Miss Mina Murray

Dear Constant Reader,

Just a quick note B.A.B.E.’s workshop series on burlesque comedy starts on Thursday. Enrollment is limited and there are only a few spaces left! Go to studyburlesque.com/workshops to sign up.

Here’s your lip, I mean, tip!

Use two colors of lipstick to change the appearance of your lips.

After you apply your usual lipstick, use a second color to change the emphasis.

For a fuller-looking lip, use a paler color in the center of your lip. Be sure to blend it well around the edges so…

Dear Constant Reader,

2020 was a very hard year, as it was for all of us. There were a few bright spots, here and there, but mostly it was one challenge after another. I’m going to try to focus on the positive.

January
Scratch reintroduces Taste O’ Burlesque, a burlesque “open stage” and light-hearted competition. The troupe  bookends the competition section and I get to do my David Bowie number. The show goes over so well, the venue suggests a monthly event. Scratch wisely counters with every couple of…

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip! Lighting has become so important as we spend so much time in front of cameras.

Soften harsh lights with a diffuser.

The theatrical solution would be to use a diffusing gel, but if you don’t happen to have one of those lying around, you can improvise. If you’re using an LED bulb, it doesn’t get hot and there’s lot of things you can use to put in front of the bulb to get a softer light– sheer fabric, a stocking, wax paper, &c. In a pinch we once used a…

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy New Year! May 2021 be better and brighter for all of us! (but no pressure…)

Often I suggest setting goals for the new year, but 2020 was a *really* rough year. Instead:

Look back on all your accomplishments, no matter how small. I bet you accomplished more than you think!

Stay well everyone! I hope we can be together again this year.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can…

Dear Constant Reader,

Wishing a very merry Christmas to those who celebrate! For those who don’t, enjoy your take-out Chinese food and movie at home! (I’ll be watching Wonder Woman 1984 over my egg rolls tonight)

It’s still Friday, so here’s your tip, which is really more of a wish:

May next year be better and brighter! And may we all do all we can to make it so.

Thank you all for being here this year.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a…

Dear Constant Reader,

Ages ago I said I was going to review my way through my collection of burlesque DVDs. So far, with a big gap between, I’ve reviewed a movie, an instructional video, and a vintage burlesque film. Time for a documentary!

Behind the Burly Q: The Story of Burlesque in America by Leslie Zemeckis (2010)

You aren’t mistaken; I already reviewed Behind the Burly Q. But that was the book. The documentary came first. In fact, it turned 10 this year!

Zemeckis  traveled the country interviewing…

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday again! How does that keep happening? Before I get to your tip, a few notes and advertisements.

We’ve got the first classes of 2021 scheduled at B.A.B.E. Head on over there to check out the current offerings.

Tomorrow night I’ll be appearing in Velvet Revue’s Premiere Show: US Edition at 9pm EST! You can also still see The BeauTease Holiday Special whenever you want or H.A.U.N.T., if you prefer your holiday season spooky.

And now for your tip!

Allow rhinestone glue to dry…

Dear Constant Reader,

This year I taught two classes at BurlyCon. I’ve been teaching virtually at B.A.B.E. since April, but this wasn’t the same. There was a bigger audience, new (to me) tech, a moderator, and the class was going to be recorded for later viewing or purchase. I was kind of nervous, to say the least.

My first class was Who’s Who in Classic Burlesque. The whole thing is a presentation and I’ve taught it before, even virtually. Since I was using Google Meet for the first time, I did a trial to…

Dear Constant Reader,

What was it like taking classes at BurlyCon this year? We had three options: on-demand classes which were available at any time, live classes via Zoom or Google Meet where you could interact with the instructors, and recorded classes, which are recorded versions of the live classes, which could be watched at your leisure.

I tried to take as many classes live as I could and here’s a short synopsis. This is over the span of two weeks and there were whole days I went without taking a…

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday! We’ve got a couple of exciting things happening tomorrow!

At 2PM, Betty Blaize will be teaching Hot for the Holidays: A Pinup Makeup Workshop at B.A.B.E.

At 8PM we’re hosting a watch party for The BeauTease Holiday Special! If you can’t make it, you can still see the show

Consistency is pleasing; change is exciting.

Consider this when planning your choreography, costumes, music &c. A mix of both elements is going to make your act more interesting to watch.

These writings…