Tickets are now on sale for most of the 2012 State Heats of Miss Burlesque Australia 2012.

Please follow these links to book now:

• Miss Burlesque Western Australia – Sat 25th February BOOK NOW
• Miss Burlesque New South Wales – Fri 9th March BOOK NOW
• Miss Burlesque South Australia – Sat 10th March BOOK NOW
• Miss Burlesque Tasmania – Fri 16th March BOOK NOW
• Miss Burlesque Queensland – Sat 17th March COMING SOON
• Miss Burlesque Victoria – Fri 23rd March BOOK NOW

Polly Rae & I at The Reef Casino NYE

Well 2012 has started with a bang. Right from the first minute of the year. I was delighted to be able to bring Miss Polly Rae into Australia early, to perform at The Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns for New Years Eve. Polly performed her “It’s Not About the Tits” number and a classic burlesque striptease. The event was a smash. The cover of both the Cairns Post and Time Out Cairns ensured a huge attendance (900+) and Cairns’ first taste of burlesque was a hit. Coupled with the amazing hospitality from the venue and the free flowing Veurve Champagne – Looks like we’ll be back

From the 5th January we opened our much anticipated tour of The Hurly Burly Show (called An Evening with Miss Polly Rae & The Hurly Burly Girlys) at The Factory Theatre in Sydney. After getting a call from customs saying our props and costumes wouldn’t clear until the 8th Jan (yes that’s 3 days after our opening night!) I managed to pull some massive favours and with the power of people, we had the shipping delivered to the venue on the day of the 5th, at 11am. After our tech rehearsal and dress rehearsal, it did make our show an hour late, which was really upsetting, but thank god we won back the audience within 5 mins  of the show starting. Polly Rae is well worth the wait.

I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to the guests about the delay. I would have liked to have made an announcement, but every time I went backstage I was told “just another 5 minutes”. You would never know it, but I did in fact say “I am pressing play, and if any girls are not ready, they are not in the opening number”. And that happened. We were down one girl for the opening routine!

But as soon as Polly emerged in her first number – all was forgiven.

The whole Sydney run was incredible. The show was extremely well attended, and the feedback from guests has been fabulous. It was amazing to see guests out of their seats bumping and grinding, and a full house all leaving with a massive smile on their face. Even Norman Jay MBE came along, and has been raving about the show since. And Auckland, I am in love with you. You were noisy, screaming and loving every minute of it. We are sooooo coming back to you!!

Physical - one of Sydney's favourite numbers from the show.

The reviews have been amazing. I cannot wait to get the show back. You just can’t help but fall in love with this show. It’s not a burlesque revue, it’s not a pop concert, it’s not a musical. It’s in a complete genre on it’s own. It has William Baker all over it. The musical arrangements are to die for, and the costumes. I have never had so many emails from people wanting to know where to get the costumes.

We plan on bringing the show back early next year, for a full tour of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Mackay, Cairns and possibly Auckland again. Please join the mailing list to hear first about confirmation on this. I am also in talks with the producers of this show about bringing out some of their other projects.

Can I just say that Polly is the most darling person ever. I took to calling her “Bogan Rae” after her hilarious attempts at the aussie accent. She’s such good fun. When it’s business, she’s all business, but as soon as knocks off, it’s all good fun and she has the most gorgeous warm personality. I adore her. And in case you were wondering, Fallon was my naughty one. Katie Ella, the responsible one. Kitty, Sarah and Betsy are adorable and so much fun.

I also managed to get the cast and crew along to see The Ruby Revue in Sydney, which was a hoot. Both Betsy and Kitty performed, and we had a surprise appearance by Fallon in the traditional Sing Off – complete with striptease and heels flying off. The cast fell in love with Betty Grumble.

I would like to thank the UK Team, Walt Utz, William Baker, Terry Ronald, Steve Anderson, Georgie Baker for trusting their baby with me. Polly Rae for being the amazing star and creative that she is. Ari who is just the most gorgeous thing put on earth. The Hurly Burly Girlys Fallon, Besty, Kitty, Sarah and Katie Ella for their professionalism, dedication, and amazing personalities – I am missing you girls already. I’d also like to thank our Stage Manager Lisa Ferguson, Ya Ya, Bioux, Rita Fontaine, Verity Vale and the amazing Stage Kittens and helpers that made magic happen. The unbelievable Emma Jones – publicist extraordinaire. You are the best publicist I have EVER met.

Thank you also to my team. Fi Wright, Zoe Baeten – you two ladies rock my world. Thank you for your hard work. And my darling man Adam who put up with a whole new kind of stress, excitement, worry, happiness that is my crazy world. I love you.

The HB Cast at the final Sydney show

“Dr. Sketchy’s will cure you of every boring art class you’ve ever been to.” – The Sunday Age, Melbourne

Dr Sketchy’s is what happens when cabaret meets art school.

Come and join us for a fun-filled evening drawing Australia’s most beautiful burlesque performers, cabaret singers, circus artists and rockabilly, punk or vintage models. The night is a visual feast of extravagant costumes, music, and creative entertainment. Whether you’re in line for next year’s Archibald, or have trouble drawing a straight line with a ruler, Dr Sketchy’s life drawing caters for all levels.

The evening also includes a themed live performance, comedy skits and audience participation presided over by an MC.

After 6 years of sell out classes at The Arthouse Hotel in Sydney, we are launching our second location at Newtown Theatre in King Street!

TUESDAY 6TH MARCH 2012 – NEWTOWN THEATRE

Our Grand Opening models will be announced soon!!!!

$19 per person, include free glass of wine or beer on entry.

Book now at:
http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/2700887427

2012 is shaping up to be one of my most exciting years yet, kicking off the year with Hurly Burly, then Sherlock & Me and a book in the works..

However I am on the lookout for additional projects, big and small. So if you are thinking of touring Australia across theatre, music and other arts – or would like to hire me for freelance work feel free to get in touch!

Yes the countdown is on!! Miss Polly Rae and The Hurly Burly Girlys are on their way to Australia and New Zealand in January! Tickets are on sale now from www.hurlyburly.com.au

• 5-15th January, The Factory Theatre Sydney
• 21st January, SkyCity Theatre Auckland

Watch the promo video here!

Tilly Devine & Kate Leigh

For all you Underbelly fans, you can now walk in the shoes of some of your favourite characters from Season 3 Underbelly Razor.

Embark on a personal journey into Darlinghurst’s violent history, and experience the story of Razorhurst. A time when Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh were the most powerful women in Sydney, and ruled the streets.

See actual locations of residences, brothels and other interesting landmarks and stories.

And who better to show you the sites and tell you the stories, than present day madam of Sydney’s underground, burlesque producer, agent and media personality Jac Bowie.

• Commencing Saturday 10th December 2011
• Then Second Saturday of Each Month 10am – 1pm until March.

See & experience…

• Tilly Devine’s final Brothel in Palmer Street that she sold in 1968
• The property at 191 Palmer Street where Tilly Devine famously shot her second husband, Eric Parsons soon after their wedding.
• The home where Kate Leigh shot and killed John William “Snowy” Prendergast and was raided and caught for drug possession in 1930
• The final Kate Leigh residence from 1951 until her death in 1964. See the church in Devonshire Street where over 700 mourners paid their respect.
• Visit the Village Hotel, (formally Tradesmen’s Arms) local to the Razorhurst scene and where Tilly Devine met Eric Parsons.

Some of you may know that I have been working on several book projects for some time. Some are coffee table photographic based books on our shows and tours, but I have also been working on a project which discusses how I came to be a burlesque producer and agent. It will outline the series of career choices I made and give a personal insight into the Australian burlesque scene as I entered it and how it has evolved. It will cover mistakes I have made, lessons learned and a stack of hilarious stories from backstage, tours and my experiences in other Burlesque scenes worldwide.

I also plan to include advice for performers (any arts discipline) to assist them to develop their own career, brand and make a great career out of their art.

I would like to take this opportunity to hear what topics YOU would like to see in this book? What kind of stories are you dying to know about? Is there anything that I do, that you would love to know more about? Now is your chance to let me know!!

