New stuff-and the problematics about new

I'm working on two new numbers at the moment... One that I've had an 'idea' about for a really long time, the other that came to me after I bought this *gorgeous* outfit from Renea Le Roux. I've noticed that a lot of us burlesquers seem to have, what I call, a "brain-in-common" when it comes to ideas or music, usually in the same time period as well :) I've been playing around with the idea to a specific song for a year now but not really having a clear vision of what I want to do -and then TA-DAH! -I found out someone else in my close circles was thinking in similar lines! 

Well, what the heck. We talked about it and decided that we'd do it anyways: both of us, because it will still be different. It's obviously not a looked-after situation since we all try to create unique things but then again asking around, doing the research and being open and respectful about things helps. The numbers evolve, music and outfits change (a lot of the time, over time) and sometimes you just might end up at a venue where someone else is doing "your" song. I guess it's just about trying to make it your own style, not copying someone else's routine or outfit. At this point, a lot of stuff has been done. That said, it's NO excuse to be lazy about your homework *before*. Getting a bit *too inspired* can be a problem. The signature things are, and should be, off limits to everyone else apart from the person who invented them, tributes aside. You just don't want to be compared to the original, do you? They do it so much better anyways. Copycats can be a bit tedious as well ;)

I know I might be taking a risk, performing in this outfit from another well-known performer. I have not seen her number, either. But I hope that I can do her and her magical costume proud with this number I've cooked up :)

                        

Hope you all have a fab weekend!

Girl Child

Today is the International Day of the Girl Child.
"Together, we must create a world where violence against women and girls is never tolerated and girls are always empowered to reach their full potential" - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Unfortunately girls are still second-class citizens (if citizens at all) in many places the world, deprived of education, human rights and sold as merchandise on a daily basis. Even in places where we are equals on paper girls and women still have to deal with glass roofs and crippling ancient norms and attitudes. As much as I am a feminist and stand for *equal* rights non-gender-specific this is a sad fact and it makes me very glad that the Nobel peace prize this year went to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for fighting an important battle for girl´s rights. Remember: education is the best weapon against extremists. Education is true power.

Have a wonderful weekend <3

Hoop!

The past week included some moments of pain, gain and fun including our weekly rehearsals and the hoop dance workshops I took on Wednesday (the pain was the huge bruise I managed to get on my hand from trying to manouver the hoop...) I can safely say I won't be a hoop dancer - it's much harder than it looks! but I was happy to be able to get it at least spinning a bit :) Thank you Merilei Mandelin!!! A week ago I challenged myself with aerial yoga which I loved and I've decided to cram in some Bollywood-dance classes this Fall as we'll! Noticing these crazy things keep me alert and inspired!

Yesterday I performed with my drag mother Lola Vanilla at a birthday party and today taught a great fun bachlorette class at Raspberry Fields. I came up with the coreo late last night (that's what happens when I nap; can't sleep and inspiration hits at weird hours...) -and despite a few mandatory cock-ups (teacher forgetting the steps ...) the ladies were awesome! 

Tomorrow is a well-deserved day off. I might work on my elbow-stands but then again... I just might cook and read on the sofa :) Have a good Sunday folks <3

Motto for always

Inspirations

I´ve talked about how much music inspires me when I´m making a new number but sometimes it´s a character, a trait in someone (or something) that gives me the specific kick. When I was making my "Lucia, faithfully"  I went through a lot of different materials, some given to me by my mentor for that number Bent van der Bleu and some that I just kept finding in the secret stashes of the interwebs... One person that I´ve always have loved and admired is Freddie Mercury - for his amazing charisma, his voice, his va-va-VOOM and showmanship as well as that fabulous gayness about him. So, for this Tuesday-night I thought I´d share one of my biggest inspirations for my little Lucia, maiden of light: Queen and "Crazy little thing called love"  <3

Practice, practice...

