tag:minamurray.com,2005:/blogs/oh-the-glamourous-life?p=112Oh, The Glamourous Life!2024-03-26T20:38:39-04:00Miss Mina Murrayfalsetag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73730682024-03-26T20:38:39-04:002024-03-26T23:30:09-04:00B.A.B.E. Student Showcase 3/1/24<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>After something like five years, B.A.B.E. had a student showcase! Scratch and I taught <em>Burlesque: Your Way</em> in January and February, one of our favorite classes, and one we haven’t taught for so long. In it, we coach students through the process of creating their own routines. The students start with an idea and end up on stage. They create their own choreographies, costumes, props, and set pieces. We offer guidance and feedback. They work so very hard!</p>
<p>Deacon Giles was good enough to let us hold the showcase in their lounge. We invited illustrious alumnae Jeannie Martini and Ingride Denise to inspire the students with their skill and Devastasia, Scratch, and I, as B.A.B.E. instructors rounded out the show. We tried to alternate those making their debuts with the more experienced performers, so the students would have a better chance of watching each other’s acts.</p>
<p>Due to some unfortunate events preoccupying us, we completely failed to get any stage help. Scratch and I alternated hosting, pick up, and DJ-ing (a job I completely fell down on…), while Devastasia kept things calm in the dressing room with the students.</p>
<p>The show sold out and the audience was wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive. I wish I had photos because everyone looked so good!</p>
<p>Scratch: <em>Introductory Remarks</em><br>
Scratch, promising to be brief, talked a little bit about the course and what the students had accomplished.</p>
<p>Mina Murray: <em>About B.A.B.E.</em><br>
I gave a little background on the school and then introduced our first performer…</p>
<p>Devastasia: <em>Real Gone</em> (Sam Taylor)<br>
One of Devastasia’s go-to classic routines. I marveled, watching her from the wings, about her growth as a performer since her long ago days as a <em>Burlesque: Your Way</em> student. She works the audience so well!</p>
<p>Andrea Velour: <em>Toxic Love</em> (Tim Curry)<br>
Our first student of the night! Andrea had villain vibes in a long black coat. Finally, after a long tease with the coat, the audience was treated to a hand-rhinestoned lingerie set. Andrea chose a song with a lot of musical complexity, which was also long for the first time creating a chorepgraphy. I know the development process was challenging, but in the end they had a strong act with some really nice moments.</p>
<p>Ingride Denise: <em>Black and Tan Fantasy<br>
</em>I love Ingride’s classic style! In this act, she was all in red and teased with a boa over two songs. It’s wonderful to see how she has grown as a performer since her early days with us. And, she’s just a delightful person to hang out with.</p>
<p>Scratch: A Small Miracle<br>
Just a little bit of magic to break up the burlesque.</p>
<p>Nefertitty: <em>Cleopatra in New York </em>(Nikodemos)<br>
Regal in purple, Nefertitty (dubbed best stage name of the night by Scratch) screened the mere mortals from her radiant presence with feather fans. After she dropped her dress, she teased with a flowing silk veil. It took her a while to choose her music, running through a couple of different songs before landing on this one. The Middle Eastern sound worked perfectly with her sinuous moves and Egyptian-style bra and belt set.</p>
<p>INTERMISSION</p>
<p>Grimm Fatale: <em>Bloody Mary</em> (Lady Gaga)<br>
Sultry vampire Grimm had only one sort of prey in mind. From her coffin to her cape to her tombstone fans, her message was clear — Eat the Rich! Look out billionaires! When she told us in the first class that she planned to come out of a coffin, I was very curious how that was going to work. There was definitely some trial and error, but by the dress rehearsal she had engineered a prop that looked good and was easy to set up on stage (I was the one who set it during intermission).</p>
<p><span style="font-size: revert">Kitty Diamond: </span><em style="font-size: revert">It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)</em><span style="font-size: revert"> (Duke Ellington)<br>
</span>Bringing us the private life of a showgirl, Kitty had some killer vintage dance moves before stripping it all off. However, she realized the audience was watching and became “shy”. She coyly teased with a set of fans before revealing all. Kitty had her act almost completely realized from the beginning of the course, but she did make some additions to her costume and changed up her fans.</p>
<p>Jeannie Martini: <em>Dream of You</em> (Michael Bublé)<br>
Jeannie is one of the funniest performers I know and her creativity is boundless. When she grabs an idea, she runs with it as far as she can. In this case, that was bubbles. From her bubble headdress and bubble-wrap corset to the shower of bubbles coming from between her legs, she was all in. I was laughing my ass off from the wings.</p>
<p>Veronika Stern: <em>Take Care of Business</em> (Nina Simone)<br>
Veronika, executive of the Velvet Curtain Co. (it said so right on her briefcase), was completely in charge of business. Her musicality and timing were excellent, with floorwork and tassel twirling as highlights. Veronika had a solid concept and sequent of events from the start of class. This wasn’t surprising as this was not her first burlesque performance. Besides appearing in <em>The Peacemaker Corps</em> at The Expo last year, she had created a couple of acts on her own.</p>
<p>Devastasia: <em>All About That Bass</em> (Post-Modern Jukebox arrangement)<br>
We always like to give Devastasia a chance to sing.</p>
<p>Mina Murray: <em>Three for the Show</em> (Johnny Staccato Band)<br>
And I closed out the night with my parade-and-peel striptease, <em>Mina in Furs</em>.</p>
<p>We had so much fun and all the performers did so well. It was a joy to see everyone blossom on stage. I can’t wait to do it again!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73711732024-03-22T16:51:09-04:002024-03-22T20:15:09-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>While I’ve got your attention…</p>
<p>I will be teaching both <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/introduction-to-burlesque-april-2024"><em>Introduction to Burlesque</em></a> and an <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/beyond-basic-burlesque-floorwork-routine">intermediate-level floorwork routine</a> in April! Early Bird pricing for the complete Intro course ends on Monday.</p>
<p>The BeauTease are preforming at House of Hatchets on the Cape tomorrow! <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/on-target-burlesque/tickets">There are still some tickets available</a>!</p>
<p>And at last, your tip!</p>
<p>Spring is technically here, but it’s still rather raw out there. I don’t know about you, but the cold and the wind do a number on my lips.</p>
<p><em>Exfoliate your dry lips with mixture of equal parts sugar and oil.</em></p>
<p>You just need a spoonful of each. Mix them together and pat onto your lips. Despite the fact that this is often called a scrub, don’t scrub. Be gentle! Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Your lips should feel smooth and soft!</p>
<p>I generally use olive oil and white sugar, because I’ve always got those on hand. Brown sugar is fine, as is any kind of food-grade oil, like almond or coconut. Some people like to add a bit of honey for its hydrating properties. Make sure it’s liquified, by warming the jar, so it combines well. Some people like to add an essential oil, like peppermint, but do be careful — too much can irritate your skin. You only need a single drop in a batch this small.</p>
<p>Use about once or twice a week, no more, for best results.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73676582024-03-15T14:58:50-04:002024-03-15T15:00:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! First, a few announcements:</p>
<p>I will be teaching both <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/introduction-to-burlesque-april-2024"><em>Introduction to Burlesque</em></a> and an <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/beyond-basic-burlesque-floorwork-routine">intermediate-level floorwork routine</a> in April!</p>
<p>The BeauTease will be performing at a new venue this month! On March 23rd we’ll be at House of Hatchets on the Cape. For those of you on the South Shore who wish we performed closer, here we are! <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/on-target-burlesque/tickets">Get your tickets here</a>!</p>
<p>And at last, your tip!</p>
<p><em>Wash out your water bottle.</em></p>
<p>Yeah, I’m talking to you. Even if all you keep in it is water, you need to wash it from time to time. If you put anything else it, like a sports drink or some cucumber or fruit, be sure to wash it well. Bottle brushes are really helpful here! Don’t forget the cap, lip, and a straw (if there is one).</p>
<p>If you don’t have time for a thorough scrub, pour in some boiling water and swish it around. You can also use white vinegar to disinfect.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73642372024-03-08T22:08:23-05:002024-03-08T23:30:20-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! How about a tip?</p>
<p><em>Follow up.</em></p>
<p>If you’ve contacted someone about performing or teaching or renting a venue and you don’t get a response, wait little while and then follow up. Unfortunately these days, sometimes people figure that no response is the same as a “no” (you would never do that, Dear Reader, right?), but sometimes people get busy, sometimes things slip through the cracks. </p>
<p>It can’t hurt to (politely!) remind them of your interest.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73588852024-02-28T12:04:33-05:002024-02-28T16:45:41-05:00Albert Day<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Twelve years ago today a huge, somewhat scruffy white cat with a rakish scar across his nose walked into our life and changed it forever.</p>
<p><a title="The Cat" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/50982608256/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50982608256_334b729aab_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="The Cat" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>Albert A. Cat touched many people in his time with us, some of whom never even met him.</p>
<p>This is the second Albert Day without our handsome boy. I miss him every day.</p>
<p>If you wish to honor our distinguished gentleman, be kind today. Tell the people and creatures you love that you do. Enjoy your food. Take a nap with a friend. Donate to a cat rescue or shelter or MSPCA Angell Hospital. Treat yourself to the traditional Albert cakes (vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting and shredded coconut on top).</p>
<p>But mostly, be kind.<br>
<a title="Albert crossed paws" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53556823197/in/album-72177720315129348/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556823197_6748f05036_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Albert crossed paws" width="400" /></a></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73563232024-02-23T15:52:00-05:002024-02-23T18:45:10-05:00Dear Constant Reader,
It’s Friday again. Today I have for you wise words from an icon.
“Don’t...<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again. Today I have for you wise words from an icon.</p>
<p><em>“Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.”</em><br>
<em>–Mae West</em></p>
<p>A little critical thinking and independent verification goes a long way.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 20 Patrons. Welcome Cmc420! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73527192024-02-16T17:38:21-05:002024-02-16T19:30:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I’m pretty happy today. Our show in Salem tomorrow, <em>Some Enchanted Evening</em>, is completely sold out! After two shows in new venues, we’re back to our familiar stomping grounds at Deacon Giles Speakeasy Lab.</p>
<p>Also, Monday is my birthday!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When using elastic in your costumes, if possible, make a casing instead of stitching it down.</em></p>
<p>When the elastic inevitably loses its elasticity, you can easily replace it by opening the casing a little, pulling out the old elastic and threading in a new piece. It’s a little fussy, but better than not being able to wear the costume anymore.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73488772024-02-09T19:35:02-05:002024-02-09T20:30:12-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Tomorrow we have the first of our <em>Some Enchanted Evening</em> shows at Naukabout Brewery. It’s sold out! And the 17th at Deacon Giles is sold out too! However, you can still see us at our biggest and fanciest show — <a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/event/5430314/669865969/some-enchanted-evening">Valentine’s Day at Central Wharf Co.</a> Tickets include dinner!</p>
<p>Our theme for the show is magic! <a href="https://missminamurray.com/tag/faerie-queene/">The Faerie Queene</a>, my striptease and slight-of-hand act will be making an appearance, and all the BeauTease have learned a few tricks to delight you.</p>
<p>With no further ado, or commercial plugs, here’s your tip:</p>
<p><em>If you like a song, but it’s not quite right, look for a different arrangement.</em></p>
<p>When working with jazz standards and burlesque classics, there are many versions of the same song, literally dozens to choose from for some of them, if not more. For example, “Cheek to Cheek” has been recorded by over 400 different artists!</p>
<p>My troupe, which has a somewhat retro aesthetic, often uses modern music which has been arranged in a more vintage style (e.g. Postmodern Jukebox).</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73451612024-02-02T20:30:35-05:002024-02-03T01:30:13-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I can’t believe I haven’t given you this tip before. The subject of false lashes came up today and it made me think of this one:</p>
<p><em>After applying the adhesive to your eyelashes, give it a little time to set up and get tacky before you apply your lashes.</em></p>
<p>I usually put on my eye makeup and then apply adhesive to my lashes. I finish the rest of my face and then the lashes are ready.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73428072024-01-30T11:26:54-05:002024-01-30T12:45:13-05:00In the Kitchen: Washington Pie (1914)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s been a very long time since I shared a recipe with you all. I have a bunch of cooking videos at <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com">The 365 Kitchen Cabinet project </a>and I’ve been sharing them on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patreon</a>, but not here. Sorry about that…</p>
<p>Anyhow, I made Washington Pie. Despite the name, it’s not pie; it’s cake.</p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="470" height="265" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PFhxr1GiuyU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></p>
<p>I liked it — it was easy to make, used almost entirely pantry ingredients, and tasted good. What’s not to like?</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73405852024-01-26T11:00:18-05:002024-01-26T14:00:09-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s a little tip if you are applying to burlesque festivals.</p>
<p><em>Trim your videos to cut down the introductions.</em></p>
<p>The selection committee members have to watch a lot of videos and letting them get right to the start of your act will save a bit of time. Even less than a minute per video adds up when they’ve got hundred of videos to go through.</p>
<p>If your video is on YouTube, you can send a link that starts at a specific time so you don’t actually have to edit out the intro. Set the video to where you want it to start and click “share”. Down at the bottom there’s a option that says “start at” and the time you’ve selected. Check the box and get the share link.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73369222024-01-19T16:45:23-05:002024-01-19T17:45:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Sorry for the lack of a tip last week. I was felled by a nasty bug and spent the long weekend swooning in my sick bed, occasionally, but only rarely, accompanied by a cat.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When modifying a paper pattern, trace it first, so you’re not messing with the original.</em></p>
<p>Tracing paper is very nice for patterning; it’s crisp, and you can see through it, so transferring markings is easy, but it’s a little pricy and the sheets only get so big. For large pattern pieces, like skirts, cheap wrapping paper works very well. You might even be able to find some on deep clearance right now.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73316562024-01-10T13:31:03-05:002024-01-10T16:30:08-05:00Introducing Jonathan<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>We’ve always been a one-cat household. And assumed we would stay that way. However, Bartholomew had other plans. He’s so smart and gets bored so easily. And when he gets bored he gets destructive. In the mornings he would break into the bedroom (and it took over a year and a half to figure out how to install doors that he couldn’t crack) pre-dawn and start knocking things down. Or he would just sit outside the door and howl like the world was coming to an end.</p>
<p>When one of the sleepy humans would get up we would see that he had brought us one of his favorite toys, like a cat dancer or his mouse on a string. Something he wanted a person on the other end of.</p>
<p>We started talking about getting him a companion and went back and forth about it <em>a lot</em>. We weren’t sure if bringing another cat into the house was a good idea or not. What if they hated each other? What if Bart was miserable?</p>
<p>Scratch found a cat in a foster situation in Florida that the rescue organization would transport to Boston. In October we had a video interview with the cat and his foster family and a virtual home visit by the rescue. All that was left was for us to decide yes or no.</p>
<p>As you might have guessed, dear Reader, we said yes.</p>
<p>Now came the challenge of getting NewerCat (we would wait until he told us his name) to Boston. We were having some major work done on the house at the end of October and then I was going to Stripper’s Holiday in early November, so we wanted him to arrive after that. There was a transport coming up at the right time, but we didn’t want to further stress the little guy with being in a vehicle for over 24 hours. So we had to wait for one of the “Flight Angels” (off-duty flight attendants) to volunteer to escort him.</p>
<p>At last, we headed to Logan Airport to meet our Angel, Lisa, and collect NewerCat, who had been a great traveler and was calm for the whole car ride home.</p>
<p>Bartholomew was predictably not thrilled at the tiny interloper (a perfectly normal-sized cat, but next to our massive panther, he’s a wee peanut), but after only three days of controlled visits and some hissing, they achieved détente and after a couple more days, started hanging out together.</p>
<p>Allow me to present Jonathan A. Cat!</p>
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<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53453014622/in/album-72177720313932036/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53453014622_b249e933d3_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="240" /></a></td>
<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53453014642/in/album-72177720313932036/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53453014642_02e87f9e46_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="240" /></a></td>
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<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53454355450/in/album-72177720313932036/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53454355450_7b297df147_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="240" /></a></td>
<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53453014627/in/album-72177720313932036/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53453014627_56549eee21_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="240" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>We call him Jackie-Boy. He’s a two-or-three-year-old Turkish Van mix and is very playful and affectionate. The belly is not a trap, but he does like to chew on fingers. He and Bart wrestle together and groom each other and birdwatch from the same window.</p>
<p>It’s kind of strange having a white cat again, especially when he sleeps in Albert’s bed (taking up a fraction of the space), but nice.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73291632024-01-05T17:10:43-05:002024-01-05T19:00:15-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy New Year! Thank you for being here! I hope 2024 is going to be kind to us all. Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When applying to festivals, make sure you can get there.</em></p>
<p>That is, if you’re flying, what do flights cost? How do you get to the festival location once you arrive, especially if it isn’t near an airport? Are you going to need to rent a car? What’s the public transit situation? If you’re driving, how long is it going to take? Do you need to spend a night somewhere on the way? Do you need someone to swap off driving?</p>
<p>For example, <a href="https://www.burlesque-expo.com/main/">The Great Burlesque Expo</a> is in Salem, MA. Most people are going to fly into Logan Airport, in Boston, 45 minutes to an hour away by car. There are options, like taking the Boston-Salem train, but you’ll want to make sure you know stuff like how to get from the airport to the train station.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73259022023-12-29T15:27:20-05:002023-12-29T19:15:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s the last Friday Tip of 2023!</p>
<p>This is more of a wish for the coming year than a tip:</p>
<p><em>Be kind to yourself and to others.</em></p>
<p>See you in 2024!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73230872023-12-22T16:35:03-05:002023-12-22T18:45:06-05:00Artist Spotlight: Sinister Sarah<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>The most recent artwork that I have been privileged to receive came from Sinister Sarah herself, the mad artisan behind <a href="https://www.patreon.com/slightlysinister/posts">The Slightly Sinister Academy of Crafts</a>. When she released her video on <a href="https://youtu.be/4oL0Mun7YG0?si=eOntXqZeimV8g9jY">stained glass</a>, she also held a contest where the two people who solved a murder mystery (most accurate answer and most entertaining, as I recall) would win hand-made stained glass suncatchers of her own original designs. </p>
<p>As you’ve probably guessed…</p>
<p><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53157259639/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157259639_d08bd102a0_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="300" /></a></p>
<p>I remember there was a spider design and a lantern one. I knew they would be gorgeous and didn’t care which one I received. It took some time for Sarah to make the stained glass pieces and a lot happened in both our lives in the interim, as well as that of the other winner.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: revert">I was unprepared when the suncatcher finally arrived.</span></p>
<p><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53157482830/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157482830_6a81de2791_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>She even captured his signature crossed-paws pose. I’m so overwhelmed that she did this. I know how difficult and time-consuming it is to work in stained glass and yet she chose to make this portrait instead of one of her planned designs.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the other winner had also lost her beloved cat, Morpheus, not long after Albert died, and she also received a memorial portrait. </p>
<p>I don’t have the words for how touched I am. I need to find a special place, safe from the predations of certain cats, where I can see the sun glow through this marvelous gift.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73230882023-12-22T14:47:08-05:002023-12-22T18:45:06-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>The winter solstice has just passed and the days are growing longer!. Here’s a little tip about light:</p>
<p><em>In tech rehearsal, walk the stage and ask someone in the house tell you where the shadows are, so you know where to stay to be well lit.</em></p>
<p>As I am constantly being reminded by our director, an outside eye is incredibly valuable in so many ways.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73225652023-12-21T15:43:05-05:002023-12-21T18:00:08-05:00Artist Spotlight: Crocheted Atrocities<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Especially if you follow me on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/miss_mina_murray/"> IG</a>, you might have seen me mention <a href="https://www.patreon.com/slightlysinister/posts">The Slightly Sinister Academy of Crafts</a>, a really fun community of people who love crafts with a spooky touch. Last fall we had a Trick or Treat gift swap for Halloween, where names were drawn out of hat and Sinister Sarah spun the Wheel of Fate to determine if you were giving/getting a trick or a treat. I was paired with Tammi aka <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crocheted_atrocities/">Crocheted Atrocities</a>. I was giving her a treat, but receiving a trick.</p>
<p>I was rather pleased with my treat offerings and sent them off. I was wondering what the heck the trick could be. Soon the answer came in the form of a large box, with not one, but two hand-made gifts (plus a toy for Bartholomew that he loved).</p>
<p>First was a crocheted cat with a hidden secret. A trick if you will.</p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="470" height="265" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cp-mF2p6k6Q?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></p>
<p>I take him when I travel, so I have both Bartholomew and Albert with me.</p>
<p>But the main thing was this:<br>
<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53156473357/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156473357_6327163c49_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="400" /></a><br>
Tammi made that lamp herself! The base is a black cat wine bottle and there are crocheted pasties and fringe. The shade is covered with leopard print (of course) and sparkly black fabric. It couldn’t be more perfect for me.</p>
<p>But where’s the trick? Just flip the switch…<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157059606_4cac08c4dd_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="400" />Secret fan dancers!</p>
<p>It’s been living in my closet while I waited for Bartholomew to grow up a little and become less destructive. Soon I should be able to read by its sexy glow.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470&h=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="470" width="470" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73221532023-12-20T17:46:49-05:002023-12-20T22:15:13-05:00Artist Spotlight: A. Fox<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I have a friend with whom I correspond. Like real, in-the-mail, pen & paper letters. We’ve been doing this for a very, very long time. We attended the same university (she undergrad, me grad) and <span style="text-decoration: line-through">escaped</span> graduated the same year. Her mom gave me a pen (sitting right here on my desk) as a graduation gift and we just started sending letters.</p>
<p>Last summer when I was despondent after Albert’s death. I got a handmade stamp-art card in the mail from her, which contained within a card secured with a bit of washi tape. It was about the size of a playing card, with more stamp art. Nothing else. And a number 1 on the back of the envelope.</p>
<p>I was intrigued and delighted. I love a good mystery. I eagerly awaited the mail each day and cards began showing up…2, 3, 4…</p>
<p><a title="IMG_6821" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53409430464/in/album-72177720313377652/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409430464_e2beed216e_b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_6821" width="400" /></a></p>
<p><a title="IMG_6822" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53409093126/in/album-72177720313377652/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409093126_5e5557c340_b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_6822" width="400" /></a><br>
<a title="IMG_6823" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53409272203/in/album-72177720313377652/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409272203_e6e05e6338_b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_6823" width="400" /></a>Each one had unique art and one of those intriguing cards taped inside. How many cards would there be all together?</p>
<p>A couple of envelopes came out of order, so I waited (impatiently) for the previous cards so I could open them in order (I’m like that). One day a big envelope came with the number 9 card and one of those card-protector sheets, with nine pockets, like you’d use to store collectible cards. It was one of the ones that came out of order, so I waited before opening the last envelope, wondering the whole time.</p>
<p>When I opened the last greeting card, I learned this was a pocket letter, something that was completely new to me. The art cards could be assembled into a larger picture. It was one last bit of puzzle, figuring out what order they went in (although I had been given the clue that the last card received went in the center).</p>
<p><a title="IMG_3254" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53410868899/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410868899_ac81f2bc74_b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_3254" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>I love the butterfly ladies. One of the ancient Greek words for butterfly, Ψυχή, also means “soul” or “spirit”. Exactly the uplifting image I needed. The framed piece now hangs on the gallery wall in the bedroom.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470&h=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="470" width="470" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73216312023-12-19T17:35:12-05:002023-12-19T21:30:15-05:00Artist Spotlight: Lady Kathryn<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>My first spotlight is on an artist I’ve never met.</p>
<p>There’s a community on Discord that began as an unofficial place for Patrons of Christine McConnell to gather and discuss her projects, but it’s evolved beyond that into a community of people who love the spooky side of life and creative pursuits. One of the things that came out of it was craft swaps. You agree to make a gift for someone and someone else, unknown to you, makes one for you. You fill out a little questionnaire so the gift-giver has some idea of your likes and dislikes. I usually join for Halloween, but last year I signed up for the spring swap. It happened to coincide with Albert’s final illness, but preparing my gifts was actually a good distraction.</p>
<p>Right after Albert died, Scratch went to New York for a long-postponed visit with his family (and my deepest gratitude to the friend who went with him so he wasn’t alone on the long drive). So that I wouldn’t be all alone in the house with my grief, Betty invited me to take refuge in her boudoir while he was traveling.</p>
<p>One of those mornings, as I was heading out, there was a parcel on the porch and I grabbed it without even wondering what it could be. Once at Betty’s I opened it.</p>
<p><a title="Tray from Lady Kathryn" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53360155030/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53360155030_858946bc92_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tray from Lady Kathryn" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>At first the sender was a mystery — apparently a note failed to make it into the parcel — but she was soon identified. Lady Kathryn had taken all the little tidbits I had shared about myself (sailed on a tall ship, swam like a mermaid, had a white cat, &c.) to make this tray. When I thanked her, she said she especially wanted to make sure that Albert was represented. She would have had no way of knowing that when she made this that it would be a memorial.</p>
<p>I was so grateful that a virtual stranger (we didn’t interact all that much on-line) had taken the time and care to make something both useful and beautiful which was so personal to me. It makes me smile every time I use it.</p>
<p><a title="Tea tray in use" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53359237342/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53359237342_c4ff5698e8_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tea tray in use" width="400" /></a></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470&h=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="470" width="470" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73211132023-12-18T17:03:57-05:002023-12-18T21:00:05-05:00Artist Spotlight: Introduction<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I know a number of people who are creative and skilled artists and I have been the beneficiary of not only their talents, but also their kindness and generosity. I’d like share their work with you and what it meant to me.</p>
<p>You all know the story of <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/10/23/whats-in-the-box/">Pubert the Bat</a>, but one of the important parts of his story is that he turned up when I was having a rough time. His presence* continues to cheer me and bring me <a href="https://youtu.be/5DvCsIJ98Co">luck</a>.</p>
<p>Last year was one of the worst in my life and these artisans helped bring a little joy into it. I appreciate their artistry, but the gifts mean so much more to me. In a dark time they brought some light into my life, knowing that someone was thinking of me. You know the saying “Food is love”? In this case it was “crafting is caring”.</p>
<p>I’m having trouble finding the right words, so I’ll stop now and let the individual artworks speak.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470&h=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="470" width="470" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p>*Although his cage needs a little repair work. Bartholomew tried to climb it. Worry not — Pubert is fine. With the exception of a couple of tassels that Bart couldn’t resist and were reduced to shreds, it’s nothing a little wood glue can’t fix.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73198272023-12-15T13:50:36-05:002023-12-15T14:00:21-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I hope you have your tickets to <em>BRRRlesque</em> tonight because we are sold out!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip:</p>
<p><em>Most Western music is in 4/4 time, which lends itself to moves in fours. To shake things up, try three moves that are the same and one that’s different. </em></p>
<p>For example, instead of four alternating hip bumps (right, left, right, left), try right, left, right, front. Extra credit if the last move is more dynamic or explosive, like three little chest shimmies followed by a chest pop.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73193802023-12-14T14:50:22-05:002023-12-14T18:15:14-05:00Book Review: Giblet and Belle<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>After the previous rather mediocre review, I wanted to share some books I can actually endorse. They’re not about burlesque, but some of my other favorite things: mysteries and cats.</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/B0CL5BPKS3.01._SX175_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" />There are three books by Robert Lay, so far:<br>
<em>Giblet and Belle: The Case of the Missing Ring</em>, 2021<br>
<em>Giblet and Belle: The Case of the One Still Too Many</em>, 2022<br>
<em>Giblet and Belle: The Case of the Vendetta</em>, 2023</p>
<p>In this world it’s the cats who are solving the mysteries. I know that sounds twee, but it’s not. The cats are the main characters, foiling criminals and gently (and not so gently) nudging humans in the right direction. Unbeknownst to People, for thousands of years there have been cats who are Protectors, looking out for humans and keeping order.</p>
<p>When our story first begins, tiny kitten Belle has only recently been adopted from a shelter by The People and is getting used to the new home in Torrington, Connecticut that she shares with dignified tabby Giblet (her best friend), old Joel Grey the Russian Blue, and the formidable Maine Coon Mittens. After a burglary, Belle learns that Mittens is a Protector, from a long line of heroic French cats. Mittens sees something promising in Belle and begins training her as a Protector.</p>
<p>In the second book, Belle is officially an apprentice Protector. The People and all their pets go to West Virginia for the summer so the Man-Person, a history professor, can do research for his book on moonshine production. Here we learn Joel Grey’s backstory and how he ended up with The People. The cats (along with canine and human allies) find themselves trying to bring a murderer to justice and save a family legacy. We also learn quite a bit about distilling whiskey, a major plot point. I do like novels with some educational content!</p>
<p>The third book, with Belle as a full-fledged Protector with her own protégé, delves deeper into the complexities and history of the cat world. We also meet several new cats: the kittens Holly Bear and Hamilton, and Holmes, a consulting cat detective, of course. The stakes are even higher in this story with a series of murders and a diabolical criminal mastermind bent on chaos and destruction.</p>
<p>The stories have excitement, peril, and even tragedy, but also sweetness and humor. I found them well-paced and hard to put down. The illustrations by Natalia Junqueira are charming. If you like cozy mysteries, these books fit the bill. They’re an excellent read while traveling.</p>
<p>Like me, the author is big fan of <a href="https://www.gocomics.com/breaking-cat-news/">Breaking Cat News</a> and a frequent contributor to the comments section. There are a few in-jokes and Easter eggs in the books for those who are familiar with the comic strip. (And if you’re not familiar, do give it a read.)</p>
<p>I will admit that <em>The Case of the Missing Ring</em> made me cry several times. Bartholomew had only recently joined our household and it was a bit much reading about a huge wise cat teaching a young black cat how to protect the forever-family.</p>
<p><a title="Chef Hamilton" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53396998707/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396998707_f5d85fc0b7_b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Chef Hamilton" width="200" /></a>One of the lovely bonuses in the latter two books are recipes from Hamilton A. Cat, a chef cat. I’ve tried them both and they are delicious. Full disclosure, I was one of the advisors on the second recipe.</p>
<p>You can buy the books at Amazon, B&N, &c. or directly from <a href="https://gibletbelle.com/">Giblet & Belle Press</a>. If you visit <a href="https://gibletbelle.com/">Giblet & Belle</a>, you can meet the real-life cats that inspired the characters and read half a dozen short “case files”.</p>
<p>I am eagerly awaiting the next book, which goes in a different direction and stars some of the characters introduced in <em>The Case of the Vendetta</em>.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73182802023-12-12T15:34:39-05:002023-12-12T16:45:22-05:00Book Review: Burlesque Dancer 101<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This book has been hanging about on my “to be reviewed shelf” for a while.</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/1721723307.01._SY400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></p>
<p><em>Burlesque Dancer 101: A Professional Burlesque Dancer’s Quick Guide on How to Learn, Grow, Perform, and Succeed at the Art of Burlesque Dancing From A to Z</em> by HowExpert with Emilie Declaron, n.d. </p>
<p>Well, that seems like a lot to promise in one slim paperback (about 100 pages). From looking at other HowExpert offerings the titles are similar, offering guides on how to “Learn, Grow, and Succeed” at something “From A to Z”, so I won’t blame the author for that. </p>
<p>In the introduction it states that the book will give you “all the tools necessary to launch and develop your burlesque career” whether you’ve just started out in the art or even never been to a burlesque show. That’s a tall order.</p>
<p>The book’s six chapters contain an introduction to the world of burlesque (a little history, some notable performers, some burlesque styles, a few “traditional” routines, &c.), routine creation, costuming, hair and makeup, performing, and developing your career. </p>
<p>Not surprisingly, the book is very superficial. The information and advice isn’t bad per se*, but trying to cover every topic one would need to become a professional burlesque performer means this book is just skimming the surface. It’s more bullet points than in-depth tutorials. That’s not awful if you want to use this as a jumping-off point, but it shouldn’t be the only source.</p>
<p>There are no illustrations in the book, which it really could have used. Trying to figure out poses or make pasties or style victory rolls without drawings or photographs, especially for completely novices, is very difficult, if not impossible. I understand that image rights are a whole issue and increase the cost of a book, but line drawings would have made some sections a lot clearer.</p>
<p>The author is from the UK, so some of the vocabulary and spelling isn’t US standard. I’m fine with that, but I’m not okay with errors. Gypsy Rose Lee’s name is spelled correctly in place and spelled “Gipsy” (the UK spelling) in others. Now that might just be an autocorrect error, but there are also typos, misplaced words, and punctuation issues that indicate a lack of editing. That’s probably not the author’s fault so much as that of the publisher (which also claims authorship).</p>
<p>The part that really aggravated me was in last section on next steps after you’ve become a performer, which suggests producing shows, selling burlesque costumes, running “hen dos” (girls’ nights out), doing corporate gigs, and “start teaching other future burlesque dancers and create your own school”. While these are aspirations, they’re not things I would recommend to brand-new performers with only a little experience. Personally, I get very frustrated with the suggestion that anyone who performs burlesque is qualified to teach. But that is a rant for another time.</p>
<p>Although the table of contents lists recommended resources, it’s just a list of other HowExpert books. There’s a small section of burlesque related websites at the end, mostly for places to buy costumes. The industrious reader could pick out names of performers mentioned throughout the book and look them up, since there are many mentions of performers for examples of acts or personal style.</p>
<p>It’s not a terrible guide, but by trying to be too much, it becomes very little. <a href="https://missminamurray.com/2021/10/14/review-the-burlesque-handbook/"><em>The Burlesque Handbook</em> </a>is still my recommendation.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p>*But recommending hot glue for Swarovski crystals is terrible advice. Don’t do it.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73166712023-12-08T16:58:04-05:002023-12-08T18:45:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Things are a bit chaotic at The Manor right now. I’ll tell you more when things are a bit calmer (not to worry — it’s good). Here’s your tip:</p>
<p><em>Embrace change.</em></p>
<p>Whether that’s changing the lineup of a show mid-show, reworking the choreography of an established act, or otherwise turning things on their head, it’s usually more rewarding to say “Yes, and…” than “No, but…”</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73159212023-12-07T12:56:06-05:002023-12-07T13:00:11-05:00Carnal Carnival 10/21 and 10/27<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>The original plan was a big theatre show with a plot, like <em>Vamps After Midnite</em>, for two weeks. However, after reasons too tedious to discuss (finding a venue, negotiating, waiting, signing a contract, having requirements added for being an “adult” show i.e. more money), Scratch decided it would be more fun and less stress (and fewer arbitrary expenses) to do a scaled down version as a revue.</p>
<p>This was also a graduation of sorts as both our apprentices presented the solo acts they created with us.</p>
<p>Our first run was at Deacon Giles, our favorite spot. We planned an early show and a late, as we so often do, and they both sold out pretty quickly. Hurrah!</p>
<p>Salem in October can be quite a zoo and traffic is often hideous, so we planned to leave Boston quite early. Thank goodness we did, because as soon as we got to Deacon Giles and began unloading, about an hour before call, I couldn’t find my second bag. Off I drove, back to The Manor, found it tucked behind the front door, and turned around. Thankfully traffic was only bad in patches. So much for less stress…</p>
<p>When the first show began, we had some issues with the sound system, which mercifully were figured after the first couple of numbers, but the show began to run long. Then we learned that Salem requires everybody out by 11pm, because Deacon Giles has a tasting room, not a bar. Scratch made some changes and cuts on the fly. I’m especially grateful to the apprentices for rolling with the chaos.</p>
<p>Our second date was at Club Café in Boston, a new venue for us, and in the week between the shows, we made a few more changes to the line up. And Club Café had a projector, so Scratch created backdrops for each act to be projected on the back wall. I’m delighted to say that this show also sold out!</p>
<p>Thanks to our stage hands, Jeanie Martini (both locations), Marek (Salem), and Kitty Switch (Boston), plus the apprentices helped out when they weren’t performing.</p>
<p>We had a photographer on both dates, so eventually there may be photos, but for now, you’ll have to deal with my written commentary. The order of acts is that from the show at Club Café, with some notes about how things changed.</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox, Phoebe Star, Vivienne Kitt:</strong> “Kindergarten”, Unkle Ho<br>
This is generally the first group number we teach apprentices. It’s got opportunities the performers to express their personalities through expression and solos and it’s very versatile in terms of theme and costuming. For this show they were all pitchfork-wielding devils.<br>
During the first show at Deacon Giles, there was something wrong with the sound system (Scratch figured out and fixed it) and the music was going in and out. It’s a testament to how well the performers drilled, that they didn’t let it throw them and performed the act as well as they would have under perfect circumstances.</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> “Moon Over Soho”, The Tiger Lilies<br>
When we decided on a Halloween circus show, it was obvious that Devastasia would bring this creepy clown to life again. The music, by the way, is a reimagining of “Mack the Knife”, which happens to be the song Devastasia used for her first burlesque act, created in the <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/burlesque-your-way"><em>Burlesque Your Way</em></a> class at B.A.B.E. (shameless plug for the course coming up in January).</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> <em>The Spike<br>
</em>This is a rather dangerous magic act involving a large, sharp metal spike, which I can’t watch… This only appeared in the first Salem show. It was cut from the other shows because it can run long depending on the audience member who is involved and we had to keep all the shows tight.</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> “Rise Up Bones”, Theatre Bizarre Orchestra<br>
This was a new act for me. While I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, it took a turn during development and ultimately never felt either carnival or Halloween. So for the Club Café show Scratch asked me to substitute…</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> “Moon Over Bourbon Street”, Sting<br>
A fan dance in black and white. At the last minute (that is, the night before), I had a sudden inspiration about how I could enhance it. I used the bat pastie templates that <a href="https://www.patreon.com/manugeettoi/">Manuge et Toi Design</a> released to Patrons for Halloween and quickly rhinestoned them. Fortunately I had lots of black and red stones from <a href="https://www.lookingglassgems.com/">Looking Glass Gems</a>. But the final reveal wasn’t actually the pasties — it was a snarl that showed the fangs I wore in my <a href="https://missminamurray.com/2023/10/31/happy-halloween-7/">Vampire’s Lair photos with La Photographie</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Vivienne Kitt:</strong> “Season of the Witch”, Lana Del Rey<br>
This was Vivienne’s solo debut! She is an experienced flag spinner and decided to incorporate that skill into her act. As it evolved in rehearsal, she cut the striptease elements and focused on the flag spinning, putting the spotlight on her talent, which was unique in this show.</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> “You’re the Boss”, Brian Setzer<br>
Betty’s been dancing with The Devil since our very first Halloween show back in 2005, and it just keeps getting better.</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> (I don’t know what the music was)<br>
A brand-new act from Ava, and very different from anything she, or any of us, has done before. It involved a bit of engineering, but that’s her speciality. It also involved making balloon dogs. And I think I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> <em>Urban Legend<br>
</em>The urban legend of the title is razor blades in Halloween apples. This is another magic trick that I can’t watch. It was cut from the first show for length but appeared in the other two.</p>
<p><strong>Phoebe Star:</strong> <em>Blood Countess</em> (“Burning Desire”, Lana Del Rey)<br>
Phoebe’s solo debut! Tall, willowy, and gothic, it’s no surprise that she made an excellent sanguinary aristocrat. Her costuming was both beautiful and clever with some lovely details.<br>
(Hey, I just realized both apprentices used Lana Del Rey songs…)</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> (some circusy music)<br>
I was not surprised in the least that Devastasia proposed a lion tamer act. She quite looked the part in sequined tailcoat, top hat, and boots. And whip, of course. That whip wasn’t just for show — she taught herself to crack it in several different way. Quite impressive! (and loud!)</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> “Upside Down”, Paloma Faith<br>
Ava originally created this acrobatic chair dance for<a href="https://missminamurray.com/2023/03/09/alice-in-underwearland-2-18-23/"><em> Alice in Underwearland</em></a>. In that show she was dressed as the Cheshire Cat, but for this one she made a leopard costume. Which dramatically just fell off her at the crucial moment. It took a lot of practice and tweaking in rehearsal, but worked perfectly on stage.</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> “Farewell Magyar”, The G-String Orchestra<br>
I think Betty created this act for the very first production of <a href="https://missminamurray.com/tag/wrathskellar/"><em>The Wrathskella</em></a>r, long ago. She cuts her costume off with a knife. Real knife, quite sharp, actually cutting through the fastenings for her costume pieces. Yeah. That’s commitment to an art. For this year she made a new and quite spectacular coat which is adds even more drama to the act.</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> “Science Fiction, Double Feature”<br>
Devastasia showed off that she had lots of skills by singing this audience favorite. It only appeared in the Boston show, having been cut for length at the Salem shows.</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing”, Chris Issak<br>
And I closed out the show with another old favorite, my tribute to Fall River’s most infamous daughter, Lizzie Borden. It’s usually last because it’s rather messy — to remove the blood from my hands, I take a sponge bath on stage. Although I try to mitigate the drenching with some rubber-backed rugs, the stage still ends up getting more than a little damp.</p>
<p>We had a lot of fun with this show, despite the chaos of rearranging the run order and cutting acts on the fly in Salem. Now we’re getting ready for our next show, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brrrlesque-tickets-760614266747"><em>BRRRlesque</em></a> on Friday, December 15 at Deacon Giles. I hope you’ll join us for some holiday cheer! Last I heard there weren’t a lot of tickets left, so don’t wait.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73129292023-12-01T16:22:05-05:002023-12-01T18:30:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! And a happy Friday it is. I got some good news that I’ll probably be sharing later on. Here’s your tip.</p>
<p><em>When creating pasties, remember that the finished product will be smaller than the flat pattern and size up accordingly.</em></p>
<p>I like making practice templates out of paper to check the sizing, especially with non-standard shapes.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73089672023-11-24T16:03:58-05:002023-11-24T19:45:06-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I’m sure everyone is besieged with Black Friday deals today. However, Christina Manuge of <a href="https://www.manugeettoi.com/">Manuge et Toi Design</a> inspired this tip:</p>
<p><em>You don’t have to discount your work, just because everyone else is doing so.</em></p>
<p>And please support small and local businesses this holiday season!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73053442023-11-17T15:49:54-05:002023-11-17T17:45:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday everyone! I am back from Stripper’s Holiday and I learned so much! Full report coming eventually… but for now here’s one of my top takeaways! Not so much of a tip as an exercise:</p>
<p><em>Take a look at your lines. Where is the eye drawn? Is that where you want a gaze to rest? How do you make sure the audience looks where you want?</em></p>
<p>Get in front of a mirror and play around until you figure it out.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/73017242023-11-10T11:00:00-05:002023-11-10T11:15:08-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A very happy Friday to you! I am currently in Las Vegas at Michelle L’amour’s Stripper’s Holiday, but I wouldn’t forget your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you spill glitter, use a vacuum to clean it up.</em></p>
<p>Don’t use a broom or a mop. They’re just going to push glitter into all the cracks and you’ll never get rid of it all.</p>
<p>And I’m talking about if you accidentally spill your craft or cosmetic glitter. I don’t mean glitter pours — you shouldn’t be doing those on stage in the first place. They look great, but annoy the venue and your fellow performers.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72984452023-11-03T15:39:19-04:002023-11-03T18:45:14-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! This week’s tip is related to last week’s.</p>
<p><em>When washing rhinestone costumes, avoid soaking them for too long.</em></p>
<p>If you used a white glue, like Gem-Tac, even if you’ve let it cure for a good long time, immersing it in water for an extended time can rehydrate and thus soften the glue. Your rhinestones might loosen, shift, or fall off (or worse, partially fall off, leaving part of the foil backing behind.). The good news is, if you catch it in time, just leave it to dry and soon the glue will set back up again.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72967342023-10-31T15:14:34-04:002023-10-31T17:45:15-04:00Story Time: The Cats of Ulthar<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Me again! I have another Halloween treat for you!</p>
<p>Occasionally I like to read stories in lingerie. Usually I save them for my Patrons, but this Halloween I’m making this one public. It’s an eerie little tale from H. P. Lovecraft on a subject dear to my heart.</p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="470" height="265" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b5zRdW9Exos?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></p>
<p>If you desire more stories, there’s a much longer Lovecraft tale available on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patreon</a>.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72965752023-10-31T10:44:36-04:002023-10-31T13:00:09-04:00Happy Halloween!<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Halloween! I hope you have a wonderful night, no matter how you celebrate!</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to have two Halloween photoshoots this month (mere days apart!) with two very talented photographers who always make me look amazing: <a href="http://www.vintagegirlstudios.com/">Vintage Girl Studios</a> and <a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com/">La Photographie Boudoir</a>. I posted a couple of my favorites on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/miss_mina_murray/">Instagram</a> during my 13 Days of Halloween, but I’ll share them here too.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Vintage Girl Studios</strong></p>
<table>
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<td><a title="IMG_2816" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53300187269/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53300187269_b7fc06d95e_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2816" height="300" /></a></td>
<td><a title="IMG_2820" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53299814511/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53299814511_2406b6240f_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2820" height="300" /></a></td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>La Photographie</strong></p>
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<tbody>
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<td><a title="DSC_0446" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53299815506/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53299815506_5460dbd57f_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_0446" height="300" /></a></td>
