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All the latest Australian Burlesque Festival news!

The Australian Burlesque School!

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ABS Postcard Flyer

Principals: Dolores Daiquiri & Scarlett

www.australianburlesqueschool.com

The Australian Burlesque School (ABS) is the premier school for professional and developing burlesque performers. It is also a school that promotes the education of burlesque to those off the stage, bringing burlesque to the wider community.

In a refreshing approach for Australian burlesque, ABS weaves together Professional Development and Mentoring for new and established performers, Casual Classes including ‘Burlesque Essentials’, ‘Boudoir Burlesque’ (Over 40 years), and ‘Yummy Mummies’, Weekend Intensives, the ‘On The Hem’ Lecture Series, the ‘Golden Beaus and Beauties’ program in Aged Care, Hen’s Parties, and links to three highly successful production platforms – the Australian Burlesque Festival, Salon Boudoir and Scarlett Productions.

Principals Dolores Daiquiri and Scarlett invest their years of performance, production and educational experience in programs that spur their passion for the expression of the female body. This is why ABS is not a school solely focused on burlesque for the stage. We are a school that celebrates sensuality, beauty, movement and creativity for all. Bringing together vaudevillian, golden era and modern burlesque expression, ABS generates multiple platforms to engage with its history, understanding, practice and performance.

ABS is currently based in Melbourne with the view to expand nationally in 2014.

 

Professional Development Course!

Event Information:

When: Term II 2014: Wednesdays, April 9 until 11 June
Time: 7.00 – 9.30pm
Where: Maison Burlesque, Level 1, 54-56 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC

The Professional Development Course is designed by burlesque performers, for burlesque performers. It is unique in its approach to industry specific development of routines and personas for the stage.

Each week students attend a 2 ½ hour workshop by one of the Principals or a guest teacher, focusing first on a discussion of the previous week’s work, a skills workshop, their application directly to their routine, and guidance on what to develop on further in the week to follow. Classes are kept small in order to encourage networking and close interaction, more akin to mentoring that a typical class size.

Principals Dolores Daiquiri and Scarlett are there to guide as well as challenge student, to get students ready to approach the burlesque community. We cannot guarantee that students will walk straight into paid performance work or a prolonged place in the industry, but we can give them the tools to solidify their stage personas,

Students receive a Course Workbook to guide each week’s class including information, links, contacts and examples of work to be covered. The final week is dedicated to performing finished routines, providing photography and videography (where appropriate) to aid in the students’ growth beyond the course.

Payment plans available via: PROFESSIONAL COURSE ENROL NOW

Casual Classes!

Boudoir Burlesque – commencing Tuesday 2nd April

Introductory Offer here: 50% OFF

Are you looking for a fun and flirty class in a safe environment? Do you want to learn vintage-flavoured, sophisticated burlesque reminiscent of the ‘Golden Era’ ?
This burlesque class is aimed at woman over 40 who are looking to put a little spark into their day. Designed specifically with your needs in mind.
You will learn some fabulous and glamorous burlesque dance moves such as The Shimmy, The Bump n Grind, The Wiggle, The Burlesque Walk and so on. We will even teach you how to flirt with a feather boa, peel some gloves, and use small fans.

Dolores Daiquiri, who has over 13 years experience as a burlesque performer, producer, mentor and teacher, will conduct this class. She is a valuable resource of information and believes that ALL woman should be able to put a little ‘tease’ into their lives. Dolores is Co-director of The Australian Burlesque School and The Australian Burlesque Festival. Producer of Salon Boudoir.

No dance or burlesque experience necessary. Beginners welcome!

When: Weekly, commences Tuesday 1st April 2014
Where: Maison Burlesque, Level 1, 54-56 Bridge
Road, Richmond VIC
Time 10.00 – 11.00am

What to wear: Something comfortable to dance in.
Shoes to move easily in. Props provided.
Bring some water and a towel.

NB: Please arrive 10 minutes before class so we can start on time.