At the first Burlesque Ball with Adam Mada and Bessie Bardot 2006

As an agent in burlesque, I am constantly amazed by the fact that most performers throw everything into their shows, but have little importance for what I consider 50% of their career – the Business of Burlesque.

Being in an industry filled with women with big personas (both on stage and off) I understand that most performers are performers and not PR or business professionals – it goes against their making. They are suited more to creating shows, creating audience experiences and doing their absolute best when the stage lights go on.

But what if I could teach you skills of equal importance? Ways to build your audience. Ways to build your brand. Ways to get more gigs? Simple tips that actually assist you to live your art full-time?

Facebook has been frustrating me of lately.I am seeing one performer throwing years of brand building down the drain by posting adult related content of herself. Another one is complaining about her Centrelink pay being late. And I’ve lost count of negative outbursts. They are filling my news feed, so much so I decided to switch it off.

What these performers don’t realise, is their Stage name and their public persona is a BRAND. It’s a brand that has real $$ worth. Like big brands that can afford their own PR team, these brands must be carefully managed to ensure it’s longevity and success and worth. Most of these performers cannot afford their own publicist or PR team, so it’s about time they took responsibility of their brand themselves.

Here are some simple tips that I hope will help you, as a performer, to rethink your approach and improve your business and ultimately your brand.

1. Who is your role model in your industry? For example, if it was Dita Von Teese, let’s look at this scenario. Dita as a brand is associated with luxury, high end fashion, and style. Everything she posts, her attitude, her images and her public persona is in line with this. Next time you post a status update, think to yourself WWDD (What Would Dita Do) – and write as your brand.

2. Get rid of that Hotmail address. For god’s sake this is PR 101. Invest in a domain at the very least. You can get one from www.dynadot.com for $8.99 a year, and get yourself a management@XXXX.com. Give the impression you are doing well, you are busy as a performer.

3. Think about your other publicity. If you are trying to portray yourself as a luxury brand, say no to shooting naked for a men’s magazine for now. Approach media publications and bookers who are worthy of a mention on your CV.

4. Get yourself decent business cards. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Another marketing 101 is decent business cards. A quick Google will reveal a stack of printers that can give you great rates on design and printing. Get rid of that Hotmail address and present a card that shows your brand, and get decent GSM (thickness of the card). Flimsy cards are less impressive than a strong, and professional looking card.

5. Start approaching photographers you wish to work with. Offer your services as TFP (Time For Print) which means no money is exchanged and you and the photographer get images for your portfolio. www.ModelMayhem.com is a great resource for this too.

6. Be professional at the gig. Arrive early. Be courteous and follow up. I’ve had gigs recently where girls have arrived late, asked my clients for cash on the night, forgotten props, had stockings with holes in them. It’s not hard to be prepared and put your best foot forward. In an industry where image is everything, make sure your business head and being punctual is as prepared as your show.

7. As an agent, I am sent Show Reels and lengthy introductions all the time. Most are extremely unappealing. Too much content. An obvious group email. Large files. I just delete. Contact people personally and professionally. Think about your content – what are you trying to get across? Is it in keeping with your brand? Keep the content short and to the point. Sell them with your best images showcasing your personality and brand. I recommend a brief letter of introduction with links to a site, video and show menu outlining your shows. That’s it.

8. Be careful who you speak negatively about on Facebook. Like all industries, people are always going to move around, and you never know when that person is someone you really want to work with, as they become director of the world’s biggest burlesque event!!

9. Promote your shows. When booked for a show, promote the event page on Facebook, send an email to your fans and publish on your site. Promoters take note who puts effort into promoting their shows, and it’s equally as important as just turning up and doing a great show. You should view your booking as part of the team and work together to achieve the best attendance and result.

10. Request feedback. How can one grow without feedback? Ask your booker or audience for feedback. If you are serious about your brand and career, you should encourage as much feedback as possible.

11. If you really want to keep your Facebook for personal rants, set up a Fan Page and keep your personal account as your real name and keep it for your out of industry friends!

12. Be friendly and courteous to other performers. I’ve had several girls keep applying for The Burlesque Ball, and no matter how good their shows are, will not put them on the tour, as their attitude to other performers is not warm and welcoming. Bookers definitely take this into account. Turn up to your gig, do your job and be professional and courteous. Just like you would at any other job!

If you want to have a one-on-one with me to specifically work on your brand I am always available.

Please feel free to joint the conversation on this topic by commenting below:

Please view the video below for a very special announcement about The Burlesque Ball!

It was my absolute pleasure to bring to Australia the incomparable Dirty Martini for her only Australian performances at The Ruby Revue on Sunday 14th August.

After an enormous response, we added a second late show to the night, and featured a host of incredible Australian talent including Rita Fontaine (as Johnny Castrati), Imogen Kelly, Lola The Vamp, Danica Lee, Briana Bluebell, Alyssa Kitt, Lauren LaRouge, Kael Murray.

The Australian girls absolutely brought the house down, and the audience were amazing. Dirty, without question, showed us who was BOSS. Twice she has topped The Burlesque Top 50, and in 2004 she was crowned Miss Exotic World. It wasn’t hard to see why..

Thanks to Simon Leong for the video:

A massive congratulations to the 2011 Winners, Miss Burlesque Australia 2011 SINA KING, First Runner-Up KELLY ANN DOLL and 2nd Runner-Up THE STRAWBERRY SIREN!

And another congratulations to all the Finalists for incredible dedication and shows.

For a sneak peek at the evening, watch this great video by Herald Sun..

In only 4 weeks time our pride and joy, The Burlesque Ball, kicks off around Australia. With an all star lineup including Catherine D’Lish – this is one event not to miss in 2012!!

Starring:

• MC Tigger (New York)
• Catherine D’Lish (Seattle)
• Melody Mangler (Vancouver)
• Imogen Kelly (Sydney)
• Lola The Vamp (Melbourne)
• Rita Fontaine (Sydney)
• Bella De Jac (Melbourne)

Most cities are almost sold out – please head to www.burlesqueball.com to not miss out!!

Touring 28th Oct – 13th November Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane / Perth

with Julie Atlas Muz & Roxi DLite

I have just returned from a week in Las Vegas where I was lucky enough to be invited to judge The Burlesque Hall of Fame 2011 Tournament of Tease.

Without doubt, the most highly regarded competition of Burlesque performance internationally, this was an incredible honour and a job I did not take lightly.

I represent as an agent, some of the world’s best performers, so I have followed the event closely over the years, and unfortunately have not been able to attend in person, until this year.

I had the opportunity to catch up with a range of Artists, including Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas Muz, Roxi DLite, Vicky Butterfly, Amber Ray, Catherine DLish and meet up with some “online” friends and business associates – finally. I also spent a great deal of time with some of our living Legends – it was an incredible experience.

A formidable relationship was also formed with the divine Billie Madley, who received a Sassy Lassy award on the weekend, for her contribution to Burlesque.

Some definite highlights, performance-wise, were (in no particular order) Ms Tickle, The Stage Door Johnnies, Dirty Martini, Catherine DLish and Anna Fur Laxis.

I have returned with some very exciting projects now on the horizon. A meeting with my Burlesque Ball headliner developed our concept for 2011, I booked in our MC, and 2 further international acts for the tour, started preliminary talks with 2 Artists who are looking at touring their own shows in Australia in 2012, and locked in some incredible guest teachers for our new school.

A massive congratulations to Indigo Blue, who took home the title of Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011. A beautiful performance and well and truly deserved. I am proud to have been a part of this year. And look forward to making the trip to the desert, annually from here!

with Jo (Boobs) Weldon & Paula The Swedish Housewife

Limited tickets remain for the Miss Burlesque Australia 2011 Grand Final, on Saturday 25th June at Enmore Theatre, Sydney. With an incredible lineup including all state winners and special guests, this is one event NOT TO MISS!