<td><a title="DSC_0657*" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53300067043/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53300067043_6f7baeec29_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_0657*" height="300" /></a></td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<p>There are several more from each shoot available to Patrons on all tiers at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patreon</a>.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72946692023-10-27T12:31:02-04:002023-10-27T16:45:02-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I’m getting ready for our (practically sold out) show, <em>Carnal Carnival</em>, tonight, but I’m going to make time for your tip! And today’s tip is about time:</p>
<p><em>Let glue dry at least 24 hours before wearing a costume piece.</em></p>
<p>This will not happen.</p>
<p>This tip might have been brought to you be someone who decided yesterday to make and rhinestone new pasties for tonight’s show…</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72912902023-10-20T15:12:21-04:002023-10-20T20:00:05-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! It’s a particularly happy Friday for me because tomorrow we’re presenting <em>Carnal Carnival </em>at Deacon Giles and both the early show and the late show are sold out! There are still a few tickets available for <a href="https://www.clubcafe.com/events/carnal-carnival/">next Friday’s show at Club Café</a>, but hurry — they’re almost all gone!</p>
<p>The weather is changing here in New England, getting colder and drier, which puts me in mind of this tip:</p>
<p><em>Use a richer moisturizer in winter.</em></p>
<p>Don’t forget to pay special attention to your hands and feet. They need some extra love — and lotion. </p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72876092023-10-13T16:23:34-04:002023-10-16T10:44:40-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday the 13th! I tried to come up with some clever tip about luck, or mirrors, or black cats, but nothing came to mind. Just bad luck, I guess… Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>If performing in more than one show in one night, make sure each audience gets the same amount of your energy.</em></p>
<p>We frequently perform two shows when we’re at Deacon Giles (like <a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/event/5277053/654986409/carnal-carnival">next Saturday</a>) and I know folks that have the even bigger challenge of appearing in different shows in different venues in the same night.</p>
<p>You wouldn’t want to go flat out for your first show and have nothing left for the others. Also, you wouldn’t want to reserve so much for your later shows that your early ones are subdued.</p>
<p>It’s not an easy balance, but I have faith in you.</p>
<p>Fortunately these days it’s usually two shows a night for me, which makes it a little easier to figure out how to ration one’s energy. However, one Halloween, we did 13 (short) shows over the course of an evening. That was a challenge! Also really fun!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72869592023-10-12T18:36:11-04:002023-10-12T19:30:15-04:00Book Review: The NecroMunchicon<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>You may recall my review of <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/09/25/review-in-the-kitchen-the-necronomnomnom/"><em>The NecroNomNomNom</em></a> and my subsequent <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmTzJ78s">obsession</a> with its <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/01/21/in-the-kitchen-the-dinner-of-horror/">rituals</a>. If you follow me over on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MissMinaMurray/videos">YouTube</a>, you might have seen the concoctions I mixed up from <a href="https://www.reddukegames.com/products-view.php?pid=43&cid=4"><em>LoveCraft Cocktails</em></a> the past two Halloweens (<a href="https://youtu.be/kTnalSkqEps?si=045yP0kZhqrK84V3">here</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/IPgA_wv3sYk?si=peqSBbDbXvTgAMDQ">here</a>).</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/1682687953.01._SY400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" />The good folks at Red Duke Games are at it again! Just the other day I received a copy of <a href="https://www.reddukegames.com/products-view.php?pid=71&cid=4"><em>The NecroMunchicon: Unspeakable Snacks and Terrifying Treats from the Lore of H. P. Lovecraft </em></a>by Mike Slater (2023).</p>
<p>As with the previous two volumes all the dishes have terrible pun names drawn from the works of Lovecraft and similar weird fiction authors.</p>
<p>The recipes are divided into Sweet Madness, The Witching Sour, Our Lure and Savor-y, Salt and Batter-y, and The Bitter Blend, with such offerings as Innsmouthfuls, Dunwich Whipoorwings, and Maca-Rune. Each one is accompanied by a full-page illustration by Kurt Komoda and a short bit of writing, some of which were contributed by Miguel Fliguer, author of <em>Cooking with Lovecraft</em>.</p>
<p>Besides the pun names, the recipes have a subtitle, like Morguearita Slabs: zest in piece with no-bake cheesecake bites, that often explains what you’re actually making. The ingredient lists and directions are lightly eldrichified. There’s no need for an appendix with the recipes in plan language like the first book. (Although the Grimoire edition, which I have, lets you sink or swim on your own)</p>
<p>Since I only just received it, I haven’t yet cooked anything from it. Oh, wait… yes I have!</p>
<p>Here we have Gaunt with the Cinn-ed, cinnamon-sugar crisps and Mexican hot chocolate dip and it’s accompanying illustration.</p>
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<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53252239672/in/album-72177720311735991/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53252239672_f794994891_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53253616850/in/album-72177720311735991/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53253616850_5e0673e77b_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a></td>
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<p>And The Flats of Ulthar, chili-lime tortilla chips and pepita salsa.</p>
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<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53252239677/in/album-72177720311735991/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53252239677_e356d46433_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53253476199/in/album-72177720311735991/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53253476199_6b781e9457_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a></td>
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<p>Perhaps you are saying “Mina, how did you find dishes that look just like the ones in the illustrations?” or perhaps you have figured out already…</p>
<p>They’re my recipes!</p>
<p>Last summer Mike Slater got in touch with me and asked if I wanted to contribute a snack recipe to the new book. The catch was I had to do it fast, as this was practically the last minute. I did a little brainstorming, settled on the hot chocolate dip and cinnamon-sugar crisps. Even though the editorial team would give it an appropriate name, I kind of wanted to come up with one myself. Scratch, because he’s so much better at this, suggested I make two complimentary dishes and call the whole thing “The Treat of Four Ways” (after “<a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_King_in_Yellow/The_Street_of_the_Four_Winds">The Street of Four Winds</a>” in <em>The King in Yellow</em>). Then I hit on the pepita salsa and chili-lime chips. Chips and dips with Mexican flavors, sweet and savory.</p>
<p>A mere two days later I had the recipes finalized, tested, photographed, and sent off. As it turns out, because of the way the book is structured, they became two separate entries. I had just used bat and cat shapes because those were the cookie cutters I had, but I like how they inspired one of the names.</p>
<p>So, I’ve been sitting on this news for over a year! And even after the book came out, I didn’t want to say anything until I could see it with my own eyes, lest it be but a fever dream.</p>
<p>I want to start cooking from it, but I only have 9 recipes to go before I’ve made everything in <a href="https://www.reddukegames.com/products-view.php?pid=40&cid=4"><em>The NecroNomNomNom</em></a>… Well, no one ever said you couldn’t work from two spellbooks at once, right?</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72841092023-10-06T16:21:41-04:002023-10-06T19:00:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip.</p>
<p><em>If you can’t get into your costume by yourself, arrange for some assistance in advance.</em></p>
<p>Sometimes are costumes are complicated or fasten in the back or cover our hands or otherwise make it impossible to get into without help. (I’m thinking of <a href="https://youtu.be/j7DJBXQd6Xk?si=r2vaG6hTCrfs8iZY">these</a>…). You might need a couple of helping hands.</p>
<p>Set that help up before the show. It’s not fair to spring that request on a fellow performer who might be in the middle of getting ready themselves. And you don’t need the stress of hoping someone in the dressing room might have time to help you while it’s getting closer and closer to show time. If you’re bringing your own helper, clear it with the producer first. Often non-performers aren’t allowed in the dressing room.</p>
<p>As a troupe we have it a bit easier, since we rehearse together and know the issues well in advance. These <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2nzb98d">beautiful rhinestone collars</a> needed to be clasped and then pinned in place by someone else. We each had a dressing buddy who would take care of you and then you would return the favor.</p>
<p>If you don’t know anyone, reach out to the producer and see if they can put you in touch with a member of the stage crew who would be available to help. Let them know exactly what help you will need and any special requirements before the show.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72839812023-10-06T11:35:34-04:002023-10-06T14:15:17-04:00A Pleasant Surprise<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m sure you know by now that I’m rather fond of food history and cooking <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/tag/historic-cookery/">historical recipes</a> (and making <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e14tfHkOHMM&list=PLWEZhBg3L-Pi_6_j0Fn8kqpATnRUplC-T">videos of recipe tests</a>). One of the places I like to read about culinary oddities is <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/gastro">Gastro Obscura</a>, a section of <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/">Atlas Obscura</a>.</p>
<p>Recently I saw that Gastro Oscura had an article on <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/vintage-marshmallow-dessert">marlow</a>, an early 20th century frozen dessert made from marshmallows. And I thought “Hey, <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/in-the-kitchen-mocha-marlow-1953/">I’ve made that</a>! I should contact them and let them know.” And as I was reading I saw…</p>
<p><a title="Gastro Obscura screenshot" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53238711748/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53238711748_2d6eebbee0_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Gastro Obscura screenshot" width="500" /></a></p>
<p>The hard-to-read screenshot shows that one of their links is to my humble missive about Mocha Marlow!</p>
<p>I guess they know I’ve made it after all… It’s like I’m an actual expert!</p>
<p>Is there some old recipe or unusual ingredient you’ve always wondered about? Drop me a comment below and maybe it will show up in my kitchen (Patrons get priority!).</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 21 Patrons. Welcome new Patrons Christina and Megan! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72807862023-09-29T15:54:59-04:002023-09-29T18:45:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! But before your tip, a little NPR-style appeal. I’m terrible at actively promoting myself, but let’s give it a try…</p>
<p>I’m glad you’re here for my public writings and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MissMinaMurray/videos">videos</a>! If you enjoy that content, would you consider joining my Patreon? The lowest tier is just one dollar. What can you get for a dollar these days? Some ramen? You can’t even get a cup of decent coffee for a buck.</p>
<p>As a Patron, not only do you get my blog posts emailed directly to you, but also costume tutorials, performance videos, peeks backstage, and more, plus all the previous stuff, going back to 2017. Higher level tiers get even more perks.</p>
<p>As an extra incentive, I had promised for a long time that if I reached a certain number of Patrons, of any level, I would tell the story of a special costume piece and do a photoshoot wearing it. I am ONE Patron away from that goal. Will you be the one?</p>
<p>And now back to your regularly scheduled programming…</p>
<p><em>The weather is getting cooler. It’s time to check the shoes you use for fall and winter acts and repair if needed.</em></p>
<p>Check for missing rhinestones and other decorative bits and replace them. Also change worn laces or ribbons. See if they need new heels, soles, buckles, etc. and take them to a repair shop. As long as you’re making a trip anyway, see if any of your non-show shoes need professional attention as well.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72785562023-09-25T15:15:17-04:002023-09-25T19:00:06-04:00Friday Tip (yes, it’s Monday)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I know I missed your Friday Tip this week (and B.A.B.E. students didn’t get their weekly newsletter). I was felled by a head cold this past week and wasn’t good for much more than sipping tea and reading trashy novels. Here’s your belated tip:</p>
<p>Trouble twirling? Your tassels might be too light.</p>
<p>A small, light tassel is going to be harder to twirl than one with a little heft to it. Replace it with one with a longer body or a bit of weight in the head (a plastic or wooden bead works nicely). <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/02/04/essay-sally-keith/">Sally Keith</a> was said to have weighted her famous tassels with buckshot!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72763892023-09-20T15:11:10-04:002023-09-20T19:00:09-04:00Back to School 9/8/23<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This Friday we had a show at a brand-new to us venue, Electric Haze in Worcester. Since Ava moved out that way, Scratch has been looking for places to have shows closer to her. He was trying to book our Halloween show, <em>Carnal Carnival</em> there, but they offered us this night instead. Scratch had his doubts, as the date was a mere 2 weeks off, but the promotor was sure we’d have a good crowd because of Worcester Pride.</p>
<p>Electric Haze is a hookah bar and live entertainment venue and they had a very nice stage, good tech, great staff, and a spacious corner of their basement as a dressing room. What they did not have was much of an audience. It’s been a very long time since we had so few people in the audience. Maybe it was the short lead time for promotion. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe it was Pride events elsewhere. Whatever the reason, it was a bit dispiriting.</p>
<p>Scratch asked us if we wanted to go on as planned or cancel. Two of Devastasia’s friends were in the audience and they really wanted to see her Mothman act. And the apprentices had been working very hard on their number. We compromised and decided to do a shortened show. And this is how it went:</p>
<p>Devastasia: “Summertime” (Sam Cooke)<br>
We said goodbye to summer with one of Devastasia’s beautiful showgirl-style acts.</p>
<p>Ava Fox: “The Spy” (The Doors)<br>
This is a slinky chair dance, which we justified as being about secret school crushes.</p>
<p>Scratch: <em>The Mystery of the Vanishing Bandana</em> (magic)<br>
In which the audience sees Scratch learn a magic trick in real time.</p>
<p>Betty Blaize: “Bad Things” (Jace Everett)<br>
Usually when Betty does this act, she’s a dominatrix tormenting… a banana. I this case she was a stern schoolteacher tormenting… an apple. A very bad apple. He even had a little dunce cap.</p>
<p>Mina Murray: “Stay with Me” (Sam Smith)<br>
The beginning of the school year often means saying goodbye to that summer fling. While it’s somewhat melancholy, I love this fan dance.</p>
<p>Scratch: <em>Sobriety Test</em> (magic)<br>
Scratch did a quick card trick that had the audience questioning reality and their own sobriety.</p>
<p>Devastasia: <em>Mothman</em> (“Harlem Nocturne” but I don’t know which version)<br>
As our visiting professor of cryptozoology, Devastasia showed the habits of the elusive Mothman, complete with hand-painted wings and glowing <span style="text-decoration: line-through">eyes</span> pasties.</p>
<p>Ava Fox, Phoebe Star, Vivienne Kitt: “Kindergarten” (Unkle Ho)<br>
This is the jewel box number we’ve been doing for years, only with new music and slightly new choreography. Our three naughty art school girls wore short pleated skirts and paint-splattered undies and danced with giant paintbrushes.</p>
<p>As is usual for us, there; are no photos and no video. Someday, someday…</p>
<p>During the show, members of the band performing after us were trickling in, many of whom had never seen a burlesque show before. A number of people (including the band) told us how much they enjoyed the show. I’m glad we went ahead, but also glad we only did slightly more than half our original material.</p>
<p>After the show I discovered the bar had a relatively extensive mocktail selection, neatly paralleling their cocktail menu.</p>
<p>We’re hoping to return in December for our winter holiday show!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72742222023-09-15T20:05:11-04:002023-09-15T23:45:05-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Although the weather is rather beautiful right now, here at The Manor we are awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Lee, which will hopefully lessen in intensity before arrival.</p>
<p>Your tip is my answer to the frequent question, “what should I do with my hands?”</p>
<p><em>When in doubt, arms out.</em></p>
<p>A lot of the time we’re using our hand to remove garments or manipulate props. But when you’re not, a good option is to hold your arms away from your body, in a way that suits your character or the mood of the act — relaxed, graceful, strong, &c. It’s an expansive gesture. You are both revealing yourself and taking up space on stage.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72704642023-09-08T11:01:00-04:002023-09-08T14:15:12-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! I’m heading off shortly for our back to school show at <a href="https://theticketing.co/e/beauteaseburlesque">Electric Haze</a> as part of Worcester Pride. Here’s your tip! I can’t believe I’ve never given it to you before</p>
<p><em>Make sure your pastie adhesive is meant for skin.</em></p>
<p>There are a lot of options to affix your pasties to yourself, some better for you than others. Some good ones are toupee, wig, and fashion/swimsuit tape. If you prefer a liquid adhesive, anything you can get at a theatrical supply house will work — liquid latex (eyelash glue is just a weaker version), spirit gum (don’t forget the remover!), medical-grade adhesive.</p>
<p>I recommend avoiding carpet tape, spray adhesives, and anything else that might contain dubious chemicals. You don’t want that stuff potentially being absorbed by your pores.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72700972023-09-07T15:18:33-04:002023-09-07T19:15:07-04:00The Universe Gives and Takes<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I don’t want to write this, but I also need to.</p>
<p>One of the things that made the pandemic bearable was The Boys, Tux and Tom, the bonded feral cats who made our yard home. It brought me a lot of joy to see them. Especially when they snuggled together to nap and happily rolled around in the grass. When <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2021/09/10/cats-are-a-gift-from-the-universe/">Tom was killed</a> by a coyote that joy went away and so did Tux. We were pretty sure we weren’t going to see Tux in our yard again.</p>
<p>Tux did come back and eventually he made a new friend, Lord Julius, who reigned over the Rectory behind us. Julius is a cranky sort and will hiss and smack your hand if you get too close, but somehow Tux won him over. He convinced Julius to hang out in our yard and stay in our shelter. We started calling them The Gentlemen.</p>
<p>At first the friendship seemed grudging on Julius’s part. They often sat at opposite corners of the hot tub (their favorite perch). Eventually, they became closer until they groomed each other and snuggled up together to nap. It made me so happy to see them together.</p>
<p>Tux was also becoming less skittish around me. In the mornings he would be waiting for his breakfast. He would lead me to the feeding station but hang back from the food until I walked away. Lately, if I stood quietly by the food dish, he would overcome his hesitation and eat. I never tried to pet him. Maybe someday we’d reach that level of trust.</p>
<p>Cats are a gift from the Universe.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: revert">On July 21st I saw on our outdoor camera that there had been a coyote in the backyard around 4am. I raced to the window, hoping to see both Gentlemen and calm my fears. Julius came for breakfast, but no Tux. I held out hope for a while, but I knew. Our neighbors found him and we buried him in the Rectory garden, near his best friend Tom. Scratch made a memorial of two stones, a big one and a small one, nestled up against one another.</span></p>
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<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53154432127/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53154432127_893b70c6fe_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a> One of Tux’s first appearances </td>
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<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53168585239/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53168585239_d4e2cabbca_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a> Tux and Julius</td>
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<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53157259564/in/album-72177720310868791/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157259564_9b1a2da975_k.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="200" /></a> Tux in Tom’s favorite spot</td>
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<p>Julius mostly stays close to the Rectory now. I worry about him every day.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72669792023-09-01T15:09:35-04:002023-09-01T17:15:03-04:00Friday Tip<div>Hi friends,</div>
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<div>Scratch here, filling in for Miss Mina with today’s Friday tip.</div>
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<div><i>Asking for help is hard, but necessary </i></div>
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<div>None of us — not you, me, or even Miss M. — can do it all by themselves, all the time. But for whatever reason, a lot of us (yep, me too) have a lot of trouble asking for help. Either we want something done exactly the way we want it done or we’re afraid of being a burden…or we’re just afraid of being rejected. All of those things are bad, it’s true, but collapsing under the weight of your own obligations and deadlines is even worse. Somehow, too many of us have gotten it into our heads that “Asking for Help” = “Failing”, when the exact opposite is true. Getting some assistance when you really need it doesn’t guarantee success, but not getting it at a critical juncture does guarantee failure. Most of the time, most people are happy to help, and sharing your load with someone else can lead to collaborations, inspirations, and more. The next time you think “I can’t do this alone”, remember you don’t have to. Help is just an email, text, or call away.</div>
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Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72635662023-08-25T15:55:32-04:002023-08-25T17:45:03-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Time for a tip!</p>
<p><em>If unhooking a bra is a challenge, add a ribbon tie.</em></p>
<p>Sometime the timing is tight, or you’re holding a prop, or you’re wearing gloves, or you’re unfastening someone else’s bra, and you just can’t work those little hooks with ease. Fold the hooks and eyes out of the way and sew (or safety pin!) a length of ribbon to each side. Grosgrain ribbon is sturdy and satin ribbon slides easily, so choose the best one for your purposes. Remember to <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/07/19/friday-tip-402/">finish the ends</a>!</p>
<p>When you’re ready to remove the bra, just pull the ribbon, untie the bow, and you’re good to go!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72616422023-08-23T14:23:44-04:002023-08-23T14:45:14-04:00Carrying on about Fans<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that the most important things in my burlesque life are my fans. I’ve written about <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/12/07/new-fans-sort-of/">my white fans and their conversion</a> before. Today I’m going to talk about safely transporting fans.</p>
<p>Fans are large, awkward, delicate things and traveling with them is tricky. My bamboo stave fans don’t really fold down very far, so I needed something that could accommodate them. For a while I used a shotgun case with the resulting oversized baggage fees and resignation to TSA searches (these lessened when I plastered “Theatrical props: Feather fans” and a photo of the contents on the outside of the case to join the abundance of “Fragile” stickers). Then I got a suitcase big enough to hold the fans (padded with all my garments). While good for flying, it was a lousy option for local shows or road trips. I started packing my fans in a plastic storage box. It fit well in the car, but had no handle, so it wasn’t great for taking on public transit or carrying for a while. I have to admit I was a bit jealous of the folks who could fold their fans up completely and slip them into mailing tubes.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago <a href="https://donnatouch.com/">Donna Touch</a> produced aluminum fan cases, like musical instrument cases, and I jumped on one, even though I hadn’t converted my fans yet. The case is sturdy and latches securely. It’s lightly padded (which Bartholomew loves) and there’s a handy pocket inside for fan repair items (provided!) My fans, even before conversion, fit nicely and there’s even enough room to also pack a wig. I haven’t tried flying with it yet. It does have built in locks, but I don’t think they’re TSA-compatible and there’s no hasp to add your own lock (although I have an idea if I ever fly with it).<br>
<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53129864481/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53129864481_da76fae87f_c.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>While this case is great for gigs, both getting there and keeping the fans safe in the dressing room, it’s a bit much to schlepp to rehearsals. When Donna announced she was offering soft-sided cases, I didn’t hesitate. She’s not producing them herself; they’re made by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackCatHouses">Black Cat</a> to her specifications. They are not inexpensive, and the shipping fee from Odesa, Ukraine is a bit hefty, but I thought it was worth it. It’s made of sturdy fabric, with carrying handles, a padded strap, and a zippered pocket on the outside (lined in surprise red on mine). It unzips flat and I can fit two pairs of fans easily. It also came with a bonus small zippered pouch. I’m happy with it and also happy to have supported an artisan in Ukraine.</p>
<p>Bonus photo of Bartholomew inspecting my fans.<br>
<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53130347318/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53130347318_b0848b48c7_c.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>If you’ve got fans, how do you transport them?</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72592812023-08-18T17:55:17-04:002023-08-18T19:15:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I hope you’re having a good Friday. We’ve been having big rainstorms all day and Bartholomew A. Cat has decided the best thing to do is nap the afternoon away on the fabric I spread out for cutting. Anyway, here’s your tip:</p>
<p><em>Make your bed right after you get up. </em></p>
<p>Tip courtesy of Scratch.</p>
<p>What does this have to do with burlesque? A couple of things.</p>
<p>It’s a way of making a little bit of order out of chaos and it doesn’t take very long.<br>
You have accomplished one thing right away that day, which can help motivate you to do more.<br>
f you’re one of those people (like me) who lays costumes out on the bed to double check before packing, you have a tidy platform to do so.<br>
When you get home late after a rehearsal or a show, you have an inviting place to lay your head.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72580302023-08-16T15:27:53-04:002023-08-16T16:30:15-04:00Secrets of the Illumi-Naughty, 7/8/23<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Our most recent show happened because of a piece of spam email. Scratch shared some spam promising to initiate him into the secrets of the Illuminati and more than one of his friends made a joke about Illuminaughty. Thus our show about secret societies, conspiracy theories, shadowy government agencies, and cryptids was born.</p>
<p>It was a hot day and quite sweaty backstage at Deacon Giles. We planned two shows, but, in that unpredictable way audiences have, the early show almost sold out and only half a dozen people bought tickets for the late show. So we rolled them into one. It’s for the best. I know I was feeling the heat badly by the end of the show and I’m not sure I could have done a second one and still given a good performance.</p>
<p>Our stage crew were apprentices Coco and Phoebe with F. Andrew Taylor on follow spot. Lots of credit to Phoebe who kittened and performed and really took the lead on set up and strike. Big thanks as always to everyone at Deacon Giles, especially Jesse & Ian for giving us a place to perform and Peter behind the bar for always making delightful and creative concoctions.</p>
<p>The following photos are images taken from the video of the show shot on my phone, so if they look a little odd, that’s why. Maybe someday we’ll have the luxury of a photographer and/or videographer again.</p>
<p>And here’s how it went:</p>
<p><a title="MIB" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077702046/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077702046_1545894061_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="MIB" width="200" /></a><strong>Betty Blaize, Phoebe Star, Vivienne Kitt:</strong> <em>Men in Black</em> (“Poker Face” by Postmodern Jukebox ft Kelley Jakle)<br>
Betty, Phoebe, and Vivienne were stoic in black jackets, skinny ties, sunglasses, (and no pants) until one of them flashed the other with her memory-erasing device. Shenanigans and stripping ensued. Of course Betty tried to get everything back on track, only to be drawn into the chaos.</p>
<p><a title="Secret Agent Man" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077901009/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077901009_18b9c8d1af_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Secret Agent Man" width="200" /></a><strong>Devastasia:</strong> “Secret Agent Man”<br>
These days, if Devastasia is in a show, you can expect to hear her sing. And what a treat that is. She considered wearing a trenchcoat and fedora for this song, but it was too flipping hot. I think this red dress is pretty smashing. The song is obviously the theme from the eponymous television show.</p>
<p><a title="The Spy 2" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077131627/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077131627_26872aea99_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="The Spy 2" width="200" /></a><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> “The Spy” by The Doors<br>
Continuing on our theme of those who know too much about you, Ava was the spy in the house of love. It’s an impressive chair dance. I originally selected a picture of Ava in her top layer, a slinky evening gown, but how amazing is this move? From the headdstand , she magically ends up sitting in the chair.</p>
<p><a title="Tea for Two" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53078112630/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53078112630_b8894cb8ba_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tea for Two" width="200" /></a><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>There’s Something in the Water</em> (“Tea for Two” by Doris Day/”Mad World” by Postmodern Jukebox ft. Puddles Pity Party & Haley Reinhart)<br>
I actually created this number for <em>Alice in Underwearland,</em> which called <em>Mad Tea Party</em>, and I really liked it. however, at 6 minutes, I wasn’t sure when I would get to perform it again. Scratch thought we could make it fit the theme of this show and I happily agreed. We were riffing on the idea of the government or other shadow agencies putting things in the waster supply to control the populace.</p>
<p><a title="Magic 1" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077702006/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077702006_811b52df2a_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Magic 1" width="200" /></a><strong>Scratch:</strong> Magic<br>
For this, he was assisted by Phoebe, who went about collecting random small objects from random audience members. Then Scratch called up a volunteer and laid the items on the table. One by one they took turns eliminating items. all completely free choice, right? At last only one item was left, a sealed envelope was opened, and lo and behold, the envelope contained the name of the item left on the table.</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077701991_9c59827363_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tomstone Blues" width="200" /><strong>Devastasia:</strong> “Tombstone Blues”<br>
This is one of Devastasia’s classic numbers. To fit the theme, she appeared as a cult leader with her acolyte, Coco, taking her costume pieces. Extra points to Coco for wearing that black hood in the heat.</p>
<p><a title="The Geek" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53078112620/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53078112620_b698f8aa10_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="The Geek" width="200" /></a><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> <em>Computer Geek</em> (“Night Train” by Alvino Ray)<br>
One of Betty’s iconic numbers. She used to perform this every year when we had a standing gig at MIT. The Internet is a dangerous place and you never know what you’ll find on-line. As you can see from the picture, Betty is actually wearing a t-shirt and jeans (also Keds and mismatched socks). Don’t worry it gets more glam as she takes off the layers. I particularly love this image of her doing something very dirty with her mouse.</p>
<p><a title="Lizard" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077702051/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077702051_ee1b0bcb28_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Lizard" width="200" /></a><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> “9 to 5″ by Dolly Parton/”I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Ella Fitzgerald<br>
This was a brand new number with some clever props and costume pieces. Ava entered in a blouse and trousers with a briefcase and sat at her “desk”. She “typed”, creating the sound effects on the briefcase with her tap shoes. When she opened the briefcase into a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2023/07/21/friday-tip-594/">tap board</a> and began stripping, she revealed a little secret. It’s not just the gorgeous harness set that she made, but a lizard tail, cleverly engineered to be concealed, even as unclothed as she is in this picture, until she was ready to reveal it. Yes, lizard people walk among us!</p>
<p><a title="Magic 2" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077901044/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077901044_b49b4fcdec_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Magic 2" width="200" /></a><strong>Scratch:</strong> Magic<br>
Scratch reveals that memory is subjective and can be influenced. With just three playing cards, he convinced an audience member that what she believed was not in fact so.</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53078112645_d9cda2d86e_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mothman" width="200" /><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>Mothman</em> (“Harlem Nocturne”)<br>
When Scratch first announced the theme of this show pretty much everyone jumped on the idea of Mothman. When the dust cleared, Devastasia had claimed the concept, and honestly, she was probably the best one to do it. As you can see from the picture, she cut and painted a set of Isis wings to look like moth wings. And her pasties glowed red, like Mothman’s eyes. This was a brilliant design and you’ll never guess how she did it.</p>
<p><a title="Satanic Panic 1" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53078112635/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53078112635_736599fd0b_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Satanic Panic 1" width="200" /></a><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Satanic Panic</em> (“Back in Black” by AC/DC and The Swingin’ Pops)<br>
When a prim and proper miss finds a book that leads her down a very dark path, things can get very hot! For those of you who don’t immediately recognize it, that’s the classic AD&D Player’s Handbook.</p>
<p><a title="Fire veil 3" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53120866383/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53120866383_20d9a41eb9_c.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Fire veil 3" width="200" /></a>The concept, music, and some of the costuming for this act came from Scratch, and I was all-in as soon as he suggested it. And I had an inspiration for one of the costume bits (which you can see a little of in the second picture). The fire veil (by <a href="https://silk-electric.com/">Silk Electric</a>) was not part of the initial choreography, but when Scratch called me from BHoF and asked if I wanted it, I knew the perfect use for it.</p>
<p>Although you can’t see them here, I was particularly pleased with how my flame pasties came out. I think they were the first pair of non-geometric pasties I’ve made — usually I stick to round, with the occasional foray into hearts or stars — and definitely first <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2023/06/30/friday-tip-591/">non-symetrical</a>. And this act ends with some rare, for me, tassel twirling.</p>
<p><a title="Cows" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077702066/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077702066_be82d13187_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Cows" width="200" /></a><strong>Betty Blaize, Ava Fox, Vivienne Kitt:</strong> “Levitating” by Postmodern Jukebox ft. Sweet Megg<br>
We couldn’t have a show about conspiracy theories and other weirdness without a UFO encounter. And cows. Betty, our resident alien, made that amazing flying saucer and her space suit. But it was the backup dancers, in their adorable cowfits, that stole the show. And the space ship, by the end of the act.</p>
<p>We’ll be back at Deacon Giles with our Halloween show, <em>Carnal Carnival</em>, on Saturday, October 21!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72558292023-08-11T12:44:26-04:002023-08-11T16:30:10-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! I can’t believe I haven’t given you this tip already… </p>
<p><em>Boots, then corset.</em></p>
<p>My Old School Goths know what I’m talking about…</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72522272023-08-04T15:59:08-04:002023-08-04T18:15:05-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! How about a tip? Yes? Good. Here we go…</p>
<p><em>Trends come and go; stay true to yourself.</em></p>
<p>There will always be that thing it seems like everyone is wearing or doing or using. Just because it seems like the whole burlesque world is wearing a mesh corset or clacking their heels or performing to that song that you can’t stop hearing everywhere or portraying a character from the latest blockbuster movie right now, you don’t have to.</p>
<p>I’m not here to say you can’t jump on a burlesque bandwagon, but don’t do it because you think the audience or the festival committee or the judges or your peers think you should. Do it because you think it will be fun or it speaks to you.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72489492023-07-28T15:56:05-04:002023-07-28T16:00:06-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I hope you’re someplace cool today!</p>
<p>In tips past I’ve told you tricks that involve old <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/tag/stockings/">stockings</a>, like <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/03/15/friday-tip-384/">this one</a> and <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2015/09/04/friday-tip-200/">this one</a>. Here’s another! And it’s seasonally appropriate.</p>
<p><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53077112027/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53077112027_c39fc51f35_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a><em>Stockings are useful gardening tools.</em></p>
<p>As you can see from the photo, I’m using an old stocking to support this pumpkin that has grown up the fence. The stocking, securely tied to the fence, will stretch as the pumpkin grows and the vine doesn’t have to support all the weight.</p>
<p>Stockings also work well to tie tomato plants to stakes without cutting into the stems.</p>
<p>Do you garden? Do you reuse stockings or other unlikely items?</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72454532023-07-21T15:32:41-04:002023-07-21T18:15:16-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! This is a bit of a specialty tip today.</p>
<p><em>If you tap dance, you can make sure you always have a good dance surface with a tap board.</em></p>
<p>How many times have we had to perform on carpet or some other less than ideal stage? It can make a regular burlesque routine challenging, but for a tap dancer, it can be impossible to perform.</p>
<p>The answer is a tap board — a portable wooden dance surface. You can buy them or make them (there are plenty of tutorials out there). For our most recent show, Scratch constructed one for Ava that was disguised as a briefcase, which opened flat when she was ready to dance on <em>it.</em> (it’s not light, but Ava handled it with grace).</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72422982023-07-14T21:29:50-04:002023-07-15T01:00:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s another hot and humid day. Ah, summer in New England! While this tip is especially helpful in summer, I think it’s pretty good year round.</p>
<p><em>Pack clothes for after the show. </em></p>
<p>After sweating your way through a show, it feels good to put on some fresh clothes afterwards for socializing or just the trip home. If you can’t bring an entire set, at least bring some clean underthings to change into.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72408852023-07-12T15:21:58-04:002023-07-12T17:30:15-04:00Blogaversary<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>WordPress just reminded me that I’ve been writing missives here for 12 years.</p>
<p>Thanks for being here for my eclectic, erratic writings!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72384542023-07-07T17:04:31-04:002023-07-07T17:45:20-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Summer is here! It’s very darn hot in Boston. Here’s a seasonal tip!</p>
<p><em>Consider keeping a small folding fan in your bag.</em></p>
<p>Not only can it help you cool down but you can use it to speed up drying your liquid makeup or pastie adhesive when it’s humid.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72352582023-06-30T14:19:19-04:002023-06-30T15:15:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Have a tip!</p>
<p><a title="IMG_2002" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/53012517667/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53012517667_b87e34cba8.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2002" width="250" /></a><em>When making non-symetrical pasties, and you want them to mirror each other, remember to flip your pattern over for the second one!</em></p>
<p>Yes, this was inspired by the pasties I’m making for our upcoming show. No, it’s not because I made that particular mistake. No, they’re not the pasties pictured — those are by <a href="https://www.canovastudio.com/">Canova Studio</a>. If you want to see the ones I’m making, you’ll have to get a ticket to <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secrets-of-the-illuminaughty-tickets-642148452307"><em>Secrets of the Illuminaughty</em></a> on July 8.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72297922023-06-20T15:59:36-04:002023-06-20T20:15:12-04:00Booklover’s Burlesque Festival 4/14-16/23<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I was delighted when I was accepted to perform at the First Annual Booklover’s Burlesque Festival in Portland, Oregon. First, because if you’ve been reading here for a while you know how infrequently I’m accepted to perform at festivals, then because I’ve never been to Oregon, let alone performed there, and I do love revealing a new state on my <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/03/06/my-travel-map/">travel map</a>, and finally, but most importantly, a whole event about literature and burlesque, two of my favorite things!</p>
<p>It was an a bit of an ordeal figuring out how to get there. My usual airline only flew at inconvenient times and was charging astronomical amounts. Ava Fox suggested some places to stalk cheap tickets and I was finally able to confirm that I was going. The deal was sweetened further when producer Lacy Knightly hooked me up with a local performer who had a spare bedroom.</p>
<p>I arrived around mid-day (local time) on Friday, having arisen at 4am (Boston time). Although the festival had started on Thursday, I couldn’t take that much time away. I thought about going straight to my host’s home from the airport, but realized I could get to the theater in time for one of the classes. That was the right decision because just as I pulled up, there was a group of performers heading out for some lunch between classes and I joined then.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1814" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52954830817/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52954830817_54ec269ac6_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1814" width="200" /></a>Before the class, I needed to check in with Lacy and get my performer badge. Also a particularly awesome swag bag, which, besides the usual cards and pamphlets from sponsors, contained socks (you know you’re a veteran showgirl when you get excited for socks) from Solmate and from Fantasy, plus all softs of festival-branded items like the tote bag itself and a big mug full of chocolates and tea bags. It’s like they know me! And, to top it all off, a whole-ass bottle of wine from <a href="https://www.nastywomanwines.com/">Nasty Woman Wines</a> (I picked a Pantsuit Pinot Noir). Knowing I wouldn’t be able to bring it home, as I only had a carry on, I hoped my hosts would enjoy it.</p>
<p>The class was Guest of Honor <a href="https://www.harleminhavana.com/">Leslie Cunningham</a>‘s presentation “Girl Show”. I had taken it at BurlyCon, but a different group of people raised different questions and discussion. I still want to take her other two classes. Leslie was staying at the same house I was, so all weekend I shamelessly tagged along on her GoH status for rides.</p>
<p>After I got a nap (with Miko, one of the resident corgis) and dressed for evening, we returned to the Alberta Rose Theatre for the first grand showcase. Booklover’s Burlesque is a marriage of literary readings and burlesque. The host would introduce reader and performer, then the reader would, well, read aloud. Over the three shows I attended, there was classic literature, including Shakespeare, folklore, children’s books, graphics novels, non-fiction, poetry, writings from some of the performers, and probably more that I’m forgetting. After the reading, there would be a burlesque act that complimented it. I think my favorites of the evening were Remy Dee’s Headless Horseman and Guest of Honor Jo Weldon’s leopard-print tease. She can do so much with so little. After the rather long show, I finally met my hostess (and opening performer for the night) The Infamous Nina Nightshade.</p>
<p>Saturday, after a delightful home-cooked breakfast and some downtime, we returned to the theater for Jo Weldon’s first workshop “Pleasure and the Art of the Eyefuck”. I had taken this class at Virtual BurlyCon in 2020, but that was nothing like experiencing it live with other students to practice on. Jo is one of those people, that when she talks, I listen and there will always be a little bit of wisdom to take away. I have learned so much from her over the years and this class was no exception. Facial expression and communication is not one of my strong skills, so the exercises we did were very valuable to me, if uncomfortable at first.</p>
<p>Although I was staying for her next class, about creating a book proposal, I was <em>starving</em> and skipped the first 15 minutes or so to grab some (pretty darn good) Thai food from a couple of doors down. I had also taken this class as an on-line workshop, but again, in-person has a completely different feel and there were different take-aways. As my new book is currently in production, it was useful to hear about the publishing industry and what goes into selling a book, even though I’m self-publishing.</p>
<p>After a quick nap and change into evening attire, I headed out to the second grand showcase with Nina (who had already had one gig that afternoon and would be leaving the show early for another). The show was four hours long. You heard me correctly. I realized we were in for a long one when the MC wrapped up her opening remarks to introduce the first pairing and I snuck a look at my phone to see that half an hour had already passed. There was a lot of good stuff, although I was starting to nod off in the later part of the second half (still being on East Coast Time). I particularly liked Maggie McMuffin’s Jean Gray/Phoenix, Gem Brûlée’s Captain Underpants, and a Cupid & Psyche lyra duet. Leslie had been nervous about her reading, but she did great — and told me she used some of the techniques we learned from Jo that afternoon.</p>
<p>Finally, Sunday morning came. We were performing in a large tent, the sort that are set up for weddings and other festivities, on the grounds of the <a href="https://victorianbelle.com/">Victorian Belle Mansion</a>. Our dressing room was on the top floor of the house and then we would walk through the garden to get to the tent. It would have been utterly charming if it wasn’t raining. Fortunately, I was opening the second act and the rain had stopped by then.</p>
<p>The Faerie Queene is a challenging act for me and I was more nervous than I expected. I do several different magic tricks during it, but it’s not a “magic” act. The tricks need to be done very casually without a lot of “abracadabra”, but not so subtly that people miss them, like when the painting on my fan changes from a butterfly to a flower and back again. Knowing that Professor DR Schreiber, the historical conjurer, also made me a bit more nervous.</p>
<p>I shouldn’t have been. First off, Whiskey Rick was a wonderful host, which helped put me at ease. My reader was lovely, with a passage from, no surprise, Spenser’s <em>The Faerie Queene</em>. (I’m terribly embarrassed that her name has slipped my mind at the moment). The magic went smoothly, as did the striptease, and I think the audience enjoyed it all.</p>
<p>Post-show, it was great to catch up with Sharon, one of our former apprentices who had moved to Portland. It felt wonderful to know there was someone in the audience who was there to see <em>me</em>. That happens so rarely when I travel.</p>
<p>Then there was brunch for performers inside the mansion. The Belle is quite gorgeous and in the midst of taking pictures of the beautiful stained glass, furniture, and hardware, I remembered to take a selfie in one of the rooms.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1302" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52955808805/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955808805_2c21e940c1_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1302" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>The rest of the evening was spent hanging out with Jo, Nina, and the corgis until it was time for me to go to the airport. The Portland airport has a tiny movie theatre showing short films, so I entertained myself thusly for a bit. Once I got to the gate, I was delighted that Gem Brûlée and Scarlett Wisteria were on the same flight, so I had people to chat with until we boarded. I believe I actually slept until we arrived in Charlotte where I bid my traveling companions farewell and took my next flight north where some handsome gentlemen were waiting for me.</p>
<p>To sum up, a well-organized festival with a large and skilled crew. Tips were diligently collected for performers and handed over with the costume bits right after each act. (Tips were pooled for readers and performers were encouraged to share some of their tips with readers and stage crew.) I was paid a couple of days after I got home and received photos a couple of weeks later. I am particularly grateful to Lacy for arranging for a place for me to stay and Nina for generously opening her home. Not only was I spared the challenge of trying to find affordable lodging in an unfamiliar city, but I never felt the usual travel loneliness.</p>
<p>Photos of The Faerie Queene in action by Guy Masson/ Phoebus-Foto, courtesy of Lacy Productions<br>
<a title="20230415-BBF-4-0150*" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52955437086/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955437086_d897bc676b_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="20230415-BBF-4-0150*" width="400" /></a><br>
<a title="20230415-BBF-4-0151*" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52955574514/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955574514_6211794750_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="20230415-BBF-4-0151*" width="400" /></a><br>
<a title="20230415-BBF-4-0172*" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52955575794/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955575794_da812b8d70_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="20230415-BBF-4-0172*" width="400" /></a></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72278912023-06-16T16:29:26-04:002023-06-16T19:15:08-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A very pleasant Friday to you! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>A costume does not an act make.</em></p>
<p>Burlesque is very costume-dependent. Performers lavish lots of money and time on elaborate and highly embellished layers of costume. However, a costume is just one part of an act. Relying on a dazzling costume is not enough. You also need to have choreography, music, a storyline, engagement with the audience, &c.</p>
<p>A spectacular costume will get applause at the beginning of an act, but if that’s all the performer has, there probably won’t be much at the end. In contrast, I’ve seen performances with very simple costumes absolutely wow audiences because of everything else the performer brought to the stage.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72253842023-06-12T17:30:02-04:002023-06-12T17:45:16-04:00New Apprentices<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I have been simply terrible about introducing our apprentices to you!</p>
<p>Just to remind you, every six months or so, we have auditions for apprentices — people interested in a more intensive burlesque experience. Apprentices learn routines, costuming, production, &c. Basically whatever we’re able to teach. In exchange, they help us out with shows and things. The apprenticeship usually culminates in a solo act presented in one of our shows.</p>
<p>Some of our apprentices have gone on to be successful performers, like Jeannie Martini and Ingride Denise. Some have even joined the troupe! Both Devastasia and Ava started as apprentices.</p>
<p>Our current apprentices were thrown into the deep end — The Expo — and I’m pleased to say they survived.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1563" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52970482050/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52970482050_a7ff5ff422_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1563" height="580" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>From left to right: Coco, Sharon Everything*, Phoebe Star, and Vivienne</p>
<p>You’ll be seeing some of them on stage during <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secrets-of-the-illuminaughty-tickets-642148452307"><em>Secrets of the Illuminaughty</em></a> on July 8!</p>
<p>*You might recognize Sharon as part of the group of apprentices who debuted in the opening act of <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2023/03/09/alice-in-underwearland-2-18-23/"><em>Alice in Underwearland</em></a>. They also had their solo debut at The Expo, as well as appearing in two group numbers, hosting the Rhinestone Revue, and stage managing The Bordello. And they still wanted to renew their apprenticeship for another term…</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72239552023-06-09T11:30:00-04:002023-06-09T15:15:15-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s a tip that I should listen to more.</p>
<p><em>Dream big.</em></p>
<p>When coming up with a new act or costume or show &c., go wild. Think of the greatest version of what you want to do. Now, it might not be possible due to time, budget, skills, &c., but maybe someday… Scale back and keep your options open in case circumstances change.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72196532023-06-02T14:08:45-04:002023-06-02T15:15:20-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Many folks I know, including Scratch and Ava, are at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend right now. That event plus yesterday’s missive inspired this week’s tip.</p>