Our studio tends to get a bit cold this time of the year, so it´s woollen socks and proper warm up that makes all the difference! Making a new number is such a pleasure, well at least at the point when things start "clicking" together. My dress is in the making and I have been planning stuff with Tyra Therman as well so this is definetly getting there! For my upcoming number the boost was my fantastic HUGE boa that burlesque legend Fannie Annie in Las Vegas made for me and that Bettie Blackheart kindly enough crammed into her suitcase from NYC last Fall. The next step was thinking of a story and then finding the right music...Now I´m working on the coreo and as some of you might remember that´s *always* the hardest part for me! I´m really looking forward the workshops of Perle Noire and Kitten DeVille next week since I really think they will help me hugely with my on going project!

People often ask where I get the initial ideas to new numbers from - it´s really hard to say sometimes. Mostly with me it has been the musical inspiration that comes firstly. It´s funny because I seldomly listen to music these days without thinking "hmmm, can I use this in something...?" It´s also a lot about research and trying to google if anyone has made anything similar before. One wants to be original and it´s a BIG no-no to rip other performers stuff!!!

I also tend to collect bits and pieces of costuming, jewellery, fabrics etc for future use. Sometimes I never use it, usually though a good portion of a number is things I´ve had for a good year. Sometimes it´s just an idea that I store up for future reference: like what kind of underwear I´d like to have or what colors I´d like to use. I have a little black notebook for ideas and store inspirational photos on my laptop.

Also something that is really important for me to get the number finished is a deadline :) Yup, I´m one of those. I might have a good idea and almost finished costume but until I have a set date when to perform it...well, let´s just say it´s a challenge.

Siberia stripper-chic @Raspberry Fields a few weeks ago

Practicing with my new boa last night!

Monday inspiration

Howdy!

What a weekend! Kiki hawaiji got married to her Miro and it was a fantastic Soviet-Space-Star Trek goes folklore-wedding <3 Congrats you sweethearts, once more!

This Monday has been saved by three things: a nap, hot yoga and a video of the coolest kid EVAH dancing. I´m so in awe, it´s so inspirational! That´s why I want to share it with you: you´ll feel so happy after watching it, I promise :)

Link here !!! have a great beginning of the week!

Me at the wedding, photo by Tuomas Lairila

Tuesday, whats better than that!

Howdy-ho!
Trying to keep the flue abay (garlic, chili, lemon, ginger--- woollen socks, ibuprofein) because this Saturday we will be at Ravintola Kulttuurikulma again! This time with Thee Dizzy Daisies and Sir Willy which means you have the possibility to see our brand new "Aurora Borealis" number as a duo, plus mine and Willy´s 2nd EVER performance of "The Garden of Eden"...ya´ll should really get your tickets!

Last Saturday we saw a bunch of fun and talented acts take the stage for the first time at the Newcomer´s Night Vol.2 in Tampere! Thank you to all performers, I had a great night! Got to hang out afterwards at a beautiful appartment decorated in the 20-30´s style and spend time with good food and good friends, what´s better than that?!?

We got a new puppy to the farm, she´s a border collie and goes by the name of Elsa. One day she will be a strong and fierce shephard dog...now she´s just cute and whiny when left alone :) Our cat has been giving us the stink-eye ever since Elsa arrived haha!

I´ll leave you with a link to a marvelous article featuring the World Famous *BOB*. You can read it here, and what I really love about this inspirational woman was her reaction to the crap written in the comments was in the lines of "don´t hate back but write something beautiful". I love her <3 Thank you *BOB* for being a true Star and an inspiration!!!

Me and Pepper in Pori 08.11.13, pic by Veera

Pic: Veera

Pic: Veera

Dixie Evans Week

"Dixie Evans, The Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque is the beloved Godmother of the new burlesque movement and during her birth week, performers and burlesque instructors from all over the world will host events, shows and classes to celebrate the life of this burlesque legend and founder of The Miss Exotic World Pageant. With shows and classes already confirmed in NYC, LA, Dallas, Toronto, Australia and more, this is going to be a bawdy burlesque-packed week in honor of Dixie Evans. Help us honor the woman who kept burlesque alive and helped make the resurgence the wild success that it is!" -Dixie Evans Week