More information and tickets from www.missburlesquecompetition.com

STARRING:

• MC Jac Bowie & Cam HotAugust Knight
• Miss Burlesque NSW DANICA LEE
• Miss Burlesque VIC KELLY ANN DOLL
• Miss Burlesque QLD COPPELIA JANE
• Miss Burlesque GOLD COAST BELLA DE JAC
• Miss Burlesque SA SAPPHIRE SNOW
• Miss Burlesque TAS RUBY RIGHT
• Miss Burlesque WA KITTY LITEUR
• WILDCARD SINA KING (VIC)
• WILDCARD THE STRAWBERRY SIREN (GOLD COAST)
• WILDCARD ODILE DEVINE (WA)

Next month, we commence our brand new Burlesque school, based in Potts Point Sydney. Students will have access to a range of regular courses including Imogen Kelly’s “Buff & Polish” showgirl fitness course, private coaching with most of our teachers (including myself) and a range of special event classes such as Burlesque in Bumping Motion with Lola The Vamp, Cirlesque with The Strawberry Siren and more!

All you have to do, to book in advance, is head to www.bijougroup.com.au and select from the School menu along the top. Limited places for each class, and the Special Events courses are already booking fast – so be quick!!

To book a private session with myself, please email jac@jacbowie.com with your requested time (Sat or Sun between 12-5) and we will schedule your sesssion in. All private coaching is 99 per hour or 150 for 2 hours.

Here is my first exclusive DJ mix for La Femme. Please wait for a few moments for the player to load, and press play.

Jac Bowie for La Femme 01 by LaFemmeFrenchHouse

Wow. Friday night saw the opening night of La Femme, my new French House concept club night, and oh what a night. With an all star DJ lineup including Jack McCord (Hed Kandi), Angele (Hed Kandi) and Magoo (Kings of Sunday Mornings), the famous period that was French House, came to life in an amazing little space in Kings Cross.

with good friend, and co producer of my TV show Jacqui Maskall @ La Femme

We had a top secret and intimate parisian style performance from UK starlet Chrys Columbine, a live saxophonist supporting DJ Magoo, and I even took to the decks myself. The dancefloor was pumping from 10pm-3am, and there were sad faces everywhere when the lights came on.

For a city so into commercial club nights, waiting in line, big super clubs – we all experienced a night that was so different, and a crowd that were, as the venue put it “the kind of people we WANT here all the time”. Reviews have been coming in thick and fast, with guests stating hands down the music, ambience, venue and entertainment combined had given them their “best club night out in YEARS.”

I’m beyond thrilled. Big thank you to Tonic Lounge, Jack, Angele, Magoo, Chrys for making it so magic.

If you want to join in the fun, La Femme kicks off it’s monthly residency at Tonic Lounge on Friday 29th July, bookings and more info at www.lafemmeclub.com . There is strictly only 120 tickets per event, so we encourage bookings in advance.”

Venues that are interested in having a club night produced by Jac Bowie or Bijou Group should contact us, and I am of course, available for DJ bookings, specialising in French House, and my usual Exotica and Vintage collections. Club nights are limited in Sydney, as we are already in talks with several venues – looking for something fresh! We are particularly interested in Melbourne venues right now.

On Saturday night, I was down south for my Houseblend event which I produce at Northies Cronulla Hotel. We had a great night, and it was my second DJ Jack McCord installment in 24hours. Boy that man is incredible. Trying to escape the commercial cheese in the Shire, then Saturdays @ Houseblend is the place to go. May’s DJ lineup is hot, with Magoo, and 2 special events featuring Australia’s Godfather of House, Johnny Gleeson on Sat 14th and Sat 21st June. A must attend. Free entry. www.northies.com.au

The Ruby Revue Sydney returned on Sunday, with another incredible lineup. I had been at the venue from 1:30pm, auditioning some fabulous new talent for shows. I was particularly impressed by The Dollys, and Venus Vamp. Amongst the fact every second girl at the moment wants to be a burlesque performer, it was heart-warming to see every audition slot with some incredible, and varying talent. Sydney has stepped up it’s game since my last auditions, that I can tell you.

Somewhere along the way, I thought I lost my Ruby Revue dress for 2 hours later, so made an emergency trip to Kookai. They saved the day. And of course, discovered it at home later that night. Dammit.

Lineup was fabulous. Some technical issues, which in hindsight, actually added to the humour of the night for me. Chrys brought the house down. Betty Grumble shocked me and rocked me. Hedy – oh dear – own that “Anti Burlesque”, your ideas are so hilarious – but you need to believe it! Actually the whole cast were great. Thank you ladies. You always do me proud. Thanks to my boy too – what a helper!

On Eastside Radio's Armchair Traveller show. C)2011 Kris Ezergailis, all rights reserved | www.whatabigcamera.com

We also had Meagan from Eastside Radio’s “Armchair Traveler” show. The show airs on Eastside radio this Wednesday 11th May at 11:30am on 89.7 FM or online at http://eastsidefm.org/listen-online/ where you can tune in online. We spoke at length about the Australian burlesque scene, alternative arts in Sydney, and Meagan caught the show live and spoke with the girls. Should be a fabulous show! For more information on The Ruby Revue, please visit www.therubyrevue.com

That’s it for last weekend. This week sees the final touches on my MC notes for Miss Burlesque Australia, kicking off this Saturday in Melbourne, and touring nationally. I’m beyond excited to see this years talent. Tickets are walking out the door – gets yours today and support your girls!! www.missburlesquecompetition.com

It’s 11:11pm and I must wake up and be a mum in 8 hours. Oh what a happy and bizarre universe my life is.

On Friday 6th May, Jac Bowie launches her brand new club night, La Femme.

Focusing on the glamorous period that was French House, La Femme brings you the best specialty local DJ’s and special guests.

Resident DJ’s include Jack McCord (Hed Kandi), DJ Angele (Hed Kandi) and DJ Magoo. And as with all Jac Bowie / Bijou Group events, except lavish performances and aesthetic.

LAUNCH DATE FRIDAY 6TH MAY (Invite Only) then LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH from 29th July, at the home of La Femme – Tonic Lounge 62-64 Kellet Street Kings Cross NSW.

Website coming soon – in the meantime, stay in the loop at www.facebook.com/lafemmeclub

Sydney’s Number 1 Burlesque Show (Time Out Magazine 2010)

Sunday, 10th April at The Arthouse Hotel Sydney

STARRING:
MC Cam HotAugust Knight
Lola The Vamp
Imogen Kelly
Tasia
Lauren LaRouge
Georgia Ruby

+ THE JUKEBOX ZOMBIES!!

Book now at: www.therubyrevue.com

Also coming soon from The Bijou Group:

Touring Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, Adelaide, Hobart and Coolangatta

Tickets and more info: www.missburlesqueinternational.com

In January 2011, I commenced a contract with Sydney venue Northies Cronulla Hotel, overseeing their Marketing, Promotions and Entertainment.

Our brand new program kicks off this week. Check out the new look Northies

VERY VERY VERY SPECIAL BURLESQUE BOOTCAMP FEATURING

JO WELDON
Headmistress of New York School of Burlesque, Educator for Burlesque Hall of Fame / Exotic World & Author of The Burlesque Handbook!

LOLA THE VAMP
Showgirl Extraordinare, Teacher, Choreographer

JAC BOWIE
Producer, Promoter & Agent.

STRICTLY 10 PLACES AVAILABLE ONLY

BOOK NOW!!!

BURLESQUE BOOTCAMP LEVEL 1 – With Jac Bowie & Lola The Vamp

Designed for professional and emerging performers serious about a career in Burlesque, this course covers an intensive history on the origins and more recent history of burlesque, with a focus on the American Golden Age and burlesque’s Australian History, and gives performers an opportunity to develop their current material and build on work opportunities.

Meet the women who made it all possible, and learn authentic Golden Ages moves and choreography, named after the women who actually created the moves.

Piece together your moves, and create an authentic classic Golden Age Routine. Workshopping your current and potential routines. Developing your brand, image and character.Expanding your profile with PR, marketing and online presence. Growing your fanbase and Learn about national & international opportunites, festivals, competitions.