<p><em>Our Legends are non-renewable resources.</em></p>
<p>And their numbers are dwindling. Seek them out. Listen to their stories. Learn from them.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72191222023-06-01T14:57:43-04:002023-06-01T16:15:16-04:00In Memoriam: Toni Elling<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I hate writing these. This one more than most. And it’s taken me so long to figure out what to say.</p>
<p><a title="Toni Elling Photo" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52937537922/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52937537922_69d36d5da2_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Toni Elling Photo" width="250" /></a>Toni Elling was the first Legend I met. It was at Miss Exotic World 2006, the first time the event was held in Las Vegas (and the only time I’ve been.) I was sitting by the registration desk, chatting, and this graceful woman came over and said “You look like what we would call an ‘exotic’.” then complimented my outfit and apologized for interrupting. I believe I was speechless beyond “thank you”.</p>
<p>To paraphrase Scratch, when she walked into a room, you looked; when she spoke, you listened (if you were smart). I learned many nuggets of wisdom from her that I still use and gift to my students. At The Expo I was escorting her back to her room after her class on panels. I was planning to head to Willy Barrett’s Delsarte class — I never miss one if I can help it — after I dropped her off. But she she invited me in and started talking. I stayed, of course, delighted for the honor of a private conversation.</p>
<p><a title="Me and Toni Elling" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52938295579/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938295579_6026f6def6_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Me and Toni Elling" width="200" /></a>I had the fortune and pleasure to see her several times and each time, no matter the circumstances, she always remembered where we had last seen each other and had something kind to say. The last time we spoke, a big group Zoom call for her 92nd birthday, I was sure she wouldn’t remember who I was, but she thanked me for my latest letter, apologized for not writing back, and said she hoped to come to Boston again. Later, it was so painful to learn that her sharp mind was failing her.</p>
<p>She was gracious and graceful and the epitome of class. Recently Scratch shared this story with me. I think it demonstrates well those virtues of hers. When she was the Guest of Honor at The Expo, on Sunday morning, Scratch took her out for a quiet breakfast at a diner not far from our house. Albert had been in our life for just about a year and I think this was the longest we’d been away from him. Scratch was talking about him and Miss Toni must have picked up on the love and worry because she said “I think I’d like to meet this cat of yours.” Scratch brought her to The Manor where I’m sure she and Albert charmed one another.</p>
<p>My heart goes out to all those who are mourning their Mama Toni, especially GiGi Holiday and Lottie Ellington who took such good care of her.</p>
<p>There’s a lovely article about Miss Toni and her legacy in the <a href="https://www.metrotimes.com/arts/detroits-toni-elling-lives-on-through-the-black-burlesque-performers-who-became-her-chosen-family-33074718"><em>Detroit Metro Times</em></a>.</p>
<p><a title="Curtain call" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52938295704/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938295704_71e4c9e23c_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Curtain call" width="500" /></a>Farewell, Satin Doll.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72162882023-05-26T15:59:58-04:002023-05-26T17:30:04-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I’ve been having a wonderful time working in my garden, but I wouldn’t forget your tip. Here it is!</p>
<p><em>When cast in a theme or other one-off show, think about the reusability of your act.</em></p>
<p>Your time and creativity are valuable. Spending a lot of time on an act that you’re only going to perform once is kind of a waste. Throwing one together because you’re never going to perform it again is a disservice to yourself and the audience. Consider how you can create the act to be used in other shows or how you can adjust an existing act or costume you already have to fit the theme.</p>
<p>And while we’re talking about themed shows, mark your calendars for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secrets-of-the-illuminaughty-tickets-642148452307"><em>Secrets of the Illuminaughty</em></a> on July 8 at a redacted location (okay, it’s at Deacon Giles Distillery).</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 19 Patrons, especially Rob who just rejoined! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72123382023-05-19T15:30:45-04:002023-05-19T18:45:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s a lovely Friday here at The Manor! Mostly because I don’t have to be anywhere — a welcome change from the past six weeks or so.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>No idea is stupid.</em></p>
<p>When trying to come up with a new act or costume or show, there is no such thing as a stupid idea. It may not be feasible for certain reasons — budget, space limitations, technology, your own skills — but maybe it’s a jumping off point. Maybe it’s something you can come back to later when circumstances have changed. Or maybe it’s just a great idea. It took seven years after Brigitte suggested it, but eventually we did have <em>The BeauTease Go Bananaz</em>, the all-banana show and Betty still does one her acts from it, even in non-banana themed circumstances.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons, especially <a href="https://www.patreon.com/slightlysinister/">Sinister Sarah</a> who just increased her pledge! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72077852023-05-12T14:06:37-04:002023-05-12T16:00:05-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Tomorrow night The BeauTease are appearing in <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-fling-tickets-632753261037">Spring Fling</a>, our post-Expo celebratory show, at Deacon Giles. Get your tickets now because you know how limited seating is! You’ll get to see the act that I performed at Booklover’s Burlesque in Oregon plus a fan dance that has not seen the light of day for many years.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you are renting a venue and you need to leave it in exactly the same condition and configuration as when you arrived, take lots of photos before you do anything.</em></p>
<p>Not only will the pictures help your crew return it to the same state, but it also documents any issues that were already there when you took possession (e.g. a cracked mirror).</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/72065222023-05-10T14:40:46-04:002023-05-10T17:30:17-04:00Hello Again!<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>The past six weeks have been a crazy whirlwind and I want to tell you all about them. However, that will be after I host a <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/burly-q-parties">Burly-Q Party</a> and perform in <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-fling-tickets-632753261037"><em>Spring Fling</em></a> with The BeauTease this weekend. After that I might have a moment or tree at my writing desk. </p>
<p>In short:</p>
<p>Booklover’s Burlesque Festival — delightful</p>
<p>Costume-Con 39 — lovely</p>
<p>The Great Burlesque Expo — excellent</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71995612023-04-28T17:21:39-04:002023-04-28T19:45:14-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Tip time!</p>
<p><em>Organize your photos and videos.</em></p>
<p>Decide on a system that works for you and stick with it. Whenever you receive your pictures, take a few minutes to put them in your photo storage place, whether that’s on your computer, on storage media, on-line or somewhere else, but they should all be in the same place, so you always know where to find them.</p>
<p>I make sure each photo can be identified by date, event, and photographer. If I’m feeling really virtuous, I also tag them as “like”, “love”, and “no”.</p>
<p>Like I said, use whatever system works for you, but have a system. If you apply it when the photos come in, it won’t turn into a huge task. You’ll thank yourself later when then images you want are right at your finger tips.</p>
<p>And don’t forget to back them up!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71945652023-04-21T11:00:00-04:002023-04-21T13:00:17-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Greeting from San Jose, CA! I’m at Costume-Con this weekend. Two cross-country trips a week apart… I’m not exactly sure how that happened…</p>
<p>Anyhow, here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When measuring yourself for a costume or fitting one, ask a friend for help.</em></p>
<p>It’s possible, especially of you have an excellent dress form, to do this sort of thing yourself, but it’s always more accurate to do it on your own body. However, if you move, you’re changing your measurements. And you might need to contort yourself pretty seriously to reach parts of your body. I’ve been there. It’s much easier and more accurate to stand still and let someone else get the exact measurements or fit the garment on you.</p>
<p>This tip brought to you by Ava Fox crawling around on the floor last night after rehearsal to mark the hem on my new costume. My troupemates are the best.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71904722023-04-14T11:00:00-04:002023-04-14T14:45:04-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Greetings from Oregon! I’m in Portland for the first annual Booklover’s Burlesque Festival. If you were one of the lucky ones to get a ticket to the now-sold-out Cozy Classics Brunch, you’ll see me perform <em>The Faerie Queene </em>on Sunday.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><i>When traveling, plan your outfits to bring the fewest items while still looking good.</i></p>
<p>I know there’s this image of the showgirl with her massive pile of suitcases. Legends would travel with trunks, one for the theatre and one for the hotel. However, these days are over and baggage fees are high. I’ve flown to perform, even internationally, with a carry-on suitcase and large totebag.</p>
<p>The key is carefully planning your wardrobe to be as small as possible. Obviously, your costume and everything else you need for the show is the most important and takes precedence in your suitcase. Beyond that, be as minimal as you can. I’ll wear a comfortable dress on the airplane (and change out of it when I arrive, so I can wear it on the way back). I’ll usually bring one skirt and coordinating tops for day time. Evening attire is a little harder, but a classic LBD with different accessories each night is my go-to. And remember — you really do only need 2 pairs of shoes.</p>
<p>Now, I’m talking three, four days, not a month. The longer you’re going to be away, the harder it gets to keep your luggage small, but the principles still apply. The more space you save, the more room you have to bring goodies back!</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71860202023-04-07T13:02:01-04:002023-04-07T16:31:10-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Just a quickie today…</p>
<p><em>If you’re using magnets on your costume and they’re proving too strong, swap one of the pair for a steel washer.</em></p>
<p>The magnet-to-metal connection is weaker than magnet-to-magnet and will make it easier to remove.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71820912023-03-31T15:56:35-04:002023-03-31T18:45:15-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Just a quickie! Book is due today!</p>
<p><em>If your hem falls down, temporarily mend it with pastie tape!</em></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71781682023-03-24T19:41:37-04:002023-03-24T21:00:18-04:00Not a Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>You may notice this missive is going out very late in the day. There is also no tip.</p>
<p>I’ve been crazy busy of late. My biggest project is finishing my second costume book. I really, really want to have it ready at The Expo, and it’s getting closer and closer. Look for a Kickstarter real soon now to preorder your copy!</p>
<p>I’m also getting the Little Book of Better Burlesque back into print, which I’d also like to have ready for The Expo.</p>
<p>Speaking of The Expo, not only will I be teaching and hosting and judging, but I’ll be performing one solo and in two group numbers. Rehearsals are also keeping me pretty busy. And I’m also rehearsing my act for Booklover’s Burlesque in April.</p>
<p>If that weren’t enough, I’m also going to the much delayed Costume-Con 39 in San Jose to compete in the Historical Masquerade with a (no surprise) burlesque-related costume. Historical costumes not only have to be well-made inside and out, but you also have to submit documentation.</p>
<p>This is a very long way of saying that I’ve got a lot going on and in trying to do everything I needed to today I just couldn’t think of a tip</p>
<p><em>Sometimes you need to look at your to-do list and prioritize what’s critical and what can wait.</em></p>
<p>Oh wait, that was a tip, wasn’t it?</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71734722023-03-17T11:00:00-04:002023-03-17T12:00:24-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A very happy Friday to you! I’ve been exceptionally busy with a number of projects that i hope I can share with you soon. If you’re interested in getting updates before the rest of the world, consider joining my Patreon — I usually share news there first.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>A few moments before you head out of the dressing room to go on stage, do a quick check of your costume. Are you wearing everything you’re supposed to be?</em></p>
<p>Do you have on your pasties? Your g-string? Your gloves? Your headdress? Your shoes? Sometimes we leave the more uncomfortable or cumbersome parts of our costume until last and sometimes… we forget to put them on.</p>
<p>I have too many stories to share here. Ask Betty why she sometimes yells “Pantie check!”</p>
<p>A quick inventory of what you’re wearing compared to what you are supposed to be wear could just save you from standing on stage thinking “If I were wearing gloves, I’d be removing them right now.”</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71690582023-03-10T12:44:39-05:002023-03-10T15:15:13-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Have a friend take your measurements.</em></p>
<p>The measurements will be more accurate because you can just stand still while someone else who can move around you makes sure the tape is in the right place and reads the results. When you’re measuring yourself, there’s always the chance the results will be slightly distorted since it’s hard to hold the tape on yourself without contorting a bit.</p>
<p>Also, a friend will give a more honest reading than you might give yourself.</p>
<p>Accurate measurements mean better fitting costumes, whether you’re making or buying.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71683762023-03-09T15:16:58-05:002023-03-09T15:45:12-05:00Alice in Underwearland, 2/18/23<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s been a frantic couple of weeks, getting ready for our newest show, <em>Alice in Underwearland</em>. Almost everyone was creating or learning multiple new acts and if there was something that could be reused, it got a new costume. It’s been a while since we created a show like this and we did it in about six weeks. It was exhausting, but so worth it. I thought the show turned out great and we had TWO sold-out shows. We only planned on having one show, but tickets sold out so quickly that we added a late night edition.</p>
<p>Sharon Everything and Spooky Hailey were our stagehands. Things would not have gone nearly as smoothly without them! The show went a little something like this… We didn’t have a photographer, so you’ll have to make do with a couple of backstage selfies.</p>
<p><strong>Sharon Everything, Ruby Rider, Indigo Switch: </strong><em>Three Aces</em> (“Kindergarten”, Unkle Ho):<br>
Those names might not be familiar to you because those are our three current apprentices making their striptease debut (stage names may change over time). However, the act might be familiar to our long time fans, if not the music. A version of this act was one of our go-to group numbers to the bouncy electro-swing song “Booty Swing”, but we really listened to the lyrics and they were Not Okay. Scratch listen to dozens of song to find a replacement and Betty salvaged as much of our original choreography as she could and voila! New, old routine! The apprentices were representing playing cards, as befits <em>Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</em>.</p>
<p><a title="Ava Painting the Roses" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52736912994/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736912994_f85897c513_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Ava Painting the Roses" width="200" /></a><strong>Ava Fox:</strong><em> Painting the Roses Red</em> (medley from Disney’s <em>Alice in Wonderland</em>)<br>
Ava removed her demure blue pinafore dress and long white stockings to reveal rose tattoos all over her body. Then she brought out paint pens and encourage the audience to “paint the roses red”. It was a little more challenging that you might expect to coax people to draw on her.</p>
<p>The tattoos were temporary — she designed them herself — but proved quite long lasting. She was easily able to wash off the paint from the first show without any harm to the tattoo, In fact, they were a challenge to get off after the show. I think most of them were still on her a week later.</p>
<p><a title="Mina Tea Party" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52736143142/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736143142_7047ec825a_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mina Tea Party" width="200" /></a><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Mad Tea Party</em> (“Tea for Two”, Doris Day/”Mad World”, Post-Modern Jukebox)<br>
I was originally going to do an act with a looking glass. It would have been pretty cool, but requires a big prop that Scratch had to build and it would have been very difficult to impossible to reset in the half hour between shows. He were wracking our brains for a new act. About a week before the show, he gave me the concept — tea party. It was so obvious! And then the music. I was immediately smitten and the whole thing came together very quickly. The tea party costume came completely from my closet, including the vintage hostess apron. I was very happy with how it all came out and I hope I can do it again someday, but at 6 minutes, it’s much longer than your standard burlesque act (though not my longest!).</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize</strong>: <em>Eat Me</em> (“Big Trombone”, AronChupa and Little Sis Nora)<br>
As the Biggest Little BeauTeaser, Betty wanted to be Alice. After biting into a cupcake, labeled “Eat Me”, of course, she begins to grow: Her arms, then her legs, then, well, you can guess… There was a lot of clever costumery to make it look like she was growing. And it the end she grabbed a Deacon Giles bottle labeled “Drink Me”.</p>
<p><a title="Devastasia Jabberwock" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52736913014/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736913014_5edd052d1e_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Devastasia Jabberwock" width="200" /></a><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>The Jabberwock</em> (something epic/”Dream a Little Dream”, Doris Day)<br>
Devastasia entered as the Beemish Boy, holding the head of the Jabberwock. She stripped to a filmy peignoir and lay down to rest. As she dreamed, she put on a black, furry and scaly costume, turning herself into the Jabberwock. At the very last, she picked up the head and it became a mask and headdress (the rest was the dragon skull that usually sits on the mantle at The Manor). The base of the costume was made by Rae Bradbury-Enlsin for herself and then gifted it to us when she was cleaning out her vast costume closets. Devastasia modified it to make it stage-appropriate. (I was going to say stripable, but she’s dressing, not undressing).</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> Card Trick<br>
Scratch performed a little prestidigitation, as he does. However, this time it went wrong and he could not correctly produce the chosen card…</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox, Mina Murray: </strong><em>Punchline</em> (“Leap Frog”)<br>
…but Ava and I provided the payoff! Betty originally choreographed this for <em>V for Vixen</em>, back in 2009. She turned it into a four-person act a while later, which I was in, but this was the first version, a duet. The challenge was that she created it for Fifi and Lola LaBoomBoom, who were 19-year-old dancers who could do things like drop splits, stag leaps, and other moves I couldn’t even do I when I was 19, let alone now. Ava and I did our best to stick to the original choreography, only changing things that one of use (mostly me) were utterly incapable of doing. It was hard, but I think it was cute in the end.</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>White Rabbit</em><br>
Devastasia sang Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”, but with a smoky jazz arrangement.</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize, Indigo Switch, Ruby Rider:</strong> <em>The Caterpillar</em> (“Alkazar”)<br>
This was such a cool act! Betty was the head of the caterpillar and the two apprentices were the body. They moved together and also in ripples down the body. The focus was on lines and sinuous motion, but there were also two chairs involved with some very creative uses.</p>
<p><a title="Ava Cheshire Cat" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52737139978/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52737139978_3d7a1ff719_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Ava Cheshire Cat" width="200" /></a><strong>Ava Fox: </strong><em>The Cheshire Cat</em> (“Upside Down”, Paloma Faith)<br>
If you’ve seen Ava, you know she likes to do acrobatics on a folding chair and this is her best work to date. She took the name of the song to heart and spent her time flipping around on that chair. Her costume was pink and purple, like the Cheshire Cat in the Disney movie, including striped stockings. The most striking parts of the costume were the ones she made — her garter girdle made from a <a href="https://www.manugeettoi.com/tipsontap">Manuge et Toi tutorial</a> and those amazing pasties. And yes, the final reveal involved a grin.</p>
<p><a title="Devastasia Red Queen" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52736135737/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736135737_d946f16dbc_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Devastasia Red Queen" width="200" /></a><strong>Devastasia: </strong><em>The Queen of Hearts</em> (“Tombstone Blues”)<br>
Although Devastasia has an act to this song that she performs frequently, she made an entirely new costume to be the Queen of Hearts (maybe the Red Queen). New costume necessitated some new choreography, so it’s practically a new number. In case you can’t tell from the photo, the hearts on those arm drapes are cut out. I know it kind of looks like a black appliqué, but they’re actually voids, excellent for teasing.</p>
<p><a title="Mina Flamingo" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/192238815@N08/52737078855/in/datetaken/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52737078855_aaaee81ba4_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mina Flamingo" width="200" /></a><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Pink Flamingo</em> (“Swan Lake Suite”, London Symphony Orchestra)<br>
When we were deciding on characters for the show, I said I wanted to be one of the flamingos from the croquet game and do a fan dance. Scratch suggested I use the concept for the fan dance I created for <em>Vamps After Midnite</em>, but change up the music and costume. So, I bought pink ostrich plumes and fabric and made myself a new costume and new fan staves. Because of time constraints we used the fan bases from <em>Vamps</em>, but I hope to have properly pink ones in the future. Scratch made my amazing flamingo headdress. The flamingo head comes off for transport! (and just in case I want to do a slightly more serious act with it).</p>
<p>We had such a good time and I think the audiences did too. Now we get ready for the <a href="https://www.burlesque-expo.com/main/">Expo</a> (May 4-7), but you can catch me before then at <a href="https://www.bookloversburlesque.com/festival">Booklover’s Burlesque</a> on April 16 in Portland, OR!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71648482023-03-03T14:21:49-05:002023-03-03T18:45:15-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Buy the song.</em></p>
<p>I have spoken previously about sending music files to <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2016/09/02/friday-tip-252/">producers</a>, not YouTube or Spotify links. To acquire the song, just buy it. One song is not a lot of money — less than a cup of good coffee. If possible, buy it from a source that more directly supports artists, like <a href="https://bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>.</p>
<p>Don’t rip the song from YouTube, even if it’s free and easy. Not only is that unethical, but the sound quality is not great. It may sound okay on your phone, but the better the sound system it’s played through, the more obvious the poor quality becomes.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71604342023-02-24T16:49:02-05:002023-02-24T21:15:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Have at least one high-resolution, high-quality photo of yourself for promo.</em></p>
<p>Selfies are not good promo photos. Sometimes a performance photo might work, but it’s probably better to have a posed shot. You don’t have to get it professionally done — a lot of cell phone camera are really good these days — but at least enlist a friend.</p>
<p>Make sure your lighting is good and that your background is uncluttered.</p>
<p>If you want to be really prepared for most requests from producers, have a high-res (print) and low-res (web) version, a square and a portrait version, a head shot and a full body.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71563222023-02-17T18:14:31-05:002023-02-17T22:30:14-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I’m so excited for <a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/upcoming-events"><em>Alice in Underwearland</em> </a>tomorrow! I think there are only a few tickets left for the late show.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip, inspired by Devastasia!</p>
<p><em>Get a lighted makeup mirror.</em></p>
<p>A lot of venues have makeshift dressing rooms and often the light is less than ideal for makeup application. Once a large and clunky item, a mirror with lights is now compact and inexpensive. The one Devastasia uses is about the size of a trade paperback and has brilliant LED lights.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Welcome to my newest Patron, Clay! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71530712023-02-13T13:27:00-05:002023-02-13T13:45:06-05:00Burly Bundle Mardi Gras Mask<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Back in December I posted about my first <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/12/15/burly-bundle-unboxing/">Burly Bundle</a> and made an <a href="https://youtu.be/bL3MnLhEUCc"><u>unboxing video</u></a>. I thought you might like to see the finished results.</p>
<p><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52679193911/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679193911_5704c029a4_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" width="400" /></a><br>
<a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52679692843/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679692843_c1f7ea3f14_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" height="240" width="320" /></a>First I rhinestoned the filigree mask. I was a little daunted by those tiny yellow stones. They’re ss3! That’s like nail art size. I usually use ss16, 20, and 30 in my costuming. However, I used the included “rhinestone picker-upper” and it did make application very easy. Also, the rhinestone trays were very nice. I usually just use the lid of a jar or something similar. Tools that are actually designed for the job? What a difference!</p>
<p>I generally followed the included design plan for the mask. I could have gotten creative and maybe dipped in my own rhinestones to change up the colors, but I liked the suggested design just fine.</p>
<p><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52679481049/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679481049_25b62d2df6_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" height="320" width="240" /></a>For the feather ornament, I had a lot of options — there were three curled black feathers, six small white feathers and three black roses. And all the rhinestones leftover from the mask. I decided on one black feather, off-set with white behind and to each side.</p>
<p>Since I had such fun with the tiny yellow rhinestones, I gilded the roses with them. I did have a bad moment when I could only find two roses. Fortunately I discovered under which piece of furniture Bartholomew had batted the missing one.</p>
<p>It can be worn on the mask as shown or on its own as a hair adornment, so I made sure to orient the base so that the clip was in the best position for me to wear it in my hair as well.</p>
<p>And now I have a fancy mask for Mardi Gras next week! (Not that I’m actually doing anything for Mardi Gras, but it’s always good to be prepared.)</p>
<p>If you’re interested in Burly Bundle, I think signups for the next bundle are open until the end of February. The project is always a secret until you open the box. If you do want to try it out, please use <a href="https://checkout.burlybundle.com?r=585200&s=15446"><u>this link</u></a>. You’ll get a $5 discount and I’ll get a little referral fee. (Other than being a subscriber who’s having fun, I’m not associated with Burly Bundle.)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71519412023-02-10T13:16:27-05:002023-02-10T13:45:18-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! What a contrast to last week — it’s positively balmy outside.</p>
<p>Before I get to your tip, <em>Alice in Underwearland</em> on February 18 at 8pm is sold out! However, we added a second show! If you missed out on tickets, you can <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-alice-in-underwearland-tickets-542822957077">join us at 10pm</a>!</p>
<p><em>Clip your corners!</em></p>
<p>When sewing any kind of curves or angles, you need to clip the seam allowance to release tension or remove bulk. Allow me to explain with some hastily sewn and photographed examples.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52681149205/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52681149205_404225a452_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" height="180" width="240" /></a>Corners: cut diagonally across the corner above the point</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52680716371/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52680716371_26af9d8fe0_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" height="180" width="240" /></a>Concave curves: cut little slashes up to the stitch line</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><a title="Untitled" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52681149200/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52681149200_92769a9b71_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Untitled" height="180" width="240" /></a>Convex curves: cut little wedges out of the seam allowance.</p>
<p style="text-align: left">In every case, you want to stay within the seam allowance. Get close to the line of stitching without cutting though it.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71484692023-02-03T15:39:12-05:002023-02-03T20:00:41-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s a frigid day here in Boston, colder than it’s been in a long time and extremely windy. I hope wherever you are you’re keeping warm.</p>
<p>I know it’s been quiet here. I’ve been working on the second volume of my costume book, which besides writing, also means working on some sewing as I double-check some of my methods and techniques. Some of those projects will be seen in <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alice-in-underwearland-tickets-519997455387"><em>Alice in Underwearland</em></a> at Deacon Giles on February 18 (the day before my birthday!)</p>
<p>With no further ado, here’s your tip, courtesy of Ava Fox!</p>
<p><em>If you have a costume piece that just won’t stay put, add a non-slip band of silicone.</em></p>
<p>Get a small tube of clear 100% silicone at the hardware store. There are big tubes that require a caulk gun; you want the little ones that look like toothpaste tubes. Run a bead of silicone on the inside of your costume where you want it (like the band of your bra or the top of your stocking) Then wet your finger and smoosh down the silicone so it’s a flat strip. Let dry and revel in how well your costume stays in place.</p>
<p>Pro tip from Scratch: wear a latex glove for easy clean up. Silicone is very sticky and water-resistant. Getting it off your skin is a chore.</p>
<p>Ava used this trick on the garters for her new Cheshire Cat act. Come see it on the 18th!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71446172023-01-27T15:32:53-05:002023-01-27T16:45:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Revising is easier than creating.</em></p>
<p>Writing a book (hi!), choreographing a routine, designing a costume, &c., can be so hard. Just get something “on paper”. It doesn’t have to be perfect or complete or even good. Then, you can go back and change it. That first pass will get you thinking and more importantly <em>doing</em>. The results may be laughable or they may be surprising, but they’re better than starting at a blank canvas waiting for the “right” ideas.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71440292023-01-26T16:08:41-05:002023-01-26T17:00:26-05:00What Have I Been Up To?<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I know it’s been quiet here. It’s not because I’ve forgotten you.</p>
<p>I’m working on my second costuming book! This one is all about hip belts and panel skirts. As I said to a friend, it’s a challenge to translate what my hands know how to do to words on the page, but I’m chipping away at it.</p>
<p>I’ve got Devastasia on board to create the illustrations again and Scratch will once again be doing the layout design. Our goal is to have it in your hands in the spring.</p>
<p>I am planning to reprint the <em>Little Book of Better Burlesque </em>as well. It’s been unavailable for longer than I wanted.</p>
<p>Also, the price of shipping internationally has gotten insane. My overseas customers are paying more for shipping than the books themselves and I hate that. To that end, I’m looking into making ebook versions of all 3 little books!</p>
<p>Like I did the last two times, I will probably be running a Kickstarter for pre-sales, and you will be able to order copies of the other two books as well. I will keep you all apprised as I proceed!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71409482023-01-20T15:14:03-05:002023-01-20T19:00:10-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This coming Tuesday I’m teaching <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/beyond-basic-burlesque-history-corsets-and-tickets-121989"><em>Getting Tight: A Guide to Corsetry</em></a> on-line. You’ll learn about different types of corsets, what to look for when buying one, tips for making one, history, how to wear them and how to strip out of them. Here’s a little something:</p>
<p><em>Wear something under your corset to keep it clean.</em></p>
<p>Corsets are very hard to wash, because of all the metal in their construction. To keep your corset clean and smelling pleasant, wear it over a base garment. I know that’s not feasible if you’re stripping, but you’re also only wearing it for a relatively short time. If you’re wearing one for a photoshoot, a party, or some other kind of event, do try to wear something between the corset and your skin. I like a camisole, but if you want something that’s not going to show at all, a tube top is a good option.</p>
<p>For more about corsets, join me <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/beyond-basic-burlesque-history-corsets-and-tickets-121989">Tuesday night</a>, 7pm Eastern!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71376922023-01-13T14:49:23-05:002023-01-13T16:15:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday the 13th! But you’re lucky today because I have a tip to share…</p>
<p><em>It’s great to interact with audience members! But only if they want to interact with you.</em></p>
<p>Some people love it when a performer comes up to them and makes them a part of the show for a moment. Some people loathe it. They may not want to be singled out, be the focus of attention, or be touched.</p>
<p>I’ve written before about <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/friday-tip-138/">not touching performers without consent</a>, but the reverse is true as well. When I was at the <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/04/20/rva-burlesque-festival-2022/">RVA Burlesque Festival</a>, the host, Ego Von Hubris, laid down the rules, as a good host does. One of them was “Consent is mandatory!”, which I though was simple and concise.</p>
<p>If you are going to interact with an audience member, follow the first rule of stage combat — make eye contact so they know something is coming. And read their body language. If they drop their gaze, or look uncomfortable, move on to someone else. It doesn’t matter if it’s something as chaste as offering them your finger tips so they can help remove your glove, if they don’t want it, find an eager participant.</p>
<p>At a recent show, Devastasia was doing crowd work and mashed some people’s faces into her cleavage. She came up to one audience member and registered the look of panic instead of anticipation. So, she stepped back and shimmied instead. Everyone was happy with that.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71371502023-01-12T16:14:06-05:002023-01-12T16:45:06-05:00Burlesque Decks<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Our friend Lili VonSchtupp has created a lot of fabulous things and one of her recent creations are burlesque playing cards!</p>
<p>First was the <a href="https://www.burlesquedeck.com/meet-the-deck/">Burlesque Deck</a>, Photos of 26 Los Angeles-area performers adorn the 54 cards (I’m counting Lili VonSchtupp, the one-eyed Jack, and Boobdini, the Joker, as two separate performers). There’s even a special set of cards for magicians. The photos are in a very pin-up style, like the decks of old. Even though the release party was almost a year ago, you can still <a href="https://burlesquedeck.square.site/product/burlesque-deck-release-party-online-show/100?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false">watch it</a>.</p>
<p>But Lili and C.B. Summers, the photographer, couldn’t leave it at just one deck…</p>
<p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neo-burlesque-deck-release-party-tickets-476194419327">Tonight she’s celebrating</a> the release of the <a href="https://www.burlesquedeck.com/meet-the-neo-burlesque-deck/">Neo-Burlesque Deck</a>! This contains photos of 53 burlesque performers from around the country, including two Legends. Our own Betty Blaize is the 6 of Hearts! The style is very different — the performers tend to be more unclad and the lighting is moody with neon-inspired colors, one for each suit.</p>
<p>In 2022 there was a <a href="https://burlesquedeck.square.site/product/2022-burlesque-deck-calendar/94?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false">pin-up calendar</a> with performers from The Burlesque Deck, but this year, there’s a <a href="https://burlesquedeck.square.site/product/2023-neo-burlesque-deck-topless-calendar/103?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false">topless calendar</a> with Neo-Burlesque Deck performers — and one of them is Betty! If you ever wanted to know what she looked like <em>sans</em> pasties, you can find out in June.</p>
<p>Go forth and get yourself one or both of these decks! Not only do I want to support these existing projects and all the amazing performers who appear within, but Lili has hinted that if there’s another deck it will be vintage-style black & white photos and there’s a chance I’ll be one of the performers in it. Let’s make that possible!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71340962023-01-06T16:24:34-05:002023-01-06T18:15:10-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s the first tip of 2023!</p>
<p>I’m jumping off of last week’s tip about items that need to be replenished. It’s also about interacting with the audience.</p>
<p><em>Toss a little something to the audience.</em></p>
<p>Audiences love to be given little gifts. It makes people feel special to have a little part of the show — and a little part of you. I’ve seen people go crazy over scraps of ribbon.</p>
<p>Obviously you don’t have to do this with every act, but once in a while, it’s a nice surprise and a treat. Be reasonable about what you give out and make sure it’s something you don’t mind never seeing again.</p>
<p>Sometimes they want to keep it as a little memento. At the climax of her computer geek number, Betty tears open her t-shirt and throws it into the audience. She’s been asked to sign the shreds. (Harking back to last week’s tip, she has a stash of t-shirts that a former employer was going to toss and was glad to give to her — is that upcycling?)</p>
<p>Sometimes they want the opportunity to return it to the performer. During <em>La Vie en Rose</em>, I pull rose petals off my breasts and toss them out. I once had someone carefully gather up each one and pour them into my hands after the show.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71304532022-12-30T14:41:50-05:002022-12-30T15:31:12-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s the last Friday of 2022! I don’t know about you, but I am so ready to say farewell to what has been a terrible, terrible year for me. I know that just turning a calendar page doesn’t mean a fresh start, but I can hope.</p>
<p>Anyway, here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you consume something during your act, replenish it as soon as possible (or have a plan to do so before the next performance).</em></p>
<p>By “consume”, I don’t necessarily mean “eat”, but something you use once and can’t use again. This could be a giant paper bag you cut your way out of, a t-shirt, you tear off, whipped cream you spray on your butt, &c. You don’t want to be caught at the venue, missing a vital component of your act because you forgot to get another one.</p>
<p>Betty Blaize has an act where she cuts her costume off with a knife. She keep rolls of ribbon on hand to reset the costume pieces after each performance. For “<a href="https://youtu.be/7MwfxCeTiGk">French Champagne</a>“, I need a bottle of champagne. I’m not going to keep one on hand, just in case I get booked with this act, but it’s on my pre-show checklist.</p>
<p>When performing an act like this, where you have to make or procure something every time, consider the additional time and expense when you’re negotiating with the producer. Also, it might not be an ideal act for multiple shows in a row depending on how complicated the reset is</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71277872022-12-23T14:42:20-05:002022-12-23T18:30:13-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday!</p>
<p>Quick note from B.A.B.E. before I get to your tip. Classes resume in January. <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/introduction-to-burlesque"><em>Introduction to Burlesque</em></a> classes will be at Tony Williams Dance Center, as they’ve been for the past year, but in February we’re moving to the <a href="https://www.asylumcolab.com/">Asylum CoLab</a> at Faneuil Hall. We are excited about that! However, we’re less excited that we have to raise our prices for classes. We’ve kept the same rates for 15 years, but they’ll be going up a little in February. If you want to save a little, take classes in January — and sign up before New Year’s Day to get the Early Bird discount!</p>
<p>Okay, here’s your tip.</p>
<p><em>Claim your name (stage name, troupe, and/or school name) on as many platforms as you can.</em></p>
<p>Even if you’re not planning on using them right now, it’s a good idea to stake your claim. The reason I’m “miss_mina_murray” on IG is because someone else grabbed “missminamurray” first — and she’s a cat. Having consistent user names is the best, if you can manage it. B.A.B.E. is “StudyBurlesque” everywhere that we have a presence.</p>
<p>However…</p>
<p><em>Don’t be a jerk. No squatting!</em></p>
<p>That is, don’t grab a domain or user name that you know someone else might want and just sit on it so that they can’t have it. It’s petty. Although I know that you’d never do something like that, dear reader.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71260472022-12-20T15:40:23-05:002022-12-20T19:30:24-05:00In the Kitchen: Hot Spiced Milk (1948)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>There’s a FB group I belong to where one person has been sharing daily menus from <em>The Modern Family Cook Book</em> by Meta Givens (1948) for the past couple of years. I even got my own copy of the book to check out the recipes. Then last year I jumped into the game to share <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com/">Fannie Farmer menus</a> and it’s been fun to compare the two generations of cooking. Some of Meta’s recipes are off-putting — a lot of vegetables covered with white or cheese sauce, a lack of seasoning, plenty of organ meats — but some grabbed my fancy and I’ve given them a whirl.</p>
<p>One of the recipes I tried was Hot Spiced Milk. It was so good that I’ve made it a few times. My cozy winter drink of choice is hot chocolate, so it’s saying something that I like this, <em>sans</em> any chocolate.</p>
<p>I recently mentioned it during a livestream with Patrons of Christine McConnell. If you were one of the folks who requested the recipe, here it is!</p>
<p>You need<br>
<a title="IMG_0626" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52576227224/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52576227224_4f473fe4a4_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0626" width="600" /></a>butter, coconut, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey</p>
<p><strong>Hot Spiced Milk</strong><br>
1/4 cup shredded coconut<br>
1 tablespoon butter<br>
4 cups milk<br>
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br>
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg<br>
2 tablespoons honey</p>
<p>Melt the butter and brown the coconut in it. Then add all the other ingredients and heat until scalding (180°F). Strain out the coconut and serve. If you want to leave the coconut in, chop finely before browning.</p>
<p>Serves 4.</p>
<p>This works best with whole milk, but there no reason not to use a plant-based milk, if that’s your preference.</p>
<p>I usually use unsweetened coconut, but sweetened coconut will probably brown better. It will also make the drink sweeter, so you might want to adjust the honey.</p>
<p>I suppose you could toast the coconut without any butter, but you’d loose that little bit of extra richness.</p>
<p>It’s lovely on a winter evening with some cookies!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71241542022-12-16T16:06:47-05:002022-12-16T16:15:09-05:00Friday Tip
<p></p>
<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s a blustery Friday here in Boston and I was trying to come up with a tip that suited the weather, but instead the chaos that is my sewing room/office/video recording and editing studio inspired this.</p>
<p><em>When facing a big task, break it down into tiny ones.</em></p>
<p>Looking at a big project can be daunting, but making it a series of much smaller projects can help a lot. You know what they say about how to eat an elephant — one bite at a time.</p>
<p>You could make detailed to do lists. For example, if I’m making a new costume, I’ll start by listing every costume component, and then writing down every step for each one. Sometimes it can get pretty granular if I need the motivation of more things to check off the list. “Prep fabric” could be one item, or it could be broken down to “buy fabric”, “wash fabric”, “dry fabric”, “press fabric”.</p>
<p>Another approach is to set a timer for a short time, like 15 minutes, but no goofing around, you have to spend all the time on the task. I find having a hard end time helps me keep focused to do as much as possible before the timer goes off.</p>
<p>And then there’s the number method — pick a small number of items to deal with, like put away five pairs of shoes, or answer three emails.</p>
<p>Have you tried any of these techniques to accomplish a big task? Do you have tricks of your own?</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /><span style="font-size: revert">These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to </span><a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a><span style="font-size: revert">. Or you can just </span><a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a><span style="font-size: revert"> if you liked this.</span></p>Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71237342022-12-15T17:20:38-05:002022-12-15T21:15:17-05:00Burly Bundle Unboxing
<p></p>
<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A while back I was approached by BurlyBundle, a subscription burlesque craft box, to tell my students about their product. I’m always happy to support another small woman-owned business, especially one from a fellow burlesquer. However, to make sure I could whole-heartedly endorse it, I ordered a bundle. And here’s what I found…</p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="470" height="265" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bL3MnLhEUCc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation"></iframe></p>
<p>To sum up, this bundle has everything you need for the project, down to the smallest detail. It’s perfect for beginners, but I think it would be fun for seasoned crafters too. There are suggested designs, but one could certainly follow their muse and create an original one. Some of those tiny rhinestones will make for a challenge.</p>
<p>My verdict: Misty Tetons has created a fine craft box. Check it out yourself — the ordering cut off for the next bundle is the end of this month.</p>
<p>(This review is not sponsored, suggested, or requested by anyone. I have no affiliation with Burly Bundle other than as a one-time customer.)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71208552022-12-09T15:33:56-05:002022-12-09T20:00:17-05:00Friday Tip
<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p></p>
<p>It’s Friday again! It’s also the closing weekend of the <em><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scroogeco-holiday-party-tickets-451802111277">ScroogeCo. Holiday Office Party</a>,</em> our fun, interactive show at<a href="https://www.chelseatheatreworks.org/directions/ctwdirections.php"> Chelsea Theatre Works</a>. I hope you’ll join us!</p>
<p>I taught chair dance to the intermediate students at B.A.B.E. last month and that inspired your tip.</p>
<p><em>Add specialty feet to your chair.</em></p>
<p>Depending on how you’re going to be using your chair, you have a couple of options, all of which you can get at the hardware store.</p>
<p>If you want to make sure the chair doesn’t slip out from under you, add rubber feet. They slide over the legs and provide traction.</p>
<p>If you are going to be moving the chair around, use furniture glides. They’re plastic or felt disks that nail or stick onto the feet and let the chair move smoothly and with less noise.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71196452022-12-07T17:22:03-05:002022-12-07T18:30:33-05:00New Fans (sort of)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’ve not been the best of correspondents of late and for that I am sorry. I just haven’t had the inspiration to write. Today I realized that I never told you about my white fans.</p>
<p>If you’ve seen me perform, you’ve probably seen my white feather fans. I commissioned them from <a href="http://the-scarlett-rose.com/">The Scarlett Rose</a> (who also made my black and white ones) and first performed with them in <a href="https://youtu.be/htd0UeYAW08"><em>V for Vixen</em></a> in December 2009.</p>
<p>They had single white plumes on bamboo staves. Back then your choices for fan staves were bamboo or acrylic (probably from Ostrich.com). My hands are small, so I was very happy for the bamboo, which is lighter and sat better in my hand. She painted the staves white, then covered the front and back staves with a single piece of white trim which made a carrying loop. As a finally touch, she decorated that trim with rhinestones. I added more rhinestones to the shafts of the front plumes.</p>
<p><a title="Ugly Duckling Fan Dance" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52548242267/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52548242267_b4feee6929_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Ugly Duckling Fan Dance" height="640" width="425" /></a>This photo by Charles Jones, from my Ugly Duckling fan dance during <em>Bumps Upon a Grind </em>is one of my favorites.</p>
<p>I used those fans a lot over the years. I lost the nut on one pair and couldn’t find a replacement the right size, so I had to replace the whole bolt and it was too long. One of the staves cracked and I mended it with cloth tape. The fancy trim got grimy from my hands.</p>
<p>This year I finally decided to take the plunge and have <a href="https://donnatouch.com/">Donna Touch</a> upgrade them. Fan tech has come a long way since 2009 and bamboo or acrylic are no longer the only options. Donna makes staves from light-weight aluminum and powder coats them pretty much any color you could want. She carefully removed the plumes, which were glued to the staves, and moved them over to white aluminum staves and added another row of feathers. Check out her fine work <a href="https://donnatouch.com/2022/02/04/upgrade-from-bamboo/">here</a>.</p>
<p>I debuted them at <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/02/10/burlesque-with-a-band-2-3-22/">Burlesque with a Band</a> in February. Here they are in action!</p>
<p><a title="Mina 02-03-22" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51872476922/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51872476922_1bba7b9793_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mina 02-03-22" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>They’re quite a bit bigger now and slightly heavier, but so full and lush!</p>
<p>The slick aluminum staves took a little getting used to after the rougher bamboo, as did the new size. After using them for most of the year now they’re an extension of my hands again, </p>
<p><a title="rhinestones back" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52548888627/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52548888627_3a691976fc_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="rhinestones back" width="250" /></a>I was missing the rhinestone decorations that The Scarlett Rose had done (I removed the bits of trim before I sent the fans to Donna), but the fronts of these staves are almost completely covered with feathers. However, the stave backs were bare. I pavéd them with rhinestones (from <a href="https://www.lookingglassgems.com/">Looking Glass Gems</a>) and continued up the feather shaft. The picture doesn’t capture how sparkly they actually are! (The gaps are for the holes where the wire is securing the feathers to the stave.) (And my feathers need a steam.)</p>
<p>So, a brief bit of real talk — a conversation I have with my students frequently — fans are an investment. I paid quite a bit for the original custom-made set in 2009 and twice that for the conversion in 2022. Now, I used the original set for 12 years and I’ve used the new version in most of my shows this year, so I don’t begrudge any of the expense. However, I hate to see new dancers take the plunge and then discover fan dancing isn’t for them.</p>
<p>That said, I would recommend Donna’s fans for any serious fan dancer. They’re light, they’re strong, and they’re beautifully made. I’m dreaming of a set of her boa fans. Maybe some day…</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71161222022-12-02T16:14:05-05:002022-12-02T19:00:51-05:00Friday Tip
<p></p>
<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again!</p>
<p>This week’s tip is something Jo Weldon said recently and really stuck with me. I’m paraphrasing:</p>
<p><em>Burlesque is a dialog between performer and audience. Give them time to react before you go on to the next moment in your act.</em></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71141102022-11-30T14:44:44-05:002022-11-30T16:45:14-05:00Real Talk About the Performing Arts<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This was sent out to the BeauTease mailing list yesterday. I thought it was worth sharing here too.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>TL/DR: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=X7R6MZZEMWTYJ">Donate</a> to support us or <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/scroogeco">buy a ticket</a> to the <em>ScroogeCo Holiday Office Party</em></strong></span></p>
<hr>
<p>We are usually full of happiness and good cheer – especially at this time of year – but the truth is, the performing arts are in trouble. Sure, there a few exceptional bright spots, but if you ask any artist working in Boston, they’ll tell you that things aren’t good and haven’t been for a long time.</p>
<p>When ArtsBoston created the <a href="https://www.artsboston.org/audience-outlook-monitor/">Audience Outlook Monitor (AOM)</a>, their takeaway was</p>
<blockquote><p>The pandemic has been devastating for arts organizations hit from all sides. The survey proves what we know arts organizations and artists are already grappling with — it’s going to be a long road back and it won’t be an easy one.</p></blockquote>
<p>Sadly, we’re not one of those exceptions. The BeauTease have been around for 17 years. We’re New England’s longest-running burlesque troupe. We have trained and inspired dozens of performers around the country and the world. We’d like to be around for another 17 years…but that’s not going to happen without your help.</p>
