Remembering Ricci Cortez

I’ve been thinking a lot about legends lately, especially since I’ve been working hard on the 2011 Legends Challenge for Burlesque Hall of Fame. I’m so thrilled with the response to this campaign, with 14 benefits happening all over North America! I love seeing the burlesque community band together to

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Tiffany Carter

Miss Nude Universe 1975, Tiffany Carter began her Burlesque career at the infamous Pink Pussycat in Hollywood, California. An active, in-demand entertainer with Sparky Blaine’s American Showgirl agency, Tiffany toured the U.S., Canada, and Japan from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Throughout her 20+ years in Burlesque, she has

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Camille 2000

In her twenty years as a headlining artist, Camille 2000 worked with many of burlesque’s most notable talents, including choreographer Paul Markoff, costumers Simon Sorr and Hedy Jo Star.  Having established herself as a glamorous “traditional” feature, Camille went on to push the envelope with her performances, introducing audiences to

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A Quickie with Karen Abbott

I’ve had tons of fun with Karen Abbott, whether it’s been when she’s jumped in to help at a student showcase at the Slipper Room, or doing a grand event at the New York Public Library. She’s always playful, smart, and hotter than a biscuit. I was thrilled to have

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Burlesque Etiquette

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

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Gina Bon Bon

Born in Cuba, Gina Bon Bon began her career in burlesque in NYC in 1965, as a dancer in the chorus line of  the Latin Fire All-Latin Revue. She has since worked clubs and theaters all over the U.S., Canada and Guam, including a co-starring role in Burlesque USA alongside legendary

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In Memory of Eddie Dane

Last Thursday, Eddie Dane — producer, comedian, MC, pioneer, son, and friend — died at the age of 42. For the past couple of days, I’ve struggled to articulate my thoughts on his passing; something a little more eloquent than “man, this fucking sucks.” But, seriously? This totally fucking sucks.

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Behind The Garter Belt: Fionna Flauntit

Fionna Flauntit is an all around Action Girl, she’s a member of Great Canadian Burlesque, a tireless gogo dancer for The VonDrats and a hostess extrodinaire. You can see her on “Come Dine With Me”. You can catch her next w/ Burlesque Legend April March and New York’s Amber Ray

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Behind The Garter Belt: Melody Mangler by Tanya Cheex

I met Melody Mangler years ago at the very first Vancouver Burlesque Fest and I was immediately taken by her fireball style and sexy yet comedic approach to performance. I wasnt’t the only one noticing as The Burlesque Hall Of Fame awarded her “Best Debut” in 2009 for her breathtakingly

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