COST: $300

ABOUT JO WELDON (AKA JO BOOBS)
Jo Weldon is the headmistress and founder of the award-winning New York School of Burlesque, and many of her graduates have gone on to become burlesque stars themselves. She began performing retro striptease at Rocky Horror while still in high school, did nude poetry readings and performance art while working in strip clubs to get through college, and did her first fan dance at The Battle of the Cheetah Girls in 1993. Now, she is known as the premier educator and authority on burlesque, and is the Educational Director for the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, working with burlesque instructors around the world to develop curriculum and standards for teaching burlesque history and technique. She has published countless articles and photographs about stripping and burlesque, and has been interviewed for television, film, radio, print, and the internet.

THE BIJOU GROUP & JAC BOWIE PRESENTS

In a once in lifetime very special MCA Event, Dr Sketchy’s Sydney is thrilled to announce a VERY special event in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art’s much anticipated Annie Leibovitz’s exhibition “A Photographer’s Life 1990-2005″ as part of the Sydney International Art Series.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM http://www.mca.com.au/

Acclaimed producer Jac Bowie and Dr Sketchy’s Sydney have been working together in collaboration with MCA to create an incredible tangible experience of the exhibition fused with visual art, music and burlesque performance.

Annie Leibovitz has been making powerful images documenting American popular culture since the early 1970s, when her photographs began appearing in Rolling Stone Magazine. Ten years later she began working for Vanity Fair, and then Vogue US, creating a diverse body of work.

Following a record-breaking tour in the US and Europe, this hugely popular exhibition showcases commercial, documentary and personal works selected by the artist. At the heart of the exhibition are images which record the personal moments from Leibovitz’s life, including births, deaths, reunions and vacations. It also features portraits of well-known figures, including actors Brad Pitt, Demi Moore and Nicole Kidman, Patti Smith, Johnny Cash and Mick Jagger.

I know… You want to know who will be appearing to support this very special Dr Sketchy’s event…

Ohhh WE already know, but we aren’t sharing those spectacular details… just yet… keep watching this space for a VERY special announcement very soon.

Tickets will be available from the MCA website very VERY soon.

Remember… mark the date in your calendar as you WON’T want to miss this!

TICKETS ON SALE SOON FROM http://www.mca.com.au/

PRESS / GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

Jac Bowie
EMAIL jac@bijougroup.com.au

Think you have what it takes to be crowned Miss Burlesque Australia 2011?? Applications are being accepted from 10th January 2011 online at www.missburlesqueinternational.com

To apply, simply head to the website and complete the online application. Please note, you must submit video footage (link url / youtube). This footage does not have to be of your competing shows, we are simply wanting to see footage of you showcasing your performance style. So existing routines / footage are fine.

I recently sat down with the first ever Miss Burlesque Australia, 2010 winner Rita Fontaine to discuss the competition, her story in burlesque and how things have changed …

Rita tell me about your burlesque career prior to entering the competition?

My Burlesque career has been growing strong and steady over the past 4 years. I started as Rita Fontaine, doing solo and more feisty shows in Brisbane , but my twin emma came home from years in London, having seen burlesque over there and we decided to work as a double act, The Gamble Sisters. The twin act was always a little more PG and old fashioned, but a sharp and punchy act nonetheless. We booked a lot of shows and festivals and became well known. In late 2009, Emma’s side project rockabilly band: The Sugar Shakers was having it’s own success and I saw that she was following her dream, and I had her blessing to persue my racier dreams Rita Fontaine and Johnny Castrati (and other characters yet to be debuted)  So I took a leap of faith and moved to Sydney and entered Miss Burlesque Australia to show Sydney that I was here and here to stay.

We worked together on the Burlesque Ball tour this year, with your sister, Emma-Louise. How did you find that whole experience? How did you find the other performers on the tour?

There is an old saying in burlesque  “you never know a girl until you’ve toured with her”. Touring is glamorous but not without it’s trials. there were so many opportunities for a diva moment from any of us, and yet these women just moved on, bumped in, did a great show, bumped out and got along. We were from all over Oz, the UK and the US and bonded so easily and helped eachother when we could. It was such a great group of women to be a part of. I learnt a great deal about community amongst women in the scene from Roxi D’lite, and I became very fond of Lola the Vamp, who was also from lil’ brisbane, but I had never met until the tour. I can book a show with any of these women, anywhere I want now and feel supported. The tour was exciting to be a part of and it was a proud time for The Gamble Sisters. It gave us a sense of “we aint just two girls from littlerock (Wello Point)”.

And you have moved to Sydney recently from Brisbane, how has this been working out for you?

The best thing I ever did!   Sydney always seemed to give me the cold shoulder in the past but when I finally bit the bullet and moved here, I have had nothing but success. coming down for Ruby Revues for years paid off. People knew I am a good act and I hit the ground running. I am trying to say no to gigs now so I can have a break. Next year will be all systems go as Miss Burlesque Australia.  I that sydney welcomes diversity in performance.

How do you pay the bills in Sydney?

Aside from Burlesque, I make costumes for events companies, for other artists and for crossdressers.

What was it about Miss Burlesque Australia that made you want to enter?

A damn good tarot reading:  “The wild woman will win”

How would you describe the competition process? Do you think there is strategy involved?

At first I didn’t think the pageant part was so important, but as it turns out, that’s where my points tipped the balance to me winning over Brianna Bluebell. I had decided that instead of walking out and posing, I was going to prepare a little somthing for each walk and it made a world of difference. That was may strategy : if I were judging, I’d want to see a girl take the opportunity to make the padgeant count for her character, not just her outfit.

I also took risks as my strategy. I would rather lose but impress my peers (and be picked up for more gigs) than win with something gorgeous but unoriginal.  There were whispers around town that it would be a glorified beauty pageant, but every woman who entered brought something ‘out of this world’. A number of artists from the more underground performance scenes have told me that it was heartening to see a risk-taker win, and that it has set the competition in high regard from the get-go. It’s not a ‘pretty pageant’. I was proud to perform with every woman who competed. no act was similar.  I think next year, BIJOU will have to hold extra heats and book extra seats for all of the entries and tickets they’ll be processing!!!

Describe the moment you won! Did you feel confident about winning, if so, when did it really hit you?

It doesnt matter how many times i practiced my winning smile and walk and gracious thankyou’s in front of the mirror… i still froze like a stunned mullet then squealed like a beauty queen.  I felt confident about winning from the day I entered the first heat… but when I was standing there on stage, as the only girl without a tiara or a sash for something…. I thought ” just smile and congratulate the winner and leave the stage as a gracious loser and dont cry until you are off stage”. And then I won!  I nearly needed a change of knickers

I was so thrilled. My Wildcard WON!!!!! (had a moment, “God I CAN PICK EM!!) So what’s changed in your career since? Has the title made a difference?

I love my title. It certainly has become a cornerstone in my career by cementing in the scene that I am in the top league. I am a down to earth person but dont think for a second that i don’t take every opportunity to brag about this baby!  I earnt my bragging rights!  I worked my tushy off!

And the work hasn’t stopped!  I am doing very few gigs for the rest of this year but i am working hard of costumes and concepts for all of my gigs for next year. My etherial creature for the Burlesque Ball is going to blow your socks off!  And my drag-burlesque act Johnny Castrati, who i debuted as my MBA entry has also picked up a lot of gigs, including MC for Under the Blue Moon Festival.

Tell me about what you are doing with your prizes and money, and I hope you have saved some for our shopping in Paris?

I bought a laptop and a video camera, so that i can start documenting the tours and shows of next year. Expecially London burlesque festival and Paris. I am also going to be filming monologues and blogging my career from now on.  I bought some shoes for my fetish. …for shoes. And I am putting some money into my etherial creature costume which is being designed by David Rocheford – The Wild One  in Enmore. the rest is going to be saved for shopping with you Jac in Paris!

What’s next for Rita Fontaine?

London, Paris, New York.

I know this is a re-occuring theme, for performers and enthusiasts of burlesque, but the popular question of “what is the difference between burlesque and stripping” has been put to me, personally, so many times, I feel the need to discuss.

I have not personally ever been a stripper, but do feel quite informed about this scene. Apart from knowing many strippers over my lifetime,my business partner, Cassandra Jane was a well known stripper (more showgirl), I ran a special Bootcamp with Lola The Vamp – focused on girls wanting to cross over (strip to burlesque), and more recently, I went on a strip club “crawl” with Cassandra in Melbourne (in the name of research, of couse!!).