Casual class: $20
4 Week Pass: $76 ($19 a class)
6 Week Pass: $108 ($18 a class)
8 Week Pass: $136 ($17 a class)
10 Week Pass: $150 ($15 a class)

All bookings attract an online booking fee: Boudoir Burlesque BOOK NOW

Burlesque Essentials – commencing Monday 7th April  

Introductory Offer here: 50% OFF

Are you looking for a fun and flirty class to entice and excite your inner seductress each week? Do you want to learn vintage-flavoured, sophisticated burlesque reminiscent of the ‘Golden Era’ ?
This burlesque class is for students of all ages who are interested in introductory burlesque skills and a weekly dose of the Art of Tease.
You will learn some fabulous and glamorous burlesque dance moves such as The Shimmy, The Bump n Grind, The Wiggle, The Burlesque Walk and so on. We will even teach you how to flirt with a feather boa, peel some gloves, and use small fans.

Dolores Daiquiri, who has over 13 years experience as a burlesque performer, producer, mentor and teacher, will conduct this class. She is a valuable resource of information and believes that ALL woman should be able to put a little ‘tease’ into their lives. Dolores is Co-director of The Australian Burlesque School and The Australian Burlesque Festival. Producer of Salon Boudoir.
Other guest teachers will take the class occasionally, including Co-director Scarlett and other established and accomplished burlesque artists.

No dance or burlesque experience necessary. Beginners welcome!

When: Weekly, commences Monday 7th April 2014
Where: Maison Burlesque, Level 1, 54-56 Bridge
Road, Richmond VIC
Time 7.00 – 8.00pm

What to wear: Something comfortable to dance in.
Shoes to move easily in. Props provided.
Bring some water and a towel.

NB: Please arrive 10 minutes before
class so we can start on time.

Casual class: $20
4 Week Pass: $76 ($19 a class)
6 Week Pass: $108 ($18 a class)
8 Week Pass: $136 ($17 a class)
10 Week Pass: $150 ($15 a class)

All bookings attract an online booking fee via: Burlesque Essentials BOOK NOW

Yummy Mummies – commencing Tuesday 6th May

Introductory Offer here: 50% OFF

Are you ready to get back into moving in your confident, pre-baby body? Do you need to juggle your high heels and baby wipes at the same time?

This burlesque class is aimed at women who need to bring along their little bundles to class. You will learn some fabulous and glamorous burlesque dance moves such as The Shimmy, The Bump n Grind, and The Burlesque Walk. We cater for mums and their bubs in a safe environment. Children under 3 years are welcome to play at the back of class and all sessions are designed to allow you to look after them as needed. The supervision of children is the responsibility of mums, but we do ensure that classes are flexible and fun to ensure everyone has a good time while managing their little ones.

With over 20 years of performance experience and a passion for all things sensual and languid, Scarlett will bring out the dancer in you; even if you don’t have any experience at all! She is a performer, producer, teacher and a new mum – who will bring along her little man to classes just like you. Scarlett is Co-director of The Australian Burlesque School and Producer at Scarlett Productions.

When: Weekly, commences Tuesday 6th May 2014
Where: Maison Burlesque, Level 1, 54-56 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC

Time 11.30am – 12.30pm

Casual class: $20
4 Week Pass: $76 ($19 a class)
6 Week Pass: $108 ($18 a class)
8 Week Pass: $136 ($17 a class)
10 Week Pass: $150 ($15 a class)

All bookings attract an online booking fee via: Yummy Mummies BOOK NOW

 

2014 Applications now open!

By News

The Australian Burlesque Festival would like to invite performers to apply to be part of “The biggest celebration of tease in the Southern Hemisphere!” all types of burlesque, variety and fringe entertainment including cabaret, sideshow, classic & neo burlesque, magic, circus, drag, non-striptease acts, solos, duos and groups are welcome to apply!

The 2014 Australian Burlesque Festival will tour around the country from 5th-28th June 2014.

Applications will be open until the 31st January 2014.

Before you begin filling out the application form please have ready:

  • a 100 word performer bio.
  • 2-3 images to be used for the website and media.
  • Links to any relevant websites and online videos you would like to include.
  • PayPal log in details to pay the AU$15.00 application fee.

APPLY HERE!

 

Applying for the festival

Performing in the Australian Burlesque Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for both local and international performers to travel and perform in some of the biggest showcases of burlesque in Australia. Understandably we receive an enormous amount of applications so please take your time filling out the form and give us as much information as possible.

For International performers there may also be opportunity to perform at the Perth International Burlesque Festival while you are over here, which runs from the 10th-14th of July. Applications are now open (you must apply separately).

Photos and video

High quality images accompanying your application not only look fantastic on the website, but will be chosen more frequently to appear in press and media opportunities. Unwatermarked images are preferred and due to the nature of press we advise no nudity!