<p>We know it’s <em>Giving Tuesday</em> and you’re being bombarded from all sides with requests for donations. Thanks to our partnership with <strong>The Professional Burlesque Society</strong>, <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=X7R6MZZEMWTYJ">we are able to take donations</a> and truly appreciate anyone who chooses to make one, but we’d much rather see you at a show.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/scroogeco">The ScroogeCo Holiday Office Party</a> opens on this Friday, December 2, and has performances on December 2-4 and 8-10 at The Chelsea Theatre Works. Tickets make great gifts and this show in particular is perfect for big groups. It’s equal parts party and performance, so come on out and dance the night away with us!</p>
<p><span style="font-family:WildWest;font-size:x-large;">xoxo,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:WildWest;font-size:x-large;">BeauTease Burlesque</span></p>
<p>***</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71110392022-11-25T15:05:45-05:002022-11-26T19:30:10-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Starting this Friday you can see The BeauTease and friends and apprentices in <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scroogeco-holiday-party-tickets-451802111277"><em>The ScroogeCo Holiday Office Party.</em></a> It’s not one of our typical theatre shows, but an evening of interactive fun. Join the party to celebrate the merger of ScroogeCo and KKringle Inc! There will be games, holiday music, drinks at the bar, singing, dancing, magic and of course, burlesque. The show is Dec. 2-4 and 8-10. Tickets are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scroogeco-holiday-party-tickets-451802111277">now</a>.</p>
<p>Now for your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you have pets, make sure precious things like boas, fans, D’Lish robes, rhinestoned shoes, &c. are kept secured when you aren’t actively using them.</em></p>
<p>As the Martha Stewart of Burlesque, I’m often asked what to do when a cat pees on a costume or a dog chews on Pleasers. Prevention is key! I admit that I need to take my own advice, Albert A. Cat was such a restrained gentleman that I got lazy and left things lying around because I knew he’d leave them in peace, not matter how many feathers they had. With young Bartholomew, the world is his toybox and I have had to be more vigilant.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71057982022-11-18T15:49:17-05:002022-11-18T16:30:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again and I am back in Boston after a grand time in Seattle. I’ll tell you all about it, but, given my track record, it’s going to take some time.</p>
<p>This tip is based on my recent travels:</p>
<p><em>To save time and money when you travel, pack your own food.</em></p>
<p>This is particularly useful when you’re going to be in a hotel and there isn’t much around, like many conventions. Rather than pay hotel prices or take the time to go far afield for meals, I pack stuff for breakfast and lunch (and then splurge on dinner). Since most hotel rooms have coffee makers, there’s hot water, so I pack instant oatmeal (Trader Joe’s makes a sea salt & cocoa oatmeal that’s a treat) and soup cups (TJ’s used to carry cups of fresh noodles that were supposed to be heated, but were also good cold). If your accommodations have a microwave, you have even more options. I also bring fresh fruit, like apples or oranges, baby carrots, protein bars, and trail mix.</p>
<p>Not only are you saving money (so you can buy goodies from the vendors), but you have more room in your suitcase on the trip home (in which to pack the aforementioned goodies).</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/71003922022-11-11T11:00:00-05:002022-11-11T13:30:05-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Greetings from BurlyCon! Have a tip!</p>
<p>It’s that time of year when holiday acts are getting booked, so…</p>
<p><em>Get out all the costumes and props for your holiday acts and make sure they are in good condition.</em></p>
<p>They’ve probably been packed away since the last time you did a holiday show (in past times I would have said “last year”). Check them over and make any repairs necessary. Maybe plan some embellishments or upgrades. If you realize you haven’t used something in quite a while, perhaps it’s time to deaccession it.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70957452022-11-04T15:30:33-04:002022-11-04T16:15:02-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! How about a tip?</p>
<p><em>When sewing velvet, only pin within the seam allowance.</em></p>
<p>Velvet has a lush look and catches the light in interesting ways which makes it a natural for adding drama on stage. However, the pile can crush easily while you are sewing it and the marks are very hard to get out. Pinning where it won’t show on the outside is the key to keeping your velvet beautiful. And a pinboard, but that is a tip for another time.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Welcome to my newest Patron, peter hopmann.<span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD"> T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70922782022-10-31T12:22:48-04:002022-10-31T13:15:05-04:00Happy Halloween!<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I hope you have a magical, spooky night!<a title="lp_image" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52467775198/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52467775198_03a075cfcc.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="lp_image" height="500" width="331" /></a><br>
Photo by Stephanie May of <a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com/">La Photograpie Boudoir</a> at The Manor<br>
Costume and styling by me<br>
Staging by Scratch<br>
Bat cage by <a href="https://youtu.be/o1mVnO0Wex0">Christine McConnell</a></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70910252022-10-28T15:25:32-04:002022-10-28T17:45:18-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Time for a tip!</p>
<p>We’ve got a private Halloween show tomorrow night and the careful way Scratch set up the order of acts inspired this tip.</p>
<p><em>Make life easier for your stage hands with the show order. </em></p>
<p>If possible, put numbers with an elaborate set up at the start of a set and follow with a simple one. Put numbers with a complicated clean up at the end of a set. If two performers need a table or other similar set piece (and the acts aren’t too thematically similar), put them back to back.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Welcome to my newest Patron, <span class="sc-iqseJM iNrSeD">Eric (Speaker in Digressions). T</span>hank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70879502022-10-24T18:19:13-04:002022-10-24T22:00:12-04:00In Memoriam: Kitten Natividad<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I hate writing these missives. The death of every Legend is a tragedy. We lose so much of our history with them. But this one cuts very deep.</p>
<p><img src="https://i0.wp.com/burlesquebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/Kitten-Natividad-Burlesque-Beat-3.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="500" />Photo by John Bilotti at The Great Burlesque Expo.</p>
<p>I saw her for the first time at Miss Exotic World in Las Vegas in 2006. In a voice I never heard before from him, tinged with awe and delight, Scratch said, almost reverently, “That’s Kitten Natividad!” I replied “Who?”</p>
<p>I learned who she was — Russ Meyer’s muse, burlesque Legend, Miss Nude Universe, porn star. And eventually our friend.</p>
<p>I’m usually more than a little intimidated by Legends, but she was so open and friendly that all my apprehensions just melted away. We got along very well, which surprised me sometimes. She was so exuberant and unapologetic, where I am reserved and demure. One year for my birthday she gave me fishnet bodystockings, saying how good I’d look. It took me a little while to get used to the idea, but she was right.<br>
<a title="_DSC5198 fishnet" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52450074587/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52450074587_66d73c8f49.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="_DSC5198 fishnet" height="386" width="500" /></a>Photo by Altar Boy Photography</p>
<p>Whenever Scratch and I went to Los Angeles we would visit her and take her out (and she would take my leftovers home). The <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/03/20/los-angeles-sunday-1-20-19/">last trip</a> was the best. She insisted we stay in her guest suite and Scratch made her breakfast every morning. We would sit in her courtyard and watch her crazy kittens race around. The night we left, we took her to dinner at Musso & Frank, our favorite L.A. restaurant and hers too. I think this is the only picture I have of us together.<br>
<a title="IMG_8648" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52405690209/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52405690209_b13f4d75df.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_8648" height="375" width="500" /></a>Photo by a waiter at Musso and Frank</p>
<p>Then the pandemic came. We would call her from time to time and check in. We always talked about visiting as soon as we could. She would say “And you’ll stay with meeee!” We would assure her we would and Scratch would cook for her. And then we would tell her we loved her. That’s not something I say casually.</p>
<p>She told such wonderful stories about her time in burlesque, in porn, with Russ, but she was just as interested and enthusiastic about we were doing. When Scratch opened the American Burlesque Collection, she was so supportive. One of the exhibits was dedicated to Latina burlesque performers and a big part was devoted to her. I know Scratch did a little video tour for her, but I wish she could have seen it in person.</p>
<p>The last time we were in touch, she told us the cancer had come back. I said I would drop everything and come see her. She said “I’m not going anywhere” so we talked about going out for Scratch’s birthday in November or mine in February.</p>
<p>I wish I had known how sick she really was. Even if she couldn’t have had visitors, I wish we’d called her one more time.</p>
<p>I’m devastated. I can’t believe I’ll never see her again, never hear her wonderful laugh or feel her infectious delight for everything. I hope she knew how much I love her.</p>
<p>She touched and inspired so many of us. Lili VonSchtupp wrote a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/kitten-natividad-72502332"><u>lovely tribute</u></a> on her <a href="https://www.patreon.com/lili/posts"><u>Patreon</u></a>. Last year Angie Pontani interviewed <a href="https://www.angiepontani.com/podcast/episode/4b074d67/kitten-natividad"><u>Kitten</u></a> for her podcast, <a href="https://www.angiepontani.com/podcast"><u>The Bump ‘n Grind</u></a>.</p>
<p>The thing I loved most about Kitten was the unbridled joy she took in life. She regretted nothing that she had done. I cannot think of a better tribute to her than to live life on those terms.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" style="font-size:revert;" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70864262022-10-21T17:01:06-04:002022-10-21T21:00:08-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Today’s tip brought to you by something that happened last weekend…</p>
<p><em>Want to be a hero? Bring a just-in-case act with you.</em></p>
<p>Stuff happens and sometimes a performer can’t make a show at literally the last minute and the show is going to be too short. If you have that extra act, you can help fill the void and give the audience the show they expected.</p>
<p>It should be something that packs small and that you know well and can perform in most venues (you know, perhaps not your giant champagne glass bath!). Also make sure you’ve got your music in a way you can get it to the DJ.</p>
<p>Ava Fox was just in a show where one of the other performers had an emergency and had to leave right before curtain. Quick-thinking Ava had the costume for another act in her car, which a stage kitten ran out to get, and the audience was none the wiser.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70813892022-10-14T10:16:49-04:002022-10-14T11:45:09-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Tonight is Absinthe Unveiled! and I’m unveiling a new act with a new costume. I’m rather excited to show you all! But first, your tip:</p>
<p><em>Don’t stretch yourself too thin.</em></p>
<p>It’s very flattering to be asked and invited to perform, to teach, to speak, &c. But if you’ve got a lot on your plate and you’re going to have to cut corners to get it all accomplished, as hard as it is, you should turn the offer down. Doing a lot of things poorly is not going to enhance your reputation.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70768452022-10-07T11:00:00-04:002022-10-07T16:00:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Greetings from sunny Florida! This week’s tip is about tipping!</p>
<p><em>If there’s tipping at your show, make sure the cast, crew, and audience all understand how it works.</em></p>
<p>I have seen so many methods for tipping: performer goes through the audience with a container (champagne bucket, top hat, trick or treat pumpkin, &c.), stage kitten goes through the audience with a container, performer lets the audience stick money in their costume, audience throws money at the stage, container by the stage, container for each performer by the stage, envelopes at seats, &c. I’m sure there are more I have forgotten.</p>
<p>Make sure everyone knows what tipping method you are using, the cast and crew well before the show, and the audience early in the show, so there are no surprises.</p>
<p>Very importantly, how are the tips distributed? Does each performer keep the money given specifically to them? Or are the tips shared? If so, how many ways are they split? Does the host get a share? Does the stage crew? Again, this needs to be communicated in advance.</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget electronic tipping. Have QR codes or info for all the different payment services available to the audience. If the tips are pooled and split, let the performers know when and how they’ll be getting their share.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" style="font-size:revert;" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70720542022-09-30T11:27:00-04:002022-09-30T16:00:12-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m at the New York Burlesque Festival! But I didn’t want to forget your tip.</p>
<p><em>When you travel, try to go to a burlesque show.</em></p>
<p>Not only is it fun to attend shows, it’s good to get outside your usual stomping grounds. Unfamiliar performers and acts are inspiring in multiple ways. Regional differences in performance and production are always interesting (at least I think so!) and may give you some good ideas. And do try to meet the folks involved — you might make a business contact, or a friend.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70695102022-09-27T07:17:07-04:002022-09-27T10:30:07-04:00Last Chance to Vote<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This is it! Voting for the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php"><u>Golden Pasties</u></a> ends tonight! It would mean so much to me to win one of those oversized pasties (made by Canova Studios), especially for the 20th anniversary of the festival.</p>
<p>I’m a finalist for the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php"><u>Dorian Gray Award</u></a>, for the performer who looks <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/08/31/la-photographie/"><u>younger now</u></a> than when they started performing and the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php"><u>Producers Dream Award</u></a>, for the performer who is never late and always sends their music on time (it’s true!).</p>
<p>Voting is super-easy, barely an inconvenience! You have until 6pm (eastern) tonight.</p>
<p>And then we wait until the ceremony on Sunday!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70674882022-09-23T16:39:59-04:002022-09-23T19:45:04-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A quick reminder to vote for me for the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Dorian Gray Award and the Producer’s Dream Award</a> Golden Pasties!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When using magnets in a costume remove, slide them apart instead of pulling.</em></p>
<p>If you try to pull magnets apart, depending on the strength, you could end up tearing your costume before you separate them. Sliding them breaks the hold more easily. I’m sure someone could explain the physics, but that person is not me.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70663112022-09-22T10:29:50-04:002022-09-22T12:15:05-04:00In the Kitchen: To Make a Cake (1604)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>[I wrote this in January 2020 and apparently it’s been sitting in my drafts all that time. It’s been well over a year since I shared a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/tag/historic-cookery/">historic recipe</a> with you and most of what I’ve been cooking this year is from the <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com">1914 project</a>. I can’t find a picture of the finished cake so you’ll just have to imagine it.]</p>
<p>It has been a while since I did any historic cookery. When our local medieval/Renaissance cookery group was having a joint meeting with a gaming group, that was enough to get me thumbing through my Elizabethan cookbooks. I wanted to bring something that didn’t need any cooking on site and was somewhat seasonal. It’s wintertime, which made me think of fruit and spice cakes.</p>
<p><i>To Make a Cake<br>
Take a peck of flower, and fower pound of currance, one ounce of Cinamon, half an ounce of ginger, two nutmegs, of cloves and mace two peniworth, of butter one pound, mingle your spice and flower & fruit together, put as much barme as will make it light, then take good Ale, & put your butter in it, all saving a little, which you must put in the milk, & let the milk boyle with the butter, then make a posset with it, & temper the Cake with the posset drink, & curd & all together, & put some sugar in & so bake it.<br>
Elinor Fettiplace’s Receipt Book</i></p>
<p>Cakes in the 16th and 17th centuries were not much like today’s cake. They were raised with barm, which is the yeast used for making ale, rather than baking powder, which wasn’t invented for a couple of centuries. The results are more like bread than what we think of as cake today. I use yeast with a little beer added for flavor.</p>
<p>The above recipe would make a giant cake, as a peck of flour is eight quarts of flour or about 37 cups. I divided all the ingredients approximately by eight to make a more manageable cake. Since I have no idea how much mace or cloves a penny bought at the time, I just added the spices to my liking.</p>
<p>The big mystery here was these instructions “then take good Ale, & put your butter in it, all saving a little, which you must put in the milk, & let the milk boyle with the butter, then make a posset with it, & temper the Cake with the posset drink, & curd & all together”. My read of it is to take ale and add most of the butter to it. Put the rest of the butter into the milk and bring the milk to a boil. Then add the milk to the ale (a posset is a beverage made with warm milk curdled with alcohol) and add it to the cake mix. Why split the butter like that? I might understand if you worked part of it into the flour and melted the other part, but this baffles me. It all melted when I added the warm milk to the ale. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>The end result is a pleasantly-spiced, not too sweet fruit bread.</p>
<p>4 2/3 cups all purpose flour (I like a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat)<br>
8 oz. currants<br>
2 tsp ground cinnamon<br>
1 tsp ginger<br>
1/2 t mace<br>
1/4 t nutmeg<br>
pinch cloves<br>
2 oz. butter (1/2 stick)<br>
1 cup ale (I used a winter warmer)<br>
1 cup milk<br>
1 packet yeast<br>
1/4 cup sugar</p>
<p>Mix together the flour, currants, and spices in a large bowl. Pour the ale and half the butter into a small bowl. Bring the milk and the rest of the butter to a boil in a sauce pan. Let the milk cool to body temperature (if you put a drop on the inside of your wrist, it should feel neither hot nor cold), add to the ale along with one tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Mix the rest of the sugar into the dry ingredients.</p>
<p>When the yeast bubbles (about 10 minutes) add the wet ingredients to the dry. Mix until well combined. Knead a few times on a floured surface. Pat the dough into a ball. Grease the bowl and put the dough into it. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled.</p>
<p>Punch the dough down and place in a greased pan. I used a 9″ round cake pan. Cover and let rise again.</p>
<p>Bake at 400°F for half an hour. You can sprinkle it with coarse sugar when it comes out of the oven or make a glaze with powdered sugar and rosewater and pour over the warm cake.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70622342022-09-16T16:18:38-04:002022-09-16T20:45:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A quick reminder to vote for me for the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Dorian Gray Award and the Producer’s Dream Award</a> Golden Pasties!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When everything is a rush, you need to slow down. </em></p>
<p>Things seem to always go wrong when we’re trying to beat the clock. We miss a turn on the way to a gig. We sew a seam wrong side out. We forget to pack something important. We break things. We lose things. It ends up taking even more time and energy.</p>
<p>Stop. Take a breath. Yes, work quickly, but not in a panic. Take the time to double-check things</p>
<p>As the Emperor Augustus said, <em>Festina lente</em>, make haste slowly.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Welcome to my newest Patron, Adrian! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70594852022-09-13T15:36:31-04:002022-09-13T15:45:05-04:00Exciting News<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m a finalist for two <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Golden Pasties</a>!!! Thank you so much for your help getting me nominated. I had a terrible day yesterday, but it ended with this news, so at least I could go to sleep on a positive note.</p>
<p>Now I’m counting on you all to vote for me the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Dorian Gray Award and the Producer’s Dream Award</a>. I’ve got some really stiff competition!</p>
<p>We’re encouraged to make silly campaign promises. I haven’t come up with any yet (I’m working on it!) but I do promise you all a treat if I win one of those coveted giant pasties!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70572082022-09-09T16:39:08-04:002022-09-09T20:30:15-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Before we get to your tip, I just want to remind you that <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">nominations</a> for the <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Golden Pastie Awards</a> close on Sunday. Please nominate me for the Producers Dream and Dorian Gray awards. You can vote once a day! If I’m one of the nominees, I’ll have some silly fun for you in the next couple of weeks.</p>
<p><em>If you know the dressing room at a venue is small, arrive with hair & makeup done.</em></p>
<p>It frees up the space for active costume changes and you all won’t be piled on top of one another trying to put your face on before the show starts.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Welcome to my newest Patron, Fiona! Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70520162022-09-02T16:15:13-04:002022-09-02T16:31:23-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Before we get to your tip, I just want to remind you to <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">nominate me</a> for the Producers Dream and Dorian Gray <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Golden Pastie Awards</a>. If you already have, thank you!</p>
<p>It’s not yet officially fall, but some are already buying pumpkin spice everything and planning their Halloween decorations. Others are trying to enjoy the last of summer. Both groups tend to snipe at one another. This brings me to my tip:</p>
<p><em>Let people enjoy what they like. It may not be your cup of tea, but there’s no reason to squash their pleasure.</em></p>
<p>I see this in burlesque when people sneer at classic burlesque for being boring or pop culture acts for being juvenile. and then mock the fans of that genre. You don’t have to like that style, but someone does and there’s no reason to be a jerk to them.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70502752022-08-31T10:38:12-04:002022-08-31T14:45:19-04:00Vintage Glamour with La Photographie<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Last month I had a most wonderful experience. Stephanie May of <a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com"><u>La Photographie</u></a> put out a Muse Call with the theme of Vintage Glamour. I met Stephanie (aka One Chance Fancy) at <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/tag/strippers-holiday/"><u>Stripper’s Holiday</u></a> and then won a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/10/16/friday-tip-467/"><u>virtual photoshoot</u></a> with her at a fundraising auction. I had wanted to do an in-person shoot with her ever since. And I had wanted a boudoir shoot for my big birthday back in 2020 (we know how that turned out). So, I jumped at the chance. I picked two themes: Hollywood Glamour and Romantic Realism.</p>
<p>Before the shoot we had a video call where she explained what I could expect on the day and also explained the various photo packages (with a Muse Call I was only paying for photos, not the shoot itself) and then sent me all sort of information to prepare me for the shoot. We also had a follow up call after I’d had time to make some decisions about wardrobe and hair. I put this off for a while because I just couldn’t do anything for a time after Albert died and Stephanie was very understanding.</p>
<p>When the big day arrived, I packed everything that I had planned, plus a couple extras items, just in case. Ultimately, I’m very glad I did, but I’ll get to that later. With clean skin and a fresh manicure, I set off for Connecticut at not very early in the morning.</p>
<p>I arrived, only a little late, at Stephanie’s charming Victorian house/studio and met Jess, the hair & makeup artist who would make me look glamourous. And she did! I had no idea what she was doing until the dramatic reveal in the mirror. She made me look amazing! And even improved the style on my wig.</p>
<p>The first set was Hollywood Glamour, which we shot in the parlor with a plush sofa and (faux) zebra skin rug. One of those last minute grabs was the white fans that Donna Touch recently refurbished for me. After a few shots with a fan alone in the dining room, we set it on the couch behind me. I wore a silver satin Cathrine D’Lish robe (a birthday present to myself), which Stephanie had steamed until it flowed like a dream. We took a number of photos of the couch and a few in front of the gorgeously stenciled wall on the stairs. It was really rather decadent, lounging in a luxurious robe while being told how glamourous you are. I felt like quite the Hollywood starlet</p>
<p>Then it was time for the second set. Jess changed my lipstick, then added my other wig, which she had carefully brushed and styled. The transformation was amazing.</p>
<p>We headed upstairs to a bedroom that had been turned into a seraglio with draperies and swags of luxurious fabrics. I know blue is a very flattering color for me so I brought some lengths of satin, some sheer veils, and a sari Betty brought me back from India and Stephanie incorporated them into the set.</p>
<p>I had originally thought of doing implied nudity with a fabric drape, but one of the things I grabbed at the last minute was my <a href="https://youtu.be/5akE_5E8jWg"><u>blue and gold robe with the long train</u></a>. I wore that. Sort of. The entire set was shot with natural light from a window to my left. Very Vermeer. I felt so very beautiful and the robe came off.</p>
<p>Photography complete, Stephanie went off to review the images and I settled in at the dining room table with a book and a decadent charcuterie plate. She came back with about 75 images which I had to winnow down. And all the Hollywood Glamour shots had the option of color or black and white. The package I had selected included 8 prints. Only 8! In the end I was only able to get it down to 14 and added the additional images to my tab.</p>
<p>Then I packed up and headed home. I think I was there about 5 and a half hours from start to finish — make up and hair (wigs), two shoots, and the image review.</p>
<p>A few days later, Stephanie sent me my retouched images and I had some major buyer’s remorse about all the gorgeous shots I tossed on the cutting room floor. I asked if I could upgrade to all the digital images. It just wasn’t that much more $$ and I have no regrets.</p>
<p>Besides the photos, I’ll also be getting a boudoir video, which was a special bonus.</p>
<p>To sum up, I loved the experience. I felt gorgeous and glamourous and thoroughly pampered. Jess of <a href="https://www.selvabeautypro.com"><u>Selva Beauty</u></a> did such a great job with my makeup and wigs. I wish I could recreate what she did with my eyes. Stephanie’s artistic vision and attention to detail created beautiful images. I think it’s a testament to her skill as a photographer that I ended up springing for all the images.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">I’ve teased you enough. Here are my favorite images from each of the shoots (at least the SFW ones).</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a title="DSC_4676" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52323292419/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52323292419_808e28712f_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_4676" height="267" width="400" /></a><strong>Hollywood Glamour</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a title="DSC_4821" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52323303375/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52323303375_5e0b8f2ea5_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC_4821" height="267" width="400" /></a><strong>Romantic Realism</strong></p>
<p>I adore them!</p>
<p>There were more (including some NSFW) that I showed my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>Patrons</u></a> right away. And now that I have all the images, I’ll probably give them some more.</p>
<p>If you’re thinking about a boudoir shoot, I highly recommend <a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com"><u>La Photographie</u></a>! And if you’re not near Connecticut, don’t worry! She travels a lot.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>P.S. Don’t forget to nominate me for the Producers Dream and Dorian Gray <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Golden Pasties</a>!</p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70495192022-08-30T15:12:52-04:002022-08-30T16:30:25-04:00The Golden Pasties<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I believe I neglected to tell you that I had been selected to perform at <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com">The New York Burlesque Festival</a>. I am incredibly excited! There’s a lot of competition for a relatively few slots and this year happens to be the 20th anniversary.</p>
<p>I’ll be performing Thursday night at The Bell House (where I’ve performed at previous NYBFs) with <em>Whole Lotta Mina</em>, which you may have seen if you were at the most recent Expo or if you’re one of my Patrons.</p>
<p>This all means I am eligible for a <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">Golden Pastie award</a>! Nominations are open until September 11 and then voting starts. I’ve decided to concentrate my efforts on being nominated for <em>The Producers Dream Award (</em>for the performer who is never late and always sends their music on time) and for <em>The Dorian Gray Award (</em>for the performer who looks younger now than when they started performing) (maybe not younger, but enough people have said I look much the same as when I started this burlesque stuff over a decade and a half ago).</p>
<p>So, I am asking you, Dear Reader, to please <a href="https://thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/goldenpasties.php">nominate me in those two categories</a>. If I am fortunate enough to be a finalist, you will surely know. I have never won a burlesque award and despite the silliness, a Golden Pastie would mean a lot to me.</p>
<p>Thank you in advance,</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70382932022-08-15T11:07:47-04:002022-08-15T13:30:17-04:00Summer Sizzle 7/16/22<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Our last show was on April first, right before my little world completely went to hell. It was good to get back on stage and even better to spend the time backstage with some of my favorite people.</p>
<p>We did two shows, an early and a late, as we often do on for a Saturday show. Sharon, one of our current apprentices, was an adorable stagehand in a watermelon-themed sundress, and we had Marek on follow spot. There were also a couple of photographers there, so I may have some pictures to share with you eventually.</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox & Devastasia:</strong> <em>Let’s Go Sunning</em><br>
Devastasia sang while Ava tapdanced and they passed a parasol back and forth. This is a cute little song from the 1950’s that Devastasia heard while playing Fallout 3. It’s rather short so Scratch wrote a new verse.</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Rumble</em> (The Ventures)<br>
I love this song so much. Really, I love the Link Wray original, but it’s kind of short, so I used this version. I was only at dress rehearsal that Scratch pointed out that he could edit the original to be longer. Oh well, next time. The focal point of the act was my big black boa. Some years ago, when I went to<a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/tag/strippers-holiday/"> Stripper’s Holiday</a> in Los Angeles, I saw Kitten Natividad and she gifted me with the Star Boa that Fannie Annie made for her. I’ve been determined to use it in an act ever since.</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> <em>Misirlou Twist</em> (Dick Dale and the Del-Tones)<br>
Earlier this year Betty was in Los Angeles for an extended stay (check out <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lilivonschtupp/neo-burlesque-deck">one of the things she did</a> — six of hearts) and of course she hit the amazing fabric district and used some of her haul to make a very cool fringe skirt and arm pieces. Her fast paced dancing was exciting and became even more so when she balanced a sword on her head.</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> <em>Riviera Life</em> (Caro Emerald)This is one of Ava’s standard summertime numbers. It’s cute and playful and she made that adorable sun suit.</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> Magic<br>
I’m not sure what amazing thing he did. I believe he correctly predicted an audience member’s favorite Deacon Giles spirit.</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>Summertime</em> (Sam Cooke)<br>
One of Devastasia’s summertime standards, as you might expect. It’s a gorgeous costume and a lot of it is made from repurposed items, scraps, and trash!</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> <em>Ice Cream Man</em> (Tom Waites)<br>
This is quite a departure from Ava’s previous act, straight up sexy with some killer chair balances. Here’s a little backstage secret: when she had done this number before, she had an actual ice cream on a stick hidden on the chair. That meant we needed to have some way of keeping it frozen until she hit the stage. Crafty Ava made a faux ice cream that looks delicious, but won’t melt all over her.</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> Magic<br>
I believe this was a card trick.</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> <em>Stuff Like That Ther</em>e (Bette Middler)<br>
It wouldn’t be summer without baseball! Scratch and Betty introduced the act with one of our standard classic burlesque comedy bits. Then Betty became the greatest Red Sox fan. The more her team was winning, the more her clothes came off!</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia & Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Too Darn Hot</em><br>
It’s such a treat to perform with a singer! Devastasia sang the Holly Cole arrangement of “Too Darn Hot” while I fan danced.</p>
<p>We’ll be back on September 17 for the release of Deacon Giles new absinthe! (date subject to bureaucratic approval)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70368212022-08-12T15:27:25-04:002022-08-12T17:00:17-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Let’s try this tip thing again this week…</p>
<p><em>Feather fans, corset strings, wigs, and other burlesque staples are indistinguishable from toys by pets. Store your precious things carefully.</em></p>
<p>This is <em>not</em> inspired by a real life incident. However, realizing that Albert was an unusual cat who respected boundaries and that Bartholomew is a more typical adolescent cat, I have taken steps to protect certain belongings from his notice.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70266352022-07-29T11:30:00-04:002022-07-29T15:00:19-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>We are deep in the heat of summer and not all venues have air conditioning. I remember being on tour in July and there was one place where the theatre had AC, but the dressing rooms didn’t, nor did the the booth. It was brutal. Today’s tip can help alleviate some of that misery.</p>
<p><em>Use an insulated lunch bag as a micro-cooler. </em></p>
<p>The day before your show, open a bottle of water and drink about an inch. Now stick it in the freezer. Before you leave, put it the frozen water in your bag with a cold bottle of your favorite beverage and some snacks. I like bite-sized pieces of chilled fruit, like grapes, strawberries, and orange wedges. When it’s really hot, I add some salty items, like pickles, nuts, popcorn, or chips (make sure anything crispy is a container that will keep condensation out). Filling the bag as full as you can will help keep everything cold longer.</p>
<p>The frozen bottle will act as an ice pack to keep your snacks chilled and then you can drink it when it thaws. Bonus, the frozen bottle feels great on the back of your neck when it’s so hot and humid that you feel queasy. Ask me how I know.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70259892022-07-28T16:50:31-04:002022-07-28T20:45:11-04:00Introducing Bartholomew<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’d like to introduce you to the newest denizen of The Manor</p>
<p><a title="IMG_6446" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52246991566/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52246991566_0318b22fc6.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_6446" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>Bartholomew A. Cat.</p>
<p>The A. is for Allen. He runs very fast.</p>
<p>He’s been in residence for just over a month and while we miss Albert more than I can say, little Bart brings some joy into the house.</p>
<p>He’s younger than we planned to adopt, not yet a year, and quite the intrepid explorer, looking for all the dustiest corners of The Manor and finding as many cobwebs as he can and he’s already figured out how to open some of the pantry cabinets. From his large ears and long legs and even longer tail we think he’s going to be a big boy. Probably not as massive as Albert, but he’s already a substantial cat.</p>
<p>It’s been a challenging transition from life with our dignified gentleman to this little bundle of energy and chaos. He wants very much to be in the same place as the people, although he doesn’t snuggle much (yet), and loves playing with toys, looking out the window, and being carried. He purrs constantly and loudly. We couldn’t have asked for a sweeter cat.</p>
<p>There’s a good chance you’ll be seeing him in more of my videos (if you’re a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patron</a> or subscribe to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHRv1iq5Ni1myWe4fzi0lQ/videos">YouTube channel</a> or <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com">365 Kitchen Cabinet</a>) or hearing some mysterious noise off-camera followed by someone yelling “Bart!”</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70189092022-07-20T14:43:25-04:002022-07-20T18:00:12-04:00Review: The Costumes of Burlesque<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to review this glorious book. Scratch brought me back a freshly-released copy from the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in 2019, so it’s recently celebrated its third birthday.</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/1138742260.01._SY200_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><em>The Costumes of Burlesque 1866-2018</em> by Coleen Scott, 2019.</p>
<p>Coleen Scott (aka Rosey La Rouge) is a costume designer with a passion for burlesque. Her first book, <em><a href="https://thepastieproject.org/the-questionnaire/">The Pastie Project</a>*</em>, focused on that specialty adornment unique to burlesque. This tome shows everything.</p>
<p>It’s a chronological look at burlesque costumes from the 19th century until the present day, with each chapter spanning a couple of decades. Every chapter is illustrated with images of burlesque performers in costume and color photographs of extant costumes. The absolute best part is that Scott shows you all the layers when possible. It’s one of the challenges of displaying burlesque costumes (as I well know from mounting exhibits at the American Burlesque Collection), seeing only one part in isolation does not give you a full appreciation for the design of these costumes.</p>
<p>There are not a lot of extant early burlesque costumes, so she fills out the first chapter with images of performers and existing costumes for similar performances — ballet, cancan, circus, bellydance, Loie Fuller. As the chapters progress, more and more extant costumes are included (many from the collection of Nez Kendal) and we get to see details, sometimes even the insides. Still, photos of performers, posters, and other ephemera probably outweigh costumes. She touches briefly on a variety of costume styles, like half-and half acts and drag.</p>
<p>The very last chapter — Modern Burlesque Costume Design — features layer by layer photos. Dirty Martini, Cheeky Lane, Gin Minsky, and Darlinda Just Darlinda wear their costumes and strip for the camera, showing every piece as they go from full ensemble to pasties. They’re each on a plain white background which highlights the costumes in a way that’s impossible on stage. There are also close looks at individual components. It’s probably the best view of each costume possible, short of having the owner show it off in person.</p>
<p>[Please note that while most of Gin Minsky’s quick-change costume was made by Garo Sparo, her Screen Siren G-string was created by Manuge et Toi Designs, who was not credited. I’ll assume that was an oversight.]</p>
<p>It’s a lovely book to just flip through and look at the gorgeous photographs, but the text is enlightening too. There are interviews with Legends, current performers, and costume designers. There are notes at the end of each chapter and a bibliography in the back. Throughout the book words in red can be found in a helpful glossary of terms for those unfamiliar with burlesque and its specialized language.</p>
<p>It’s impossible for one book to be completely comprehensive on any topic, and there are, of course, omissions, but Scott covers a lot of ground and has created a beautiful work. It’s not inexpensive, even in softcover, but worth it.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
<p>*Which I don’t own…</p>
<p>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70156792022-07-15T13:15:16-04:002022-07-15T15:30:07-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s full summer here in New England and that means it’s hot and humid. Your costume pieces stick to your sweaty body. Except, of course, the items you want to stick — your pasties! Those seem to slide right off. Which leads to this week’s tip!</p>
<p><em>Pack a small towel to dry your skin before attaching your pasties. </em></p>
<p>Moisture can interfere with the adhesive; clean, dry skin improves your chances of keeping your pasties in place. If you are particularly sweaty, wash your skin and then dry it very well before you put on the adhesive. I know some people use alcohol wipes. They are convenient and very drying, but alcohol can damage your skin’s barrier. However you clean your skin, make sure to moisturize after you remove the adhesive.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70061092022-07-01T14:54:11-04:002022-07-01T18:00:07-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m trying this weekly tip thing again. These tips are for always you, but sometimes they are for me too.</p>
<p><em>Waiting until you feel that the time is right to start (or re-start) a project is a form of procrastination. Just start.</em></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70029402022-06-27T15:04:27-04:002022-06-27T18:45:06-04:00In the Kitchen: Cherry Clafoutis<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Dipping my toe back into blogging…</p>
<p>It’s sour cherry season at The Manor again! I tend to share new recipes I try each season, but this is one I make every year. It’s easy and delicious — clafoutis. Technically it’s only clafoutis if you use cherries; with any other fruit it’s <em>flaugnarde</em>.</p>
<p>There are lots of recipes out there. This is the one I’ve cobbled together from a number of sources over the years. It’s more custardy than pancakey. I use other fruit too, especially in the glorious days of early July when I have both sour cherries and peaches. It’s a fabulous combination!</p>
<p><a title="IMG_6324" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52177626283/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52177626283_0a8a93f295_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_6324" width="450" /></a><br>
<strong>Sour Cherry Clafoutis, as made at The Manor</strong><br>
2 cups pitted sour cherries (or enough to thickly cover the bottom of your baking dish)<br>
1 tablespoon Kirsch or cognac<br>
1/3 cup sugar<br>
3 tablespoons flour<br>
Large pinch salt<br>
2 tablespoons ground almonds<br>
2 eggs<br>
1/2 cup milk<br>
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt<br>
1 teaspoon vanilla</p>
<p>Preheat the oven to 350F.</p>
<p>Grease your baking dish. I usually use a glass pie plate, but you could use individual ramekins too.</p>
<p>Arrange the cherries in your baking dish and sprinkle the Kirsch or cognac over them.</p>
<p>Whisk together the dry ingredient in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.</p>
<p>Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry.</p>
<p>Pour the batter over the cherries and put the pan in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until set in the middle and browned around the edges.</p>
<p>Let it cool just a little. It’s really good when warm (it’s not bad cold either). It will fall a bit as it cools. Makes 8 servings.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/70012032022-06-24T15:55:44-04:002022-06-24T18:15:15-04:00Still Nothing<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I just feeling ready to ease back into writing here by resuming Friday Tips.</p>
<p>And I can’t.</p>
<p>With today’s Supreme Court decision, I am so filled with rage and sorrow and fear that I can’t think straight, let alone compose an educational and mildly entertaining post for you all.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69763172022-05-20T16:11:34-04:002022-05-20T19:45:16-04:00No Words<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m not even sure how to start this. Our beloved Albert A. Cat died a week ago after three grueling weeks of illness. We kept hoping he would recover and did everything we could. In the end, he was in his favorite place, on Scratch’s chest, as they lay on the daybed in his room. He went to sleep and never woke up.</p>
<p>For ten years he brought so much joy into our lives. His sweet nature and rakishly handsome looks made friends and fans all over the world. He was a very special cat and loved Scratch more than anyone in the universe. There’s a big Albert-shaped hole in my life and my heart.<br>
<a title="IMG_5819" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52087266268/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52087266268_3e312a6a71_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_5819" height="640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>I am so grateful to my friends for their support and sympathy during this very difficult time. And it’s been longer than I care to think. Please be gentle with me for a while<br>
<a title="IMG_9722" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52087739325/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52087739325_0d2c6282d5_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_9722" height="640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>So I hope you forgive me that burlesque, or really much of any of my usual interests, have not been on my mind much lately.</p>
<p>We are fortunate that we could give Albert the very best veterinary care. However, it was very expensive care. I do not begrudge a single penny, but The Manor’s coffers are depleted. I feel a bit vulgar bringing up finances, but if you wanted to <a href="https://minamurray.com/shop">buy a book</a> or <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/private-lessons">arrange for private lessons</a> or join my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patreon</a> or shop my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1782786611746362&type=3">closet</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4541376142554048&type=3">bookshelves</a>, it would be appreciated. Scratch reminds me that the <a href="https://gofund.me/86244e77">Go Fund Me</a> he set up for Albert’s thyroid treatment (was that really less than a year ago?) is still open.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_0437" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52087269413/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52087269413_433727a990_z.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0437" height="640" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>I miss our handsome boy so much.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69707132022-05-13T13:22:34-04:002022-05-13T17:45:06-04:00Brief Update<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m sorry for the lack of missives, but my heart just hasn’t been in it. Our beloved Albert A. Cat is declining rapidly. We’re holding out hope for a recovery, but it’s emotionally and physically exhausting nursing him and worrying.</p>
<p>On top of that, both Scratch and I were sick, one right after the other. He had something minor that cleared up in a couple of days. I had Covid. Although it’s now been long enough that it’s safe for me to be around others, I’m still recovering and get tired very easily.</p>
<p>I’m not okay and probably won’t be for a while.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69603072022-04-29T17:33:25-04:002022-04-29T17:45:16-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s been a really rough week. Thank you to everyone who reached out in one way or another. I appreciate all your good thoughts and well wishes.</p>
<p>I’ve probably given you this tip in one form or another, but it’s worth saying again.</p>
<p><em>You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask for help. Even if it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.</em></p>
<p>Be kind to each other.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69545802022-04-22T09:33:44-04:002022-04-22T11:15:09-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Things are not so great right now and I wasn’t sure I could come up with a Friday tip. As usual Scratch came to my rescue with this one.</p>
<p><em>Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.</em></p>
<p>Although this is what I’m doing in my personal life, it also translates to performers and producers. What could go wrong? You forget a costume piece. A performer no-shows. The audience isn’t what you expected. &c. And then what do you do about it?</p>
<p>Hopefully everything will go smoothly, but you’ve got a plan in place in case they don’t.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69531052022-04-20T17:04:47-04:002022-04-20T18:45:01-04:00RVA Burlesque Festival 2022<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>At the end of March I attended the first ever RVA Burlesque Festival in Richmond, VA. I was so thrilled to be accepted — I’m hardly ever accepted to festivals, I knew four of the producers, and I’d never performed in VA before. However, the festival was originally scheduled for the end of March 2020. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. Two years later and it was finally time!</p>
<p><a title="Caligula" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52017694801/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52017694801_e4b3c2d00c.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Caligula" width="150" /></a>I was performing in the Friday night showcase and flying down Friday morning. I was a little nervous as it was my first time flying in over a year and I had heard horror stories of long security lines and canceled flights. But everything went smoothly and I arrived on time. Which meant I had time to kill before I could check into my accommodations. Fortunately, I was staying a mere couple of blocks away from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and you know I can never resist a museum.</p>
<p>I had enough time to relax, have some lunch, and unpack before heading to the Dogtown Dance Theatre for my tech rehearsal. The venue is a real theatre — professional lighting, wings with multiple legs, backstage cross, marley floor. After so often performing in makeshift spaces, this was exciting! We also got a really nice swag bag.</p>
<p><a title="QZJR3190" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52018215945/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52018215945_fb25f323b3.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="QZJR3190" width="150" /></a>With plenty of time before the show, I hung out in the dressing room, which was well stocked with snacks and drinks. One of my favorite parts of festivals is seeing colleagues from around the country and meeting new folks. I spent a good deal of time chatting with Lady Fingers, from New York who was set up next to me. It was great to see Ember Sky, recently moved to Boston from Seattle, and Murphy Lawless, who I met at the <a href="https://wordpress.com/posts/missminamurray.wordpress.com?tag=nola-retreat">NOLA Burlesque Retreat</a>.</p>
<p><a title="Backstage" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52017694701/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52017694701_ddd70aea29.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Backstage" width="150" /></a>The venue required masks, except on-stage, so I made one to go with my costume. Because I was on second after intermission I was able to watch the first half of the show and saw the above-mentioned three performers before deciding I needed to give my feet a break before it was my turn to hit the stage.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">It was a thrill to perform in front of an audience in new city. I’ve been performing this number a lot recently, so between that and the great introduction from Ego Von Hubris, I felt completely confident. The audience was terrific, lots of cheering! Unbeknownst to me, there was a photographer there from the <a href="https://richmond.com/rva-burlesque-festival/collection_d73d8e96-6f3b-59a7-b4c7-23e5ff5ae129.html"><em>Richmond Times-Dispatch</em></a> and two pictures of me ended up in their piece.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<a title="624479d6ae707.image" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52017694651/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52017694651_6a6374894b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="624479d6ae707.image" width="450" /></a>Here’s one of them, by Eva Russo from Richmond.com</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<a title="DSC03989" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52017694716/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52017694716_3d30839d23.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSC03989" width="450" /></a>This one is from Milotic D Photography, the festival photographer.</p>
<p>It was a late night, made later when the occupants above my room came home very loudly at 2am, but I was still up bright and early to get a fried chicken biscuit and some tea from Early Bird Biscuit Co. before heading out for the Playing with Panels class with Lottie Ellington.</p>
<p>It was so good to see Lottie again! The class was a lot of fun and gave me some ideas to up my panel skirt game. It was even better to spend a little time with her afterwards, catching up and hearing the latest about Miss Toni Elling.</p>
<p>One of my least favorite parts of festivals is that I’m usually traveling solo and I sometimes get a little lonely. There was no central place where everyone was staying, like some festivals, so it wasn’t easy to just hang out. In 2020, before the festival was postponed I had made arrangements to share a hotel room with three other women, but I was on my own this time. So I was pleased to join Ember Sky and her traveling companions and local friends for lunch.</p>
<p><a title="Poe" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52017738218/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52017738218_127db42736.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Poe" width="150" /></a>After that we went our separate ways because I had a very specific sightseeing destination — The Poe Museum. He lived a long time in Richmond, so they like to claim him, but so do New York and Baltimore. And let’s not forget that he was born in Boston and did his military service at Fort Independence, just a short ways from me. It’s a neat museum, spread out through several small buildings around a lovely courtyard. They have a number of great artifacts (and some filler and reproductions). I think my favorite was the candelabra under which Poe wrote “The Bells”. I wish it had been warmer, so I could sit in the garden for a bit. I was hoping to spot the resident black cats.</p>