This week burlesque communities all around the world celebrate the Godmother of Burlesque also known as the Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque: Dixie Evans. Unfortunately I never got to met her personally but I can safely say that without her work and passion about keeping the knowledge and history of burlesque alive a lot of us probably would not be doing this today. I am, however, a proud owner of two signed photographies that I got from her a couple of years ago and those are some of the most valuable pictures on my little BurlyQ wall at home!
In Hellsinki we celebrate this Thursday with the movie showing of the short film ' Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival' that is about Dixie´s life and  'Burlesque Assassin' that had it´s Finnish premiere in Tampere this Summer but now premiers in Hellsinki. There is, of course, and a show afterwards. The Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World 2013 our very own Finnish Loulou D´Vil will be there selling her signature RED lipstick and all money goes to help cover Dixies medical bills and her last resting place. All info can be found on the facebook event !

If you want more info about the happenings the world over you should visit Dixie Evans Week 

Dixie <3

Springtime!

Tonight there will be some amazing shaking and shimmying going on at Kaisaniemi. How do I know? Because I took both Minnie Tonka's and Erochica Bamboo's workshops last night. These women are FIERCE! Plus there will be some excellent Finnish performers as well !
Last Thursday we had a show at Bar 7 Blings, good fun. The stage was a challenge since it's divided with a pillar and the audience in sitting in different directions, but I like that one has to step over the comfort zone and really work the audience :) One thing I have learned is that I try to make numbers that fit on different sized stages or things that can be modified. "In Flames" unfortunately can't be done in very small spaces due to the veil and fans might come with challenge. My upcoming "Praline Airlines" is... To be seen haha! I'm getting the last bits of my outfit today and the premiere will be next Saturday in Tampere. Have a great weekend and hope to see tonight in Kaisaniemi!

Vera D´Vil, Sandy Jungle, me and Pepper Sparkles wearing Helsinki Burlesque Festival shirts in time-order at Minni Tonka´s workshop last night

A Good Cause

As much as we love animal prints, we do want the big cats (and small ones, for that matter) to keep their furs! Some of the big kitties are very rare and endangered, so if you want to help and make donations follow the links : World Animal Net and WWF. I hope the Leopard Print Day can become a part of working together to save wildlife, as well as dress nice!
Here are some more shots from last night! Oh, and if any of you wonder my dress is Stop Staring! and shoes from Tallinn...(red leather jacket is my mother´s old from the 80´s).

Bags, once more. Pic: Bettie Blackheart

Pic: Bettie Blackheart

A Russ Meyer angle to me and Bettie (pic: Bettie)

Me and Cherry leoparding about. Photo from Cherry.

I do love her Trashy Diva coat <3

Me and Lille Skutt

Roaaarrrrr!

With Sandy <3

Lovely Tinker Bell went punk leopard :) Luuuv it!

International Leopard Day!

Tomorrow is the first International Leopard Day! Hurrah! As I am a cat-lover and leopard-print fanatic this is SO my day :) A bunch of us leopard ladies are meeting up tomorrow night to celebrate this inspiring, crazy thing. I´m thinking about putting together a leopard-inspired playlist but I might have to work this weekend. Not "might"...I have to. Correcting school things and also working on my upcoming number Praline Airlines. But none of that yet! Leopard day tomorrow! HURRAH!!!

Happiness is...

... being able to be yourself and proud of it. Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman, then always be Batman! ;)

 

Plus, that tomorrow I´m going to see Eddie Izzard live from the 6th row <3  

  I love this guy.

Da-da-da-da...

Ricky-Tick!

Friday.
Always so loaded with expectations and hope :) You might remember my love for lindy hop and that me and hubby took classes in both that and rockabilly? Now this is out. It melts my heart. It wants me to get out there and do lindy again, to learn it good and proper! Friggin´ AWESOME!

Have a great evening folks! <3

Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen sana

Photo: Jirina Alanko

Circus!