I know Dita Von Teese, amongst a lot of performers, consider as a burlesque artist – they are also a stripper. But when I look at a good burlesque routine and a good strip club performance – I can’t help but think they are chalk and cheese.

Apart from the fact when I walked into most clubs, the floor cleared. Apparently, there are a few girls who are fine with being a burlesque performer, but the other job, is something they don’t want me to know. Why is this? (I also later found out that by missing their stage time, they had to pay a fine!).

From my point of view, the girls that got on stage, did a fabulous show. I just had to turn away at the “ending”. I’m definitely not a prude, but there is some clear mental difference between my girls doing burlesque & stripping for me, personally.

I recently saw Australia’s top male stripper, Pantha, perform at Mandate in Melbourne. Although some cheesy music choices, he managed to get a few hundred girls chomping at the bits, without taking off his shirt, or revealing anything below the belt. There was humour, parody, narrative and there was tease, amazing choreography. So what was he doing – Burlesque or Stripping? Or both?

When I read of or talk to the US girls, doing both and their experiences in the strip clubs and on the circuit, it really does sound different to the scene here. I mean, in different states within Australia there are different rules on what clients can see / touching rules. Something that a girl in Victoria is allowed to do, is completely different from what a Queensland Stripper is.

So when the “out and proud” performers in both genres announce they are both, decipher this for me. “Stripping”, from what I know of it, is more than just the act of taking off one’s clothes. Its the venue, the audience, the outfit, the different finishes in the arms and legs, the shoes, the different approach to men. Then it’s also the issues of private shows and getting up close with the client.

It worries me that we generalise that burlesque is stripping, when there are so many different meanings of what ‘stripping” actually means. The meaning changes between venue, city, state, country, occassion, client request. One girl may so stage only, another work the floor or another only drive to private gigs through an agency booking (ie Bucks party). I know of one recent performer saying in an interview response to “How should a girl get into Burlesque?” her response? “Work in a stripclub”.

Whilst I am not for or against this statement, it makes me think.

What are your thoughts?

I am constantly approached from people from a huge range of industries, wanting to know how to use social networking better. I may be a burlesque agent foremost, but the principles of how I applied social networking to the growth of my business can be applied to most industries.

Recently, I’ve been in talks with a false eyelash company, a real estate agent, a stripper and an entertainment agency, to name a few. All wanting to reach their audience with a more interactive, personable touch. Wanting to engage more.

Using Social Networking, is obviously a good way to engage your audience. But if used incorrectly, it can also drive them away.

Whilst on the forefront, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and MySpace can appear pretty much the same thing – giving people new ways to connect with your business and interact and talk to you, share pictures, links etc. But using a few all at once, or any of them really well, can seem like a lot of work.

There are many tools out there to assist you with “managing” your updates, saving you time, auto posting etc. I  use and love Tweetdeck. I can write an update, and with a click of a button (on my Mac or iPhone), can send it live to Facebook (including specific pages), Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace, clicking and unclicking which accounts I want to include. This is important as  whilst a witty quote may be suitable for my personal Facebook page and Twitter, it may not be for LinkedIn. So whilst time saving, I think it’s important firstly, to work out which network is for what purpose, and once you have that figured, stick with it.

It’s a good idea to step back, and prioritise first. Think about your business and your audience. What are your audience on that site for? And how can YOU give them what they WANT?

In the beginning, I used to blast advertising everywhere. Copy and paste and paste and paste it. It took me a while to realise, but this is bloody annoying to most people. They’ll stop following you in a heartbeat. Specifically, when I first started using Twitter I was just hitting out random Tweets about events, news etc, until one night, I poured a glass of wine and for the first time ever started to really speak my mind. I was instantly flooded with comments about “it’s so nice to finally get to know you, the woman behind the burlesque”. The penny dropped.

Since that night, Twitter, has become almost like the film “Being John Malcovich”. It’s giving people a direct read of my thoughts, my twisted humour, my influences and passions. It gives people a rare insight into who Jac Bowie really is. They may quite often be “(t)witty ramblings” (ie my “Bridget Jones” moments, my video dedications, and live backstage images from the shows), but the readership is growing.

Facebook for me has also evolved. It’s still my main hub for event promotion, sharing links, recent press, promoting Artists. But I like to keep separate Pages for specific targeted followers.

So what for my clients? Well for the real estate client, he’s reached a point where he wants to make more professional connections (LinkedIn), but also wants to be more personable – without getting too personal! In this case I would also recommend a Facebook (Business Page not Personal Account). For the eyelash company, she’s about to launch, and she has a very glamorous and visual product. She should be working her Facebook Business Page with images, content about what makes her product unique, items on sale, glamourous images of women wearing her product. If she wants to create excitement and tease her audience, get Twitter cranking with some images of goodies being made in the workshop.

Whilst my love affair with MySpace has somewhat dwindled. I do have a soft spot for it, and may return and show my affection once again. After all, she was my first.

www.twitter.com/jacbowie

www.facebook.com/jacbowie1979

www.linkedin.com/jacbowie

A shoot with Marie Claire magazine, and a random comment from my mother this week have put me onto an interesting train of thought.

My brief for the shoot was “we want you to be a burlesque housewife, in your mountain manor, kids going mad, you totally calm, perhaps smoking a cigarette and having a very “Stepford Wife” look”.

I read it and thought. Um, not very hard, that’s me.

One of my friends even commented upon seeing the final shot “So just like any other day in the Bowie manor?”

I’m not your ‘every day mum”. I can’t cook very well. I don’t attend mother’s groups. I hide from the other mums when picking up my son, in fact. The teacher had to explain to me what a “play date” was after my son was invited to one. And I was most concerned whether it was acceptable to drink Sav Blanc or not (thank god it was).

Yes I take my son (Kai, 6) to school, I work from home and my daughter (Alizenne, 2) stays at home with me. Most days my business partner comes over to work here aswell.

But there is something very, I don’t know, abnormal about our days. Apart from our crazy office, Izzie liking to dress in wigs, outfits and shoes most of the time. I clean to Tears for Fears, and cook to Lady Gaga and have been known to cook spaghetti in my underwear (unsuccessfully mostly), there is something really unusual about our Working Mum lives.

About every 2 weeks, we kiss the kids goodnight, leave them with the sitter, put on our cuban heels and red lipstick and head into the strange world of Burlesque.

We come home, wake up to the kids and become mums again.

Part of the "office"

There is something really content about the crazy life we live. I mean, our kids are crazy little carnie kids. But they are also both very grounded, polite and intelligent. My sonlives for the stage and photoshoots, and my daughter would be dressing up or making up her face all day if she could. Is it wrong to have them such “tour babies”? Yes my son misses school (sometimes a few weeks) when it’s Miss Burlesque Australia or The Burlesque Ball. But is it for the greater good? He is travelling, meeting amazing performers and experiencing life? (btw neither child has actually ever seen one of my shows). Kai counts Amber Ray, Julie Atlas Muz, Lola The Vamp and Roxi DLite as some of his “best friends”. And he once walked into one of my photoshoots and declared he was the “Art Director”.

So today, on Facebook, my mother told me she “accidently” had Botox yesterday. It started a 60+ comment thread, which revealled a lot about my relationship with my mother. She is a Lawyer, and very switched on. But has elements of both “Patsy & Edina” in her, and we share the same, politically incorrect and wacky humour, so find light of many situations most people can’t find the funny side of. We didn’t always, but now, share a very open relationship and have had many fascinating (and sometimes ridiculous) conversations on relationships, sex, drugs – god everything. She, like me, wasn’t your average mum. Sure she did the school Social Club (but got sacked for suggesting a “Prawn & Porn night”) but what I remember most is our times with her as a single mother (early 20′s) topless sunbathing with me, backpacking around Europe, all these fun things as she was young and cool. I fondly remember being allowed to stay up and dance at her dinner parties with the adults. But that’s just me, I liked all of those things.

Is there really anything wrong with being a Burlesque Housewife?

Excuse me, I have to run. I just burnt the pizza. (and no, it wasn’t still in the box.)