<p>In the evening I returned for the second night show. Lottie Ellington had recommended Croaker’s Spot where I sat at the bar with a book and enjoyed a crab cake sandwich that was perfection. As thrilling as it is to be on stage, it was nice to sit in the audience and enjoy the entire show. It was a great mix of styles and some really creative performances. There were several that I couldn’t wait to tell the troupe about. I was particularly delighted to see Jaqueline Boxx’s headlining act. She’ll be completing for Queen with it at BHoF, but I’m not going (as usual) so it was a treat to see it live.</p>
<p>I lingered long enough to say my goodbyes, and have an unexpected and excellent conversation with Ellie Quinn, before returning to my lodgings to get a few hours of sleep before heading to the airport for a 6:30am flight.</p>
<p>Yes, you heard that correctly. I had to be in Boston in time to teach a 12:30 Introduction to Burlesque class and that was the only flight that would work. Happily, Scratch picked me up at the airport and took me out to breakfast before returning to The Manor so I could get a couple of hours of sleep before teaching.</p>
<p>Another rhinestone for my travel map!<br>
<a title="Travel map VA" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/52017694641/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52017694641_c80b614a87.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Travel map VA" width="450" /></a></p>
<p>The festival was fun and ran smoothly (at least from my perspective). It was also very organized. I got my share of the tips within days and photos shortly thereafter. Video arrived only a couple of weeks after the festival. The only downside, as I mentioned above, was not staying in the same place as other performers and spending a ton on carfare. However, overall, a pretty great experience.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69493882022-04-15T15:46:02-04:002022-04-15T17:30:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! To some of you I wish a peaceful Good Friday and a joyous Easter. To others, Chag Sameach and a zisn Pesach! For everyone else, happy Friday!</p>
<p>It’s also traditionally tax day, so here’s a tip in honor of that:</p>
<p><i>If you are getting paid for your gigs as an independent contractor, set aside some of the money against taxes.</i></p>
<p>If you make over $600 for a particular employer, they have to file a 1099 and you will owe taxes on the income. I like to put part of every payment into a saving account, since I don’t know how much I’m going to make from whom over the course of the year. If I exceed the $600 in any case, I’ve got the money for the taxes. If not, I’ve got the money for me and it’s racked up an infinitesimal amount of interest.</p>
<p>(Note: I am not a tax professional)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69441102022-04-08T15:08:47-04:002022-04-08T15:15:14-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Since I’m teaching a series of boa classes this month (<a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/beautiful-boas-beyond-basic-burlesque-tick-tickets-104071">Beautiful Boas</a>, starts this Sunday!), I thought I’d give you a boa tip:</p>
<p><em>Want a big, fluffy boa without breaking the bank? Braid three thinner boas together.</em></p>
<p>Secure the ends with some hair elastics and you’re good to go! If the boa starts getting skimpy from feather loss (an inevitability), just thread another one through the existing braid.</p>
<p>Remember that the resulting boa is going to be shorter because of the braiding, so you might want to add some sort of extension on each end, like a big tassel made of coordinating marabou mini-boas.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! Welcome to my newest Patrons, Tammi, Althea, and Althea! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69380412022-04-01T11:52:05-04:002022-04-01T12:45:21-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s been busy! I had a couple of days to recover from the RVA Burlesque Festival last weekend, then last night was <em>Burlesque with a Band</em>. Tonight is <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monster-truck-burlesque-tickets-293827414707"><em>Monster Truck Burlesque</em></a> at Deacon Giles (it’s our April Fool’s Day show – there aren’t actually monster trucks, but there will be burlesque). Tomorrow I’m hosting a bachelorette party in a charming seaside town. Eventually I’ll have some down time…</p>
<p>Here’s your tip, courtesy of Mr. Scratch:</p>
<p><em>If you need a better grip with your slippery shoes, paint or spray the sole with a liquid rubber or silicone.</em></p>
<p>He recommends bathroom caulk, <span class="nc684nl6">Shoe GOO</span>, tool dip, or a leak seal spray. You can get any of these at the hardware store. Unlike scuffing or sanding or scoring the soles, you are adding a layer instead of taking away, which will help the shoe last longer.</p>
<p>If they are very expensive shoes, you should probably take them to a cobbler to have a rubber half-sole added instead.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 16 Patrons. Thank you so much! Welcome to Tammi and Althea! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69320602022-03-25T11:00:00-04:002022-03-25T13:45:06-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! This is coming to you from Richmond, Virginia where I will be performing in the first show of the inaugural <a href="https://rvaburlesquefestival.com">RVA Burlesque Festival</a> tonight. If you’re in the area, check it out!</p>
<p>This tip comes from Devastasia:</p>
<p><em>To make your shoes easy to put on, store them with a tennis ball in the heel.</em></p>
<p>If you’re going to take off your stockings (something Devastasia does beautifully), you need to take your shoes off first. That’s the easy part. Putting the shoes back on gracefully can be a challenge. And it’s always the heel that gives one grief, as it has somehow shrunk since the shoes came off a minute ago. The tennis ball trick helps the heels stay wide so you can slip them on with ease!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69298982022-03-23T10:16:18-04:002022-03-23T12:00:07-04:00Review: The Burlesque Posing Guide<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I met Stephanie May of <a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com">La Photographie Boudoir</a> at Michelle L’amour’s Stripper’s Holiday a few years ago. Since then I was fortunate to have a virtual photoshoot with her. As a photographer, she wants you to look good, so she created this resource to help.</p>
<p><a title="Poing Guide cover" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51953775237/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953775237_a1792e8ff1_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Poing Guide cover" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com/burlesque-posing-guide"><em>The Burlesque Posing Guide</em></a> by Stephanie May Saujion of La Photographie, 2022.</p>
<p>The posing guide is available in print, as a PDF, and as an app. I only have the print edition, so I can’t speak to the other versions. It’s a full-color glossy magazine with 45 images of burlesque performers in various poses. They’re grouped by category, like standing, kneeling, crawling, &c.</p>
<p>Each page is dominated by a large color photo of a model with notes pointing out all the little factors that make their pose great, like “toes pointed”, “hip popped”, “tiny smile”, &c. There’s also a small version of the photo without any of the text so you can see the pose without any distractions. <a title="Posing Guide page" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51954832223/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51954832223_bf4ef15fdf.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Posing Guide page" height="500" width="375" /></a></p>
<p>Since all 45 photos were shot by the same photographer, there is a certain continuity in the photos, but they are far from identical. Some are coy, some are bold. There are varying levels of undress, but no nudity.</p>
<p>There isn’t a “how to use this guide” or even an introduction; it just dives right into the poses. Every page credits the models and lists their Instagram handle. The last three pages include a biography of the photographer and thumbnails of all the photos with the models’ names.</p>
<p>If you’re planning a sexy photoshoot, this guide can give you some inspiration for your own poses. Major burlesque fans might want it just for the photos, but it’s really set up to be a resource for models.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69259432022-03-18T13:47:13-04:002022-03-18T14:45:08-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Time for a tip!</p>
<p><em>Don’t wait until the last minute.</em></p>
<p>Sometimes these tips are for you and sometimes they are for me…</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69231962022-03-15T15:21:56-04:002022-03-15T19:15:05-04:00Making Do and Mending<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p><a title="VR" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/18471695036/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/374/18471695036_332941b84e_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="VR" width="200" /></a>A few years ago I made a costume for the Historical Masquerade at Costume-Con 33. You can read all about it <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/costume-con-33/">here</a>. Short version: what if the Victoria’s Secret fashion show was actual held in the Victorian era. Thus, Victorian Secret! I made a historically accurate Victorian corset — that is, accurate in pattern and construction, not the thousands of rhinestones decorating it — and drawers and a chemise. The mantle and crown are because my theme was Victoria’s coronation.<br>
(Photo by Ken Warren)</p>
<p><a title="MISSMINAMURRAY_AnthonyJColega" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51940213381/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51940213381_b5c6c3cfdc_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="MISSMINAMURRAY_AnthonyJColega" width="200" /></a>I spent a lot of time and effort on the corset because I knew I’d use it again in a burlesque costume — which I did. I also entered said costume at Costume-Con 37 and you can see it in our show on April 30. However, I didn’t think I’d ever wear the drawers and chemise again. I hated to just have them hanging in the closet, but it’s not like I frequently wear Victorian attire and they were vital to the costume presentation.<br>
(Photo by Anthony J. Colega)</p>
<p>I realized recently that the drawers and chemise would make great summer lounging attire. It gets hot in my atelier, despite the ceiling fan the ever-thoughtful Mr. Scratch installed, and the underthings are made of thin, nay, even translucent, cotton (I’m wearing pasties under them in the above picture. Just in case). The pretty pintucks and lace are just a bonus.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the drawers had fallen off the hanger to the floor of my closet and during a mouse infestation, got nibbled. There were wee holes chewed hither and yon. The good news was they were only on one leg. The bad new was that they were so numerous and wide-spread that patching was not an option.</p>
<p>Fortunately, I had just enough cotton left over to cut one new leg. Then I stalled because I really didn’t feel like doing another set of pintucks, especially when the first ones were so even and matched so nicely on each leg.</p>
<p>Then I had an inspiration — I pinned the old leg and the new leg together and marked the stitching line for the first row of pintucks. I cut the old leg above it and the new leg below it. Then I sewed the new leg and the pintucked bit together just at that stitching line, using my stitch-in-the-ditch foot (also called an edge joiner). You can’t even tell there’s a seam there!</p>
<p>Because the fabric is so sheer, the seam allowance was visible from the outside if I pressed it open, so I flat felled the seam toward the tucks and sewed it down with very teeny hand stitches behind the first pintuck where the extra fabric hides the seam.</p>
<p><a title="Mended Victorian Drawers" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51940982715/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51940982715_77d60ee1cc_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mended Victorian Drawers" height="320" width="320" /></a>Tada! I can’t even tell which leg is the mended one unless I turn the drawers inside out. I’m glad I was able to salvage these from the ravages of rodents and I’ll have something cool and comfy to wear this summer whilst I sew.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69199792022-03-11T11:00:00-05:002022-03-11T15:45:09-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Here we are, Friday again. Time for a tip!</p>
<p><em>Trim your false lashes on the outside edge.</em></p>
<p>Lashes are often too large for your eyes, so you should <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/friday-tip-176/">trim them</a> to fit. However, you only want to cut off the outside lashes. I know those are the longest lashes, but if you cut away the small lashes on the inside edge, they’ll look a little weird.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69174842022-03-08T17:05:47-05:002022-03-08T20:15:12-05:00On Being a Peripatetic Educator<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Or more simply, a traveling teacher. I love to travel, and love to travel to teach (and perform), so these past two years have been pretty awful. I even took down my <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2019/03/06/my-travel-map/">travel map</a> because it was depressing the hell out of me.</p>
<p>But, right now, by traveling teacher, I mean I don’t have a home base. At the end of last year, the building which housed our studio was sold. We waited and waited to hear from the new landlords and finally, they declined to renew anyone’s lease. Scratch has been hunting for a new studio space, but to no avail. It’s exceedingly hard to find reasonably-priced appropriate real estate in the Boston area right now, even for a non-profit.</p>
<p>So, B.A.B.E. has been moving around. In January I taught at the Tony Williams Dance Center, the studio where we’ve been holding rehearsals. February, because of the possibility of snowstorms, I taught remotely. It’s harder than teaching in person, but one of my students was in Texas and being able to reach people so distant is worth it.</p>
<p>I’ll be honest, teaching a series class like Introduction to Burlesque anywhere but my own studio is tough. I have to remember to pack everything I need to teach a particular class, as well as anything the students might need, like loaner gloves or pasties to buy, plus some merch, like B.A.B.E. t-shirts or copies of my <a href="https://minamurray.com/shop">book</a>. And then I need to schlep it all. Sometimes there are mirrors, sometimes not.</p>
<p>This month I’m at Flying Embers. They hold yoga classes there, so why not burlesque. We had our first class this past Sunday and it was so much fun! It’s a big space, well-lit and airy, which makes it all rather cheerful. The students were enthusiastic and it was kind of exciting teaching in a bar (the bar itself was closed until class was over). Several students stayed for a drink. I had to head right home because the troupe was coming over. While I was teaching, everyone else was performing at a brunch show. We were all meeting back at the Manor to hang out and craft for the afternoon.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_5445" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51926794981/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51926794981_d126c8a1f4_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_5445" width="200" /></a>Tori, one of the fabulous bartenders, said she could give me a drink to go. I thought she was going to hand me one of the cans they keep in the fridge. Before I knew it, she had filled a 32-oz can with my favorite passionfruit-elderflower hard seltzer and fastened on a lid. It was really neat to watch the canning process. I was delighted to share it with the troupe that afternoon.</p>
<p>If you’d like to learn burlesque and then have a drink with me, <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/introduction-to-burlesque-march-2022-ticke-tickets-100135">class</a> starts at 12:30 every Sunday in March. If you’d rather watch some burlesque, come to <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-with-a-band-tickets-239462126667"><em>Burlesque with a Band</em></a> on March 31 and we’ll have a little graduation ceremony for the students.</p>
<p>(And if anyone has a line on some light industrial space in the Boston area that would make a nice dance studio, let me know.)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69140632022-03-04T14:27:36-05:002022-03-04T17:00:16-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>How is it Friday again? Also, how it is March? Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Be good to your regulars.</em></p>
<p>You know, those people who frequently come to your shows. Learn their names. Make sure to thank them for coming. Maybe once in a while single them out for a little special treatment during an act, like if you’re tossing something into the audience. Just a little something to show you appreciate their continued support.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69075752022-02-25T14:52:39-05:002022-02-25T17:45:12-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Once again it’s snowing, although we had almost spring-like weather midweek… Here’s your tip! This one is for producers and stage managers:</p>
<p><em>Print out the order of the acts. Make sure at least one copy goes back stage for the performers. There should also be one for the host, one for each tech person, and one for the stage hand(s).</em></p>
<p>If you’re really good, the list for the sound person will have notes for them, like “fade down host’s music” or “start performer’s music when she picks up the bottle”. The stage hand list should note anything special that needs to be set or cleared.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69020292022-02-19T09:25:09-05:002022-02-19T13:15:02-05:00It’s My Birthday!<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s my birthday! I have a little gift for you…</p>
<p>Over at <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com"><u>365 Kitchen Cabinet</u></a>, I’ve been cooking and filming recipes from 1914. This month I did a bonus video to celebrate my birthday. You can check it out <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com/2022/02/19/february-19/"><u>on today’s post</u></a>.</p>
<p>If you wanted to give me a present, you could donate to one of the fine organizations below:</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<u><a href="https://gorillafund.org">The Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund</a></u><br>
<a href="https://www.panthera.org"><u>Panthera</u></a><br>
<a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org"><u>Zoo New England</u></a>
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.mspca.org"><u>MSPCA-Angell</u></a><br>
<a href="https://www.arlboston.org/donate/#donatenow"><u>Animal Rescue League of Boston</u></a><br>
<a href="https://www.charlesriveralleycats.org/donate"><u>Charles River Alleycats</u></a>
</td>
<td>
<u><a href="https://plimoth.org">Plimoth Patuxet</a><br>
</u><a href="https://www.bpl.org/about-the-bpl/support-the-bpl/"><u>Boston Public Library</u></a><br>
<a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org"><u>The American Burlesque Collection</u></a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Or you could become one of <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patrons</u></a> or <a href="https://minamurray.com/shop"><u>buy a book</u></a>.</p>
<p>Or, for absolutely no cost and little effort, follow me on Instagram (@miss_mina_murray). I’m getting close to a round number and it would be fun to hit that today!<br>
Or subscribe to my little <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHRv1iq5Ni1myWe4fzi0lQ"><u>YouTube</u></a> channel. Once I hit 100 subscribers, I can make a custom URL!</p>
<p>I hope you all have a wonderful day — I’m going to!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/69013432022-02-18T11:00:00-05:002022-02-18T14:45:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! I have been so busy with shows and teaching, but I would not forget your tip!</p>
<p>However, this tip is not for you, Dear Reader, for I know you are not the sort who would just leave their gig bag packed between shows.</p>
<p><em>If your bag is still packed from your last show, even if you’re doing the same acts, unpack and check everything over.</em></p>
<p>You wouldn’t want to get to the venue and discover that a costume piece needed repairing or that you are missing something you thought you packed the first time.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68953212022-02-11T12:34:33-05:002022-02-11T15:15:15-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! We have a show tomorrow! We’ll be at AS220 in Providence, RI with our Valentine’s Day show, <a href="https://www.universe.com/events/beautease-burlesque-as220s-black-box-tickets-BN80X5"><em>Bad Girls Need Love Too</em></a>. There are only 20 seats, so if you aren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket, you can watch it on any of AS220’s platforms.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip, courtesy of Scratch:</p>
<p><em>Before putting away anything battery-powered — your wireless microphone, your light-up costume, your vibrator — take the batteries out.</em><br>
<em>Put the batteries in a ziptop bag and store them in the same place. This will make everything last longer. </em></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68940502022-02-10T10:14:41-05:002022-02-10T12:00:06-05:00Burlesque with a Band 2/3/22<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>We had our second live music show at Flying Embers this past Thursday and it was more exciting than we expected…</p>
<p>The weather was kind of terrible, and Scratch told Ava and me that we were going to start a little late. The audience was trickling in (we were almost completely booked up) and not all the band members were here yet. That was fine. We were happily ensconced backstage with some snacks provided by the lovely bartenders. I had my latest embroidery project and Ava’s good company. But it got later and the drummer was still stuck in traffic.</p>
<p>The band started playing without him and Scratch said as soon as he got here we’d jump right into the burlesque and do a tightened-up set. Great. We were all ready for that and waited some more.</p>
<p>Then Scratch came backstage one more time with the fateful news. The traffic had been caused by an accident so bad the highway was now closed. We would have no drummer that night.</p>
<p>There was some good news, however. The drummer hadn’t been available for our last rehearsal, so he pre-recorded his tracks for the songs that we were running that night and the band had them. The bad news was they had Ava’s songs, but not mine, as I wasn’t at that rehearsal. Scratch said I could use recorded music for my acts… Hell no! We had a band — I was going to dance to live music!</p>
<p>The plan was to run the burlesque acts basically back to back with a little intermission between for the hard-working band to have a break and for Ava to have time to change costumes.</p>
<p>My first song was “Three for the Show”, which does have quite a bit of percussion. The other musicians did their best to fill in on the fly. I got a little lost in the middle — thank goodness Betty ran all those <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/01/20/practicing-improvisation/">improv drills</a>, so I had a plan until I got back on track.</p>
<p>My second song, “Harlem Nocturne”, was a little easier, as it’s heavy on the brass (trumpet in our case) and the drums are not as vital. However, because I can’t do anything the easy way, I was using new fans. Well, old fans that had been refurbished.</p>
<p>I had sent my white fans to Donna Touch to be converted from bamboo to aluminum staves and have another row of feathers added. The fans arrived that afternoon, so I only had a few minutes to practice with them before deciding I would use them at the show.</p>
<p>Slightly different music, new fans, what could go wrong?</p>
<p>As it turned out, nothing!</p>
<p>My hands aren’t used to the fans yet, but I managed. No, more than managed — it was as good a performance as I’ve given with the old set. It just took a little more thought and my hands were a bit sweatier than usual, given the circumstances. I’ll give a fuller review of the new fans in their own missive.</p>
<p>Here’s a little taste of the evening. Photos by Scratch.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a title="Ava 02-03-22" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51874080545/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51874080545_11f1dd3526_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Ava 2-3-22" height="400" width="400" /></a></td>
<td><a title="Mina 02-03-22" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51872476922/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51872476922_1bba7b9793_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mina 02-03-22" height="400" width="400" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The audience was great, really supportive of the situation. We were also lucky to have Betty Blaize in the audience. Instead of Ava and I acting as stage kittens for each other (the original plan), she jumped in to handle pick up, so we could concentrate on getting changed for the next act.</p>
<p>We’ll be back on February 17 with a special treat. It’s my birthday! I’m told there will be cake! I’m not performing, so hang out with me and enjoy the evening. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-with-a-band-tickets-239462126667">Make a reservation</a> because seats are limited (it’s free!) .</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68890822022-02-04T15:48:18-05:002022-02-04T18:45:04-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! And it is a happy Friday as our dinner show tomorrow is sold out! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Take time for self-care, especially when you are incredibly busy.</em></p>
<p>Carve out a few minutes to relax — have a cup of tea, snuggle the cat, read a chapter of your book, listen to a couple of soothing songs, &c. And don’t do anything else for that time. It’s all about you.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68846392022-01-31T11:44:38-05:002022-01-31T14:00:19-05:00Busy Week<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Last night we had our usual Sunday rehearsal, which was devoted to dress rehearsal for our show on Saturday and then I looked at my calendar for the week ahead…</p>
<p><strong>Monday:</strong> Rehearsal with the band for Thursday’s show</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday:</strong> Teach the first session of <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/introduction-to-burlesque-on-line"><u>Introduction to Burlesque (on-line)</u></a></p>
<p><strong>Wednesday:</strong> Rehearsal</p>
<p><strong>Thursday:</strong> <em><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-with-a-band-tickets-239462126667"><u>Burlesque with a Band</u></a></em> at Flying Embers Taproom</p>
<p><strong>Friday:</strong> Night off!</p>
<p><strong>Saturday:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-dinner-show-tickets-227713506227"><u>Dinner show</u></a> at Premier on Broadway</p>
<p><strong>Sunday:</strong> Rehearsal</p>
<p>Whew! What a start to February!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68825142022-01-28T13:33:51-05:002022-01-28T17:30:14-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! If you’re on the East Coast I hope you’re ready for the big snow storm! I’ve got some costume pieces to rhinestone, acts to rehearse, baking to do, hot chocolate bombs, and of course, Albert A. Cat to snuggle.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip, suggested by Mr. Scratch:</p>
<p><em>If one item in a pair needs repair, do it on both pieces.</em></p>
<p>So, if the heel is going on one of your dance shoes, even if the other one seems okay, replace it anyway. You’re eventually going to need to fix it as well, maybe just a little later. Save time by doing both at once. You’ll also be secure in knowing the other one isn’t going to suddenly fail.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68802332022-01-26T14:57:37-05:002022-01-26T15:30:16-05:00Burlesque with a Band 1/20/22<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This past Thursday was our first live music show at Flying Embers and I think it was pretty successful! We had a pretty good crowd, especially for a Thursday, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. The bartenders were happy with everything, the band was terrific and I felt my performances went well.</p>
<p>Poor Scratch was run ragged, however. His assistant tested positive for Covid that day and our photographers bailed, so he ended up having to do pretty much everything himself — set up the lighting, work the door (checking reservations and vaccination cards), host the show, take photos, clean up some of the costumes, and run the FaceBook livestream.</p>
<p>The band played two sets — about an hour and a half total. Betty and I each did an act in each set. I went first with “Mina in Furs” and Betty closed out the set with “Lament”. She opened the second set with “Night Train” and I closed it out with a fan dance to “Harlem Nocturne”. </p>
<p>I was so into my fan dance and enjoying it so much that I ended with a big sweep of my fans and dipped my head, forgetting that I hadn’t yet sewn a comb into my headdress and the whole thing fell right off! It hung around my neck and I was able to sweep in back into place. Oh the glamourous life of a showgirl!</p>
<p>The show has a couple of challenges which keep things spicy. The first is, of course, live music. The band is terrific, but as with any live performance, you never know what might happen. As it turned out, everything was fine. The other is that there’s no real stage. We decided to perform in the center of the room, which means people were seated at tables around the taproom as well as at the bar. Performing in the round is hard. You are going to be seen from every angle and you need to make sure everyone has a good view most of the time. And don’t forget to make as much eye contact as possible. My fan dance is very directional, with either my front or back uncovered depending on which way I’m turned. I opted to perform directly in front of the band for most of it and come out into the center when I was covered front and back or entirely uncovered.</p>
<p>There should eventually be some photos and the whole thing was on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The.Boston.BeauTease/videos/611515500107059">FB Live</a> (skip the first couple of minutes — it’s Scratch setting things up and there’s no way to edit a Live).</p>
<p>I’ll be back on February 3rd with Ava Fox and again on February 17th. I won’t be performing that night — I’ll be celebrating my birthday! I hear there will be cake.</p>
<p>Tickets are free, but <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-with-a-band-tickets-239462126667">reservations are suggested</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68761242022-01-21T13:51:25-05:002022-01-21T14:30:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! For this week’s tip, I’m drawing on something Betty taught us during <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2022/01/20/practicing-improvisation/">Wednesday’s rehearsal</a>.</p>
<p><em>Have a go-to move or combination you can draw upon if you get lost in the music or forget your choreography.</em></p>
<p>Confidently go forward with that bit of dance which you know so well while you figure out where you are and then jump back on track again. The audience will never know anything was amiss.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68749172022-01-20T11:46:19-05:002022-01-20T12:00:09-05:00Practicing Improvisation<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Tonight we have <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-with-a-band-tickets-239462126667">our first show with a jazz quartet</a> at Flying Embers!</p>
<p>When working with live music, you have to be prepared for anything to happen and may need to improvise. Betty happens to be a master of improvisational dance. But being able to improvise takes practice. I know that sounds a little contradictory, but it’s true. I was part of a commedia dell’arte troupe and we improvised entire plays from a mere tissue of an outline. We also rehearsed a lot. So that when we really needed to create an entire play out of nothing on no notice (someday I’ll tell you my September 11th story — it’s long, but worth it) we could do it and it would be one of the best thing we ever did. But back to the burlesque.</p>
<p>Last night Betty gave us a lesson on improvisation in burlesque. She discussed some of the situations one might end up in, like finding your place in the music when the arrangement isn’t exactly what you expected. She ran some exercises and we all contributed some ideas. The key, of course, is that the audience should never know anything is amiss. I think three out of the four of us at rehearsal last night have some experience with live music, but the practice was welcome, especially right before a show.</p>
<p>Want to see how we do? Join Betty and me <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/burlesque-with-a-band-tickets-239462126667">tonight</a>! Can’t make it? We’ll be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/390318686231243">livestreaming through FaceBook</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68696022022-01-14T16:08:46-05:002022-01-14T20:30:16-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! How does this keep happening? Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Clean your iron.</em></p>
<p>The sole plate can get caked with starch and other residues and the steam vents might be clogged with mineral deposits. A dirty iron can transfer schmutz to your beautiful fabric or garments.</p>
<p>First clean the tank by filling it and then turning the iron on. Hit the steam until all the water is gone. Ironing an old towel helps catch any deposits that are flushed out. Turn the iron off, let it cool, and empty any remaining water. If there’s any crud in the steam vents, use a cotton swab to get it out.</p>
<p>Then clean the sole plate. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s directions here. You might need to use a commercial iron cleaner — just follow the directions. Otherwise, dampen a soft cloth with distilled white vinegar and wipe off the sole plate. Rub with a clean cloth. More persistent stains can be removed by gently rubbing with a paste of baking soda and water. Wipe off with a damp cloth and then rub with a clean one. The important thing is never to use anything that might scratch the sole plate.</p>
<p>I’ve always been told that you should clean your iron once a month. Like that’s going to happen…</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68667872022-01-12T12:51:01-05:002022-01-12T13:45:14-05:00Burlesque with a Band<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>As you might recall, last month we performed at Flying Embers Taproom and Social Club. (If you don’t recall, here’s a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2021/12/22/%ef%bf%bcbrrrlesque-for-the-holidays-12-16-21/"><u>reminder</u></a>).</p>
<p>We’re coming back, every other Thursday, starting next week, and we’re going to have live music!</p>
<p><img src="https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/271831459_10158904123002637_7777127075868023761_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=pknfXmZt4WQAX9qz8nl&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=00_AT9KZW0T0lPr647eQvj7DAu8xeu5R4pZqFofS9QHGsl2hg&oe=61E44A92" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /></p>
<p>It’s going to be a relaxed evening. Listen to the fabulous jazz quartet, have some delicious beverages (how about some hard kombucha?), and watch a couple of burlesque acts over the course of the night. And it’s free! (tipping is always welcome!) Don’t forget to bring proof of vaccination! This is per the City of Boston, so please don’t give the staff a hard time about it.</p>
<p>The first night, January 20, will feature Betty Blaize and me! We’ll be mixing it up every show, so you’ll get a different pair of dancers each time.</p>
<p>This past Monday we got to rehearse in the space with the band for the first time. Big thanks to Ashley who gave up her night off to let us do so! The chance to work with a band for a series of shows is wonderful. We can play off one another, especially when we get to know each other’s style a bit more.</p>
<p>Betty is the best of us for this. She’s a skilled improvisational dancer and, as a musician herself, knows how to communicate what she wants to the band. It’s a joy to watch her. As it turned out, she brought two costumes (we’ll each be doing two acts per night), but the band had three songs ready. This did not perplex her at all and she did a costume mash-up for the last song.</p>
<p>We’re also performing in the center of the floor, so there’s potential audience all around the room. We’ve got to make sure everyone gets a good view. It was so helpful that Ashley and her friends sat at some of the tables to give us some practice.</p>
<p>I’m really excited for these shows! Please join us on the 20th and every other week thereafter!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68621252022-01-07T14:00:29-05:002022-01-07T15:15:13-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! It’s snowing like crazy here in Boston! I hope you’re snug and warm where ever you are today. Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.</em> — Bob Ross</p>
<p>Sometimes something we think is a bug turns out to be a feature.</p>
<p>For example, the other day Betty was rehearsing a new number. She mentioned she had forgotten her gloves and would pantomime removing them. However, she got so wrapped up in her dance that she completely forgot about the gloves until she realized had extra music at the end. So, she threw in the glove remove at the end.</p>
<p>It looked really good and Scratch told her to keep it in. She reworked the number to have the gloves come off last and it’s a stronger act now.</p>
<p>Don’t discount mistakes — they may be opportunities for creativity and improvement!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68599272022-01-05T11:55:16-05:002022-01-05T13:15:14-05:00New Project!<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<div class="sc-1sp3zau-0 ghjvcU sc-1di2uql-0 dAeShH">
<p>I’ve embarked on a new crazy project for 2022! Last summer Scratch gave me a complete set of daily menu cards from 1914. I’ve set up a new site, <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><em>365 Kitchen Cabinet</em></a>, where I’m posting a menu a day. But it’s not just what’s printed on the card! I’m also posting every recipe that I have been able to find in one of Fannie Farmer’s cookbooks from the same era plus some commentary.</p>
<p>It’s a huge task, but I’m having so much fun and learning a lot. I hope to have the time and resources to do some supplemental essays about some of the cooking techniques, products, and equipment of the time. I’m also hoping to acquire some of the more unusual ingredients and cooking implements for even more historically accuracy. I’m sure beating egg whites with a Dover egg beater is an entirely different experience than using my hand mixer.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://365kitchencabinet.com/2022/01/01/january-1/">first entry</a> has a video of me making Pineapple Cream — the featured recipe for that day. My plan is to cook and film at least one recipe a month. Wish me luck!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
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Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68562622021-12-31T16:25:41-05:002021-12-31T19:30:04-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>At last we have reached the end of the year! Today I have more of a wish than a tip for you.</p>
<p><em>May 2022 be a better year for us all.</em></p>
<p>Happy New Year to each and everyone of you. Thank you for continuing to be here!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68511392021-12-24T13:45:38-05:002021-12-24T18:30:04-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Also happy Christmas Eve to those who celebrate!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>It’s a dark time of year; provide a little light.</em></p>
<p>Feel free to interpret as you will.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68493022021-12-22T16:00:10-05:002021-12-22T16:00:19-05:00Brrrlesque for the Holidays 12/16/21<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>We had a lot of fun presenting our holiday show at Flying Embers. I’m especially glad we had the chance since who knows what is going to happen with live entertainment in the coming weeks. Big thanks to Jo Oltman for connecting us with the venue in the first place!</p>
<p>As performance spaces that aren’t really theatres go, it’s a good one. There’s a large open space in front of a projection screen, so we had video backdrops for the acts. A private back hall was turned into a dressing room for us. There were even multiple mirrors! And it wasn’t freezing, like so many winter dressing rooms I’ve been in. We set up a curtain by the side of the stage so we could have a little place to stash our props and robes (and masks).</p>
<p>There was a photographer there, and I even saw a little video of the end of my fan dance on Instagram, so maybe there will be pictures someday.</p>
<p>Here’s a brief recap of the show:</p>
<p><strong>Act I</strong></p>
<p><strong>Alyssa Joy, Ava Fox, Odette Good:</strong> <em>Booty Swing<br>
</em>Alyssa and Odette are two of our apprentices (the third, Lopez La Lopez, was manning the box office) and this was their first “real” show. They have performed with us before, as Expositionettes at this year’s Expo and in <em>Vamps After Midnite</em>, but that was like being thrown in the deep end. This was a more typical show and more relaxed. Everyone was adorable in their sparkly silver shrugs and red velvet skirts.</p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> <em>Winter Wonderland<br>
</em>A reverse strip! After a wild night, Betty gathers her scattered clothing and re-dresses in her evening finery, ready for her walk of shame(lessness).</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>Santa Baby<br>
</em>A song, no striptease. After getting to the venue, we discovered no one had the right cable to connect the microphone to the sound system, so Devastasia sang unamplified. And did a fine job — I could hear her in the dressing room.</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Mina in Furs<br>
</em>A classic gloves & gown strip in wintery colors with a luxurious fur stole.</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> Magic<br>
Something impossible involving gift boxes and some high-end presents.</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> <em>Gift-Wrapped Boy<br>
</em>This is a fun, high-energy tap dance and strip with a gift-wrap costume. Ava’s pasties even have jingle bells on them.</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>Sugar Rum Cherry<br>
</em>Possibly my favorite fan dance. Only doing it once a year makes it that much more special. I was going to wear my new Manuge et Toi Eugie (like a g-string without a string), but chickened out at the last minute in favor of my trusty thong.</p>
<p><strong>ACT II</strong></p>
<p><strong>Betty Blaize:</strong> <em>Blue Christmas<br>
</em>Mrs. Claus, as portrayed by Betty, has a secret! It’s not naughty though… she just prefers eight glowing lights to eight tiny reindeer.</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>Warm in December<br>
</em>A rare costume with color for Devastasia as she strips from chilly blue to hot flames. And her panel skirt is just magical. Trust me on that.</p>
<p><strong>Scratch:</strong> Magic<br>
A minor miracle involving cards.</p>
<p><strong>Ava Fox:</strong> <em>Riviera Life<br>
</em>It may be winter now, but Ava is a ray of summer sun on the beach.</p>
<p><strong>Devastasia:</strong> <em>Real Gone<br>
</em>A classic bump & grind act.</p>
<p><strong>Mina Murray:</strong> <em>What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?<br>
</em>I get to break out my champagne gown and best ostrich boa for this one! An exquisitely slow tease and a champagne toast.</p>
<p>We had a good time and so did the audience. Our only real issue was with the sound system. There seemed to be a problem with the bluetooth connection, so the song would cut out for a second or two. Fortunately, we know our music well enough to just keep going. And it shouldn’t be an issue next time, since we’ll have live music. Keep your fingers crossed that we can go ahead with our first show with the band on January 20!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68445402021-12-17T15:46:40-05:002021-12-17T16:45:02-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! We had a great time performing at Flying Embers last night and can’t wait to be back next month. Thanks to those of you who came out!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When sending out holiday cards, include the producers who booked you this year.<br>
</em></p>
<p>It’s a nice gesture that not only says that you appreciate them, but also reminds them that you are interested in their shows.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68419352021-12-15T13:15:21-05:002021-12-15T14:00:04-05:00New Show<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Tomorrow is our first show at Flying Embers! Get your <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brrrrlesque-holiday-party-tickets-221149583357"><u>tickets</u></a> for an evening of cheerful holiday burlesque that will warm your heart and soul (and other body parts)!</p>
<p>And we will be back on January 20th and every other Thursday after that to entertain you. This is a different sort of show because we’ll be performing to a live jazz band!</p>
<p>Performing to live music is a treat we don’t get to do enough. Once a year, we perform at the Mardi Gras ball to an amazing band and several years ago our Valentine’s Day show, <em>Unlucky in Love</em>, had a band and a trio of singers.</p>
<p>There’s an entirely different energy with musicians versus recorded music. It’s more exiting, in several ways. Even when the band plays the same arrangement you are used to, it’s never exactly the same as the recording, which can be fun and challenging. You have to trust and learn to communicate to create something fabulous. As you can imagine, timing is very important for striptease, so if someone feels moved to change thing up (it is jazz, after all), you need to think on your feet.</p>
<p>Betty and I have had this experience before. In fact, Betty is a mistress of improvisational dance and can make magic out of whatever the musicians throw at her. But it’s going to be new for Ava and Devastasia and I’m looking forward to seeing what they create!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68368382021-12-10T16:34:50-05:002021-12-10T19:00:18-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Masks are here for a while longer. Make or buy some that coordinate with your costumes and post-show outfits.</em></p>
<p>Depending on your local regulations and the requirements of the venue, you may need to wear a mask when you’re not actively performing or even when you are. You might as well make it into an opportunity for as glamorous a look as you can.</p>
<p>If you’ve got leftover fabric from making your own costumes, it’s easy enough to make a mask and glue on some decorations. If you don’t sew, there are a number of places you can get rhinestoned masks.</p>
<p>I have a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/59064438">tutorial for making origami-style masks</a> for all tiers on my Patreon. I find this is the most comfortable style for long-term wear; it fastens around the back of your head rather than over your ears Although, if you’re a clever seamstress, you’ll figure how to make it with ear loops, if you prefer them.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_2914" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51737189412/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51737189412_388babc1d7.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2914" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>Just for fun, here’s a cute picture of me visiting the Showstoppers costume exhibit in NYC, wearing a skirt and mask combo that I made.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68353052021-12-09T11:22:37-05:002021-12-09T15:45:07-05:00Upcoming Performances<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>After a quiet November, we’re returning to the stage! You can catch us at least monthly through the winter.</p>
<p>One week from today we’ll be at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brrrrlesque-holiday-party-tickets-221149583357"><u>Flying Embers Taproom</u></a> in Boston with a winter holiday show sure to warm you all over. Expect to see more of us at this venue in the New Year!</p>
<p>On January 8th, we are heading south to <a href="https://as220.org"><u>AS220</u></a> in Providence, RI where we will be joined by special guest Guilted Lilly! To make this show even more enticing… some of our apprentices have been cooking up their own routines. Be the first to see them!</p>
<p>February 6 we’ll be performing a dinner show at <a href="https://premiereonbroadway.com"><u>Premier on Broadway</u></a> in Somervile and we’re back on March 6 for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biscuits-burlesque-tickets-213604616157"><u>brunch</u></a>!</p>
<p>Even more shows to come as soon as the details are hammered out. </p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68293252021-12-03T11:28:20-05:002021-12-03T14:45:07-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. I feel like this year has gone by so fast. But we’ve still got a few more weeks and a few more tips!</p>
<p><em>If you’re performing a sing-and-strip, design your act around the type of microphone you’ll be using.</em></p>
<p>Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are using a hand-held, remember that one hand is always going to be encumbered, but you’re free to move around the stage however you like. If it’s a stand microphone, your hands are completely free, but you’re kind of stuck in place while you’re singing. If you’ve got a lavaliere microphone, you can move and your hands are free, but you’ll need a place to clip the transmitter that will stay on for the entire strip and to arrange the cord so it doesn’t get caught in your costume pieces as you strip.</p>
<p>With a little planning (and a lot of practice), you can dazzle the audience with your striptease and your voice and make it look easy!<br>
<img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68219892021-11-26T11:00:00-05:002021-11-26T11:45:05-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I hope you had a good Thanksgiving or a pleasant Thursday, depending on your location and inclination.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Make sure your tassels are entirely concealed inside your bra cups as you get dressed.</em></p>
<p>Just scoop them up into the cups as you’re putting your bra on. Not only do tassels hanging out below your bra look a little odd, you’re giving away part of your big reveal early!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68180262021-11-22T10:40:33-05:002021-11-22T13:15:31-05:00The Tale of the Topless Donut Shop<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s story time!</p>
<p>Ten years ago The Boston Babydolls (back before we became The BeauTease) went on our first tour, <em>Madame Burlesque</em>. I didn’t start keeping this blog until after we returned, so this tale has not been told until now.</p>
<p>In July 2011, we were in Portland, Maine. Brigitte had heard there was a topless donut shop near by and we should definitely check it out after the show. So we piled into Brigitte’s little yellow sports car and Scratch’s big black SUV and set out into the hot, sticky darkness in search of fried treats served by topless staff.</p>
<p>We couldn’t find it. So, we pulled off the road to regroup and strategize. I believe into the turn-off in front of a gravel pit. Almost immediately a cop pulled up behind up and went to question Brigitte about our suspicious doings. She cheerfully said something like “Hello Officer! Could you direct us to the topless donut shop?” Thus reassured that there was nothing more nefarious going on than pack of lost and hungry burlesque performers, he told us the whole sordid story.</p>
<p>The donut shop had <a href="https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/vassalboros-topless-donut-shop-burns">burned to the ground</a>, a victim of arson. They had valiantly reopened, but never recovered and closed for good mere months before our donut quest. Alas, no donuts for us that night.</p>
<p>One of the people on tour with us that fateful night was Corinne Southern, now one half of <a href="https://business.facebook.com/TheBottleBlondesBand/">The Bottle Blondes</a>. And the incident clearly made an impression on her.</p>
<p>We were so amused when their latest single dropped, loosely based on a true story…<br>
<img src="https://scontent-bos3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/258334422_132933722432765_1503850133547236212_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=KSeuoKHvv3QAX9Gu3cF&_nc_ht=scontent-bos3-1.xx&oh=aa23c9e111aaee04af506b68a15a4190&oe=619FE177" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" />Listen to it on Spotify, Apple Music, or <a href="https://thebottleblondesband.bandcamp.com/track/topless-donut-shoppe">Bandcamp</a>!<br>
<img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68156982021-11-19T14:53:19-05:002021-11-19T17:30:13-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Today’s tip was inspired by a conversation with a friend just this morning.</p>
<p><em>Refrain from licking your lips while you’re wearing glitter on them.</em></p>
<p>I know, it seems so obvious! And yet it can be so hard when it’s an unconscious gesture like that. Also, remember to <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2017/05/26/friday-tip-290/">use a straw</a> when drinking! And always use <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2016/06/17/friday-tip-241/">cosmetic glitter</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68142902021-11-18T12:56:50-05:002021-11-18T14:15:12-05:00Review: Honey & Spice<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Before <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2021/10/14/review-the-burlesque-handbook/"><em>The Burlesque Handbook</em></a> was published, Jo Weldon filmed some instructional DVDs (I think this was one of the first). She’s an excellent instructor with a wealth of knowledge and here’s yet another way to learn from her.</p>
<p><img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91zSfCB9ylL._SY445_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></p>
<p><em>Honey & Spice: Sensual & Fierce Burlesque</em>, Jo Weldon, 2009.</p>
<p>Nominally this one-hour DVD teaches two burlesque routines, but there’s additional information, which can be applied to other acts.</p>
<p>As the title indicates, Jo teaches Honey, slow and sensual with a boa, and Spice with lively bumping & grinding. Each routine has an introduction that covers the specific fundamentals: sensual flow and bumps n’ grinds. She demonstrates each dance first, in an appropriate costume. Each dance is made up of five segments of four moves. The names of the moves are shown on the screen and each segment is numbered so it’s easy to follow along. Then there’s a step by step breakdown of each section. Each routine involves striptease with gloves and a bra (although Jo is very coy in the video, you don’t have to be). The music is from <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013PL208/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bostonbabydol-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013PL208">The Shim-Sham Revue</a></em> so it will be very familiar to any B.A.B.E. students.</p>
<p>Before actually diving into the routines, Jo talks a bit about the costume she’s wearing and good dance posture, then runs a short warm up. Afterwards, she demonstrates how to remove stockings and a corset, how to twirl tassels, and how to wear pasties. None of these garments actively figure into the routines, but they’re a good bonus and might inspire you to create your own routines.</p>
<p>Definitely recommended for beginning burlesquers. The more advanced performer can benefit too! It’s always good to go back to basics and you’ll probably learn some new tidbit.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68118272021-11-16T12:53:37-05:002021-11-16T17:15:38-05:00Review: Dollface Vintage<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>A while ago I reviewed Cherry Dollface’s <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/review-in-the-kitchen-dollface-kitchen/">second book</a>, but the first one has still been sitting on my shelf, unreviewed. So here we go, out of order!</p>
<p><img src="https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/6e/28/6e28b250c565a44596a75577a514141414d6741_v5.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><em><a href="https://workingclasspublishing.com">Dollface Vintage: An Everyday Gal’s Guide to a Vintage Lifestyle!</a></em> by Cherry Dollface, 2017.</p>
<p>This is an overview of ways to live a vintage lifestyle, according to Cherry Dollface plus tips from some experts. She shares her thoughts on hair, makeup, style, decor, and entertaining, demonstrated with photos. Most individual topics within those categories are restricted to a page or two, so don’t expect exhaustive information on every possibility. Every topic has a section of tips, including some “dos and don’ts” and my favorite, ways to save money.</p>
<p>My favorite part was the mix and match photos of retro wardrobe basics and then the tips for dressing for hot and cold weather events while keeping your vintage chic. However, the makeup how-to was a little disappointing as the photos were taken from too far away to really see the details of how she made up her eyes. The entertaining section has a few recipes for appropriate cocktails and menus ideas, but for actual dishes you’ll need to check out <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/review-in-the-kitchen-dollface-kitchen/"><em>Dollface Kitchen</em></a>.</p>
