Signs of Scott Ewalt by Jo Weldon (Part 1)

Burlesque signs have always rocked my world. As a child, every time I saw a burlesque sign on a lounge I got an illicit thrill, imagining women of impossible repute removing stockings with a knowing wink. I could picture the heavy lashes, the big hair, the chiffon robes. I was

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Dorothy Dorne: A Life in Pictures by Jo Weldon

Last winter I spent some time going through paper archives in the Burlesque Hall of Fame collection in Las Vegas, with the help of Laura Herbert and Brian Newman. I was particularly interested in the sheet music and the notations on it. I intend to share more about the sheet music project

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Learn from the Pros: 2011 Master Classes

For the fourth blockbuster year, the Burlesque Hall of Fame Finishing School offers rare, hands-on workshops with “Living Legends” of the art of Burlesque. These classes are a special opportunity to learn directly from seasoned performers and headliners, each of whom has her own  unique perspective on the art, and

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Burlesque Etiquette

The Burlesque Handbook has been out since June, and people have been very kind in their reception of it. Interestingly, one of the chapters the more experienced performers have told me they appreciate has been Chapter 10, “Backstage Etiquette: How to Win Naked Friends and Influence Nude People.” In this

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Jo Weldon on Christina Aguilera.com!

–Jo Weldon, Daily Burlesque 12.08.10

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Pretty Things to Be Released in Paperback!

Full disclosure: My publisher, HarperCollins, is also Liz Goldwyn‘s publisher, as well as Dita Von Teese’s. HarperCollins KNOWS burlesque! But I bought Liz’s book before I ever had a book contract, and it is spectacular. It is one of the most amazing books you’ll find on the subject of mid-20th

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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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Backstage at the New York Burlesque Festival

It’s been hard to keep up with this blog while keeping up with Twitter, Facebook, and Formspring, and while writing and promoting a book! One thing I used to do frequently that I miss is sharing a few recent photos I’ve taken. I hope you enjoy these shots from backstage

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How Much Dance Choreography is Too Much?

Q: How much dance choreography is too much to add into a burlesque routine and how much is too little? I’ve heard burlesque dancers say “not too much dance choreography.” A: Formally trained dancers may have a tendency to think more about their choreography than their audience. In many rigidly

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