.
Chelsea Hostel for a few nights alone then a week in a sprawling Brooklyn loft with some Aussie friends- performers in their own right.
Two stops from Manhattan on the L train, if you're staying with 2-3 other people I would recommend messaging me for the contact (Airbnb). Cheap by New York standards, comfortable and friendly.

NYC was a new experience for Chiara and Becky which meant I could indulge the inner tourist by taking long walks through Central Park, diversions to find the carousel and Alice statue, Times Square for rush tickets to see Pippin on Broadway...

At the Alice in Wonderland statue with Becky and a random child already learning the art of photobombing

 We took the (free) ferry crossing to Staten Island and back taking in the view of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty (keep in mind there's usually at least a 15 minute wait on Staten Isle before you can return). The sight of Liberty as you return from Staten Island always makes me think of the immigrants, arriving by sea, they would have seen the same welcoming representation of freedom as they arrived in the new land- I can't help but juxtapose that sight with the one that Asylum Seekers are confronted with en route to Australia.

Leaving Manhattan... from the Staten Isle Ferry

Scott, an Australian circus performer and trainer based in Montreal introduced us to the Williamsburg location of Beacon's Closet, a warehouse located on 11th st, next door to Vice headquarters, Kinfolk coffee and Brooklyn Bowl.
Packed with rails of new and vintage clothing, we spent happy hours searching through racks of Prada heels, silk frocks, fur stoles, cashmere sweaters and beaded cardigans.
Becky and I also visited the Manhattan Beacon's on 13th street located near Union Square, we lost a lot of time there but found some unique gems to take home.

Becky checking out the shoes at Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn

I love the Chelsea garage flea market on 25th street but was sad to learn that by the time I get back to Manhattan it will be gone. The parking garage the market uses has been sold and the tenants who set up shop there on the weekend, warned to find a new home.

One stall tucked in a corner has a glut of clothing from Victorian beaded dresses to these Atlantic City showgirl costumes.

The Food....

I'm a gluten free, vegetarian BUT I'm pretty happy to hang out with bread and meat eaters (I also don't eat potato- or fish.) So read on for my mostly unhealthy, coffee based recommendations!

Bowery street Antiquing...

I love the Wholefood Supermarket and Trader Joe's for groceries. They stock pre-made salads, fresh sushi and hot food such as soup and roast meat. If you're planning to stay in a flat or hostel with a kitchen check out their locations before you leave as you'll save money and your stomach will thank you for the fresh, organic produce you supply it- Union Square Farmer's Market is also a great one to check out for fresh produce, locally made products and baked goods.

Pumpkins at Union Square Farmer's Market

 Of course it wouldn't be a holiday if you didn't indulge a little... Let's start at the top of the pyramid-
 Schnippers and the Shake Shack are my faves for a great chocolate or coffee milkshake. Skip the lines at Shake Shack in Madison Square park and head round the corner to Schnippers on East 23rd for take out.

The view looking uptown from Madison Square Park

For cookies, Schmackary's is becoming a NYC institution. Between 8th and 9th Avenue, West 50th street for maple bacon, peanut butter chocolate, salted choc chip, S'mores and my favourites, gluten free sweet corn meal and cranberry cookies.

The selection at Schmackery's is constantly refreshed... $2.75 each or two for $5... But they're so sweet you won't need anything else for hours!

Sweet potato fries beat potato fries hands down. Scott recommended honey but I prefer ketchup.
For snacking I either grabbed hommus and pita chips or else got sucked into the constantly refreshed bag of Kettle or caramel popcorn left open on the kitchen counter in the loft- pick up at a local deli, supermarket, pharmacy (yes, really) or Garrett Popcorn on 34th street.

For coffee we visited Verb on Bedford Avenue. Consistently good and when the barista thought it wasn't good enough, he made me a new one of his own volition!
In Chelsea I like to go to Think Coffee between 13th and 14th street on 8th Avenue or head 10 blocks uptown for a fresh bagel and iced coffee from Murray's bagels 

Admiring the iced cakes at Magnolia Bakeries on Avenue of the America's  near Rockefeller Centre

If you're heading to Central Park, I would encourage you to either hit up a deli before- they often have fresh salad bars- or to visit the Wholefood market at Columbus Circle (inside the Time Warner building and down the escalators)- always busy, but well stocked-  and then head over to the park to set up your own picnic on one of the enormous rocks or can walk further in to the Park and settle in Sheeps Meadow

Back to burlesque...

Thursday night's Premiere Party was preceded by a gathering of visiting international performers at Minnie Tonka's apartment in Brooklyn. Style, audience and producing was discussed over cider, beer, popcorn and a potent liquor from Sweden.