Video footage of the acts you are applying with is highly advantageous. The only circumstance where we understand this may not be possible is for acts that are currently in development, in which case we recommend including footage of another act that showcases your style of performance.

For newer performers and Baby Bombshell applicants we recommend filming yourself doing your act in private (like an audition) if you don’t have any live footage, this gives us a great idea of what you are like as a performer.

Volunteers

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer to take part  in the Australian Burlesque Festival including:

  • Roving and installation performers
  • Venue set up and pack down
  • Stage assistants
  • Promotional people
  • Poster and Flyer distribution

If you are interested in volunteering please contact dawn@australianburlesquefest.com

Sweet Pins Fine Hosiery “National Stockings Day” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By News

Sweet Pins Fine Hosiery online boutique has created a sexy approach to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research and will bring their fabulous campaign from the UK to Australia through “National Stockings Day.”

This event is aimed to encourage all women to slip into something beautiful and feminine like stockings for one day.

“National Stockings Day” will be held on Friday, October 18th but Sweet Pins has announced that throughout the entire month of October a percentage of all their branded stockings sold by online retailer will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

On October 18th models will show off their elegant Sweet Pins stockings around Sydney and Melbourne CBD to promote the cause.

“Most of the products and initiatives to support breast cancer foundations are very conventional and are usually every-day-use products. We wanted to change things up and offer something fun that will make women feel sexy and feminine. Perhaps use as an excuse to treat yourself or surprise your partner,” states Lidia Scotto Di Vetta, the founder of Sweet Pins.

“National Stockings Day is an event originally created by Charnos Hosiery. It has been so popular in the UK for the past six years, and we hope it will be a success here in Australia as well. I look forward to seeing the women in Australia come out wearing their Sweet Pins stockings feeling sexy and glamorous while supporting a great cause.”

 

Show your support for this event on the National Stockings Day Facebook page or through the hash tag #Nationalstockingday. 

 

Head over to the Sweet Pins store, start shopping and look fabulous while helping a great cause!

 

Evie’s #Flashback – DIXIE EVANS

By News

DIXIE EVANS

Dixie Evans was a great American burlesque dancer best remembered for her parody of Marilyn Monroe. She was burlesque royalty and was responsible for curating and promoting the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum in Las Vegas. Dixie Evans recently passed on the 3rd of August after suffering a stroke earlier this year.

Dixie began her career as a model before becoming a chorus girl and was then quickly promoted to becoming a star dancer. Early in her career she was approached by Harold Minsky with the promise of steady work if she did an act to impersonate Marilyn Monroe. At first reluctant, Dixie later agreed and soon her Monroe acts led her to national fame.

When Monroe died in 1962, Dixie prepared a tribute act to her which was received well by the public and she soon retired from the parody. Dixie continued to work in burlesque and perform for packed clubs and rowdy audiences all over America.

In 1990 Dixie’s friend Jennie Lee passed away and Dixie assumed the role of curating the Exotic World Museum, now known as the Burlesque Hall of Fame. Dixie began to fundraise annually for the museum and created burlesque’s biggest festival and gathering – the Burlesque Hall of Fame held every year in Las Vegas.

Dixie will always be remembered for her amazing contribution to the burlesque industry and her spirit will live on in the Burlesque Hall of Fame museum. A global fundraising event called ‘Dixie Evans Week’ was held in August to raise funds for the deceased legend and to assist in the preservation of the museum.

 

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Baby Bombshells – TONIGHT!

By News

After a year of planning and incredibly hard work from our directors and support staff the journey is finally beginning tonight, with the official opening of the nationwide tour with the Baby Bombshells Newcomers contest! This is your chance to come and see the stars of tomorrow shine, and promises to be a fun-filled, glamourous and innovative night.
To celebrate we are giving away 2 Double passes to the show tonight, just head over to our Facebook page and tell us why you want to see tomorrow’s starlets shake their feathers tonight!! Winners will be selected at random and notified via Facebook at 5pm today – 6th June 2013.

There are some fantastic prizes for all of the entrants:

With the winners receiving:

 

We love all of our incredible sponsors and know you will too! make sure you check them out at the shows and online.

Don’t forget, for another chance to win a double pass to a show of your choice, head over to the Green Fairy Facebook page as the winner for this weeks draw will be announced tomorrow! All you have to do to enter is ‘like’ their page.

 

 

 

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