PS. Magazine is out, along with all the glamorous Grand Finalists of Miss Burlesque Australia – In Marie Claire Feb issue 2011.

PPS (Please note, top image is from a prior shoot with Matthew Burgess. Strange the theme keeps remaining similar!)

A very special thanks to Bebe Sparkle for her hospitality in Hobart. Bootcamp was a great success and I truly hope the girls finished the weekend feeling inspired about their careers and a bit more focused on moving forward with real tips to build their following and brand.

I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful Mount Wellington, and even managed to support Bebe at her Australia’s Got Talent audition. Oh and we made the Sunday Tasmanian.

Thank you so much to Matthew Burgess, Erin O”Brien and Kim Mennan for the great result. So thrilled with the shoot, and Nett Magazine have featured one of the images in their extra special Fab 40 November issue! Buy the mag to see the article, and scroll down to see all the images from the shoot.

[View with PicLens]

Big thanks to Nett for featuring myself and The Bijou Group in your Fab 40 list. We are thrilled !

On the weekend of 6th & 7th of November Marie Claire Magazine, are making a trip to the Dandy’s to take photos of myself and the kids for their story on Miss Burlesque Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for that issue, you’ll be seeing all the girls in their gear, in their real life settings. It shall be HOT!

Also, Burlesque Bootcamp is touring Australia, kicking off in Hobart this weekend, then off to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and perhaps even taking a trip to NZ. Check out www.burlesquebootcamp.com for more info.

[View with PicLens]

Well had great fun yesterday, shooting with Matthew Burgess. We had to get a cool image for my next appearance in Nett Magazine (Nov Fab 40 issue), and a few other publications and decided to do a shoot at my house in the Dandenongs. The weather stayed clear just long enough to get some fabulous shots.

Here are some iPhone snaps from the shoot, the real shots will be amazing, and I will pop them up on the site as soon as they are ready. We went a little Marilyn Monroe meets Desperate Housewives…

Check out Matthew’s other work at www.matthewburgess.net and the lovely Erin O’Brien who did my hair and makeup www.erinobrienmakeup.com and lookout for the Nett Nov 2010 issue for the article and shot!

I have finally found some time to put what I have learned over the past 7 years to good use.  The skills and techniques I have learned from creating my own business, I want to share with you.

Real ideas and plans that can build your databases of readers, audiences and customers.

With the use of creative concepts, strategies and social networking, I can help you take your business, brand or idea into the mainstream and turn into $$.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a performer, agency, fashion store or airline. These are real ideas that transcribe across all industries to reach new audiences and build your profile, both online and in the real world.

Contact me on jac@bijougroup.com.au for more information.

I am currently writing some exciting short eBooks on burlesque, which will be available to download online, covering a range of topics for new and professional performers.

Real tips on starting out in burlesque, building your brand and career, getting more gigs, developing your routines.

If you would like to see something specific covered in one of these eBooks, please leave me a comment and let me know!

It’s with great pleasure that I announce I will be heading down to Hobart to take part in a very special Burlesque Bootcamp. After attending the Miss Burlesque Tasmania State Heats, I witnessed some incredible potential in the local Artists and am thrilled to have been able to work out an affordable option for the local performers to bring their routines, branding and careers to the next level.

Thanks to Bebe Sparkle for making this possible. So thrilled to be able to come down and spend some time with the lovely ladies of Hobart!

If you want to take one of the last couple of spots for Bootcamp, please email bec@diamondsofburlesque.com to enrol. This is a reduced special event, so the normal $300 fee does not apply.

Want us to bring Bootcamp to your city? Drop me an email at jac@jacbowie.com

we need a minimum of 10 students to make this possible!

JAC BOWIE (Producer of Miss Burlesque Australia, The Burlesque Ball, The Ruby Revue and Artistic Director of The Bijou Group) and Australia’s premier Burlesque showgirl, LOLA THE VAMP join forces on this weekend of intense workshops and development for professional and emerging performers.

Join Jac & Lola and learn how to develop your brand, image and character. Develop a PR & marketing campaign and best present yourself to clients.

During these intense 2 days you will have the opportunity to brainstorm new ideas and workshop your current shows, working on the choreography, movements, connection with the audience and technique.

Lola will be covering a range of traditional moves, techniques and routines. Learn about international competitions including Miss Exotic World, Miss Burlesque Australia and other festivals and opportunities for work, focusing on UK and US.

MORE INFO AND BOOK ONLINE- Touring Melbourne & Sydney September 2010!

It’s moved to a temporary home at www.bijougroup.com.au whilst we await our shiny new site

Head on over, make yourself at home!

When we first started out, in 2005 with our first ever Burlesque Ball, there were only a handful of Burlesque promoters in Australia. And they were all pretty good, and varied in style. But along the way, with Burlesque’s ever growing rise in popularity, new performers are debuting every 5 mins, and it seems new “Promoters” are popping up everywhere. And in a lot of cases, these Promoters are beginner performers themselves!!

So whilst we are all trying hard to make opportunities and work available to performers, it’s important for us to not lose sight of the quality of Burlesque being produced.

I am a big believer that a routine should not be performed until it is extensively rehearsed, and prepared. I am also a believer that “throwing on” a Burlesque show, is not doing anyone any favours. For one, it’s not as simple as it looks.

Promoters should really be building a following, to minimise their advertising / promotion costs. They should also give serious thought to the “narrative” and or “flow” of the evening. It’s never a good idea to just put on your “mates”. The inclusions of a burlesque revue lineup should be a well thought out process. Have we got a headliner that brings his / her own following? If we are paying through the nose for her, is she well known here? What % of new ticket sales come from her name being in the lineup? Does it (at the very very least) cover her costs? She should be placed at the end of the night.. Supporting acts, who’s got the correct reputation, vibe and routine choice to fit the mood prior to the headliner. Can she carry herself well enough on stage to be followed by the Headliner.

In terms of flow, light and shade needs to be included. We want to take the audience on a journey of emotions. That can only be achieved by well thought out routine inclusions. Wham Bam after Wham Bam loses impact after a while. I personally think a good variation across Burlesque styles (Bump & Grind, Grotesque – if suitable, Neo, Classic as example) should be considered to cover the audience’s growing taste and for a well rounded show.

It’s of massive concern when new promoters don’t put any thought into what makes a strong Burlesque show. For me personally, it’s taken years of going out and seeing all the girls, around the world. Seeing their character as a performer, and seeing as many of their routines as possible. As an Agent, I succeed mostly at selling routines I have seen, over something that has been emailed to me with a couple of pics. That can be risky. You need to know the level of nudity, the political themes, the parodys, the music choice – or in some cases you are in for a scary shock on the night. It’s not the right fit.

The other problem with the growing scene is my ever growing problem of undercutting. We worked hard for years to increase Artists standard performance rates, for them. And with each client coming to us, we have only the top end professional acts and really, an option for all budgets, that respects the performer, and is reasonable for the client. I can’t count how many times we have sent through an Estimate for $300 for a short show, and the client has responded to us saying XXX is doing a show for them for $50 (a performer not on our books). Surprise surprise, client writes back to us after the event, giving us terrible reports, and swears to pay the extra and book through us next time.

How does this effect the scene? Well obviously, it loses our Artists work initially, but also, with a mediocre performance, we have potentially lost fans of burlesque. And the girl who did the mediocre performance probably heard nothing from the client and will continue her career of $50 shows and probably not develop or improve her routines.

It also means, that the livelihood for “surviving” on gigs is decreased. The more of these $50 specials going on, the less likely our girls who have worked so hard, and are currently getting between $700-$5000 a show, people are going to be less likely to book them.

Same goes for these “revues” that have been thrown together. With the popularity rising of Burlesque, you can always expect new audience members attending some of these shows, vowing never to return.

So with this, I would like to encourage all Promoters & Performers to look after their industry. Produce your shows with thought and research, and with your audience in mind, not your bank account. I encourage performers to refine, polish and rehearse their shows to the best of their ability so they are producing quality each time they step on stage. And I encourage the audience to not give up after 1 bad experience. There is plenty of great burlesque out there. You just gotta find it!!

xx JB

Miss Burlesque Australia is the first competition in Australia to combine all feature elements of Burlesque performance and personality to compete for a major prize and international title.