<p>It’s a light look at how to incorporate vintage into your lifestyle, as little or as much as you like, in your personal style, without breaking the bank. The emphasis is not historical accuracy, but a retro flair. There’s an over-all focus on practicality, which I appreciate.</p>
<p>The print edition is currently unavailable, but you can get a digital version, which has links to some of Cherry’s videos and some bonus features. I can’t tell you what they are as I only have the physical book…<br>
<img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 13 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/68071112021-11-12T11:13:00-05:002021-11-12T13:15:22-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Holiday season is fast approaching and you don’t need me to remind you to buy from local businesses and independent artists. However, here’s your tip:</p>
<p><em>Shop early this year.</em></p>
<p>Whether you are buying gifts for others or treats for yourself, plan ahead and start early. The post office and other delivery services are going to be very busy this year. Let’s not stress ourselves, the shops, or our gift recipients with trying to get things shipped at the last minute.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67999152021-11-05T14:56:51-04:002021-11-05T19:00:10-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Here’s a tip!</p>
<p><em>In your emergency costume repair kit, have some needles pre-threaded with a doubled length of thread and knot the ends so the needle won’t slip off.</em></p>
<p>If you need to make a repair at a show, it’s usually something you need to do fast. With this tip you’ll just have to grab your needle and get to it. I like to have needles threaded with black (good for most dark colors), white (good for most light colors), and red (the most common color of my costumes). You can wrap the thread around a little slip of cardboard to keep it from tangling in your sewing kit.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to replenish the thread after you use it up, so you’ll always be ready!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67988252021-11-04T15:55:01-04:002021-11-04T20:15:12-04:00Review: Gilded Lili<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I have a biography of Lili St. Cyr in my to-be-reviewed pile, but I realized I had never reviewed this earlier look at the legendary stripteause.</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/0823088898.01._SY200_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823088898?ie=UTF8&tag=bostonbabydol-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0823088898"><i>Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique</i></a> by Kelly DiNardo, 2007.</p>
<p>Lili St. Cyr was known for her elegant, elaborate stage shows and her cool, remote beauty, as well as her lavish lifestyle and many affairs, but she remains something of an enigma. Ms. DiNardo wants to reveal the genuine Lili St. Cyr. Besides utilizing numerous print resources, she conducted interviews with some people who still remembered the dazzling dancer. </p>
<p>We look at the life of Lili St. Cyr, from her early family life and her escape though a teenaged marriage, through arc of her career and fame, to her death in self-imposed exile. Her story is interwoven with a look at the prevailing culture throughout her life. Sometimes she rebelled against the culture norms; sometimes they shaped her. We are shown the people and circumstances that influenced her, like Greta Garbo and travel by ocean liner. Also, those she influenced — there’s a section about Marilyn Monroe using Lili as a role model for her bombshell persona, which devolves into how one of Lili’s husbands tried to capitalize on his relationship with both women with some tawdry (and mostly likely utterly fictitious) revelations. </p>
<p>Occasionally the book feels padded, such as a mention that the teenaged Marie van Schaak (Lili’s birth name) liked to read Vogue digresses into a paragraph about the fashion magazine, or stretched, like when the author interviewed an ex-husband’s landlord for details on his life long post-Lili.</p>
<p>Despite all the detail and facts, I didn’t feel like I really got to know who Lili St. Cyr was. She is the center of the book and yet I felt like we were only able to stand on the fringes of her life, at a safe distance. Many of the people Ms. DiNardo interviewed knew Lili at a remove, like the children of club owners. One of her husbands was probably the closest person to her that spoke with the author, but even he doesn’t seem to have known Lili’s inner life very well. Despite baring her body night after night onstage, she kept her soul very well concealed.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67908322021-10-29T11:35:21-04:002021-10-29T14:30:17-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Today is also the penultimate performance of <em><a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/vamps-after-midnite">Vamps After Midnite</a></em>! We’ve been having so much fun with this show and last night we had a special guest in the audience — Devora Darling! It was so good to see her in person.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Know exactly where your props are at the top of the show.</em></p>
<p>Is this tip inspired by an actual incident? Maybe…</p>
<p>Before the show starts, check over your props and know where they are. If someone else is bringing them on for you, make sure you both know how and where that transfer will happen (do you hand them over before you go on stage? are they on a prop table back stage? &c.). It’s your responsibility as a performer to make sure your props are in good working order and in the correct location.</p>
<p>I’ve already written about <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/friday-tip-53/">kindergarten rules</a> (aka respecting the property of others) which continue to apply. Take care of your own stuff and don’t mess with anyone else’s.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67874602021-10-26T13:34:42-04:002021-10-26T14:30:16-04:00Vamps and Roses<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>After a really intense week of working on and performing in <a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/vamps-after-midnite"><em>Vamps After Midnite</em></a>, I’m glad for two days off. We’ve got four shows next week — get your tickets now!</p>
<p>In the show I play the Mother Superior of an order of vampire hunting nuns, The Little Sisters of the Thrusting Shaft, and spend most of my time wearing a wimple. I can’t actually style my hair because of it. However, at the end of my first scene, due to a “pointless flashback”, I remove my habit and wimple to perform <em>La Vie en Rose</em>. Usually I just have a single hair ornament for this act, but I wanted something to cover my boring (and flattened hair). Time to make a headdress! (Because it all came together so quickly, I forgot to take progress shots, so these are after the fact.)</p>
<p><a title="IMG_3164" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51631724875/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51631724875_25eaf88306_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a>I started with a cloth visor, like this one. Amazon said the one I bought was “rose”, but when it came out of the package, it was bright pink. That certainly would not do! I started to overcomplicate things by making plans to cover it with more appropriately colored fabric.</p>
<p>But then I remembered this stuff!<br>
<a title="IMG_3165" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51631097888/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51631097888_73270a3e2f_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_3165" height="240" width="240" /></a><br>
Perfect for a quick & dirty project like this. A mere few minutes later the visor was red.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_3166" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51631522409/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51631522409_c9d5b473f7_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a>While waiting for the paint to dry, off to the dollar store for a bouquet of roses. The first step was to cut them apart from the central stem, using a wire cutter. Then I grabbed my hot glue gun.</p>
<p>My initial plan was to treat the roses like feathers on a showgirl headdress, but that meant the flowers were basically in profile and I decided I wanted the open blossoms to be visible. Also it was just a little ridiculous looking. I mean, more ridiculous than I was willing to wear. Fortunately, it’s easy to remove hot glue.</p>
<p>I clipped the roses completely off the stems and glued the calyx to the visor, tucking in some leaves to fill a couple of gaps. I covered the band with more leaves. After wondering for a bit how I was going to finish the back of the visor, I glued on two rows of individual petals. Then just because I could, I added a few red rhinestones here and there on the roses.<br>
<a title="IMG_3151" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51630872726/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51630872726_a01e9893d5_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_3151" height="180" width="240" /></a></p>
<p>Voila! Active construction was about an hour (not including letting the paint dry or the walk to the dollar store and back) and I wore it in that night’s show.<br>
<a title="IMG_3156" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51631522449/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51631522449_01f8d486db_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a><br>
This was taken post-show, since I don’t have any downtime during the show while I’m wearing the headdress in which to take a photo. You can see it in action this Wednesday through Saturday at <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/feed/_wp_link_placeholder"><em>Vamps After Midnite</em></a>!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67838082021-10-22T10:22:55-04:002021-10-22T11:45:15-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I write to you from a haze of exhaustion. Hell Week for <a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/vamps-after-midnite"><em>Vamps After Midnight</em> </a>started on Monday and we’ve been going non-stop. First performance is tonight! (Wait, Mina, I thought it opened yesterday? Be patient, Dear Reader…)</p>
<p>Here’s your tip:</p>
<p><em>When hit with a sudden curve ball, think fast and be ready to run with a new plan.</em></p>
<p>Wednesday night we had our dress/tech rehearsal and someone from the venue was there for an inspection. After we wrapped, we were told we couldn’t use our set. Due to a complete lack of communication from the venue, we did not know that some materials used to build the flats were unacceptable to them. Three days of work (and Devastasia’s beautiful painting)! had to be torn down right then.</p>
<p>We canceled the Thursday night preview. Overnight Scratch redesigned the set and bought new, acceptable materials the next day. Unfortunately, Plan B didn’t work (it required a level floor, which the theatre does not have), so we headed directly to Plan C (with much cursing along the way).</p>
<p>The cast, many of whom are not theatre people, have been great, pitching in where ever they can and staying out of the way when they can’t. I am deeply grateful to all of them.</p>
<p>Anyway, the set is not as beautiful or clever or funny as we planned, but at least we can have a performance tonight.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67773902021-10-15T15:56:00-04:002021-10-15T18:00:06-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This Friday is the calm before the storm that is <em><a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/vamps-after-midnite">Vamps After Midnite</a></em>. On Monday Hell Week begins! Do you have your tickets?</p>
<p>This tip is for audience members, but obviously not you, my Dear Reader. You already know this.</p>
<p><em>Turn your phone off and enjoy the show.</em></p>
<p>I know we spent a lot of time without performances where audience and performer were in the same space.Just a little reminder that phones can be very distracting not just to you, but everyone around you. They make noise and light, neither of which is great during a show. Using your phone during a performance is disrespectful to the performers and to the audience.</p>
<p>I’ve seen people texting, posting, and even making phone calls during the show. Please step outside if communication is so urgent that it can’t wait until intermission or the end of the show. Because everyone has a camera in their pocket now, we’ve had audience members taking flash photos, taking selfies, and filming the performances. If you’re really compelled to take photos, please, please, please turn off your flash. It’s not just rude to inflict a sudden burst of light at everyone around you, it could be dangerous if the performers can’t see because of it.</p>
<p>Be present, without distraction, and enjoy the performance in real time.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67759622021-10-14T14:46:48-04:002021-10-14T15:00:05-04:00Review: The Burlesque Handbook<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p> I cannot believe I haven’t reviewed this book until now…</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/006178219X.01._SY200_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006178219X?ie=UTF8&tag=bostonbabydol-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=006178219X">The Burlesque Handbook</a></em> by Jo Weldon, 2010.</p>
<p>The Burlesque Handbook was published over ten years ago, but it has never been out of print. It was the first practical guide to being a burlesque performer and remains the best. As Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque, Jo has been teaching burlesque to all levels from beginners to professionals. Her classes and related material over the years became the foundations of this book. I still have her 12-page pink “Burlesque for Beginners” handout from 2005, which grew up to become this wonderful resource.</p>
<p>The book is packed with useful information from classic moves to music to backstage etiquette to creating a character. There are even templates and illustrated directions for making pasties. There’s an entire chapter on fan dancing! I found the worksheets in the appendix to be incredibly valuable. Even someone who has been doing this for a while can find it useful to stop and question their own creative process.</p>
<p>Besides drawing on her personal experiences, Jo quotes from the “Council of Ecdysiasts” — veteran performers — for varying perspectives on a topic. She also draws upon the wisdom of Burlesque Legends, sharing their words and their stories. It’s great to have advice from a range of performers both present and past.</p>
<p>Jo is also a photographer, so it’s no surprise that the book is peppered with photos (black and white, occasionally with red accents). Some are of Jo and some were taken by her over her many years on the scene. The burlesque moves she describes are illustrated by clarifying step by step photos. Other performers are featured along with appropriate topics. There are even a couple of photos taken at The Expo.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:revert;color:initial;">The book is focused on burlesque performance — how to get ready for the stage and look great once you’re there. You’ll have to look elsewhere for information and advice on bookings, producing, hosting or promotion. I don’t have a problem with that. Trying to cover absolutely everything would made for a less focused book. Besides, Jo covers some of those topics in articles and essays elsewhere. </span></p>
<p>To give you an idea of just how useful it is, I have a copy on our library bookshelf (thanks, Scratch! I know it’s really your book) and one on my Kindle, so I’ll always have it on hand for reference. I’ve been recommending <em>The Burlesque Handbook </em>to every burlesque performer for more than a decade and I’ll continue to do so.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67701582021-10-08T15:01:06-04:002021-10-08T15:15:12-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! I made a <a href="https://youtu.be/5DvCsIJ98Co">silly video</a> yesterday, which has nothing to do with burlesque, but maybe it will make you smile. Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>One is funny. Three is funny. After that you have to go for 20.</em></p>
<p>Doing a comedy bit is funny on its own, but repetition can make it even funnier. However, three times is much funnier than two. But four times is not funnier than three. If you want to do it more than three times, you just have to keep doing it as many times as you can, which just gets funnier each time. My Commedia dell’Arte troupe called it “going for 20”.</p>
<p>The BeauTease are known for our dark Halloween cabaret, <em>The Wrathskellar,</em> but the last thing we wanted to do this year was a dark, intense, serious show. Hence, <em><a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/vamps-after-midnite">Vamps After Midnite</a></em>, a burlesque show that goes worng. It’s a ridiculous comedy and we laugh a lot at rehearsals.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67635992021-10-01T14:50:16-04:002021-10-01T17:45:17-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s October! I, for one, am very grateful because September was an awful month. I know changing the calendar page doesn’t automatically make everything better, but at least it feels like there is potential for things to be better. To start things off right, here is your tip!</p>
<p><em>Don’t be fooled by glitter-dot fabric.</em></p>
<p>It may look like a cheap and easy way to get some sparkle in your costume, but then you run it through the sewing machine only to end up with gummy needles that dull quickly, wonky tension, splitting thread, and sorrow. </p>
<p>It’s a little more manageable if you’re hand sewing, like covering bra cups or headdress bases.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67563762021-09-24T09:52:17-04:002021-09-24T12:30:10-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s the first Friday of Fall! I hope you had a lovely equinox. Here’s your tip, courtesy of Scratch!</p>
<p><em>Help out your emcee — tell them the pronunciation of your name and your pronouns.</em></p>
<p>The host wants to give you a great introduction; give them the tools to get it right.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67540452021-09-22T09:24:10-04:002021-09-22T11:15:18-04:00New Sewing Project — with your help<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I am (slowly, too slowly) turning my mountains of fabric into useful items. I came across this fabulous feather print:</p>
<p><a title="IMG_2836" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51502066082/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51502066082_1030508868_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_2836" height="300" width="400" /></a><br>
You can’t tell from the photo, but the highlights are metallic silver. It’s a cotton fabric, about 45″ wide and I think I have 5 yards.</p>
<p>What should I do with it? I think it could make a very interesting dress, but beyond that, I’m stumped. I turn to you, my faithful readers for suggestions.</p>
<p>I have many fine qualities and skills, but draping is not one of them, so a picture of an existing garment is going to go nowhere. A commercial pattern suggestion is much more helpful.</p>
<p>If you’ve got a thought, share it in the comments below. I’ll pick my favorite and post my progress here. I think Patrons will get a video dress diary as well.</p>
<p>How should I let my feathers fly?</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67501012021-09-17T15:13:43-04:002021-09-17T20:00:14-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! How about a tip?</p>
<p><em>Use hairnets to preserve your wigs’ styles.</em></p>
<p>After you go to all the effort to style your wig, put a hairnet over it to keep it looking good until you’re ready to wear it.</p>
<p>[You can find all my previous Tips on <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/friday-tips/">this page</a>.]</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67470282021-09-15T14:13:58-04:002021-09-15T18:45:07-04:00On Writing<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I have a complicated relationship with writing. It’s my main form of communication, but I don’t think I’m a good writer. Writing is a slow and painstaking process for me and I’m never confident in the result. It can take me weeks to write one book review here. I agonize over word choice and sentence structure. And I’m always a little embarrassed to hit “Publish”.</p>
<p>So it surprises the hell out of me when people praise my writing. I received a number of compliments on my most recent post, specifically on the beautiful writing. I’m not used to that.</p>
<p>I think my adversarial relationship with writing began in 6th grade at an awful school with a terrible English teacher. I decided I hated writing and my skills deteriorated. Oh the irony — I was in a gifted program <em>and</em> remedial writing classes. I was so miserable there that my parents decided to send me to private school, which made a lot of things better, but writing was still a struggle</p>
<p>Through college and grad school and a certificate program, I brute forced my way though essays and papers and theses. Over the years I’ve been told my writing was stilted, too formal, awkward, not natural.</p>
<p>Through out the years, however, I’ve kept a paper journal and an electronic one (remember LiveJournal?) and a pen-and-paper correspondence with a dear friend (I probably owe you a letter!) and of course, this blog, which is over ten years old! (How did I miss that anniversary…?). I’ve found a sort of pleasure in writing, but it still doesn’t come easily. I still can’t believe I put out two books.</p>
<p>So, I’m not used to getting compliments on my writing. But I appreciate it so much. Thank you for your kind words.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></p>
<p>P.S. Just for the record, it took me three days to put together this little missive.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67424452021-09-10T12:11:32-04:002021-09-10T15:45:09-04:00Cats are a Gift from the Universe<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>(no Friday Tip this week. I think this will explain why)</p>
<p>I’ve always believed cats are a gift from the Universe. When you need a cat, one comes into your life. However, the Universe can also take cats away…</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1370" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51443930210/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51443930210_8b51a638cf_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>Nine years ago, Albert A. Cat wandered into our life. If you’ve been reading my missives that long you know how Scratch, not a cat person, <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/glamourpuss/">found him on the street</a> and they immediately knew they needed each other. He is a delight and the center of our little world. </p>
<p>Three years ago <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2018/08/27/a-brief-feline-interlude/">Albert started having seizures</a>, which terrified us. Fortunately, with medication, he is perfectly fine. However, we keep a close eye on his health and he sees a couple of specialist vets. </p>
<p><a title="IMG_2611" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51442966601/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51442966601_53b7ce2195_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>Recently we discovered his thyroid levels were slightly elevated and we had a couple of options to treat it. There was really no question that we were going to go for radiation therapy. It would cure him, instead of just treating the issue with diet or medication for the rest of his life. There were just two drawbacks — it’s very expensive and he would be in the hospital for two weeks without any visits allowed. In all his time with us, he’s never been away from both of us for more than four days.</p>
<p>But we did it. The staff at Angell Animal Medical Center are great. We got daily reports on his progress and photos. Scratch started a <a href="https://gofund.me/86244e77">GoFundMe</a> and so many people, including a bunch we didn’t even know, contributed to Albert’s medical bills. We were counting down the days until he could come home. (Albert is fine. I’m explaining to you because you look nervous.)</p>
<p><a title="IMG_0098" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51442972871/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51442972871_f5c0db38d5_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>But Albert is not the only cat in our lives. There are several feral cats in our neighborhood and two decided to make our yard home. They were inseparable and would constantly be headbutting one another in a most adorable fashion. We named the black and white one Tux and the big orange one Ginger Tom. Collectively we call them The Boys. Tux was wary, but Tom was sweet and trusting. Scratch built them a deluxe shelter (with heat in the winter) and fed them every day. He would call and they’d come running. It was one of my great joys to peek out the window and see what The Boys were doing — napping in the sun, grooming each other, hiding amid the plants in my garden. To be honest, Tom’s my favorite of the two.</p>
<p>Last Thursday I fed them in the evening as usual. Friday morning only Tux came. He just sat and looked and waited. Tom is the more adventurous of the two and would often be off doing “Tom things”, but I was worried. Tux didn’t usually act like that.</p>
<p>But it was Expo weekend and off we went to Salem.</p>
<p>We got back on Monday, excited to pick up Albert the next day. But still no Tom.</p>
<p>After asking our other cat-feeding neighbors, we found out that Tom was killed sometime in the middle of Thursday night, probably by a coyote. I like to think he was defending Tux.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_9182" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51442215297/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51442215297_97e95b9777_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>Albert’s homecoming was filled with tears. And because of the radiation, we have to limit our contact with him for the next few days. Of course all we want to do is hold him close and never let go.</p>
<p>We share a back fence with The Rectory for our local Episcopalian church and The Boys frequented their yard as well. It was the Rector and his wife who found Tom. </p>
<p>Yesterday, in the rain, we had a funeral. The Rector’s wife and the Sister who also lives there and Scratch dug a grave in their garden and we laid a cairn of stones over him. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot and there’s a bush of rosemary right next to him. Sister gave me a bunch and it’s in a vase next to me as I write. Rosemary is for remembrance.</p>
<p>It’s hard to feel so helpless. I know there was nothing I could have done to save Tom’s life, but it hurts so much. I know feral cats have hard and short lives, but it’s not fair. We will continue to care for Tux and hopefully he’ll know our yard is a safe place. He sits and waits for Tom and it just breaks my heart. I hurt so much.</p>
<p>Scratch said it better than I can: “Tom was sweet, fearless, and dumb. And he trusted me and loved Tux with a fierceness that was a joy to see.” I will miss him more that I can say.</p>
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<td><a title="IMG_9902" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51443220063/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51443220063_5a459860a1_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="150" /></a></td>
<td><a title="IMG_9182" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51442215297/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51442215297_97e95b9777_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="150" /></a></td>
<td><a title="IMG_2514" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51442972776/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51442972776_30c3d0fc68_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="150" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>All I can do is love Albert and try to comfort Scratch, as he tries to comfort me.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" /></p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67353652021-09-03T14:29:18-04:002021-09-03T16:30:14-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m writing this in haste for The Expo begins today. Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Buy from independent stores, artists, and craftspeople.</em></p>
<p>The big businesses will do just fine without your patronage, but these folks may not. The Expo has a fine selection of Vendors the weekend for your burlesque needs and desires. And there are many lovely small businesses here in Salem that deserve your support.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67324352021-08-31T15:09:13-04:002021-08-31T19:45:10-04:00Review: Buxom Beautease<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’ve got another vintage movie review for you!</p>
<p><a title="Buxom Beautease ad cropped" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51389574970/in/datetaken/"><br><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51389574970_060a04274d_o.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Buxom Beautease ad cropped" height="175" width="180" /></a></p>
<p><em>Buxom Beautease</em>, directed by Irving Klaw, 1956.</p>
<p>This is another from our vast archive of <em>Something Weird</em> DVDs. It’s a filmed burlesque show (not live), with stripping and comedy, but notable for a few reasons.</p>
<p>First, it’s directed by Irving Klaw, the man behind the fetish photos of Bettie Page. He previously directed <em>Varietease</em> and <em>Teaserama</em>, more famous films with higher production values and appearances by Bettie Page.</p>
<p>More importantly, it is, I believe, the only recording of Blaze Starr doing her signature flaming couch act. However, it seems to be an ordinary chaise with a jury-rigged smoke effect, rather than her actual stage couch with the flames. That you can see at the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org"><u>American Burlesque Collection</u></a>‘s special exhibit <em>Passion in Action</em>.</p>
<p>The cast has some burlesque luminaries, but Dorian Dennis gets top billing over Blaze Starr, Lili St. Cyr, and Tempest Storm. Hold that thought, we’ll be back to Lili & Tempest later.</p>
<p>Despite the ad copy promising color, the film is in black and white. We’ll get back to that later as well.</p>
<p>This is a very long write-up; for my summary go <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/feed/#tldr"><u>here</u></a>.</p>
<p>A charming miss come out before each act with a card listing the name of the performer(s), which cuts to a close-up of the title card. As the film goes on, she gets less dressed. She’s not used to introduce repeat performers.</p>
<p>The film starts with a comedy routine between Gene Doyle (straight man) and Joe Young (comic). It’s mostly a bunch of quick bits. They’re playing in front of curtains, but it doesn’t look like a theatre and it doesn’t sound like there’s an audience.</p>
<p>Blaze Starr heats things up with her flaming couch routine. It look like it was filmed in someone’s living room, maybe a basement set up to look like a living room. She does a slow striptease out of a lot of garments. It’s fun when she rather saucily snaps her garter at the camera. Once she’s down to her undies, she straddles the couch and takes a powder puff out of her evening bag. She awkwardly slaps the powder puff on her armpit, her décolletage, and thighs, then hesitates for a moment and naughtily taps it on her crotch. Finally, she writhes on the couch, and as the camera get close on her face, you get some idea of just how alluring she was on stage. The smoke effect goes off and we hear cheers from the “audience”. She is still fairly modestly attired in a strapless bra and high-waisted panties.</p>
<p>The burlesque continues with Barbara Pauline. She enters rear first and lets the camera linger on her behind sticking out of the curtains at the side of the “stage”. She’s performing on a slightly different living room set, with a sofa. She parades back and forth, stripping from gown and feathered hat to bra and fringed belt to opaque triangle bra and ruffled panties, but no further.</p>
<p>More comedy — a “painless dentist” bit with the comedy duo and a couple of talking (and screaming) women.</p>
<p>Back to the striptease with Dorian Dennis and back to the living room set. In lieu of gloves she wears some interesting puffed sleeve gauntlets. She gives us a bit of a leg show on the couch. Unfortunately, the camera focuses more on her face during the later part of the act when she’s most undressed (although she still doesn’t go down to pasties).</p>
<p>As the next dancer is introduced, our title girl appears to be naked, hiding behind the card. Eve Adams is performing on a stage set, wearing a striking parti-colored gown which turns out to be a zippered top and open skirt over panels (also parti-colored). At a couple of points, she deliberately pulls up her strapless bra, which had begun to slip. She plays with her hair a lot, which is kind of messy by the end of the act, which made her seem very real. Near the end of the act, she’s clearly saying something, but I can’t make out what it is. I wonder if she’s asking how much longer she has to keep going…</p>
<p>Next up is Patti Paget. The card girl is still “naked” but when she places the card on the easel, you can clearly see her bra and panties although she’s trying to keep her body out of frame. Patti Paget is a fan dancer! Although there is some conceal and reveal, she mostly uses the fans to frame and highlight her body. There’s no pretense whatsoever that she’s nude behind them. There’s a longish bit where the camera just focuses on her legs, which seems something of a waste as she’s doing things with the fans that we can’t see. Eventually she puts the fans down for (I think) a little bump & grind, but now the camera is above her hips.</p>
<p>Gene and Joe return for a trip to Paris where they try out their French on Eve Adams.</p>
<p>A slightly more clad title girl introduces Evonne, who is just waking up. It turns out the ubiquitous couch in the living room set is a sleeper sofa. She slowly gets dressed, pulling on stocking and heels (just a touch of fetish styling here) and discarding her nightgown to give us a leg show on the bed. (She’s also the screaming woman from the dentist bit.) The quality of the film doesn’t seem as good as the rest.</p>
<p>The title girl introduces Rita Grable, then points to herself and beckons us to follow her to the stage. Her costume has lavish layers of tulle ruffles on the overskirt, bodice, and muff.</p>
<p>Blaze Starr takes the stage again in a showgirl costume with a feathered headdress and pearl-encrusted bra. She struts, grinds, and strips, but she’s best when she gets down on the floor, despite all the trouble her fringe skirt gives her. It is made of strands of something like tinsel and it keeps getting caught on the heel of her shoe. Although she frequently squeezes her famous breasts together, like all the previous acts, she doesn’t reveal them.</p>
<p>Trudy Wayne cavorts on and near the couch. The camera is always in very close and I don’t think there’s a single full-body shot in the entire act. The lighting is dim and the film quality is about the same as Evonne’s act.</p>
<p>Dorian Dennis, who had top billing, returns to the living room set. Elegantly dressed, with a fur stole, she opens a compact and powders her face before beginning her parade. As in her first act, she wears a tiny lace skirt which serves as her final remove.</p>
<p>Time for some more comedy! Gene and Joe do a bit with some unusual math and enlist Eve Adams for help.</p>
<p>Up until now the film has been black and white. Suddenly we cut to “Striptease Revealed Starring Tempest Storm”, which is in color! This was a short film Klaw made in 1950. Presumably he tacked on to the end so he could claim <em>Buxom Beautease</em> had color and stars that the budget probably couldn’t afford. The production values are much higher than the previous hour.</p>
<p>First we see a card (held by a different girl) reading “Starring Lili St. Cyr”. Then a desert scene with Lili dancing in a tent with sheer walls. She exits the tent in a sequined harem girl sort of costume and dances to Orientalist music, looking anywhere but at the camera. She strips down to pasties and net pants, then climbs into her famous bath tub, where she swats at flying bubbles while she covers her breasts with one arm. Discretely screening herself with a towel, she headed back to the tent and from behind its walls, at last reveals all. Or as much as one can see through the sheer tent walls</p>
<p>At last Tempest Storm arrives in all her red-headed glory. The set is nothing to speak of, just some curtains hanging on a wall, but it is in color. Tempest performs one of her signature stripteases, slow and sultry. She ends in a net bra with decorations in lieu of pasties.</p>
<p><a id="tldr"></a>tl;dr. This is a very modest burlesque film, both in budget and in the performances. There are 12 burlesque acts from ten performers and 4 comedy sets. The comics aren’t particularly funny. The dancers all end in fairly covering undergarments and none in the black & white section go down to pasties. If anything particularly risqué is happening, the camera cuts away to focus on another part of the dancer’s body. The dancers themselves occasionally look awkward or bored. The sets are minimal and either pretend to be a theatre stage or a living room.</p>
<p>It’s interesting for the historic value, and for immortalizing Blaze Starr’s signature act, but it’s just not that great a film. I suppose I should watch <em>Varietease</em> and <em>Teaserama </em>next, for contrast.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67291262021-08-27T15:39:27-04:002021-08-27T17:30:18-04:00Friday Tip
<p>/</p>
<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again and this particular Friday Massachusetts is now requiring masks indoors again. You’ll need them when you attend <a href="https://www.burlesque-expo.com/main/">The Great Burlesque Exposition</a> next weekend! I though this tip was timely…</p>
<p><em>Wash your cloth masks after every wearing.</em></p>
<p>I like to handwash mine. Use cool or warm water (temperature doesn’t really matter) and some soap — this is the virus killer. I usually use Dawn because it also is great at <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2015/11/06/friday-tip-209/">removing lipstick stains</a>. Take out any filters before submerging. Swish around and then thoroughly rinse until there’s no soap left. No need to soak. If your mask has wire shaping, definitely don’t let it hang out in the water longer than necessary. Let the masks air dry.</p>
<p>You can also machine wash, but if the masks have elastics, I recommend air drying. It’ll extend their life</p>
<p>If your masks are rhinestoned or have other embellishments, definitely hand wash! </p>
<p>For a final touch, give them a quick press with the iron once they’re dry, to crisp up any pleats or folds. This is completely optional, of course.</p>
<p>Not only will washing with soap kill germs and viruses, you’ll have a fresh, clean piece of fabric touching your face, which is just more pleasant. And maybe save you from some irritation and break outs.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67230022021-08-20T18:45:27-04:002021-08-20T23:15:02-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Before every costume project, take your measurements, even if you’re sure of what they are, write them down, and refer to them throughout the project.</em></p>
<p>This tip brought to you by the woman fixing an almost-finished costume piece because she cut it a size too large.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67198562021-08-17T18:09:25-04:002021-08-17T21:30:16-04:00Review: Mama Rose’s Turn<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’m winnowing down my to-be-reviewed pile! Here’s a book about a controversial figure in burlesque, who was responsible for launching one of the great careers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617038539/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1617038539&linkCode=as2&tag=bostonbabydol-20&linkId=E4ZW6G5XHZJVCJLY"><em>Mama Rose’s Turn: The True Story of America’s Most Notorious Stage Mother</em> </a>by Carolyn Quinn, 2013</p>
<p>Rose Thompson Hovick, the mother of Gypsy Rose Lee and June Havoc, has been portrayed as an amusing eccentric (Gypsy Rose Lee), a brash, overbearing stage mother (<em>Gypsy: A Musical Fable</em>), an abusive narcissist (June Havoc), and even a remorseless murderer (Karen Abbott). Most sources agree that she was beautiful, petite, charming, manipulative, and needy. But who was she really? This book attempts to answer that</p>
<p>The story begins with Rose’s paternal great-grandparents arriving in the midwest from Germany. The generations before Rose was born were full of independent women. Her maternal grandmother ran businesses after her husband (and both her young sons) died. Rose’s mother had a talent for millinery and would frequently leave her daughters (her only son also died young) to head north and sell her fancy hats in the Yukon. This probably shaped Rose’s unconventional views of how to raise her children.</p>
<p>Rose married Jack Hovick when she was a pregnant teenager. That baby, Rose Louise, would grow up to be Gypsy Rose Lee. The painful delivery of a very large infant in a half-finished house in the middle of winter put Rose off the idea of more children. When she found herself pregnant again, she tried various ways to make herself miscarry, but her second daughter, Ellen June, was tenacious, although very small at birth. It was the unwanted daughter who proved to have incredible talent and Rose pushed for a performance career for the dancing prodigy, despite that June was barely a toddler. She filed for divorce and created a vaudeville act around her girls.</p>
<p>I’m not going to rehash the careers of Baby/Dainty June and Rose Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee. You can read <em><a href="https://amzn.to/2A4SoFT">Early Havoc</a></em> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1883319951?ie=UTF8&tag=bostonbabydol-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1883319951"><em>Gypsy</em></a> for that, which is what the author of this book appears to have done. She also cites newspaper articles or letters from the GRL Collection at the NY Public Library or emails from someone’s descendant, but mostly she relies on those books, especially for this part of Rose’s life</p>
<p>After Gypsy hit it big in burlesque, and later June on Broadway, they supported their mother (as well as her mother and sister in Seattle), but it was never enough for Rose — she wanted more money and more attention. When Gypsy set her mother up in a 10-room apartment, Rose opened a speakeasy where lesbians could safely socialize and buy overpriced bathtub gin and spaghetti. Later she moved to Gypsy’s country estate and turned it into a sort of resort. Scandal erupted when a young woman was killed with a rifle there. It’s still unclear if it was suicide or murder, although Quinn is firmly in the suicide camp. </p>
<p>After that, the rift between mother and daughters grew larger, although they continued to support her financially, if not emotionally. Despite the money from her daughters, she was constantly coming up with business ventures — raising chickens, running a children’s summer camp, planning a restaurant with her sister, and more. For the rest of her life Rose tried to be a part of her daughters’ lives, often by threatening them, demanding more money, trying to disrupt their careers, and even suing them for lack of support. Gypsy would have periods of closeness with her mother and then Rose would do something that would alienate her again. </p>
<p>Near the end of her life, suffering from cancer, she found a surrogate family with the local plumber. He and his wife helped care for her and their daughter called her “Aunt Rose”. Despite being ill and frail, Rose took pleasure in being able to create a lovely Christmas celebration for the girl, like she did on the road with her vaudeville children.</p>
<p>In death, Rose took revenge on her daughters by leaving her entire estate to her sister, including the house Gypsy had paid for. Gypsy countered by publishing the memoir she never would have released while her mother was still alive. </p>
<p>The author makes her biases clear from the prologue. She was captivated by the character of Rose in the musical <em>Gypsy</em>, as the ball-busting stage mother. She dislikes June Havoc and repeatedly dismisses June’s version of events. Despite using June’s two books as source material, she considers June an unreliable narrator and frequently calls her a liar. She calls a few other people liars as well, when their recollections don’t match up with her narrative.</p>
<p>Quinn glosses over Rose’s outrageous actions, like thefts, scams, threats, and sabotaging other performers’ acts, as “games” and “stunts”. Neither girl had a valid birth certificate or even knew exactly how old they were, but that was just part of Rose’s cleverness in marketing and evading child labour laws. There’s always an excuse for her behavior — she was emotionally distraught, hormonal, drinking too much, etc. — and that her daughters should have been more sympathetic and loving. After all, they had been the center of her life for years, why shouldn’t she be the same to them?</p>
<p>Keeping that bias in mind, it is still the only biography of Rose Thompson Hovick out there (that I know of). It looks not only at Rose, but her family, back a couple of generations, and how their lives may have shaped her view of the world. Rose was a complicated woman and more than just her brassy alter-ego, belting out “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67155592021-08-13T11:00:00-04:002021-08-13T14:01:22-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday the 13th! We have a show tonight at our beloved venue, Deacon Giles Distillery — <em>Bad Luck Burlesque</em>! Last I heard we were <em>almost</em> sold out! Will I see you there?</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you edit your music for an act, rename the song so you can easily find the version you need.</em></p>
<p>These days it is so easy to change your music to suit your act — shorten the song, drop in another piece of music, add a sound effect, slow down the tempo, change the key, etc. You want to make sure you are giving the correct version fo your song to whoever is handling your music. Adding a note to the name will insure that there’s no confusion.</p>
<p>Here are a few examples from our catalog: “Dark Eyes (slow)” or “Mint Julep extended version” or “Pantaloons with thunder” or “Feelin’ Good BeauTease edit”. These songs were edited specifically for the acts and then renamed to specify the change. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. You could use “performance” or “final” to keep it simple.</p>
<p>It’s a terrible feeling to hear your music start and realize “that’s not the right version!”. A simple addition to the song title can give you peace of mind. </p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67094122021-08-06T15:32:41-04:002021-08-06T20:00:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday!</p>
<p>As you well know, I have a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>Patreon</u></a>, because I tell you all the time. However, I also support a number of artists and creators there. The latest is the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/slightlysinister"><u>Slightly Sinister Academy of Crafts</u></a>, which just went live today! I’ve been following Sinister Sarah’s stunning projects on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sinistersarah/"><u>Instagram</u></a> and I’m really looking forward to her instructional videos. Join me in supporting her!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Take joy in what you do and share it with others.</em></p>
<p>I had a really stressful, high-anxiety week. At rehearsal, I joined by Betty and Devastasia, who had their own, different sources of stress.</p>
<p>We started with a warm up, as we always do and decided to play our favorite pass-it-along game — Betty does a couple of repeats of a move, then I do a move. We do Betty’s move, then my move, then Devastasia contributes one. We do Betty’s, mine, Devastasia’s, etc., continuing around the circle for a couple of songs. When you only have three people you need to keep thinking! And as the songs on the playlist change, we adapt the moves to suit. It can be a very useful tool to teach vocabulary, especially to apprentices.</p>
<p>It was so much FUN! It was great to just move and even better to do it with friends who were also trying to deal with some stuff. We picked our favorite high-energy moves, not trying to impress or teach anyone, just wanting to have a good time with it. We were grinning and laughing all the way through. And that mood continued through the rest of rehearsal.</p>
<p>I hope you find some joy in your day.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/67028132021-07-30T16:20:12-04:002021-07-30T21:15:22-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Friday again. I’ve been wracking my brains for a tip. My only advice for you today is: </p>
<p><em>Sometimes you’re not feeling it. Try again later.</em></p>
<p>Brought to you as the result of a not-so-great day.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66997282021-07-27T15:02:26-04:002021-07-27T19:15:05-04:00Video Vixen<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I have perhaps been writing you fewer missives than I have in the past. Part of that is that I haven’t been doing as much burlesque-related stuff in the past year and a half, but also I’ve been embroiled in some new projects for my supporters on Patreon. </p>
<p>Long ago I made a video where I cooked <a href="https://youtu.be/e14tfHkOHMM"><u>chocolate pudding</u></a>. I had no idea what I was doing — in terms of video making; I know how to cook chocolate pudding… I have a better idea now how to shoot and edit videos, but I’m still learning. Well, the best way to learn something is to do. About once a month I’ve been making a video for Patreon. Mostly I’ve been cooking a historic recipe that I’ve never made before and seeing how it comes out, including an on-camera tasting and reaction. However, I’ve also done some burlesque costume tutorials and craft projects. I’m also documenting the (slow) improvements and redecorating I’ve been doing in my sewing room/office.</p>
<p>There’s a list of all the videos on Patreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/51696523"><u>here</u></a>. The list is public, but the videos are only available to Patrons.</p>
<p>I’m mostly filming and editing myself, although, when he’s got time, Scratch gives me some help and advice. I’m hoping to upgrade my equipment and maybe take some classes to improve my skills.</p>
<p>If you’d like to see what I’ve been up to, please join me on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>Patreon</u></a>. Otherwise you can see my progress when I occasionally upload <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHRv1iq5Ni1myWe4fzi0lQ/videos"><u>videos to my YouTube channel</u></a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66965292021-07-23T15:30:29-04:002021-07-23T16:00:26-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I hope you’re enjoying your Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When applying skin care and cosmetics, consider your neck to be an extension of your face </em></p>
<p>When you are applying moisturizer or sunblock or foundation, don’t stop at your chin! Your neck needs love too. Bonus points if you also include your ears and décolletage.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66951192021-07-22T09:51:31-04:002021-07-22T10:00:20-04:00Review: In Intimate Detail<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Another book review! I need to work my way through this pile with more alacrity as I would really like more space on my desk.</p>
<p>My love of lingerie began as a teen. I <em>hated</em> wearing pantyhose. As a short girl with long legs, I could never find a pair that fit me properly. If the waistband was in the right place, my toes were always poking through the fabric. The other option was to have the crotch at mid-thigh. I begged my mother to let me wear stockings. Despite rolling her eyes at my quaint request, she gifted me with my very first garter belt and I’ve never looked back! So, I was delighted to page through this book by the founder of <a href="https://www.thelingerieaddict.com">The Lingerie Addict</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/61/dd/61dd8e34ee9931a596f496872414141414d6741_v5.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><a href="https://www.thelingerieaddict.com/in-intimate-detail"><em>In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear and Love Lingerie</em></a> by Cora Harrington (2018)</p>
<p>This book covers all the main categories of underthings: bras, undies, shapewear, hosiery, and loungewear. The first several chapters introduce you to the lingerie by type. Have you ever wondered the difference between a balconette and a demi-bra? How about what exactly is a tanga? Each chapter has helpful hints (my favorites!) in the margins and lovely watercolor illustrations. Each one also starts with a brief history of the subject — you know how much I love history!</p>
<p>Each chapter has lots of information to help you make the best choices for the lingerie that’s right for you. Practicality for a situation as well as beauty is a key factor. The chapter on bras has extensive information on breast shape and how to choose a well-fitting bra. The shapewear chapter touches only briefly on corsetry, but that’s fine. Corsets are such a complex garment, they could be, and should be, a book unto themselves. </p>
<p>Then there’s a chapter about shopping for lingerie. She gives advice for shopping in person and on-line, but also specialty items, like vintage lingerie and how to buy gifts for others. The main take-away in all categories is if you don’t absolutely love the item or the experience, walk away. Shopping for lingerie should be as enjoyable as wearing it.</p>
<p>The last chapter is on one of my favorite topics — care and storage. There’s how to wash your lingerie and how to keep it so it stays beautiful and wearable for a long time as well as how to organize you lingerie wardrobe. She also broaches the important topic of getting rid of lingerie that’s no longer in good condition or doesn’t suit you any more. If it’s beautiful, but you don’t wear it, it’s not doing you any good.</p>
<p>It’s an all-around good compendium, touching on many topics. There are is a lot of ground covered, so by necessity each section is brief. If you need a direct burlesque tie-in, the foreword is by Dita Von Teese.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66900912021-07-16T14:26:48-04:002021-07-16T14:45:17-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday!</p>
<p>Tomorrow I’m teaching a beading class at the <a href="https://www.burlypod.com">summer virtual BurlyCon</a> at 10AM (Eastern)/7AM (Pacific) (yeah, I know, but there are participants from all over the world). You can <a href="https://www.burlypod.com/pages/purchase-options">sign up a la carte or buy a weekend pass</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Make a list of all your projects in progress and then prioritize them. </em></p>
<p>Most creative people I know have several projects in progress. New projects are more exciting. Maybe you have a pressing deadline so that project jumps to the head of the list. Perhaps you don’t have the materials for the next phase, so you turn to something else in the meantime.</p>
<p>And the next thing you know, your project space is in chaos and you’ve got more unfinished projects than you realized. So, make your list and rank everything. Things with hard deadlines go first, but after that it’s your choice. Maybe you want to put the items closest to completion at the top, or the ones that will be most fun to work on, or the ones you’ve been putting off the longest.</p>
<p>Then dig in to your number one project and drag it over the finish line!</p>
<p>(Was this Tip inspired by actual events? Well, maybe…)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66889432021-07-15T11:20:00-04:002021-07-15T14:00:09-04:00Red Hot & Blue 7/3/21<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Our first live show in front of an actual audience! Although it was a long, hard process to make that happen.</p>
<p>If you’ve been following these chronicles, you know we often perform in lovely spaces which aren’t really theatres. And this was no different. The hall upstairs from the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org"><u>American Burlesque Collection</u></a> is spacious with a proscenium stage, but it’s not actually a theatre. Scratch and Hunter put in long hours making sure we had decent lighting (and thank goodness they had the luxury to do that instead of scrambling day of).</p>
<p>Still, there was a lot to do. We had to hang curtains in all the (huge) windows, set up the audio equipment (kindly lent by our good friends at <a href="https://www.deacongiles.com"><u>Deacon Giles</u></a>), set up the dressing room, set out chairs, assemble goody bags for the VIP guests, make a sign or two, and of course, rehearse, checking lights and sound as we went.</p>
<p>Our faithful stage manager Marek was working at his <a href="https://realfoodmarkets.com"><u>farmers’ market</u></a> in NH (visit if you’re in the area!), so he wasn’t available and we missed him! However, we did have Sarah, the museum’s intern, and Gabe, a cast member for this show, to be the stage crew. And all the performers did their best to help them out with their first show, with Betty acting as a stage manager during the second act when she had a fair bit of down time.</p>
<p>By they way, those lovely signs on the easel that someone had to switch every act, were done by Devastasia.</p>
<p>Of course, it was pouring rain. Despite that we had a good turn out and even some walk-ins. And they were definitely enthusiastic! VIPs got a tour of the new exhibit at the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org"><u>museum</u></a> — which I haven’t seen yet! — <em>Lights! Camera! Burlesque!</em>, showcasing burlesque as portrayed in movies, burlesque performers who made the jump to Hollywood, and filmed burlesque shows.</p>
<p>The show was a celebration of things summery and patriotic, which a little USO flavor. Alas, there are no photos, so you’ll just have to make do with my commentary.</p>
