Burlesque- latest updates 25th September 2009

Dear followers!

So here is the latest info for my burlesque placement with Kinky and Quirky in Exeter.
Last week I happened to Bump into Quirky (Sarah Bell) in TKMAX (of all places to start a serious conversation!) and she gave me two free tickets to come along to the burlesque night on a Friday in Exeter at Havana. We also had a quick conversation about the offer of a placement for Laura and myself with the duo. I hoped that when we were at the burlesque evening, I might get a chance to sit down and discuss the placement in more depth.
On Friday. . .
This was Kinky and Quirky's first ever burlesque performances on a Friday. They wanted to try out both nights and see how much support they would get. Seemingly this weekend was not just burlesque, but more of a variety of performances. 'Chris Cross', a popular contortionist was performing both nights, (if you like to see comedy fused with trying to get out of a straight jacket, this is the man for you- www.chris-cross.co.uk) The evening also held performances from Jackie Juno, a poet with a twist on environmental issues www.myspace.com/jackiejuno and Fo Fo La Belle being the burlesque performer.
While enjoying the evening, I decided to take the opportunity to ask Laura Harrison (my partner in tassels (!)) why she also choose to do a burlesque placement:

Why did you choose burlesque for your work based learning?
"I've always been interested in the public display of femininity and I wanted to try a genre of performance that would challenge me."

What do you hope to get out of this placement?
"I hope to succeed in a situation where I would have to push myself, and to see another side of a performance genre that is not widely advertised."

How much burlesque or other experience have you had?
"I have participated in a workshop overseen by burlesque performer Venus Noir."

How was that, and why?
"I loved it, it was alot of fun. I didn't feel out of place, and everyone joined in regardless of their age/experience or size. I would definitely do it again."

In your future career, (speaking hypothetically) would burlesque (or other) feature?
"I could see the confidence part of burlesque aiding me on the stage. As to a burlesque workshop/classes, if I felt I gained enough experience in teaching then that would definitely be a possibility."

After the evening performers had finished Laura and myself managed to get some time to talk to Sarah about our placement and what kind of skills we could bring to the team.
(Here is roughly the key points of the conversation we had.)
Sarah Bell asked us what we could bring to their team which we thought would be useful. We thought that definitely planning would be our strong point, using time lines and deadlines to get the various tasks done. I mentioned technical rehearsal, prepping and last evening planning for the performers. Marketing and advertising were in the list of other skills that Laura and I felt we could handle. These were met with enthusiasm, as with any show, the more advertising that goes into the preparation, the more the word is spread about the show. We mentioned that we both lived outside of Exeter, so getting the word out to the specific target audience could be key. There was also possible talk of us getting involved with the sound checks on the evening of the shows, front of house, planning the audience in terms of money, seats, large groups etc. We have agreed to go round to Sarah's house on Wednesday (30th) to discuss more in detail that listed above.
In conclusion:
This is the first chance Laura and I have been able to say we are moving closer to fulfilling our proposal of doing a burlesque placement. It has taken months to get to this stage, but we feel, if we keep pursuing the enthusiasm we have, we will be helping Kinky and Quirky out in December for their Christmas Shows.
I had initially, in my proposal been thinking of doing this placement, but on the stage, as an actual performer, but I feel now, if I could at least do some work with this company, even if it's not on the stage, then I will be at least making contacts in this type of performance. Which cant be bad at all, can it?
Keep checking for updates on the meeting on Wednesday!
Keep smiling
Ruby Foxglove x x x