Life is a circus sometimes. And now I mean in the best possible way. I hope you all know people who are clowns, trapeze-artists, lions and bearded ladies. Or at least people who could work as them in a circus :) If you don´t, I suggest you broaden your circle of friends!
The circus is an endless world of inspiration for me even if it has been a while since I got to go to a show. That will change tonight when me and hubster are attending Cirque du Soleils show "Alegría" in Hellsinki!!! I´m SO excited about it! I have, of course, seen the shows on tv and youtube but as with most performance art it is always best when live. I´m going with open senses and an open mind and I´m sure I will be blown away! Thought I would treat you with some wonderful vintage circus pictures that I found on the interwebs and a little teaser from Alegría. Have a great Wednesday!

Bump´n´grind

One of the quintessentials in burlesque is, of course, the bump and grind. The not-so-suttle movement of the hips gets the attention every time. Hey -if Elvis got in trouble for his hips...  ;)
I´m taking the first of my dance-coreo classes tomorrow with the lovely Tinker Bell...hopefully she has not too much to "undo" after Bent´s MAN-class on Tuesday haha! Anyway, I have been looking at videos for inspiration and wanted to share this one with you: the gorgeous Crystal Starr showing how the bump´n´grind should be done. I wish I could move like that! Practice, practice and practice...Tink, you are going to have your hands full tomorrow!!!

Saints & sinners

Saint Lucia is a Catholic saint who is celebrated the 13th of December as the bringer of light. Especially in Sweden but also in the Finnish-Swedish tradition the white clad maiden with candles in her hair is a pretty big thing. My new number takes inspiration from that tradition but ... Well, there might be a twist to the story :) If you want to see the whole thing come see us shake our tailfeathers at Winter Wonderland, Teerenpeli Tease in Tampere tomorrow!!! Ta!

HBF13

Happy Father´s Day for all you Daddies out there! I´m having my dad and my sisters avec family for lunch today, been up since early hours cooking...Yup, it´s the food = love thing again :) Going for some feta-veggie salad, beef Wallenberg and mash and home baked bread. Hooyah. But I´m not here to talk about food (I could, if you want ;) I´m here to talk about the Helsinki Burlesque Festival 2013. Notice, that the time has changed, it´s not in February but the first weekend in March! You can get info from the Helsinki Burlesque site, also from the facebook here. I recommend you get those tickets in good advance, there are some good deals for early birds as well!

 

I´ll leave you with some inspiration from the wonderful film "Metropolis". Have a great Sunday! <3

Tallinn and a pirates chest of goodies

I know, I know....promised you guys and dolls some backstage photos from the Finnish Burlesque Gala but that will have to wait. I´m giving you the Shopping Tip of the Century. I shit you not. Whatever (sub)culture you are in to I cannot honestly think why NOT to visit Karnaluks, the street adress is Hermanni 1 just about a 15min walk from the Tallink terminal. Trust me, I am not a sewing kinda person and I went MAD in there. I had not really understood what kind of a paradise it is, so next time I´ll do a very specific battle plan and bring a list of what I need. Even if I was just browsing I got stuff, beads, bling and feathers for at least 4 upcoming numbers (both solos and group numbers).

Apart from a good shopping day me and my girl Hanna went for a pedicure and did some strolling around the Old Town. My mother has taught me that one should take good care of ones feet and as usual, Mother is right. Especially if you are a high heel lover like myself. A foot bath and a home pedi are among the cheapest and most enjoyabel things to me (+ add a glass of wine) but I try to go to a professional treatment whenever possible. I have found that in Tallinn they are not just cheaper, but also nicer...the last pedi I had in Helsinki I had to listen to the woman moan about high food prices and shitty quality...not really relaxing, that. So I consider a girls trip the best of opportunities for such pampering :) So I can recommend the Day Spa, do call in an appointment beforehand. 

I have to go and empty my bags and have a shower, I promise to give you those other pictures soon.... 

Beaded things, one has never enough of those....

Dramatic, black...hmmm...

Tallinn Old Town

The loot

Somewhat tired due to only 3h of sleep last night, but happy!

Feather madness @ Karnaluks

Glitter toes!

Shoes. Duh!

For being so anti-pink in our regular lives Thee Daisies sure have pink in their numbers ;)