<p><strong>Gabe & Sarah:</strong> <em>Candy Butcher</em><br>
<a title="IMG_2177" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51312308664/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51312308664_997514eb4b_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a>This is a classic burlesque bit, where a fast-talking con man sells boxes of candy by promising ridiculous prizes in some of the boxes. This particular night, being “Bank Night” (sign by Devastasia), there is an additional promise of cash prizes. It’s all a lie. Gabe took the original script and ran with it. In true burlesque fashion, he improvised bits and added some physical comedy. Poor Sarah could barely keep up with the orders and plaintively asked backstage if there were any more boxes of candy. We were stunned that we’d sold all we had in no time flat. Gabe was a more successful pitchman than we expected!<br>
<i>A peek behind the curtain: The Uncle Sam’s Whiz-Bangs (with that All-American Flavor) were actually boxes of Starbursts with a paper wrapper Scratch designed (and your humble correspondent did most of the wrapping. Such a glamourous life!)</i></p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Betty Blaize & Mina Murray: </strong><em>The Lion Sleeps Tonight</em></span><br>
Such a silly number. We created it in less than a week as kind of a throw-away act. Who would have imagined we’d still be performing it over a decade later *and* teaching it so others can perform it. It’s a bit unusual in that we do a spoken word intro. Also, many of those ridiculous hand-gestures are authentic 16th century <em>mudras</em> from classical Indian dance (of which Betty is an expert practitioner).</p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Devastasia: </strong><em>Cape Cod</em></span><br>
One of the surprises of the Pandemic was learning that Devastasia has a beautiful singing voice. She sang in two of our recorded shows, but this was her first outing before a live audience. She did a wonderful job singing of the pleasures of a trip to the Cape.<br>
<em>A peek behind the curtain: Devastasia did all the audio editing to make the backtrack exactly what she wanted, including adding in the sea gulls and distant harbor bells.</em></p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Ava Fox: </strong><em>In The Mood</em></span><br>
This was a great stage for tapping, so Ava let loose with this joyful striptease with a 1940s feel.</p>
<p><strong><span class="">Betty Blaize & Scratch: </span></strong><i class="">Baseballs<br>
</i>A brief comedy bit that leads into the next act. We like to throw some comedy bits into a show in homage to the original burlesque shows, which were not all striptease.<br>
<em>A peek behind the curtain: Although we try to base our comedic interludes on actually comedy sketches from the Gold Age of burlesque, we have to substantially rewrite many of them as they are often too sexist, racist, or violent for modern sensibilities. </em></p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Betty Blaize: </strong></span><i class="">Stuff Like That There</i><br>
Keeping with our summer theme, Betty appeared as a devoted Red Sox fan who gets so excited that her clothes come flying off. Betty made the entire costume, including the baseball bra and infield undies.</p>
<p><strong><span class="">Scratch: </span></strong><i class="">Martini Time</i><br>
Bottles keep mysteriously multiplying to the bafflement of Scratch and the audience.<br>
<em>A peek behind the curtain: this magic trick is choreographed to the song “Martini Time” by Rev. Horton Heat. However, in tech rehearsal, there was something wrong with the track — this is why you have tech rehearsals! — so Scratch used a different song in performance. Nobody was the wiser; he’s just that good!</em></p>
<p><strong><span class="">Mina Murray: </span></strong><i class="">French Champagne</i><br>
I love this act, despite its complicated set up. I felt badly about inflicting it on our novice stage crew, but they did great! What does it have to do with our theme? I’m cooling down with some ice!</p>
<p><strong>INTERMISSION</strong></p>
<div class="">
<p><span class=""><strong>Devastasia: </strong><i class="">Summertime<br>
</i>This is one of Devastasia’s most beautiful costumes — and has a lot of creativity in the construction! </span></p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Gabe: </strong><em>It’s Been a Long, Long Time</em></span><br>
We were fortunate that Gabe is a talented pianist, and the venue had a piano we could use, <strong>and</strong> it was in tune! Marvel fans might recognize this melancholy song from several moments during Captain America’s story.</p>
<p><strong><span class="">Mina Murray: </span></strong><i class="">Too Darn Hot<br>
</i>I couldn’t do a show without including a fan dance. This one had been appropriate for the weather, until Saturday, of course. It’s always fun to include a little striptease while fan dancing. I used to do this act on a boat for <em>Harborlesque</em>, with Stella Diamond singing, and while I miss Stella, it was nice to perform it on a stage that doesn’t move.<br>
<em style="color:initial;">A peek behind the curtain: the “magic” bra is a innovation designed by Manuge et Toi and constructed by me.</em></p>
</div>
<div></div>
<p><strong>Ava Fox & Devastasia:</strong> <em><em>Don’t Sit Under the Appletree<br>
</em></em>This act was created for <em><em>L.D.R.: Love in the Time of Coronavirus, </em></em>but this was its first outing in front of a live audience. Ava and Devastasia are military cuties, with a friendly rivalry.<br>
<em>A peek behind the curtain: Ava made those beautiful fans completely from scratch. She cut the acrylic staves, sewed the fabric feathers, assembled the fans, and decorated them.</em></p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Gabe & Scratch: </strong></span><span class=""><i class="">Deductions<br>
</i></span>Another vintage comedy bit. They laid the groundwork for Scratch as the overbearing boss and Gabe as the put-upon employee during the opening of Gabe’s song above.</p>
<p><span class=""><strong>Betty Blaize: </strong><i class="">1812 Overdrive<br>
</i>Despite the 1812 overture not being about the War of 1812, it has become an Independence Day staple. Don’t ask me why. Betty goes all out with a gambling-themed act including a huge stack of dice that she can climb up on.<br>
<em>A peek behind the curtain: Betty built and decorated those dice herself. She’s also the one who assembles them — if you need to trust the security of a set piece, you need to trust those who set them up. If this sounds like a Friday Tip, it’s because <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2015/12/04/friday-tip-213/"><u>it is</u></a>.</em><br>
</span></p>
<p><span class=""><i class=""><strong>Ava Fox, Devastasia, Mina Murray & Scratch: </strong></i></span><span class=""><i class="">Date Night<br>
</i>Another classic comedy bit. We did this one in <em>The BeauTease Holiday Special</em> where Devastasia actually got to say her scandalous last time, since Scratch could bleep it instead of having to interrupt.</span></p>
<p><i class=""><span class=""><strong>Ava Fox, Devastasia & Mina Murray: </strong></span>Stompin’ at the Savoy<br>
</i>This is one of our standard adorable trios. Now that I’m thinking about it I believe we debuted this on the Harbourlesque boat at our tenth anniversary party. We switched up the look a bit so we were in red and in white and in blue.<br>
<span class=""><em>A peek behind the curtain: Usually I’m in the center position, but I also had a red costume, so I moved to the appropriate end. The choreography is just different enough for the three positions that I had a heck of a time adjusting at first.</em></span></p>
<p>And that was the show! And then we had to strike everything and load out, so there wasn’t much time for more than briefly greeting our beloved audience.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you! I appreciate you all so much. To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66838532021-07-09T15:37:44-04:002021-07-09T19:15:04-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Tropical Storm Elsa is pouring down as I write this. I hope everyone in the storm’s path is staying safe and dry.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you’re going to throw something into the audience, lob it underhand. </em></p>
<p>Whatever treat you’re giving out, whether it be candy, condoms, or what have you, you don’t want anyone to get hit in the face. A gentle toss is best. Also, make sure aim some goodies toward the back rows so the cheap seats have a chance to catch some too.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you! I appreciate you all so much. To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66776062021-07-02T15:16:30-04:002021-07-02T18:45:19-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! It’s particularly happy today as the heat as broken and it’s pouring rain here in Boston. And tomorrow we have our <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/red-hot-and-blue-tickets-72753"><u>first live show</u></a> in 16 months!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>If you use a table in your act, bring a tablecloth.</em></p>
<p>If we need a table, most of us are going to be bringing a folding table or using something that the venue has. In either case, they are unlikely to be lovely. A tablecloth can disguise a myriad of sins and help set the scene for your act. A long cloth will also make under the table a fine storage space for something you need later in the act or want to hide after use.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you! I appreciate you all so much. To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66751882021-06-30T11:44:42-04:002021-06-30T14:30:23-04:00Performing Live Again<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>The BeauTease have our <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/red-hot-and-blue-tickets-72753">first live show* on Saturday</a>! We’ve been performing throughout the Long Intermission — five recorded shows (and I’m pretty proud of how much better they got as time went on), but it’s not the same thing. Performing for a camera is not like performing for people. Live means no reshoots and no clever editing — what you see is what you get. Nobody is going to be watching the recording later; the audience that shows up that night is the total audience we have.</p>
<p>We went back to rehearsing twice a week. Besides dusting off our acts, we are also refreshing the rhythms of a show. Although we’ve kept practicing our dance moves and routines, that’s only part of what makes up a show. We have to remember how to set up the backstage, the most efficient way to change costumes between acts, how to engage the audience and react to their reactions, how to support one another before and during the performances, what equipment to bring.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:revert;color:initial;">It’s a brand new venue for us — upstairs from the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">American Burlesque Collection</a>. So exciting! Scratch and Hunter have been working in the theatre to improve the lighting (and possibly other things that I don’t know about). We’ve left plenty of time in the schedule to try out the stage and figure out the quirks and advantages, but still there are likely to be some surprises (not necessarily a bad thing). </span></p>
<p>It’s the magic of live theatre! I hope you will join us on <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/red-hot-and-blue-tickets-72753">Saturday</a>! (VIP tickets get you a tour of the new museum exhibit before the show!)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p>*Full disclosure, there were two live performances in early spring this year — one just me and one with the troupe. Both were small, private birthday parties, with safety precautions, but it was still very stressful and only served to remind me what I was missing so badly.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66707332021-06-25T15:21:08-04:002021-06-25T19:45:16-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! It’s hard to believe June is almost over and July is right around the corner. I’m excited because the BeauTease have their first live show since Valentine’s Day 2020! Join us for <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/red-hot-and-blue-tickets-72753"><em>Red Hot & Blue</em></a> on July 3rd in Salem, MA! </p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>The world feels like it’s starting to go back to normal, but doesn’t have to be the same as it was. Take some time to revisit your relationships — with your venues, fellow performers, producers, but especially yourself. This is a great time to re-examine and make changes. You’re not the same person; you don’t need to fall back into the same patterns.</em></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66681662021-06-23T10:57:12-04:002021-06-23T13:00:23-04:00In the Kitchen: Best Ordinary Pottage (1615)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Sinister Sarah, a member of my Advisory Committee on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>Patreon,</u></a> requested an Elizabethan recipe. (If you’d like to make requests as well, please join the $5 tier). Technically this recipe was published after Elizabeth’s death, but it’s still got a Renaissance style, rather than a Restoration one. </p>
<p><em>therefore to make the best ordinarie Pottage, you shall take a racke of Mutton cut into pieces, or a leg of Mutton cut into pieces; for this meate, and these ioynts are the best, although any other ioynt or any fresh Beefe will likewise make good Pottage: and hauing washt your meate well, put it into a cleane pot with faire water, and set it on the fire; then take Violet leaues, Endive, Succory, Strawberry leaues, Spinage, Langdebeefe, Marigold flowers, Scallions, & a little Parsly, & chop them very small together; then take halfe so much Oat-meale well beaten as there is Hearbs, and mixe it with the Hearbs, and chop all very well together: then when the pot is ready to boyle, skum it very wel, and then put in your hearbs, and so let it boyle with a quick fire, stirring the meat oft in the pot, till the meat bee boyld enough, and that the hearbs and water are mixt together without any separation, which will bee after the consumption of more than a third part: then season them with Salt, and serue them vp with the meate, either with Sippets or without. (Gervase Markham, The English Huswife, 1615)</em></p>
<p>If you want to see how I cooked this (in 16th century attire!), you can join my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>Patreon</u></a> at any level to watch the video.</p>
<p><a title="Tasting pottage" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51264402181/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51264402181_915ae893cb_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>I used lamb, since mutton is hard to acquire. For the herbs I used endive, spinach, violet and strawberry leaves (from my garden), parsley (also from the garden), & scallions. “Succory” is chicory, but my supermarket didn’t have any. I wanted curly endive, to be closer to the historic sort, but all the market had was Belgian. Although I’ve grown edible marigolds in the past, I didn’t this year. Even herbals of the time period were unclear about exactly what herb “langdebeefe” (ox-tongue) is, so I felt no guilt at leaving it out. Oat meal as used here is meal made from oats, not today’s rolled oats oatmeal. I started with steel-cut oats (since that’s what I could acquire) and ground them fine with a mortar and pestle.</p>
<p>I put the lamb, cut into chunks, and bones into a heavy pot and covered it with water and set it to boil. I chopped the greens fine. There were 4 cups of greens, so I added 2 cups oat meal, according to the recipe. Once the broth had almost come to a boil, I skimmed off any foam, and then added the greens and oats.</p>
<p>Markham says to boil it on a quick fire, stirring, until it’s one-third reduced. I had to keep stirring it as the pottage got very thick very quickly. After half an hour, I called it done and added some salt.</p>
<p>I was expecting a thick soup or stew and what I got was more of a porridge — very solid. Still, it tasted good. It was rather meaty-flavored but also fresh and bright from the greens. I had been concerned about the bitterness of the greens, but cooking mellowed them out. Markham says you can serve the pottage on sippets, pieces of stale bread to soak up broth or gravy. My version had absolutely no liquid to soak up, so I skipped the sippets. I wasn’t thrilled about how dense the pottage turned out, although I really liked the flavor.</p>
<p><a title="Pottage" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51263670557/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51263670557_72d135462f_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>The next morning I reheated some for breakfast and decided to add quite a lot of boiling water to thin it out. And that got me thinking about <em>jook</em>, a thick rice soup (thanks to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/louisehungwords/"><u>Louise Hung</u></a> for her recipe!). It’s also made with meat and veggies and grain, but a smaller amount of rice and a lot of liquid. The result is definitely soup and not cereal. I think the proportions of oats to water in the pottage needs to change. The pottage also wants to cook for a longer time on lower heat, mostly covered. </p>
<p>Here’s what I’d do next time.</p>
<p><strong>Proposed Pottage Reconstruction<br></strong>1 pound lamb, cut into pieces<br>4 cups chopped greens (I used 1 1/2 cup each endive & spinach and 1/4 cup each violet leaves, strawberry leaves, parsley, and scallions)<br>1 cup ground oats<br>6 cups water<br>Salt</p>
<p>Cover lamb with water and bring to a gentle boil. If any foam rises to the surface, skim it off. Add greens and oatmeal. Loosely cover pot and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook about 1 hour. If mixture gets too thick, add up to 2 cups additional water. Salt to taste.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66637962021-06-18T14:16:18-04:002021-06-18T18:45:24-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Reapply your sunblock more frequently than you used to.</em></p>
<p>The SPF (sun protection factor) in sunblock refers to how long you can stay in the sun before you burn. If you usually burn after 15 minutes, 15 SPF will let you stay in the sun for almost four hours. However, most of us have spent over a year inside and our skin doesn’t have the tolerance for the sun that it did when it was getting more exposure. So, use that sunblock more often to avoid burning!</p>
<p>Personally I prefer a sunblock with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide rather than a chemical sunscreen. Add a big hat, sunglasses, and a wrap for more protection, plus additional glamour.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66614612021-06-16T15:12:08-04:002021-06-16T16:45:23-04:00Review: Grizzly Pulp #1<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Pulp novels and burlesque shows have a lot in common — they were inexpensive, guilty pleasures, rather racy, a little silly, a lot over the top, entertaining in an expected way.</p>
<p>Grizzly Pulp is bringing back the pulp novels staring confidential investigator Tokey Wedge! Who? That’s what I asked too. The good folks at Grizzly Pulp sent me a copy of their first offering (and some cool barware) to check out and I thought I’d share my review with you. Do not expect high art.</p>
<p><a title="239819.nympho-promobook-2" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51237436984/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51237436984_50bd890d93_w.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="239819.nympho-promobook-2" width="200" /></a><em>Nympho Lodge</em> (Grizzly Pulp #1) by Jack Lynn, originally published 1959.</p>
<p>Janice Bradley is afraid. Her husband is about to divorce her, but she won’t give up The Wagon Wheel, a resort they own jointly. Now she’s received a threatening note hinting at arson. She fears her husband might kill her to get control of the property, so she hires Tokey to be her bodyguard. The contested resort is full of gorgeous women with hot bodies and soon it’s also full of cold bodies… the dead kind. Everyone is a suspect, including Tokey. In the tradition of pulp novels, do not expect a happy ending.</p>
<p>Tokey is short and scrawny, but a tough fighter and a good shot. Almost all the women are tall, busty, lusty and desperate for Tokey. He spends the entire book fending off their advances, except when he doesn’t. The plot is full of twists and turns, but if you know the pulp formula, you’ll probably figure out the murderer.</p>
<p>This book is ridiculous. It’s a parody of the hard-boiled detective novel. Do note that on the cover it’s not a “Case” or an “Adventure”; it’s a “Swinger”. That should tell you all you need to know. It’s full of lurid violence and sex described in overblown prose. Wild similes abound, as do sentence fragments and the occasional 50 cent word. The prologue has nothing to do with the main plot. The writing is absolutely of its era (late 1950s) in terms of language and attitudes. </p>
<p>That’s not to say it’s not fun. It’s a quick read with constant action. I love the fact that Grizzly Pulp has printed it on, well, pulp paper. They’ve also been kind enough to wrap the book in a plain black dust jacket, marked only “Grizzly Pulp #1”. That saves some embarrassment, if you’re perusing <em>Nympho Lodge</em> in public — maybe on the beach or poolside. It would be a fine vacation read. Just be warned that you can whip through it in no time, like a bag of potato chips.</p>
<p>The original plan was to sell the first six books in the series at dive bars (how fun!), but the pandemic screwed that up. You can read a sample from <em>Nympho Lodge</em> and buy the book at <a href="https://www.grizzlypulp.com/store.html#/">Grizzly Pulp’s store</a>. If you know an indie bookstore that would like to carry these, drop <a href="https://www.grizzlypulp.com/contact.html#/">Grizzly Pulp</a> a line! <em>Nympho Lodge</em> is currently the only book available, but the next ones should be coming out soon. Keep your eyes peeled for <em>Mad for Kicks</em> — “Tokey takes on a GANG of thrill-mad BEATNKS on a shocking binge of MURDER AND PERVERSITY!”</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66566222021-06-11T11:04:00-04:002021-06-11T12:45:15-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! I’m out of town! I got on a plane for the first time in a year and a half to see my family. However, I would not neglect your tip. </p>
<p><em>If you wear glasses, have a pair that suits your stage persona.</em></p>
<p>A lot of performers who need corrective lenses prefer to wear contacts or, if their vision isn’t too bad, take off their glasses before they hit the stage. But some would prefer to wear their glasses and sometimes circumstance require it (like an injury or illness — ask me how I know…). </p>
<p>In those cases, have a spare pair for stage. They could be vintage or rhinestone-encrusted or whatever goes with your look, so you are presenting a complete package to the audience. You don’t want to be wearing something that looks utilitarian when the rest of you is glam.</p>
<p>However, I can’t take my own advice because my prescription is so freaking extreme that I can’t afford a second pair of glasses. So I made sure my current frames worked for everyday and for stage. They’re a tortoise shell that kind of looks like leopard print and they have a bit of a cat’s eye shape. It’s a pretty good compromise.</p>
<p>The most important thing, though, is that you can see well enough not to fall off the stage!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this. </p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66497322021-06-04T12:30:59-04:002021-06-04T14:30:21-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Here we are, Friday again! After 10 years, maybe I should come up with an actual name for these weekly tips…</p>
<p>Last Friday we talked about washing feathers, here’s how you clean them if they’re too delicate for water or attached to something that shouldn’t get wet.</p>
<p><em>Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt from feathers.</em></p>
<p>A soft flat natural-bristle paintbrush is the best, but you can also use a microfiber cloth. The key is a very light touch. You don’t want to damage the barbules — those are the little hooks that hold together to make the feather vane one smooth piece. Brush in the direction of feather growth — from the shaft to the edge, working your way from the base to the tip. Everyone once in a while, it’s okay to gently stroke the feather with your fingers. A little of the oil on your skin is actually good for the feather.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66425392021-05-28T11:02:00-04:002021-05-28T11:30:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Here it is, Friday again and I have once again failed to fill your week with delightful missives. For that I am terribly sorry. May has been a busy month indeed!</p>
<p>I’m teaching my last installment of <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/fantastic-fan-dance-tickets-67733">Fantastic Fan Dancing</a> tomorrow with “Fan Dance Uncovered”, a history of the art. I’m very excited to teach this brand new class and a little nervous, since it will be my first hybrid class, taught simultaneously at the American Burlesque Collection and on Zoom. Tickets to the in-person class are very limited and include museum admission and a guided tour of the “Fantasy of the Fan Dancer” exhibit. I hope you will join me!</p>
<p>May also celebrates 4 years on Patron and 500 tips right here! You have until Monday to subscribe to my Patreon at the Advisory Committee tier ($5/month) and download my <em>Very Little Book of Costuming Tips</em>, which contains 25 helpful hints to improve your costume-making!</p>
<p>And now for your tip!</p>
<p><em>You can wash ostrich feathers.</em></p>
<p>I know it seems terrifying, it can be done! You can wash loose feathers or ones attached to washable clothing. Feathers on fans or headdresses and antique or fragile fragile get a different treatment, which perhaps will become another tip.</p>
<p>Note: if your feathers have been dyed, there is the possibility you’ll get some bleeding. Test a small spot first.</p>
<ul>
<li>Fill a basin (sink, tub, etc.) with tepid water and a little mild soap. Dawn is my go-to.</li>
<li>
<em>Gently</em> swish the feathers or feather-trimmed garment through the soapy water. Don’t rub or scrub.</li>
<li>To rinse, swish through clean cool water. Repeat with new changes of water until the water is clear.</li>
<li>You are going to be horrified at how your feathers look. <strong>Don’t panic!</strong>
</li>
<li>Lay your feathers on a fluffy towel to dry, preferably on a drying rack. Don’t try to wring out the moisture.</li>
<li>The feathers will fluff up a bit as they dry, but after they are completely dry, steam them for maximum fluff.</li>
</ul>
<p>(I was really sure I’d given you a tip about steaming in the past… I guess it’s a future tip!)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66418082021-05-27T16:09:13-04:002021-05-27T16:15:12-04:00Review: Forbidden City, USA<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I know I haven’t been so communicative this month. I’ll try to make it up to you next month, but for now, here’s a quick review.</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/0991573307.01._SY200_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></p>
<p><em>Forbidden City</em><em>, USA: Ch</em><em>inese American Nightclubs, 1936-1970</em> by Arthur Dong, 2014.</p>
<p>This book is on the same topic as <a href="https://amzn.to/2JG42Ot"><em>Forbidden City: The Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs</em></a><em>, </em>but it’s also a companion to a <a href="https://www.deepfocusproductions.com/films/forbidden-city-usa/">documentary</a>, released in 1989. The pages are packed with photos, menus, press clippings, some with wording that may have been cute then, but is cringe-worthy now. The real meat is the interviews with the singers, specialty dancers, and showgirls.</p>
<p>I was most interested in the interview with Noel Toy, the Chinese Sally Rand, who features in my new class, <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/fantastic-fan-dance-tickets-67733"><em>Fan Dance Uncovered</em></a> (join me on Saturday!). As a nude dancer and later as a stripteaser, she’s the only performer interviewed who did who we would consider burlesque acts. Ivy Tam, a founding member of the Grant Avenue Follies, does mention Coby Yee and scoffs at anyone dismissing her as “just a stripper”. A couple of the others are clear to point out that nobody showed everything, not like American burlesque.</p>
<p>The performers (and one club owner and a choreographer) tell their stories in their own words, which is so precious since so many are no longer with us. They talk about hard word and fun, but also adversity from the more traditional member of their community and war-time prejudices — some of the “Chinese” performers were actually Japanese.</p>
<p>I’ll be looking up the documentary. Reading first-person histories is great, but actually hearing and seeing them is even better.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66368212021-05-21T15:40:59-04:002021-05-21T16:45:08-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! How does that keep happening?</p>
<p>A few announcements first…</p>
<p>I’ll be teaching a <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/workshops"><u>fan dance routine workshop</u></a> tomorrow (Saturday) at 2PM (Eastern), on-line. It’s Pay-What-You-Can and your fans can be any size and any material.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1834" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51193617148/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51193617148_9973c8d14b.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_1834" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>BeauTease Burlesque has a video in the <a href="http://www.hollywoodburlesquefestival.com/"><u>Hollywood and Southern California Burlesque FILM Festival</u></a> and we’d love your vote for <a href="http://www.hollywoodburlesquefestival.com/fan-favorite-award"><u>Fan Favorite</u></a>! You can vote up until midnight Pacific time on May 25th. Unless you watched the one screening of <em>The Underwear Academy</em>, you’ve never seen this act before, so go watch it and vote!</p>
<p>And now for your tip…</p>
<p><em>Don’t trust that your Facebook account will always exist.</em></p>
<p>Facebook, more than any other social media, has become ubiquitous in our lives and our businesses. As a performer, you need to use it to promote your shows and your other projects. That means creating events (and maybe selling tickets through them), running Pages and Groups, and other features. But…</p>
<p>FB does not love burlesque performers and other sexy people. You never know what post might get your shapely ass thrown in FB jail for 30 days or get your account suspended or even deleted. And FB makes it very hard to appeal their decisions and impossible to talk to an actual human being to get some answers or plead your case, so you may be stuck.</p>
<p>Make sure you have a backup account or a trusted friend or colleague set up as an admin on everything you run through FB so you’re not locked out.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66307422021-05-14T16:05:40-04:002021-05-14T17:00:12-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s another celebratory Friday! B.A.B.E. turned 15 today! I taught my first burlesque class under the auspices of my own school on May 14, 2006 (it was Mother’s Day). I didn’t expect the class to sell out and I certainly didn’t expect that a decade and a half I’d still be running a burlesque academy. Thank you, everyone, for your support over the years — all my students, instructors, and anyone who has spread the good word about B.A.B.E. Here’s looking forward to many more years of bump & grind!</p>
<p>This tip comes from something I realized very early on as an instructor.</p>
<p><em>When creating a teaching choreography, be sparing with moves where you face away.</em></p>
<p>When performing on stage, we often coyly turn our backs on the audience. It’s a great tease! However, when you’re teaching and you turn away, you can’t see the students and they can’t see you! It’s even worse if you’re teaching in a space without mirrors.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66243972021-05-07T12:54:31-04:002021-05-07T13:30:02-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s a celebratory Friday! You’ll see why when you read your tip…</p>
<p><em>The journey of 500 tips starts with a single post.</em></p>
<p>I never thought, back in 2011, when I started this blog, that I would get to 500 tips. I was just looking for a little content and decided to post an occasional tip. And “occasional” became weekly. And then that became a decade.</p>
<p>Big projects can be accomplished a little at a time, especially if you’re consistent about working on them.</p>
<p>I’m celebrating 10 years of <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/friday-tips/">Friday Tips </a>and four years on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patreon</a>! If you join my Patreon this month at the $5 level, you can download…<br>
<a title="Little Book of Costume Tips" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51163242765/in/dateposted/"><br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51163242765_1f2834c9cc.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Little Book of Costume Tips" height="500" width="333" /></a><br>
…a charming little PDF with 25 of my favorite costuming tips from this blog and a few new ones. Graphic design, including amusing illustrations, by Mr. Scratch (without whom I would never get anything done).</p>
<p>Thank you for accompanying me on this journey, Dear Reader!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66183642021-04-30T11:30:00-04:002021-04-30T15:15:11-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! I’m spending my day helping <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">The American Burlesque Collection</a> get ready for their reopening tomorrow. In honor of the temporary exhibit The Fantasy of the Fan Dancer, I’ll be teaching <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/fantastic-fan-dance-tickets-67733">fan dance workshops</a> in May!</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51147754520/in/album-72157690701378871/" title="Xacto"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51147754520_390e5e2736.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a><em>Store your X-Acto knife blade point down in the handle.</em></p>
<p>These little babies are so useful for all sorts of projects and it’s easy to add a sharp new blade. It’s also easy to lose the protective cap. If you store your blade like this, you are much less likely to stab or cut yourself. I learned this little trick from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missninanightingale/">Nina Nightingale </a>during an session of her Charm School, presented by <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com">Atlas Obscura</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66120192021-04-23T10:19:50-04:002021-04-23T12:15:27-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! It’s a particularly good one for me as I got my second vaccination this morning. Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Heat will soften hot glue.</em></p>
<p>Makes sense, right? This is great because you can fix mistakes by hitting the glue with a heat gun or sometimes even a blow dryer (depending on the glue). This is not great because if you leave an item in the car in the summer you can lose all your hard work.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66103902021-04-21T15:46:40-04:002021-04-21T17:15:18-04:00In Memoriam: Tempest Storm<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Last night I got the sad news that Tempest Storm had died at 93*. In some way I thought she’d outlive us all.</p>
<p>She was probably the most famous of our Living Legends and I don’t need to rehash her life and career here (you can read her <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/review-the-lady-is-a-vamp/">memoir</a> or see <i>Teaserama</i> or the 2016 documentary <em>Tempest Storm</em>).</p>
<p>I first saw Tempest at Miss Exotic World in 2006. She strutted on stage in a purple evening gown and boa to the beat of an actual drummer. She was every inch a queen and owned that room. She had the audience in the palm of her hand her entire act (I think it was about 3 songs; definitely more time than anyone else got). This was a true connection between or past and our present, right there on stage in front of me. Even in her late 70s, she was gorgeous and graceful.</p>
<p>A couple of years later I was overwhelmed to learn we** would be performing in <em>Tempest Storm’s Las Vegas Burlesque Revu</em>e for its New England dates. Tempest wasn’t performing, since she had recently broken her hip, but she introduced the show with her charming accent and gave the audience a good look at her famous figure and trademark flaming hair. She was so kind and gracious, posing for pictures and signing autographs afterwards. After the show at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine (easily the biggest venue I’ve ever played), the cast went out for a late-night seafood feast. At a long table packed with performers, there were oysters and wine and lots of loud conversation and laughter. I think we were celebrating Angie Pontani’s birthday. Tempest sat quietly at the end of the table, with a soft smile. I wish I had known what to say to draw her out, convince her to tell some stories of her amazing life, but I was too awestruck.</p>
<p>I’m grateful for those small brushes with greatness. Tempest was not just a Legend; she was Legendary. Our world is a little duller without her sparkle.</p>
<p><a title="Tempest photo" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51129885427/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51129885427_a0facbdfe8.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tempest photo" width="400" /></a><br><a title="IMG_0547" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51130956600/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51130956600_21e6124e3a.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /></a></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p>*or 23 — she was born on February 29.<br>**Betty and I were performing; Scratch ended up, as usual, supplying vital tech expertise and backstage support, including providing a chaise for Kitten DeVille to hump.</p>
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Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66062222021-04-16T13:28:39-04:002021-04-16T17:30:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! It’s snowing here in Boston! Of course it is, because this would have been Expo weekend…</p>
<p>Last week we were watching Scratch’s niece perform as a finalist* at the NYC Teen Poetry Slam and one of the judges said this:</p>
<p><em>A setback is a setup for a comeback</em>.</p>
<p>And what a setback this past year has been. Let’s start to set up our comebacks.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this..</p>
<p>*We are pretty goddamn proud of her</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/66051992021-04-15T17:04:51-04:002021-04-15T17:30:24-04:00Review: Marinka: From Havana To Burlesque<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Like the rest of the burlesque world, I was saddened to hear of the death of Marinka, Queen of the Amazons and grateful that she shared the story of her life.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_1554" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51117470019/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51117470019_bc6a509510_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="162" /></a><a href="https://www.marinkabook.com"><em>Marinka: From Havana to Burlesque</em></a> by Marinka Melanie Hunter and Lily Star, 2020.</p>
<p>In this memoir, Marinka is honest about her life, particularly her big secret, which she kept for so long. In her introduction she says “If I had done this when I was 30, it would have been a sensation instead of my story.” I’m certainly glad times and attitudes have changed enough that she felt she could finally be completely honest and tell her whole story without it being lost behind the sensational nature.</p>
<p>Growing up in Havana, as the thirteenth and youngest child of wealthy Spanish immigrants, Marinka was different from other children. A fortune teller declared the five-year-old was born under a “different star”. Marinka’s parents were worried by their youngest’s effeminate behavior. In 1959, when Castro took power in Cuba, Marinka’s parents thought New York City, where one of their daughters lived, would be a safer place for their flamboyant teenager.</p>
<p>Once in New York, Marinka could finally live as she truly was, as a woman. She became acquainted with the underground gay and drag scene. After being declared “the most beautiful drag queen in New York City” at a ball, she was hired as a female impersonator at The Powderpuff Revue and also learned to belly dance. At this time she used the stage name “Sully”.</p>
<p>Very soon she became an exotic dancer. Her agent had dubbed her “Tina Darling”, but she wasn’t comfortable with it. She heard the name “Marinka” and knew that was who she was. She began working in “mixing clubs” (including the Teddy Bare Lounge and Two O’Clock in Boston), where the dancers would sit and drink with the patrons between acts.</p>
<p>One of her tours took her to Ohio and the Toledo burlesque theatre run by legendary performer and impresario Rose La Rose. Rose took one look at the striking beauty and asked why she wasn’t a feature. Marinka didn’t think she had the act or the experience to become a feature, but Rose La Rose thought otherwise. First, Marinka had to return to New York for something very important.</p>
<p>In December 1969, Marinka entered a hospital for the moment she had been dreaming of — gender confirmation surgery, or as she called it then, a sex change operation. A warning here: she describes her surgery and recovery from it in a fair bit of detail. After jumping through a few legal hoops, she was able to update all her official paperwork to reflect who she really was and chose the name Maria Arias. I’m unclear when she started using the name Melanie Hunter.</p>
<p>Marinka’s burlesque career was taking off. She returned to Toledo and Rose La Rose helped her create a feature act and gave her the move that became her signature — “fucking the curtains”. I loved this chapter because it detailed the different sections of a feature’s act.</p>
<p>From there she became a much sought after headliner. She was a regular at the resorts in the Catskills for many years as well as performing overseas. Bob Fosse cast her in <em>All That Jazz</em> — you can see her in the burlesque club flashback and in the finale — and that led to an appearance in Playboy. More movie work followed, but only as an extra. Unfortunately, Hollywood was uncomfortable with a transgender actress and she never could land a larger role. But burlesque loved her and she continued performing.</p>
<p>Marinka had many loves and marriages and her share of heartbreak. Like so many burlesque Legends, she fell in love with some charming men who spent her hard-earned money and resented her work in burlesque. She’s not bitter about them, just sad at how things turned out. She had happier relationships too, including at least one with a celebrity.</p>
<p>The pacing is a little uneven. She’ll spend one chapter on a particular incident and then cover a longer span of time in the next. The last chapter of the book compresses a couple of decades into a few pages, as she moved from Switzerland to Florida to Las Vegas and began to have health issues.</p>
<p>There are many sections of photos, from early headshots (when she was known as Sully) to her appearances at The Burlesque Hall of Fame. There are also candid shots with her friends and family, plus a few press clippings.</p>
<p>As always, I recommend the memoirs of Legends, because it is so important to know our past. This book is useful as a look back to burlesque history, but it also happens to be enjoyable and entertaining. The tone is very conversational and her story moves along smoothly. Most importantly, it’s the very personal story of a woman who always knew who she was.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65996772021-04-09T14:20:53-04:002021-04-09T17:30:16-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It Friday again! I don’t know about where you are, but here in Boston it is gloriously spring out. I’m writing this in haste so I can go play outside. Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>When costuming a group act in identical or nearly so costumes, make sure to label them so you can tell whose is whose.</em></p>
<p>It’s a useful practice for both short-term and long. It will cut down on the amount of time sifting through a pile of identical bras, trying to find the one that fits you. It’s also useful later for determining which pieces fit other performers if you have a different cast for that act or use the same pieces in a different number.</p>
<p>In the theatre, costumes generally have big tags on the inside with the character name or the name of the actor. In burlesque we have to be more discrete, so the audience can’t see the labels. We have put the markings on the insides of waistbands, under facings, inside pasties, and other mostly hidden places. Sometimes we use embroidery, sometime a fabric marker. You can also add one unique decoration to each garment so if you know, you can tell them apart.</p>
<p>You could label with the performers’ initials, or the size of the garment, or just a number (and then keep a master list of what those numbers mean). The important thing is to be consistent. Unfortunately, over our 15 years, we haven’t been and sometimes end up wondering if the “M” is for “Mina” or “medium” (bad example, because it doesn’t matter in that case).</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65922972021-04-02T13:58:29-04:002021-04-02T14:00:22-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Time for a tip!</p>
<p>Along with my <em>Little Book of Burlesque Costuming</em>, I provide a bookmark which has a list of essential sewing tools and I want to highlight one in particular. I just list “ruler” as one of those essential tools, but today’s tip is about a specific kind of ruler.</p>
<p><em>Get a clear ruler.</em></p>
<p><a title="IMG_1455" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51088287399/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51088287399_f3023aa0e7_m.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a>I originally bought mine to use as a straight-edge with my rotary cutter. Then I realized all the other things it could do, like take the effort out of marking long, accurate lines. It’s invaluable for pattern making and hemming.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65902302021-03-31T14:01:48-04:002021-03-31T14:30:14-04:00Carnival Cream<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>One of my friends sent me this mid-century recipe and kind of dared me to make it. So, of course, I did. If you want to see the whole process in living color, become one of my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patrons</a>!</p>
<p>Carnival Cream is a simple frozen dessert, a little bit like ice cream, with a very special ingredient, which I will reveal later.</p>
<p>You need<a title="IMG_0962" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51085983967/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51085983967_dcd1228719.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0962" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, the Special Ingredient, and maraschino cherries & toasted almonds for topping. (there is actually sugar in this picture — hiding behind the almonds)</p>
<p>Beat the eggs with sugar until thick. Whip the cream until stiff. Carefully fold in the vanilla and Special Ingredient. Fold in the eggs. Pour the mixture into molds and top with chopped cherries and almonds. Freeze until firm.</p>
<p>Isn’t it pretty?</p>
<p><a title="IMG_0972" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51085983997/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51085983997_66c3c3692d.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0972" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>What did I think? It’s sweet and creamy. It’s also much firmer than ice cream, since there’s no churning. Maybe you could use a spoon if you let it thaw a little, but I bit right into it. The cherries and nuts add some much needed texture. The Special Ingredient provides a subtle, but distinctive flavor. It might not be immediately recognized.</p>
<p>So what is the Special Ingredient?</p>
<p>Ketchup.</p>
<p>Yes, you read that correctly. This was a recipe from Heinz Ketchup.<br>For a dessert.<br>Containing ketchup.<br>You see why I just had to try it.</p>
<p>It’s not a disgusting as you might think. Really. It’s kind of odd, but not terrible. One could probably use sriracha instead of ketchup if one liked spicy things (I don’t) and be rather <em>au courant</em>.</p>
<p>Here’s the original recipe. (I rearranged the order slightly in my video and above for dramatic effect.)</p>
<p>Carnival Cream</p>
<p>From Mrs. Frank Flynn, Philadelphia, Pa.</p>
<p>Whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff. Fold in 1/4 cup of the world’s best-loved ketchup, Heinz, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Beat 3 eggs with 1/2 cup sugar until thick. Fold into whipped cream mixture.</p>
<p>Pour into individual molds or ice cube trays. Sprinkle with 3 Tbs finely chopped Maraschino cherries and 2 Tbs. chopped toasted almond.s Freeze until firm. (Makes 8 to 12 servings.)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65859412021-03-26T15:00:43-04:002021-03-26T16:15:13-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Here’s a tip!</p>
<p><em>Check out rhinestone brands other than Swarovski.</em></p>
<p>I know there’s a lot of prestige in the Swarovski name, but the company has decided to get out of the “DIY market” and concentrate on their luxury lines. By the end of the year they will stop selling to retailers who will stop selling to us. (You may weep briefly.)</p>
<p>Do not despair! There are a lot of other great stones out there that might fit your needs and budget better. Get some sample cards, play around with colors, expand your horizons. Be prepared for when all the Swarovskis are gone.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.manugeettoi.com">Manuge et Toi</a> has done some great work researching rhinestone brands. Support her on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Manugeettoi">Patreon</a> to see her rhinestone comparison video.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65794342021-03-19T14:41:18-04:002021-03-19T18:15:16-04:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Spring clean your wardrobe.</em></p>
<p>It’s almost spring and that’s a great time to go through your costume closet. Air everything out! Check for spots that need cleaning or damage that needs repairing. If items have been stored folded, give them a press and refold in a different way, so you don’t create weak spots along the fold lines. Pack away any out-of-season costumes.</p>
<p>And while you’re at it, look over your pieces with a critical eye. Are they all still up to your standards? Do any need alteration or additional embellishment to make them stage-worthy again? Are there some you are honestly never going to wear again? Make a plan to adjust the ones you want to elevate. Sell or give away the ones that don’t make the cut.</p>
<p>Of course, you can do the same with your regular clothes as well.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65723692021-03-12T15:30:23-05:002021-03-12T20:00:16-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>For many this week marked the start of our quarantine year.</p>
<p><em>It’s all right to mourn what you’ve lost.</em></p>
<p>Perhaps you’re grieving for people lost to the pandemic or chances to see friends and family or special occasions. Maybe also lost shows, festivals, other opportunities, &c. . We’ve all lost something. Whatever it is, you can grieve for the loss and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65693002021-03-09T15:19:33-05:002021-03-09T17:00:12-05:00A Year Off Stage<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Last night marked one year since the BeauTease appeared on stage in front of an audience. We were in <em>Taste O’ Burlesque</em> at Thunder Road, bookending the competition. If you want to see the show, much of it is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPnaLjxKBEpPueSEuU6IF3rbmB5zjXNHR">here</a>. We were starting to worry about the approaching epidemic. I had made Guilted Lilly a basket to take on her woodland frolics and when she went to hug me, for a moment, I thought “should I do this?”. I’m so glad I accepted her bountiful embrace, because it was the last time I would touch someone who wasn’t living in my house for many months.</p>
<p>Since then Thunder Road has closed for good and we’ve done five virtual shows (I’ll write about that experience another time). I miss performing live. I miss it so much. I keep thinking about being backstage, getting ready for a show. Chatting with the other troupe members, checking in with the stage hands. Everyone knows what to do — we hang the banners, put together the clothing racks and unpack the costumes, set out snacks (most often Devastasia). It’s fun. It’s hard to imagine that we didn’t have to wear masks and keep our distance.</p>
<p>The best part is being in front of the audience. Something changes when there are people there. A lot of performers talk about the energy of the audience and it’s true. There’s a connection and you each feed off each other’s excitement. Having people to play off, even if it’s just tossing a smile over here or directing a bump over there, makes such a huge difference in performance. Sure, I give my best to the camera (or try to), but I don’t feel as playful or spontaneous as when I’m in front of people. There’s a reason we say “the magic of live theatre”.</p>
<p>I can’t believe it’s been a year. I miss you all.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65663012021-03-05T14:29:33-05:002021-03-05T18:45:22-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Tomorrow The BeauTease are premiering our latest virtual show, <a href="https://bostonbeautease.com/shows"><em>L.D.R.: Love in the Time of Corona</em></a>! Join us at 8pm for a watch party.<br>
<a title="WLDR" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51005778258/in/dateposted/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51005778258_9f3b5b4f69.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="WLDR" width="400" /></a>It’s our first none-iversary! March 8, 2020 was the last time BeauTease Burlesque was seen live in public. We’ve had a year of quarantine and all the isolation, inconvenience, and weird living that goes with it. Some folks haven’t seen their special someone in months; some have been trapped in house with their sweetie and would love a day of solitude. Fortunately, you can always reach out to The Nightfly — the lonely-hearts DJ on WLDR — and tell him all your troubles… <em>Love in the Time of Corona</em> features some fabulous new acts from your favorite BeauTease, plus cameos from special guests like Lili VonSchtupp, The Guilted Lilly, Satine S’Allumer, Willy Barrett, and Jeannie Martini!</p>
<p>Now, here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Be careful, your face could freeze like that!</em></p>
<p>When rehearsing, you’re building up your muscle memory. Your face has muscles too. I know it’s so easy to just focus on what your body is doing while you’re learning without thinking about your facial expressions. I do it too. The danger is training your face to fall into concentration mode while performing instead of whatever emotion you want to convey. So rehearse with your face as well as the rest of your body.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65652432021-03-04T14:48:20-05:002021-03-04T19:15:13-05:00Review: Century Girl<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Today I have for you a fascinating story of the youngest dancer in the Ziegfeld Follies, told in an equally interesting way.</p>
<p><img src="https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/95/ed/95ed7150e7a77125974446c68774141414d6741_v5.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><a href="https://amzn.to/3uTM6mI"><em>Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follie</em>s</a> by Lauren Redniss, 2006.</p>
<p>Doris was born in 1904 to a mother, who, her own show biz aspirations thwarted, was determined to make stars of her seven children. When Doris was 7, she and her sisters, Pearl and Mary, made their professional debut in <em>The Bluebird. </em>Adding their little brother Charlie to the cast, the Eaton children toured the country with the show, with Mary and Doris eventually taking the leads. The children were now firmly ensconced in the world of theatre and continued performing.</p>
<p>In 1918 Pearl was in the Ziegfeld Follies and after summer school let out, 14-year-old Doris joined the chorus. Under New York law performers had to be 16 to be in a “musical comedy”, so Doris used the name Lucille Levant until she was old enough. She found her place as a specialty dancer, while Mary became the prima ballerina and Pearl performed in the racier Midnight Frolic. Even brother Charlie did comedy sketches at the Follies with Fannie Brice and W.C. Fields.</p>
<p>Doris began performing in silent films as well. She got married in Hollywood, but was widowed less than a year later at 19. For several years she shuttled between the films of Hollywood and the New York stage. Her mother’s Manhattan apartment hosted all manner of show business luminaries, like George Gershwin and Fred Astaire, on their nights off. Everything was going splendidly for the performing Eatons, until…</p>
<p>…the Great Depression destroyed the lavish shows like the Follies and diminished Broadway. Ziegfeld died. There was no work for performers. Doris was even considering becoming a taxi dancer when a fortunate phone call sent her to Arthur Murray’s dance studio. She became an instructor, then a promoter, and opened the first franchise, in Detroit. She wrote a dance advice column for the local paper and the number of her studios grew. Her brothers helped her run them, but unfortunately, her sisters did not join her. Their stories do not end well.</p>