The competition is open to Burlesque performers of any level, both brand new, emerging and seasoned professional.

A national competition that will see performers from all States compete for a prize pool worth over $10,000 AUD in money, prizes and sponsorship.

State heats will be held, with all finalists heading to Sydney or Melbourne for the Grand Finals, where the winner will be crowned Miss Burlesque Australia.

As of 2011, the competition will grow into the USA, UK and beyond, with a new title of Miss Burlesque International commencing.

The Title of Miss Burlesque Australia will be awarded to the best overall performer across a range of activities including Traditional, Neo and unique interpretation of Burlesque. We are also looking for a winner who will actively use her Title to promote a better community of Burlesque in Australia, and promote the community of Burlesque in Australia, internationally. Personality, performance, skill and presentation all form key parts of winning the competition.

For more information, to apply or book tickets to the show, please visit www.missburlesqueinternational.com

It’s an explosive week of burlesque and variety goodness in Sydney. Firstly, tonight at Dr Sketchys Sydney we have 3 beautiful burlesque babes, Danica Lee, Lauren LaRouge and Mimi Monroe performing / posing at Dr Sketchys. 6:30pm at The Arthouse Hotel.

www.drsketchy.com.au

Then on Sunday, we have a stellar lineup at The Ruby Revue, Sydney’s number 1 Burlesque show, featuring Cam HotAugust Knight, Baby Blue Bergman (Burlesque), Liam Power (Magic), What Makes Men Blush (performing a duo and solo number), Kael Murray (Belly Dance) and LaBec.

Tickets are selling like hotcakes, so make sure you jump on the website to book in advance.

Don’t forget, for groups over ten, you can qualify for group discounts on the site too.

www.therubyrevue.com

Show Only remains $25 and Dinner & Show (almost sold out) $50.

This Saturday’s Ruby Revue Show in Melbourne is selling fast!

Get your tickets online and to see Melbourne’s favourite little cabaret variety night as we move to new chapter at The Order of Melbourne!

We have a sweet selection of burlesque striptease, handbalancing, aerial performance, comedy and much more! For $25 it’s a fabulous night out!!

Saturday 3rd April – Melbourne

Doors open at 8pm, Show Starts at 9pm

* MC Danny McGinlay

* Laura LaReyna (Aerial / Hula Hoops)

* Ms Mizzy (Handbalancing)

* Dolores Daiquiri (Burlesque)

* Miss Becky Lou (Burlesque Debut)

* The Strawberry Siren (Burlesque Debut)

* Miss Kay Risque (Burlesque / Swing)

www.therubyrevue.com

©2010 Jac Bowie – The Burlesque, Vaudeville & Vintage Agency | www.jacbowie.com

This Saturday Melbourne’s favourite old fashioned cabaret variety night returns with a host of exciting talent, MC Danny McGinlay, Dolores Daiquiri, Strawberry Siren, Miss Kay Risque, Laura LeReyna and Miss Becky Lou. And still more to come!!

Tickets are selling fast, so head to www.therubyrevue.com to get yours online!! Only $25!!!

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We have a range of openings for performers in Sydney & Melbourne and also some employment openings for crew.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Performers for

• Jac Bowie Worldwide Agency Books
• The Ruby Revue (Sydney & Melbourne),
• Bijou Cabaret (Melbourne),
• Emerald Follies (Melbourne),
• Dr Sketchys Models / MC / Performers

Employment Positions

• Booking Agents
• Blog Correspondents
• Sound / Light Operators (Melbourne)

Kittens and Kats…
I have been somewhat off the Radar for awhile and I’m sorry to leave you all hangin’ for info!
As you might remember on halloween I left for a long stint to do burlesque in the Sugar Blue Show @ Friedrischbau Variety theater In Stuttgart, Germany which was A very interesting and immense load of work. I believe we did somewhere around 170 shows in 3.5 months. It was truly a life changing experience…and a serious amount of experience at that.
Though it exhausted me I’m sure you can imagine how Happy I am to be back home, hitting the ground running.
I took a week off and then went to my next big show which was this last weekend in Montreal, Canada!Scarlett James who produces the Montreal Burlesque Festival dreamt up another masterpiece with “The Grand Burlesque Show”. It was absolutely amazing. We danced with a 20 piece big band and Montreal gave us the love a star-studded-cast deserved! See more @ www.Grandburlesqueshow.com
March is filled with some great new shows, some super fun ongoing events and at last I will be flying to Las Vegas to rock the stage for the The Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Convention and Car show, where I have been scheduled to perform with another stellar Line up with some of the best in burlesque at the Friday night Burlesque Showcase.
While I was in Germany I was able to work on setting up and promoting my Fan Page On Facebook. Please join! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Ray/56572818735?ref=ts
I am still Looking for a web designer to help me make some big changes to my website, if you know anyone please let me know!
And also, as always, I am looking for flower help, so if you would like to be a sparkle fairy and work for merchandise, please drop me a line!
Future gigs:
*A serious amount of wonderful NYC events
*The Vancouver Burlesque Festival in May, and the
*20th annual Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend/Pageant @ The Plaza in Las Vegas in June!!!

Thanks for tuning in!
I Hope to see you out and I Thank for your care and devotion!
Xo
Amber Ray
www.amberray.net

*THE EVENTS*

1. Friday 3/12 Brian Newman Trio @Duane Park (Tribeca)
2. Saturday 3/13 Floating Cabaret @ Galapagos (Dumbo Brooklyn)
3. Sunday 3/14 Dim Sum Burlesque @ Chow Bar (Greenwich Village)
4. Sunday 3/14 Vandam @ Greenhouse (soho)
5. Wednesday 3/17 Revealed @ Theater Under St. Marks (EV)
6. Friday 3/19 Brian Newman Trio @ Duane Park (Tribeca)
7. Saturday 3/20 Sweets Shop @ Duane Park (Tribeca)
8. Saturday 3/20 Bad Ass @ Arlene’s Grocery (LES)
9. Saturday 3/ 27 Shanghai Mermaid (Brooklyn)
10. Friday 4/2 Viva Las Vegas Showcase @ Orleans Casino Resort (Las Vegas, NV)

***THE DETAILS***

1. Friday 3/12 Brian Newman Trio @Duane Park (Tribeca NYC)
The Brian Newman Jazz Trio
special guests
10:30pm
Come for Dinner or just for a drink and enjoy the Free Live entertainment.
Always something Fabulous going on at Duane Park!
http://www.duaneparknyc.com

2. Saturday 3/13 Floating Cabaret @ Galapagos (Dumbo Brooklyn)
Hosted by Olga & Bjorn! Starring: Jenny Rocha & Her Painted Ladies, Sean Blue, Veruca Honeyscotch, The Maine Attraction, Amber Ray, Brian Newman and Lisa Natoli!
DOORS: 10:00PM SHOW: 10:30PM 
TIX: FREE
http://galapagosartspace.com/

3. Sunday 3/14 Dim Sum Burlesque @ Chow Bar (Greenwich Village)
CHOW BAR PRESENTS A SUNDAY EVENING OF DIM SUM BURLESQUE HOSTED BY THE EXOTIC AND ALWAYS ENTERTAINING CALAMITY CHANG FEATURING A FANTASTIC WEEKLY VARIETY SHOW OF THE CITY’S MOST INTERESTING AND TALENTED PERFORMERS THAT ROTATE ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
SEATING WITH DINNER AND COCKTAILS BEGINS AT 8 PM, THE SHOW STARTS PROMPTLY AT 9 PM.
SHOW TICKETS ARE $10 PER PERSON AND MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. THERE IS A $25 PER PERSON TABLE MINIMUM.
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/89709
WHEN YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS, PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL US FOR RESERVATIONS AND PROVIDE US WITH YOUR NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.
http://chowbarnyc.com/sundayburlesque.html

4. Sunday 3/14 Vandam @ Greenhouse (soho)
SUSANNE BARTSCH AND KENNY KENNY
invite you to
VANDAM
SUNDAYS

EVERY SUNDAY
10:00 PM – until
COMP COCKTAILS 10 – 11:00
VANDAM VODKA SPECIAL ALL NIGHT (VODKA W. MIXER OF YOUR CHOICE )

