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Coming Out of The Closet Victorian Spiritualism and the Vaudeville Striptease (First Published: Erotic Review. Issue 66, 2004.) A grand parlour room bathed in the dim and eerie glow of phosphorus and magnesium lamps hosts an arrangement of ladies and gentlemen, seated on edge. They eagerly … Continue readingComing Out of The Closet: Victorian Spiritualism and the Vaudeville Striptease
21 December @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm MoB Christmas CABARET from £22, Dinner options. Concessions available. Celebrate this Christmas in style with The Ministry Of Burlesque’s Christmas Cabaret – an uproarious revue of camp Christmas comedy and festive friskiness, featuring the daring antics of … Continue readingMoB Christmas CABARET
Why burlesque could be good for you. In the face of ever-evolving social and artistic controversy over burlesque as a form of entertainment, I’d like to volunteer my tuppence-worth on an overlooked aspect of participation. As someone who has meaningful experience in both the promotion … Continue readingWhy burlesque could be good for you.
26 October @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm MoB CABARET from £18, Dinner options. Concessions available. Fusing the wild, weird and witty traditions of circus, cabaret and burlesque Ministry of Burlesque Cabaret unfolds as a bold and daring, ever evolving new-variety experience. Enjoy a myriad of … Continue readingMoB CABARET – Hallowe’en Scream!
Often when we are anxious, we worry about everything. But…. Everything of course, is no-thing in particular. Furthermore, we fixate on our version of past events or future possible mishaps – and fail to see that the only time that ever exists is the ‘now’. … Continue readingAnxiety – It’s Nothing to Worry About
“Malicious gossip is a bitter pill indeed – but it’s only poisonous if you swallow it.” The irony is that it is not just the target who must avoid swallowing. For gossip to spread and be effective, it needs carriers. Those who spread it – … Continue readingGossip: A Bitter Pill – but only poisonous if you swallow it…
Is it acceptable to copy or imitate well known acts – even from long ago? Old or New? Burlesque literally means to ‘parody’ but don’t forget that a parody is very different to straight imitation or copying. A parody must contain direct referencing of the … Continue readingFAQ You! Imitation or Homage?
Ouch! When someone is inexplicably mean it is often because they are licking an unconscious wound…. Damage to our self-image can take many forms and wounds can be inflicted in any ways. From deliberate insult to personal failure, typically a bruised ego affects only the owner … Continue readingEgos can hurt…
Whilst there are many millions of great motivational quotes to be shared, there is an unhealthy trend for disgruntled folks to post wellbeing word memes as a form of thinly veiled bitchy commentary – don’t fall for it! If you feel uncomfortable seeing one, ask … Continue readingIFFY use of Wellbeing quotes…
“What if I make the wrong decision?!” How many of us are held back by this immobilising dark cloud? Everyone knows that ‘fight or flight’ is a fear response to threat, but there is a third… ‘freeze’. Indecision is immobilising because it is a fear … Continue readingIFFY Decision making…
How do I choose the correct corset for me? When choosing a corset it is important that you get a well fitting one. Corsets vary not only in the size according to your waist, hips and bust but also in shape, length and style. Choosing … Continue readingFAQ You! Choosing a corset
I don’t perform – how else can I get involved in the Burlesque world? The ever growing world of burlesque clubs and revues means that there is ever growing opportunity for stage managers, set designers, costume designers and technical people among many other things. Like … Continue readingFAQ You! Non-performing roles in burlesque
When does a performer become a ‘Professional’? Having a professional attitude or approach to a thing is not necessarily what makes it your ‘profession’. When something is your profession, it is implied that this is your main source of earning and what you have specifically … Continue readingFAQ You! Are you a professional?
I have a routine, how can I get ahead in Burlesque? If you are indeed keen to pursue a fancy in burlesque artistry, cabaret or ‘pinup’ modeling yourself, be prepared to invest a lot of your own time, money and effort in pursuit of a … Continue readingFAQ You! How to get ahead in burlesque
Someone else is using my stage-name! What should I do? If you are a performer and you find that someone has begun using a name which is the same or very similar to yours, the best thing to do is get a second opinion on … Continue readingFAQ You! Resolving stage name disputes
How do I choose a ‘burlesque name’ to perform under? Choosing a name can be tricky and performers typically go through two or three versions of a name before settling. It’s a good idea to let it grow organically – try something which you feel … Continue readingFAQ You! Choosing a stage name
How do I get involved in performing Burlesque? First of all, do a bit of research to find out what tickles you the most. Discover the variety and history of it all. The online forums host a plethora of magazine articles here which should help, … Continue readingFAQ You! How do I start performing?
Where can I hire professional performers/producers? Currently, there are only a handful of burlesque performers who are considered by the wider entertainment industry to be ‘professional artists’ or genuine producers. These people are indeed few and are rare gems often with many imitators – but … Continue readingFAQ You! Hiring Talent
Where can I find reputable teachers? Taking up lessons from reputable teachers is an excellent way to start out, but do research your options – the person who happens to be most local or inexpensive may not be the best choice. There is no ’standarisation’ … Continue readingFAQ You! Finding Teachers