At Minnie Tonka's before the NYBF Premiere Party

 Friday night's show was in our neighbourhood, we walked to the Brooklyn Bowl- sadly not the best venue for burlesque as you could barely see the performer's on stage and had to watch the large screens mounted on the walls. Medianoche, fresh from her New Orleans crowning performed early in the night before joining the audience to watch.
We arrived a little late, the stand out performances on Friday for me were definitely the Aussies, Peaches and Gin doing their Harry Potter act and Lillian Starr's Feed the Horse, comedy and festish... Oi, oi, oi

Saturday we ventured to BB Kings on 42nd street- via Grand Central- my bad navigation- Murray Hill comedian, drag king, Sunday night bingo caller at the Bowery Peotry club kept the night moving. Trixie Little stole the show. Her banana act brings together all my favourite elements of burlesque. The peel, her energy and confidence, a terrific prop, costume and a big bang at the end... I could watch it again... and again... and again.(and it just ain't the same on Youtube!)

Photo by Angela McConnell,
L-R Minnie Tonka, Tiffany Carter, Darlinda, Just Darlinda, Lucy, ..., Lil Miss Lixx

Industry nights are always going to have a whiff of inside jokes and closed double entendres but these were kept to a minimum or packed into a one liner, swiftly delivered by the towering, long eared emcee Scotty the Blue Bunny.

Photo by Angela Mcconnel

Dave Bishop kept the show running smoothly on stage and at a cracking pace backstage. all was when the performer on before you was performing. Then it was a quick descent to the wings and a tottering climb up some steps to the rubber floored stage.

Photo by Angela McConnell

On early in the night, I could settle in to a booth near the back with Becky, Chiara, Luna Eclipse and Scott to watch the rest of the show. Gotta say Becky Lou's goldfish act gets me every time and Trixie Little and Mr Gorgeous produced a fairy tale of epic, feet brushing lights, proportions.

We finished up with a haphazard curtain call, an upskirt look at my stockings and an un needed binge of fried food and chocolate milkshakes at Kellogs Diner in Brooklyn.
We went our separate ways the following morning, Chiara and Becky in a cab, Scott on a bus back to Canada and I hopped on the L train with my suitcase- substantially heavier-  for two more nights in Chelsea, walks on the Highline and sunny Fall days in Central Park.

My last morning in Central Park

28 hours of Transit later and via Brisbane, I was in Wellington for the New Zealand Burlesque Festival...

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/clubs/new-york-burlesque-festivals-golden-pastie-awards-slide-show

New York I Love you...

They say the third time's the charm, so what do should be expected on a fourth visit?
I have been to the Big Apple three times, the first as a nine year old where my mum, two brother's and I navigated the cold dark pre- Giuliani streets.
The second time was in 2008, after a stint as a camp counselor in a Pennsylvanian Summer camp.
I spent five glorious weeks living in Harlem, enjoying an Indian summer in Central Park, discovering Angie Pontani, Peekaboo Pointe, Indigo Blue and so many other performers at the Corio's This Is Burlesque and the New York Burlesque Festival.

Statue of Liberty in 2008, rocking my Camp Saginaw appropriate denim shorts!

 My third visit was in 2011, my mum and one of my brother's for four weeks my trips to the New Orleans and New York Burlesque Festival's acting as bookends, defining the beginning and end of a family holiday.

Empire State Building September 2011

Canal street in New Orleans 2011

 My family accept and now champion burlesque but they haven't actually seen what I do... so I got on stage at the Bowery Poetry Club for Dr Sketchys and Geek Girl Burlesque, on the floor at Hotel Chantelle and stage kittened in the NOBF and NYBF while they explored Manhatten in their own way.

Bowery stage

Backstage at the Bowery getting ready for NYC Dr Sketchys!

The artist let me keep this cutie!

Quick photo shoot in NYC with Ron Gejon

Imagine- John Lennon memorial at Central Park on 11/09/11

backstage with Green Carded burlesque Genius, Bettina May

Emcee for the night, World Famous Bob

Bettina May and Dave Bishop- opens the shows and manages with a hand mightier than Gods...

  So I'm pretty chuffed to tell you that I'll be heading back to the Big Apple, for one quick week in September- for when else could I visit!
This time I'll be attending the New York Burlesque Festival as a performer and I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces- not just Americans (and ex Canadians)
 A wealth of Aussies are making their way to the US to perform  Becky Lou for NYBF and NOBF, Ms Strawberry Siren, Agatha Frisky and Becky Page for NOBF but hopping it to New York to watch (and party)
I'll be performing a new Erte inspired act on Sunday night at the Highline ballroom.

A candid moment on stage... Agatha Frisky, Frankie Faux, Luna Eclipse, Danica Lee, Becky Lou, Ms Strawberry Siren and me!

I can't wait to soak up the sun, some food (half a bagel will hurt but it won't harm) check out Chelsea Flea market, straggle into the FatCat jazz club to warm my throat with some Korean liquor and wander Manhatten's streets in the pre traffic rush- dawn light.
I used to imagine it as SATC's character, Carrie's New York, but now I know it can be anyone's New York, even an adventurous tourist from the Apple Isle.