The Candy Gram: Stormy Leigh

In our ongoing Q&A series –“The Candy Gram“– we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque’s various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Tucson’s Stormy Leigh. What is your hometown? Tucson, Arizona.

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Behind The Garter Belt: Immodesty Blaize

I’m not alone when I say I’ve been dazzled by the sublime opulence that are the costumes of international showgirl, Immodesty Blaize. Throwing out my usual questions for Behind The Garter Belt, I was honoured to be privy to Immodesty’s sketches for some of her signature show’s costumes and you,

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Of Overplay and Cabaret

Oops, I did it again… So, not too long ago, in the middle of a very enjoyable show, I immediately turned around and walked out of the room. I had a spontaneous knee-jerk reaction: I heard the first few strands of Hey Big Spender wafting over the speakers – and

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A Quickie with Melody Sweets

Melody Sweets is one of the sweetest people in burlesque, and that’s saying something! I’ve known her since the days when I hung out with The Toilet Boys (I appear in their videos for “Future is Now” and “Another Day in the Life”) at Squeezebox, and used to watch her

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Behind The Garter Belt: Scarlett James

Scarlett James, the Countess of Burlesque is the founder and executive producer of The Montreal Burlesque Festival Sept.23rd to 25th Coming up you can also view her in all her splendour’s glory July 23rd for the Toronto Burlesque Festival. What is the importance of costuming to the burlesque performance.? Do

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The Exotic Dancers League

There wouldn’t be a Burlesque Hall of Fame and Museum if there hadn’t first been the Exotic Dancers League. As theatrical burlesque began its decline after WWII and the main venue for striptease moved to the nightclubs, striptease performers found themselves increasingly detached from the support networks the burlesque circuits

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Behind The Garter Belt: Anna Fur Laxis

Anna Fur Laxis blew me away with her clever Bettie Page tribute at The Windy City Burlesque Festival last April. With the amazing transitions from Bad Bettie to Good Bettie, I thought she was just the dame to interview for my costume column. You can check out her amazing act

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Behind The Garter Belt: SATAN’S ANGEL

When I saw Satan’s Angel perform her fire tassels routine out in the Mojave Desert heat in 2005’s Miss Exotic World pageant, I was speechless. This woman was Tina Turner and Mick Jagger rolled up into one fiery package. She is the rock n’ roll of burlesque! I’ve been fortunate

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Get Thee to a Mentor!

***Below are my personal opinions on mentorship. I have a big mouth, and this is my blog. Be warned.*** As I sit here, as I often do after reading my books and autobiographies about success and successful people, all I really wanted to share is: GET THEE TO A MENTOR!

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What To Do When You Faceplant on Stage

On Wednesday, I had a bad show. It happens. And as performers, we all must deal with it at some point. But it’s how you deal with it that makes the difference. Now, it’s not like I tripped and busted open my face (which I’ve done) or accidentally took a

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