<p>Doris met her husband, Paul Travis, through her dance studio empire, which she continued to manage, even as the couple ran a turkey farm. Ever the performer, Doris began hosting a weekly social dance show on TV in 1952. Everything was going well until social dancing died out in the 1960s. Doris extricated herself from the business and started over. Again. She and Paul moved to Oklahoma and managed a horse ranch. She went to college and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.</p>
<p>Doris returned to the stage where it all began in 1997. She was invited to the opening of the refurbished New Amsterdam Theatre. Five former Follies Girls attended, but Doris was the only one who could still dance. She performed “Mandy”, a soft shoe number she had danced in 1919, when she shared that very stage with Eddie Cantor.</p>
<p>I said at the start the method of telling Doris’s story was just as interesting as her life. It’s like flipping through a scrap book. Every page is filled with photographs, line drawings, and newspaper clippings, illustrating Doris’s life. The handwritten text wanders through the images of Doris’s long life. It’s probably just easier to show you.<br>
<a title="IMG_1260" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/51003511021/in/dateposted/"><br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51003511021_0eaafecbb2.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>This creative biography pays loving tribute to Doris Eaton’s long life of dance. Much of it is in Doris’s own words, looking back over a century. If you’re only interested in the Follies, that’s section II — the shows, the performers, Ziegfeld himself, and of course, the experiences of Doris and her sisters.</p>
<p>(Affiliate links in this post benefit the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">American Burlesque Collection</a>, a 501(c)(3) non-profit)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65596172021-02-26T13:11:48-05:002021-02-26T13:15:14-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>To strengthen a piece of stage jewelry, glue it to a sturdy fabric backing.</em></p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50954259032_4fb9638fe3.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></p>
<p>We all have cheap jewelry that looks great on stage, but it’s not very strong and doesn’t last long before something breaks. As a preventive measure, or to salvage a broken piece, you need some white glue, a paintbrush, and some fabric that won’t fray. I use Ultrasuede, but felt works fine. Bonus if you can find or dye a piece close to your skin tone.</p>
<p>Spread the glue (I use the same glue I use for rhinestones) on the back of the piece and then press it onto the backing. Replace any broken bits in their original location. Let it dry.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8042" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/50954259037/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50954259037_cbc3d2a449.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>After the glue is dry, take fabric scissors and cut away the excess fabric. Get as close to the shape of the jewelry as possible . If you want, use a craft knife to get between the stones, but I don’t think it’s so necessary if you use fabric that matches your skin.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Voila!</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8047" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmina/50954155151/in/photostream/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50954155151_097d7f5591.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="375" /></a></p>
<p>If you are one of my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patrons</a>, you can see me demonstrate this process in a little video.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65576652021-02-24T14:26:37-05:002021-02-24T15:15:06-05:00Review: Bettie Page Fitness Workouts<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>I’ve got a pretty good fitness routine of barre classes, plus the occasional treat of a <a href="https://www.toningwithtara.com">Toning with Tara</a> session, but I’m always ready to shake things up and try something new. <a href="https://www.bettiepagefitness.com">Bettie Page Fitness</a> has created two workout videos, each one inspired by the dynamic poses in Bettie’s photos, as well as her body positivity. The workouts were designed and demonstrated by health coach and fitness expert Tori Rodriguez.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/9f46d-clearerdvdcover.png?w=200" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" />The first video is <em>Total Body Strength & Cardio</em>. It’s a 45-minute fitness routine with three circuits of toning, using weights, plus cardio, and one circuit of core work. The first time an exercise is introduced, its name and a photo of Bettie Page in the pose that inspired it flash on the screen. I admire the creativity in taking a still photo and turning it into an exercise, like interpreting a photo of Bettie with her arms and legs spread as a star jack.</p>
<p>I really liked the counter in the corner to help keep track of reps and that the three participants would do some of the exercises at different levels of difficulty. I do wish the participants were mirroring the moves though. That is, when Tori says “left”, everyone on screen moves <em>their</em> left which the viewer’s right. It can get a little confusing between what you hear and what you see. I know mirroring is harder on the instructor, but it makes a big difference</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/0d2b5-finalbettieyogadvdcovercrop.jpg?w=200" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" />The second video is Bettie Page Yoga. I confess I’m not generally a yoga practitioner — most of what I know I learned from my mother who is a yoga instructor, so forgive me if I get a term wrong. This is a 40-minute flow, inspired again by the poses of Bettie Page.</p>
<p>At the beginning Tori suggests setting an intention based on one of Bettie’s characteristics, like her confidence or playfulness. The routine is a mix of traditional poses, like downward-facing dog and warrior 2, interspersed Bettie-inspired poses, like low lunge and standing twist. Again, the first time a Bettie pose appears, a photo of Bettie in the pose and the name appear on the screen , (the names of the traditional poses are spoken only). Tori throws in some pinup touches, like a “big Bettie smile” or blowing a kiss.</p>
<p>It’s a fun twist on circuit training and yoga if you’re a Bettie Page or pinup enthusiast. Both workouts emphasize body positivity and good form, as well as general health and fitness. Bettie Page Fitness also sells yoga mats and beach towels with Bettie’s (licensed) image for the complete package.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65535042021-02-19T11:00:00-05:002021-02-19T15:45:02-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>It’s my birthday! Treat yourself today! And maybe some others too.</em></p>
<p>It’s become traditional to create birthday fundraisers, but I’m not going to be so formal. If you are feeling generous, please consider contributing a little something to a good cause today. These are some of my favorites, if you are so inclined. They’re all 501(c)(3) non-profits, so you’ll be doing good and can take it off your taxes. : -)</p>
<p><a href="https://gorillafund.org">The Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund</a><br>
<a href="https://www.panthera.org">Panthera</a><br>
<a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org">Zoo New England</a><br>
<a href="https://www.mspca.org">MSPCA-Angell</a><br>
<a href="https://plimoth.org">Plimoth Patuxet </a><br>
<a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">The American Burlesque Collection</a></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65525152021-02-18T16:38:52-05:002021-02-18T16:45:19-05:00In the Kitchen: Pineapple Salad (1928)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s my birthday tomorrow and I have a gift for you!</p>
<p>When I made Sub-Gum Chop Suey from <em>The Mandarin Cook Book</em>, I also made Pineapple Salad. It was too weird to pass up! Usually I only share these vintage cooking videos with my Patrons, but thanks to my kind sponsor, <a href="https://www.emporium32.com">Emporium 32</a>, I’m making this little bonus video public! Enjoy!</p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="470" height="265" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oDVNDNc5YWM?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation"></iframe></p>
<p>If you want more like this, consider becoming a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patron</a>. With more Patrons, I can get some better video equipment, like the microphone I clearly need.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50943475781_9912f4e5e9.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /><br><strong>Pineapple Salad</strong><br><strong>Original Recipe<br></strong>Boil 3 cups bean sprouts in pineapple juice. Cover with mayonnaise dressing, flavored slightly with Chinese sauce. Sprinkle with chopped nut meats and garnish with Kumquats cut in quarters.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Mina’s Version</strong><br>Simmer 1 cup bean sprouts in 1 cup pineapple juice until tender. Drain and let cool. Blend 3 tablespoons mayo with 1 teaspoon soy sauce and add enough to the bean sprouts to lightly coat. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted slivered almonds and garnish with citrus sections.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65525162021-02-18T15:25:46-05:002021-02-18T16:45:19-05:00In the Kitchen: Sub-Gum Chop Suey (1928)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>One of my Advisor Committee tier supporters on Patreon, Adrienne F., requested a recipe from the 1920s. I first grabbed a <em>Photoplay</em> cookbook, full of recipes from movie stars of the era, but no dish jumped out at me. Then I remembered I had another Jazz Age cookbook.</p>
<p>The full title is <em>Mandarin Chop Suey Cook Book containing authentic translation of the best recipes of leading Chinese chefs and directions for preparing various popular and healthful Chinese dishes exactly as they are prepared in the Orient</em>. You can take all that with as much salt as you like… It was published by The Pacific Trading Company in Chicago in 1928.</p>
<p>Once again, I have made a video of cooking this dish for my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patrons</a>.</p>
<p>You will need meat (I used boneless pork chops), oil, celery, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, green pepper, mushrooms, pimentos, soy sauce, corn starch, water, and almonds.</p>
<p>Everything should be sliced thinly, then brown the meat in a pan with some oil. Then add the celery, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots and cook for ten minutes. I though this was excessive, and feared the meat would get tough, but followed the instructions to the letter.</p>
<p>Then add the green pepper and mushrooms. At this point the recipes says to simmer until tender. There’s no liquid to simmer. I wonder if you were supposed to add some stock as well, as is done in some of the other chop suey recipes in the book.</p>
<p>Next we add the pimentos and some “Chinese sauce”, which I assumed to be soy sauce, as well as salt and pepper (I skipped the salt because the soy sauce should be salty enough). Lastly some cornstarch in an unspecified amount of water, which would thicken any liquid, but there wasn’t any. Again, an argument for adding some stock earlier in the cooking process. </p>
<p>Serve with chopped almonds on top or mixed in.</p>
<p>It was pretty good, but I would make a few changes if I cooked it again. My fears that the meat would become tough from overcooking were realized and the entire dish really wanted to be saucier. Some of the other recipes in the book said to cook the meat until “half-cooked” and then add the vegetables. Others added half a cup of stock after the vegetables. Both of these would be an improvement. I’d probably also add onions and bean sprouts (and skip the green pepper!), but that’s just my personal taste.</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50943475791_8ed60c0d24.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /></p>
<p>Here’s the original recipe, exactly as writ.</p>
<p><strong>Sub-Gum Chop Suey</strong><br>(4-6 persons)</p>
<p>1 lb. meat (pork or beef)<br>1 green pepper<br>1/2 can pimentos<br>1/2 cup chopped celery<br>1 doz. water chestnuts<br>1 doz. almonds<br>1/2 cup bamboo shoots<br>1 doz. white mushrooms<br>3 tablespoons Chinese sauce<br>1 tablespoon cornstarch</p>
<p>Meat should be cut real small, also all the vegetables.</p>
<p>Have your skillet well greased and hot before you fry the meat. When meat is brown put in the celery, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots. Cook for ten minutes, then add green peppers, mushrooms and let it simmer until tender. Lastly, add chopped pimento, Chinese sauce and a little salt and pepper. Mix cornstarch with cold water and add to the chop suey. You can sprinkle the chopped almonds on top or mix it in the chop suey.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 15 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65468982021-02-12T14:19:39-05:002021-02-12T14:45:21-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Quick commercial, I’m appearing this Saturday at 9pm on Velvet Revue in their <a href="https://velvetrevue.com/heartbreaker-showcase-us/?ref=missminamurray">Heartbreaker Showcase</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s a seasonal quote to liven up your day:</p>
<p><em>“Love is a friendship set to music.”</em><br>
<em>–Joseph Campbell</em></p>
<p>I love the imagery; It makes me think of life as a dance. Have a beautiful week!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65459352021-02-11T15:31:38-05:002021-02-11T16:00:21-05:00Review: Burlesque: The True Art of Seduction<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This book has been kicking around the library at The Manor for a while. Since it was published, about a decade ago, a lot has changed, but it was sort of a nice trip down memory lane.</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/1926893417.01._SY200_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /><a href="https://amzn.to/2YK6AiT"><em>Burlesque: The True Art of Seduction</em></a> by Michel Grondin and Scarlett James, 2011.</p>
<p>I would call this a coffee table book. It’s big, heavy, graphically bold, kinda slick, and full of photos. Montreal burlesque performer Scarlett James graces the cover. There’s not that much text — there’s a lot of white space and some very large fonts. There are a lot of bright colors throughout. Each topic or person has a couple of pages lightly-filled with text or images and usually a quote from Scarlett James with her thoughts on the featured subject. The version I have is a translation from French, so the language is occasionally clunky and the spelling can be erratic.</p>
<p>The first 3 chapters are a history of burlesque from Classical Greece and Rome through the 1960s in America. The third chapter, “American Burlesque” features Legends of burlesque, some long gone, a few still with us (or were at the time). Most, if not all of the living Legends are shown with Scarlett James. There’s an additional two pages briefly mentioning other performers of note, which I found it a little surprising at some of who were relegated to this “also” list.</p>
<p>More than half the book is chapter 4, Neo-Burlesque. It’s loosely arranged geographically, first by country, and then city. Some of the top performers of the time (some of whom still are) make an appearance and notable festivals are mentioned. There are again light write-ups and some large photographs. Although the bulk of the neo-burlesque performers featured are in the US, there is ample coverage of Canada, as you might expect, plus highlighting burlesque in Europe, Japan, and Australia. Full disclosure: Scratch, the Burlesque Expo, and I get a mention (Scarlett likes Scratch’s suits!).</p>
<p>It’s a very pretty book. There’s no in-depth history or detailed biography, just a little taste of burlesque in an attractive package. I don’t think it’s the sort of book one would read cover to cover, but instead flip through and see what catches your eye — and the pages are quite eye-catching. Perhaps you’ll use it as a springboard for further investigation. But really, it’s very pretty.</p>
<p>(Affiliate links in this post benefit the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">American Burlesque Collection</a>, a 501(c)(3) non-profit)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65441242021-02-09T16:05:24-05:002021-02-09T18:30:09-05:00Creating Choreography for BABE<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>True confession time. I do not like creating choreography. It doesn’t come easily to me and it’s not particularly fun. However, it’s a good teaching tool and students seem to like learn routines as much (if not more) as building skills. How about a peek behind the curtain of my process for the new one <a href="https://studyburlesque.simpletix.com/e/63647">I’m teaching on Thursday</a>?</p>
<p>A choreography for teaching is very different than one for performing. I want something easy enough to teach in a limited time, but still challenge the students, have a variety of moves/skills, incorporate modifications as necessary, and be fun. The one in question also needs to evoke Valentine’s Day.</p>
<p>Because I don’t enjoy creating choreography, I dawdle and dally and then have to scramble madly. This time, I vowed to have my shapely butt in gear and make <a href="https://studyburlesque.simpletix.com/e/63647"><em>Valen-Tease</em></a> a quality class without making myself crazy. It didn’t hurt that a whole bunch of students registered as soon as the class was announced. (<a href="https://studyburlesque.simpletix.com/e/63647">Want in</a>? There’s still room.)</p>
<p>I set a deadline of having the whole thing completed by the Sunday before the class (this past Sunday) so I could show it to the BeauTease and get feedback. I had a concept, which is what I announced — a sensual striptease out of a robe, stockings and heels, done partially on a bed or couch. Then I needed music that would fit the bill; something it the 3-minute range, since I have just an hour to teach. Scratch made some suggestions, one of which inspired me to use a different song by the same artist.</p>
<p>Song acquired, I broke it down into sections and sketched out my ideas for each part. Then I got into costume and tried it out. And changed things, and tried again, and changed things, again and again, until something solid and reproducible emerged. It’s a tedious process. At least for me.</p>
<p>At last I had something I was wiling to show other people. As luck would have it, our in-person rehearsal was moved on-line because of the snowstorm, so I could show the troupe from the room where I would be teaching. They gave me some feedback and made some suggestions based on my demonstration. Then we all did it together and gave me some more thoughts.</p>
<p>A little more work and it’s ready for class on Thursday! Except that I’ll probably make a few tweaks while teaching, since no choreography survives contact with students.</p>
<p>Perhaps you’ll join me….</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65409342021-02-05T14:38:31-05:002021-02-05T19:00:24-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Before we begin, a quick reminder that I’m offering <em><a href="https://studyburlesque.com/workshops">Valen-Tease</a> </em>on next Thursday.</p>
<p>Here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Yell out your anger and frustration.</em></p>
<p>We’re all feeling it at some level, having our lives interrupted for almost a year, unable to do things we love, see people we love, and seeing so much loss. So just go yell and shout and scream. Lock yourself in the bathroom, or your car, go into the back yard, lie on your bed with a pillow to muffle your voice. You could even throw things if it would help (and not incur any property damage). Externalize your feelings.</p>
<p>This tip inspired by Michelle L’amour’s honest talk about anger and The NY Times “Primal Scream Line” for overwhelmed mothers.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 14 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65342192021-01-29T12:53:26-05:002021-01-29T14:00:33-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! Before we get down to your tip, some announcements: <br><em>• <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/introduction-to-burlesque-on-line">Introduction to Burlesque</a></em> starts on Wednesday!<br><em>• </em>On Feb. 11, I’m offering <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/workshops"><em>Valen-Tease</em></a>, a striptease routine for a special Valentine’s Day (or night).<br><em>• </em>In case you missed it, a video to accompany yesterday’s recipe is available to supporters on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patreon</a>.</p>
<p>And now for your tip!</p>
<p><em>For more hair volume, use a rat.</em></p>
<p>Not a squeaky rodent, padding for your hairstyle! Rats are usually tubes or donut shapes of foam covered with mesh, tinted to match many hair colors. If you don’t quite have enough hair (like me!) to create a big style, arrange your hair over the rat to plump out your ‘do. Just make sure you cover the entire form with your hair. They’re good for buns, rolls, bumper bangs, and the like. You can get rats at drugstores and beauty supply places.</p>
<p>For a historically authentic rat, use your own hair. What? you may be asking. Didn’t you just say to use rats when you don’t have enough hair? From at least the Victorian era (if not earlier) through to the early 20th century, women would save the loose hair from their brushes and stuff it into little nets to make rats that would match their hair color perfectly.</p>
<p>To save the hair, they used hair receivers, basically a jar with a hole in the lid in which to stuff your brushings. Hair receivers are very pretty since they were kept out on the dressing table, usually with a matching powder jar. I’ve collected a few…</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50887190843_381f6bcec4.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="450" />This was the first dresser set I found, glass jars with some kind of early plastic tops, probably celluloid (I doubt they’re Bakelite, but I haven’t tested). I keep hair brushings in the receiver, as one does, and dried roses from Judith Stein in the powder jar.</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50888024527_3c21e4f920.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="450" />This set is probably from the 1930s. It’s made of French ivory, a kind of celluloid. Not seen in this photo is a matching brush set, manicure tools, and a hand mirror.</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50887190913_09c40266b7.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="450" />This is my favorite set, which is Noritake hand painted china. Based on the backmark, I think it was manufactured sometime in the 1920s, definitely pre-War. I’m still trying to identify the pattern. Any Noritake fans out there?<br>The footed dish may have been for hairpins, but I use it to hold my everyday jewelry overnight. There is dusting powder and a powder puff in the powder jar, as there should be, but I usually use the hair receiver to hold my hatpins until such a time as I get a proper hatpin holder.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 11 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65330362021-01-28T11:33:42-05:002021-01-28T15:30:12-05:00In the Kitchen: Girl Scout Cookies (1922)<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Earlier this year I came across <span style="font-size:inherit;"><em>The Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Cookbook: 100 Recipes for 100 Years</em>. I was thrilled to discover it contained the recipe for the original Girl Scout cookies. I was a Girl Scout for some years and selling cookies was a huge part of it. In fact, one year every girl in my troop had to each sell 200 boxes to help finance a trip we were taking. I can’t imagine baking the cookies as well as selling them! But I had to see what they tasted like.</span></p>
<p>If you’re one of my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray">Patrons</a>, you can see a video of me baking and then trying these cookies.</p>
<p>You need…<br><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50884655296_20cf5cee69.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /><br>flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, eggs, vanilla, salt, and milk.</p>
<p>Cream the butter and sugar together. Beat the eggs and stir in. Add the milk and vanilla, and then the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.</p>
<p>Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for an hour.</p>
<p>Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. The recipe says trefoils, the Girl Scout emblem, but I don’t have a trefoil cutter and I wasn’t going to free-hand it with a knife. I used a heart-shaped cookie cutter Scratch made for me (awwwww….). The dough was really sticky and I needed a fair bit of additional flour to roll it out. After I cut the cookies, I decided to throw them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before baking.</p>
<p>I sprinkled the cookies with a little sugar and popped them in a 375F oven until the edges browned, 8-10 minutes, then let them cool on a rack. They had spread a little bit in the baking and the heart shapes were no longer so distinct.</p>
<p>How did they taste? Well, like sugar cookies. Crispy around the edges and soft in the middle. Perfectly delicious sugar cookies. If I made them again (and I might), instead of rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters, I’d form the dough into small balls and flatten them with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.</p>
<p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50884655246_3e78f9efaf.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="400" /><br><strong>Original Girl Scout Cookies<br></strong>1 cup (2 sticks) butter<br>1 cup sugar<br>2 eggs<br>2 Tablespoons milk<br>1 teaspoon vanilla<br>2 cups flour<br>1 teaspoon salt<br>2 teaspoons baking powder</p>
<p>Cream butter and sugar.<br><span style="font-size:inherit;">Add well-beaten egg.<br></span>Then add milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder.<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br></span>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.<br>Roll out dough, cut into trefoil shapes, and sprinkle sugar on top<br>Bake in a quick oven (375F) for about 8-10 minutes, until edges begin to brown.<br>Cool and serve!<b></b></p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 11 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65312732021-01-26T13:47:19-05:002021-01-26T18:00:14-05:00Review: Burlesque Undressed<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>One of my Advisor Committee tier Patrons, Sarah V., suggested I review this documentary. If you want some input in my content here, become a Patron!</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gFgk%2Bjq5L.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /><a href="https://amzn.to/3o5uHmB"><em>Immodesty Blaize Presents Burlesque Undressed</em></a><em>, </em>directed by Alison Grist, 2010.</p>
<p>This is a confection of a burlesque documentary. It’s light and sweet, extremely beautiful, carefully constructed, but ultimately insubstantial, and leaves you hungry for more. There’s some burlesque history, but it’s a lot of short interviews, some really only sound bites, and a great deal of burlesque performance footage.</p>
<p>There are interviews with five Legends, three of whom are no longer with us. You know how I feel about preserving the words and experiences of Legends, so this is a high point. Most of the Legends get to tell a brief origin story, illustrated with photos and footage, and they talk about their careers. (Side note: Scratch escorted one of said Legends to the Showgirl Museum for her interview, so I got a little behind the scenes info at the time.) . </p>
<p>The film also features half a dozen of the top burlesque performers at the time, discussing their acts and inspirations. However, Immodesty dominates. She talks at length about her experiences in burlesque, often in a glamourous setting or backstage, getting ready for perform or model. More than once she’s interviewed while someone is doing her hair. I wish…</p>
<p>The documentary covers a wide variety of topics — costumes, music, glamour, act creation, what killed burlesque, and more. There are also appearances from a few male experts, mostly British, speaking on art, history, millinery, and showgirl headdresses, but their contributions are relatively brief.</p>
<p>Besides clips from several burlesque acts, including Dirty Martini’s balloon act and Perle Noir’s Josephine Baker tribute, there are a number of full or almost full-length performances, many from The Tease Show. Kalani Kokonuts performs “The Geisha”. Kitten DeVille shimmies and shakes as Marc Almond sings (the filmmakers liked this act so much it appears in the documentary and again during the credits). Catherine D’Lish bathes in her champagne glass. Michelle L’amour does her Sally Rand tribute. And of course, Immodesty opens and closed the film with, respectively, her giant telephone and her rocking horse acts.</p>
<p>At times it feels like a commercial for Immodesty and The Tease Show, but it’s her project; she can spin it however she likes. And The Tease Show is pretty spectacular, with its high-end acts, gorgeous stage set, and 12-piece live band.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for a documentary about burlesque, either historic or neo-, there are far better ones out there, like <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/12/24/review-behind-the-burly-q/"><em>Behind the Burly-Q</em></a> or <em><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/review-exotic-world-the-burlesque-revival/">Exotic World & The Burlesque Revival</a></em>. If you want to see beautiful burlesque performers doing beautiful things, with a little look backstage and a touch of history, this is a fine watch.</p>
<p>As far as I can tell, <em>Burlesque Undressed</em> is only available on <a href="https://amzn.to/3o5uHmB">DVD</a>, in PAL format. There’s a short excerpt available <a href="https://vimeo.com/31500945">here</a>.</p>
<p>(Affiliate links in this post benefit the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">American Burlesque Collection</a>, a 501(c)(3) non-profit)</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 11 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65301872021-01-25T11:33:30-05:002021-01-25T15:00:07-05:00Review: Lady of Burlesque<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>This month celebrates the birthday of the most famous stripteaser, <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/tag/gypsy/">Gypsy Rose Lee</a>. In her honor, I watched <em>Lady of Burlesque</em>, the movie based on her book, <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/review-the-g-string-murders/"><em>The G-String Murders</em></a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d5/Lady_of_Burlesque.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /><em><a href="https://amzn.to/364mfxv">Lady of Burlesque</a>,</em> United Artists, 1943.</p>
<p>Barbara Stanwyck stars as burlesque headliner, Dixie Daisy (a change from the book, in which the main character was Gypsy Rose Lee). She’s hit the big time, headlining at the Old Opera House. But not all is perfect; there’s a lot of tension backstage between singer Lolita LaVerne and well, everyone else, and Dixie is fending off the affections of comic Biff Brannigan. Things become even more tense as a haughty Russian princess arrives and takes Dixie’s spot in the show. And then there’s a murder… and another…</p>
<p>The plot is fairly faithful to the book, but the details have been sanitized for the audience’s protection. One of the plot point hinges on the broken toilet in the girls’ dressing room being replaced. No one ever actually says “toilet” and when the replacement porcelain is shown, it’s a sink. The producer’s affair with The Princess is also implied rather than stated.</p>
<p>We never get to see any real striptease on stage; Dixie takes off a fur muff, to reveal a smaller one, but her Edith Head designed costumes stay firmly in place. During her big song, “Take It Off the E String, Play It On the G String”, she sings “breaking out in bumps” and there’s an obvious associated move, but the camera focuses only on her face. Cut to Biff in the wings reacting to whatever is happening on stage. Later she does a little chest shimmy; apparently that was acceptable, where bumps weren’t. The Princess does have the outer layer of her costume removed in pieces with a whip. Maybe that was all right because she’s not doing the stripping.</p>
<p>The plot change that I liked best was that when Biff races in to save Dixie from the g-string strangler, she informs him that she had set a trap to catch the murderer and her friend Gee Gee Graham (based on Georgia Sothern) was waiting for her signal. Still, once the murderer is caught we go straight for the romance with Dixie and Biff rushing off to get married. Happy ending!</p>
<p>It’s light-weight fun. I wasn’t so interested in the murder mystery. Both of the murder victims are so unlikeable that it’s hard to care about their deaths and there’s little tension around the police accusations.</p>
<p>However, the on-stage bits are quite entertaining. We get some dance numbers and a bit of comedy, which was just a touch racier than I expected — they did the “pickle persuader” bit and a court room scene. And Pinky Lee, an actual burlesque comic, plays one of the comics. Dixie and the comics perform an “impromptu” dance to cover the sounds of LaVerne and her gangster boyfriend having a noisy fight backstage. There’s also an opening number with chorus girl (fulfilling all the tropes — the bored one, the clumsy one, the show-off, &c.) parading around the stage, to the melody provided by a tit singer, although they never call him that.</p>
<p>It’s nice to see burlesque treated positively and even somewhat accurately, if cleaned up, by Hollywood during the Hays Code years.</p>
<p>Available on <a href="https://amzn.to/364mfxv">DVD</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3sRsqPo">Prime Video</a>, and the <a href="https://archive.org/details/LadyofBurlesque">Internet Archive</a>.</p>
<p><em>Affiliate links in this post benefit the <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">American Burlesque Collection</a>, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.</em></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" /></strong>These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 11 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65281552021-01-22T15:21:57-05:002021-01-22T19:30:03-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>B.A.B.E. had the first of two comedy workshops last night. There’s still time to register for the second one —<a href="https://studyburlesque.simpletix.com/e/62406">Developing Comedy Acts</a> — on the 28th.</p>
<p>And here’s your tip!</p>
<p><em>Watch that you don’t block your face during your removes.</em></p>
<p>It’s usually a glove remove that’s causes the problem, but I’ve seen it happen with stockings too. </p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 11 Patrons. Thank you so much, especially my newest Patron, Coney Bow! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65219752021-01-15T14:46:53-05:002021-01-15T15:15:14-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Just a quick note B.A.B.E.’s <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/workshops">workshop series on burlesque comedy</a> starts on Thursday. Enrollment is limited and there are only a few spaces left! Go to <a href="https://studyburlesque.com/workshops">studyburlesque.com/workshops</a> to sign up.</p>
<p>Here’s your lip, I mean, tip!</p>
<p><em>Use two colors of lipstick to change the appearance of your lips.</em></p>
<p>After you apply your usual lipstick, use a second color to change the emphasis.</p>
<p>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 there’s a natural looking gradation of color.</p>
<p>To create a flapper-stype pout, use a darker color lipstick to fill in the cupid’s bow area of your lips. Don’t blend this one; you want it well-defined.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 10 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65198922021-01-13T10:56:32-05:002021-01-13T13:15:13-05:002020 in Review<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/01/"><strong>January</strong></a><br>Scratch reintroduces <em><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/02/13/taste-o-burlesque-1-26-20/">Taste O’ Burlesque</a></em>, 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 months.</p>
<p>On a personal note, I make a close to last-minute trip to see my mother for her birthday (and see her in a play). In hindsight, I’m so glad I insisted on coming down, because my planned trip in April for my father’s birthday will be canceled.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/02/"><strong>February</strong></a><br>We perform a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/02/17/bad-girls-need-love-too-2-4-20/">Valentine’s Day show at Deacon Giles</a>. It’s so much fun, as usual. Little do I know it’s the last time I’ll set foot in the Speakeasy Lab until the last day of December.</p>
<p>My doting mother and Scratch team up to give me the most amazing Broadway birthday celebration in NYC. Looking now at the dark theatres, I am beyond grateful to have seen two remarkable shows that day.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/03/"><strong>March</strong></a><br>We open the month with the second installment of <em>Taste o’ Burlesque</em>. I give Guilted Lilly a basket I made for her woodland frolics and she gives me a big hug. I don’t realize at the time, but it’s the last hug I’ll have from someone outside my household.</p>
<p>Then the world shuts down. I close B.A.B.E. for the rest of the month. Brown Paper Tickets stops paying anybody and owes the Academy a bunch of money. The Expo team tries to figure out what to do about the event, which is supposed to happen next month. The inaugural RVA Burlesque Festival, at which I was to perform, is postponed a year.</p>
<p>I record a reading of <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/03/19/isolation-entertainment-story-time/"><em>The Masque of the Red Death</em></a> for my Patrons.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/04/"><strong>April</strong></a><br>I re-open B.A.B.E. virtually, offering the March and April students their lessons on-line. It’s a learning curve, both technologically and pedagogically. I also start offering <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEZhBg3L-PguRcALU3NZTLhG6K8Z7dZc">free mini-lessons</a> on IG Live. And I record another story: <em><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/04/30/story-time/">Dracula’s Guest</a></em>.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/05/"><strong>May</strong></a><br>We release our first virtual show <em><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/05/27/performing-liveish/">Live(ish) from Deacon Giles (sort of)!</a></em>. It’s weird, performing at home for a camera. I also appear on <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/booklovers-burlesque/">Booklover’s Burlesque</a> reading a selection from a just-published novella written by a friend of mine.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/06/"><strong>June</strong></a><br>I am very quiet in June. Too many things bigger than burlesque are happening.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/07/"><strong>July</strong></a><br>I am running (and mostly teaching) workshops twice a week at B.A.B.E. It’s kind of exhausting. Also I dive deeply into a bit of <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/07/08/the-story-of-buddy-wade/">forgotten burlesque history</a> and make some exciting discoveries.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/08/"><strong>August</strong></a><br>We release <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/08/05/the-underwear-academy-8-1/"><em>The Underwear Academy</em></a>. B.A.B.E. takes a break. I spend a lot of time helping set up a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/08/26/the-american-burlesque-collection/">museum</a>…</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/09/"><strong>September</strong></a><br><a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">The American Burlesque Collection</a> opens! </p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/10/"><strong>October</strong></a><br>We release <em><a href="https://burlesquemuseum.simpletix.com/e/59811">H.A.U.N.T. (Here’s Another “Unprecedented” Night of Theatre)</a></em><em>,</em> our Halloween show. I sit for a virtual photoshoot with <a href="https://www.laphotographieboudoir.com">La Photographie</a>. My editing skills get so much better as I struggle though making a video about cooking <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/10/28/in-the-kitchen-sham-pain-salad/">this mid-century delight</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/11/"><strong>November</strong></a><br>It’s BurlyCon time! I <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/12/15/burlycon-2020-teaching/">teach</a> (and create a recorded version of one of my classes), <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/12/15/burlycon-2020-classes/">take classes</a>, participate in a <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/12/02/burlycon-2020-scene-studies/">master-level scene study</a> and some community events. I miss seeing people. I miss traveling.</p>
<p><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2020/12/"><strong>December</strong></a><br>I appear in three shows! All of them virtual… <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.simpletix.com/e/62125"><em>The BeauTease Holiday Special</em></a> is filmed at The Manor and we have a lot of fun. It’s almost like a party, even if everyone who’s not on camera is masked and keeping their distance (it’s a big house). I also appear in two shows on <a href="https://velvetrevue.com/performer/miss-mina-murray/?ref=missminamurray">Velvet Revue</a>.</p>
<p>In a year of turmoil and tragedy, I felt stuck and stagnant. It’s good to look back and see some accomplishments.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65165642021-01-08T11:00:00-05:002021-01-08T15:15:10-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip! Lighting has become so important as we spend so much time in front of cameras.</p>
<p><em>Soften harsh lights with a diffuser.</em></p>
<p>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 white trash bag over a LED worklight.</p>
<p>If you are using a bulb that gets hot, be very careful with what you put in front of it. You don’t want anything to melt or burn. Baking parchment paper is a safe solution (thanks to Foxy Lexxi for the suggestion!).</p>
<p>Experiment with lights and materials to find an effect you like. </p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65116752021-01-01T11:34:03-05:002021-01-01T12:30:25-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>Happy New Year! May 2021 be better and brighter for all of us! (but no pressure…)</p>
<p>Often I suggest setting goals for the new year, but 2020 was a *really* rough year. Instead:</p>
<p><em>Look back on all your accomplishments, no matter how small. I bet you accomplished more than you think!</em></p>
<p>Stay well everyone! I hope we can be together again this year.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65077732020-12-25T14:01:05-05:002020-12-25T15:15:05-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>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)</p>
<p>It’s still Friday, so here’s your tip, which is really more of a wish:</p>
<p><em>May next year be better and brighter! And may we all do all we can to make it so.</em></p>
<p>Thank you all for being here this year.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65071942020-12-24T13:51:27-05:002020-12-24T16:00:15-05:00Review: Behind the Burly Q<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81MyXdbHl5L._SL1500_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="200" /><em><a href="https://amzn.to/3nIxoel">Behind the Burly Q: The Story of Burlesque in America</a></em> by Leslie Zemeckis (2010)</p>
<p>You aren’t mistaken; I already reviewed <em><a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2016/11/30/book-review-behind-the-burly-q/">Behind the Burly Q</a></em>. But that was the book. The documentary came first. In fact, it turned 10 this year!</p>
<p>Zemeckis traveled the country interviewing burlesque performers and others associated with the art or, in some cases, their descendants, to get as full a picture as possible of American burlesque. Seeing the interview subjects and hearing their stories in their own words has an impact the printed page can not match. Zemeckis herself is invisible, allowing the focus to remain on the history. She may be guiding the interviews off-camera, but she’s not a part of them and there’s no obvious agenda other than collecting the stories, where ever they may lead.</p>
<p>The interviews are interspersed with photographs, newspaper clippings, and film footage. Rather than a chronological history of burlesque, the stories are loosely grouped into sections like “Occupational Hazards”, “Too Many Husbands”, or “Big Money”. Of course many burlesque dancers are featured, some well-known like Dixie Evans and Blaze Starr, some more obscure, but the documentary also tells the stories of comics, singers, variety performers, producers, and more. </p>
<p>The history is further fleshed out by relatives of those no longer with us, such as the son of “tit singer” and straightman Robert Alda (actor Alan Alda), Lou Costello’s daughter, Ann Corio’s husband, Lili St. Cyr’s sister (burlesque dancer Dardy Orlando, who was also married to burlesque producer Harold Minsky). Zemeckis also includes a couple of modern day experts, like <a href="https://missminamurray.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/review-always-something-doing/">David Kruh</a> and Kelly DiNardo. </p>
<p>Since the footage was collected, a number of the interview subjects passed away and in the ten years since, we’ve lost even more. With their words and images captured on film, this documentary is a precious record of our past.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65030392020-12-18T14:10:05-05:002020-12-18T17:48:26-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday again! How does that keep happening? Before I get to your tip, a few notes and advertisements.</p>
<p>We’ve got the first classes of 2021 scheduled at <a href="https://studyburlesque.com">B.A.B.E.</a> Head on over there to check out the current offerings.</p>
<p>Tomorrow night I’ll be appearing in Velvet Revue’s <a href="https://velvetrevue.com/event/december-premiere-show/?ref=missminamurray"><em>Premiere Show: US Edition </em></a>at 9pm EST! You can also still see <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.simpletix.com/e/62125"><em>The BeauTease Holiday Special</em></a> whenever you want or <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.simpletix.com/e/59811"><em>H.A.U.N.T.</em></a>, if you prefer your holiday season spooky.</p>
<p>And now for your tip!</p>
<p><em>Allow rhinestone glue to dry for 24 hours before wearing and a week before washing.</em></p>
<p>I know we’re always rhinestoning things at the last minute (guilty!), but try to plan ahead to give your glue time to set up and really secure your stones. To make sure all the stones are on there well, wait even longer before you get anything wet.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65001032020-12-15T14:33:34-05:002020-12-15T16:00:17-05:00BurlyCon 2020: Teaching<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>My first class was <a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/whos-who"><em>Who’s Who in Classic Burlesque</em></a>. 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 make sure my audience could see my presentation, that the film clips would run, and the audio on one of them could be heard. Everything seemed fine.</p>
<p>When class time rolled around, I discovered that unlike Zoom, when screen sharing in Google Meet, you can’t see the rest of the participants. I don’t know how I missed or forgot that. It was completely unnerving and threw me off my game. I tried a couple of different things that didn’t work for one reason or another. If I’d stopped to think, instead of panicking, I could have used my tablet alongside my laptop.</p>
<p>Anyway, I thought I did a terrible job. I get so much visual feedback from a class, even a virtual one, which just didn’t exist. I forgot things, I fumbled, I felt like I wasn’t explaining well, and the audio on that one clip didn’t work. When it was over, I knew that I didn’t want that class recording to be available. More on that in a moment.</p>
<p>My next class was <a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/caring-for-costumes"><em>Caring for Your Costumes</em></a>. I have a lot of fun with it and student questions are a big part of it. I teach this one a lot. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve taught it at BurlyCon now. One of the pieces of feedback I got one year was that the student would have liked to have seen examples of things. The class covers a huge number of topics and it’s really not feasible for me to bring that much stuff when I travel. However, teaching from home…</p>
<p>I gathered a big pile of stuff and set it next to my desk, so I could just grab some show and tell when the topic arose. I realized the day before that something I wanted to demo was too complicated to do in front of my laptop, so I filmed a little video (and I’m inordinately proud of how it came out). I’m quite happy with how this class went and even more so that Christina Manuge told people it was a must-take class! (there might have been a little happy dance on my part…)</p>
<p>So that was the class I was happy with, what about the one I hated? I asked Iva Handfull, the Program Director, if I could re-record <em>Who’s Who</em> and replace the existing version. Yes!</p>
<p>Originally I was just going to record a voice-over and lay it over my slideshow. But then I thought about how much I hated not being able to see faces, so I learned some more about video editing and decided I would film myself talking and put the slide next to me, like on the news (I was actually thinking of <em>Last Week Tonight</em>, since that’s how I get my news, but you get the picture. So to speak). It took me four hours to film a 50 minute class. It was exhausting. At least it wasn’t four hours straight. I was filming on the last day of BurlyCon, so I took a couple of breaks for classes.</p>
<p>Then I started editing. It occurred to me that I wasn’t restricted to the images in my existing presentation. I scanned pictures from my collection of <em>Cavalcade of Burlesque</em> (a magazine from the 1950s). The <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.org">American Burlesque Collection</a> let me use images of some of the items in the museum. It took me three days to edit, which was also exhausting, but I had a self-imposed deadline to hit. And I did. I’m pretty happy with the results!</p>
<p>If you would like to take <a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/caring-for-costumes"><em>Caring for Your Costumes</em></a> or <em><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/whos-who">Who’s Who in Classic Burlesque</a>, </em>just click the link. Each class is $20 (of which I get $15) and they’re available until December 31.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/65001042020-12-15T14:33:12-05:002020-12-15T16:00:17-05:00BurlyCon 2020: Classes<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 single class, mostly because the scheduling didn’t work out for me. If the title of the class is a link, you can take the recorded class for $20 until the end of the month (and the instructor will get $15 of that).</p>
<p><em>You Down with MSP?</em> (Shimmy LaRoux): This was part of the Master track, which as I mentioned previously is for seasoned performers and had an application process. MSP stands for “Minimal Stage-ready Product” and the class is about using a similar technique for creating an act as bringing a product to market. It’s an on-going process of questioning and refinement.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Blues"><em>Blues Burlesque</em></a> (Zelia Rose) If we hadn’t been doing this virtually, it would have been impossible to take a dance class with Zelia Rose, who is in Australia. I set up in Albert’s room, with my laptop broadcasting to the TV and my webcam broadcasting me. Albert was completely uninterested in all this and snoozed the entire time. I discovered, as I lost the connection to Zoom multiple times, that the most convenient place to set my laptop is also a mysterious Wifi deadspot. How annoying. But my tech woes are unimportant. The class was about improvisational blue dances, with three base steps and variations on them.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Best-Face"><em>Best Face Forward</em></a> (Zelia Rose): This was a BurlyLab, a limited enrollment, hands-on class. It also started at 9:45pm, my time. It’s been many months since I found myself in a full face of makeup at midnight. She had a few useful tips I’ll probably incorporate and it’s just nice to shake things up with a different makeup style.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Pleasure"><em>Pleasure and the Art of the Eyefuck</em></a> (Jo Weldon): This is not a skill that comes naturally or easily to me and I was looking forward to learning from a master. I was wondering how well this would work virtually and the answer was VERY well. I could see Jo’s face, especially her eyes, much better than in a traditional classroom.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/cohesive-costume"><em>Cohesive Costume Design</em></a> (Christina Manuge): I have to be honest; I was a little disappointed in this class. I think Christina was too. We watched her three excellent videos on costume design, but that was really all we had time for. I wish there had been more time for discussion. Still, I came away with one new nugget of information.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Fantastic"><em>Fantastic! Advanced Fan Dancing</em></a> (Coco Lectric): I should have taken the time to set up in Albert’s room, like I did for <em>Blues Burlesque</em>. Instead I thought it would be fine in my sewing room, forgetting completely that I now have a ceiling fan in there. Ooops.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Rhinestone-and-embellishments"><em>Rhinestone & Embellishments</em></a> (Frankie Fictitious): Frankie’s costumes are so beautiful and I knew I could learn some new ideas from her. I think I’ll also watch her BurlyLab and see if there’s anything else she covers there.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Illusions-of-Glamour"><em>Illusions of Glamour: The Costumes of Burlesque</em></a> (Rosey La Rouge): Rosey wrote <a href="https://amzn.to/2WrkJk9">The Book</a> on the history of burlesque costumes (and I really ought to review it soon). Her presentation was a quick and well illustrated run through that history, plus a little bit about her experience creating the book. Very inspirational.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/Closing-In"><em>Closing in on the Reveal: Your Key to Better Burly Closures</em></a> (Christina Manuge): This was an Intensive class with limited enrollment and I’m lucky to have gotten in because I decided to take it at the last minute. There was a series of videos to watch in advance and the class was a Q & A about them. I had seen them on Christina’s Patreon (if you make burlesque costumes, you really ought to join), so my last minute decision didn’t leave me behind. How wonderful to be able to ask questions “in person” of someone so skilled!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.burlypod.com/courses/online-education"><em>Fundamentals of Online Education – Adapting & Empowering</em></a> (Robyn Swing): What a great way to close out BurlyCon! Not only did this class give me great ideas for continuing to teach on-line, it also showed me a new way to think about teaching in general. I’m definitely making time for a rewatch before it disappears.</p>
<p>So that’s 10 classes over two weeks (and I taught 2), which is exactly the same as last year, although packed into four in-person days. At least I’m consistent!</p>
<p>I also attended three social events. There were two dances, although I just relaxed and listened to the excellent music. During the first one, we played a party game for a bit; it was fun to connect with people for a while. Albert stole the show during the second one just by lounging with me. I meant to attend the Jewlesquers’ Shabbat, but there were some tech issues. I also joined in the last minute Teaching the Tease caucus for teachers — thank you Saffron St. james for organizing! It was so great to connect with fellow educators and discover many of us had similar issues and challenges. I felt a little less alone after that.</p>
<p>I’m not including the classes I took (and am continuing to take) via recording. That may become a post of its own. I also didn’t include the classes I taught because those get their own post. Stay tuned!</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif?w=470" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
Miss Mina Murraytag:minamurray.com,2005:Post/64973492020-12-11T13:58:21-05:002020-12-11T15:30:11-05:00Friday Tip<p>Dear Constant Reader,</p>
<p>It’s Friday! We’ve got a couple of exciting things happening tomorrow!</p>
<p>At 2PM, Betty Blaize will be teaching <a href="https://studyburlesque.simpletix.com/e/61040">Hot for the Holidays: A Pinup Makeup Workshop</a> at B.A.B.E.</p>
<p>At 8PM we’re hosting a watch party for <a href="https://burlesquemuseum.simpletix.com/e/62125"><em>The BeauTease Holiday Special!</em></a> If you can’t make it, you can still see the show</p>
<p><em>Consistency is pleasing; change is exciting.</em></p>
<p>Consider this when planning your choreography, costumes, music &c. A mix of both elements is going to make your act more interesting to watch.</p>
<p><img src="https://missminamurray.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/m28.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="M2" height="125" width="125" />These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/missminamurray"><u>my Patreon page</u></a>. Or you can just <a href="https://paypal.me/studyburlesque?locale.x=en_US"><u>tip me</u></a> if you liked this.</p>
<p></p>
Miss Mina Murray