DJ: JOHNNY DYNELL
SHOW: A NEW ARTIST EACH WEEK
EVERGREENS: DIRTY MARTINI, AJOSHUA & CHUCK ATTIX
DOWNSTAIRS: DESI MONSTER & LADYFAG
WITH SPECIAL GUEST DJ EVERY WEEK
DOOR: CYNTHIA
150 VARICK ST @ VANDAM
at greenhouse
EVERY SUNDAY
COMP DOOR

5. Wednesday 3/17 Revealed @ Theater Under St. Marks (EV)
“More burlesque than you’ve ever seen before”
http://www.horsetrade.info/ONgoingEvents/REVEALED/Revealed.html
UNDER St. Marks
94 St. Marks Place.
btwn 1st Ave and Ave A
Tickets:$20
Third Wednesday of every month
Doors at 9:30
Show Starts at 10pm

6. Friday 3/19 Brian Newman Trio @ Duane Park (Tribeca NYC)
special guests
10:30pm
Come for Dinner or just for a drink and enjoy the Free Live entertainment.
Always something Fabulous going on at Duane Park!
http://www.duaneparknyc.com

7. Saturday 3/20 Sweets Shop @ Duane Park (Tribeca)
Starring Melody sweets and the Candy Shop Boys with this weeks guests: “Fastest Tassel Twirler from East to West” Peekaboo Pointe (World Famous Pontani Sisters) & “Professional Sensationalist” Amber Ray!
The intoxicating Rosie 151 will be serving up specialty cocktails at the bar & our beautiful stage kitten Nikkita will be sure to drop some jaws.
I recommend making dinner reservations early as we’ve been “SOLD OUT” for the last 5 weeks!!
Your evening of decadence is filled with mouth-watering desserts, dinner, dazzling eye candy and enchanting live music with The Candy Shop Boys featuring 4-time Ascap award-winning pianist & composer, Jesse Elder! Specialty drinks are available at the bar, including a cocktail created just for The Sweets’ Shop.
The night begins at 10:30pm with two captivating sets by chanteuse Melody Sweets, accompanied by The Candy Shop Boys, presenting the best in burlesque, cabaret and other Vaudeville-style variety acts to satisfy your Sweets tooth!
The Sweets’ Shop is every Saturday night at Duane Park Supper Club (157 Duane Street, between West Broadway & Hudson).
There is no cover, but there is a two-drink minimum.
Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, and can be made by calling
212.732.5555.

8. Saturday 3/20 Bad Ass @ Arlene’s Grocery (LES)Velocity Chyaldd presents:
!BadAss! Burlesque’s
Marilyn Monroe Affair!
at Arlene’s Grocery
95 Stanton, NYC $15
BUNNY LOVE
hosts these
mouth-watering
MONROE’S:
Darlinda just Darlinda
World Famous *BOB*
Bambi the Mermaid
Velocity Chyaldd
Ruby Valentine
Minnie Tonka
Lil Miss Lixx
Weirdee Girl
Glenn Marla
Amber Ray
Gal Friday
Deity
DJ Velocity &
VJ Val Killmore
deliver tainted glam!
Musical guest: KILLCODE
rock yer f#*king-sox off!
Tarot magick by: Madame Courtney
21 and over, ID a must!
This party rocks on til 4am!
For links to all
involved please visit -
http://www.BadAssBurlesque.com

9. Saturday 3/ 27 Shanghai Mermaid (Brooklyn)
Weimar Germany Affair On this special night.
…an underground Speakeasy Cabaret.
A scandalous evening of debauchery from another era…1930′s Shanghai, 1920′s
Paris,
weimar berlin, early gangster and Jazz age New York…
for details:
www.shangahaimermaid.com

10. Friday 4/2 Viva Las Vegas Showcase @ Orleans Casino Resort (Las Vegas, NV)
See Flier here:
http://www.vivalasvegas.net/ART/VivaBurlesque2010.jpg
http://www.vivalasvegas.net/

All photos by Brent Leideritz. Please contact Brent at b@digitalobliquity.com to purchase copies.

All photos by Brent Leideritz. Please contact Brent at b@digitalobliquity.com to purchase copies.

DR SKETCHYS SYDNEY TONIGHT

Tonight at Dr Sketchys we have a very special guest, UK burlesque star CHRYS COLUMBINE in her final Australian appearance before returning home to London this week.
It is advised to book in advance at http://www.drsketchy.com.au

BIJOU CABARET MELBOURNE RETURNS SUN 21ST MARCH

Bijou pushes the boundaries between dark, mysterious cabaret, high end neo burlesque meets cutting edge performance art. Leave your expectations of classic cabaret at the door, this is a step into the unknown, the exciting and the risque.

To Book Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/571994852
For more info visit http://www.bijoucabaret.com

SUNDAY 21st MARCH 8PM DOORS OPEN
THE BLUE DIAMOND
LEVEL 1, 123 QUEEN STREET MELBOURNE

THE RUBY REVUE MELBOURNE- NEW CBD VENUE & SAT SHOWS!!!

It is with great excitement we announce our move to the gorgeous inner city THE ORDER OF MELBOURNE on Saturday 3rd April.

This means, Ruby Revue will be moving to the new slot of FIRST SAT of each month!!

With an exciting lineup to be announced, please check the website for more details. http://www.therubyrevue.com

To book tickets early to avoid missing out, head to the following direct purchase link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/595031756

SAT 3RD APRIL – Doors Open at 8pm
THE ORDER OF MELBOURNE 401 SWANSTON STREET

THE RUBY REVUE SYDNEY – SUNDAY 11th APRIL
Sydney’s number 1 burlesque show comes back to The Arthouse Hotel on Sunday 11th April, with another top lineup of burlesque, magic, comedy, music and more. Get in fast to get yourself front row dinner & show tickets!
http://www.therubyrevue.com

BRAND NEW EVENT!! EMERALD FOLLIES MELBOURNE

We are also kicking of an additional monthly event, called Emerald Follies. A naughty New York style revue, full of your favourite femme fatales performing their personal take on the the monthly theme at hand.

It’s not a night for the fainthearted. These girls are going New York underground style and pushing the boundaries of burlesque. Expect grindhouse, thriller, tarrantino themes – but not as you have ever seen them before!!

Opening night is SUNDAY 25th APRIL, although from following month will move to LAST SAT OF EVERY MONTH.

Book now at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/595048807
Official website coming coon

SUNDAY 25TH APRIL
RED BENNIES LEVEL 1, 373 CHAPEL STREET SOUTH YARRA

Chrys is a UK burlesque starlet, pin-up model, and trained concert pianist from London. With the ethereal looks of a fairytale princess, the enticing mystery of a femme fatale, and a number of stunning, unique routines she is a charismatic performer through and through. She has graced and headlined stages all over the UK and Europe and has featured in publications such as The Mail On Sunday, OK! Magazine, French Playboy, Irish News of The World, to name a few. Chrys has also made a number of T.V. appearances including on ITV with Dita Von Teese, and is currently on tour in Australia with The Burlesque Ball.

Since it’s beginnings, Dr Sketchy’s in Sydney has gone on to become one of the most successful branches in the world, featuring a feast of local and international performers. The branch has not only been a hit with guests – constantly featured in the media including TV, Sydney Morning Herald, The Lonely Planet, Time Out Magazine, Cherrie Magazine, Daily Addict, Sydney City Weekly and many many more. Dr Sketchy’s Sydney was also recently the Farmer’s choice for his group date with the female contestants on TV show Farmer Wants A Wife and is now listed as a must do “date” in the Sydney edition of “Tomorrow’s Date” cards.

Described as an “absolute must do while in Sydney” – Dr Sketchy’s Sydney offers a wonderful night in…

BOOK NOW AT
http://www.drsketchy.com.au

Chrys is a UK burlesque starlet, pin-up model, and trained concert pianist from London. With the ethereal looks of a fairytale princess, the enticing mystery of a femme fatale, and a number of stunning, unique routines she is a charismatic performer through and through. She has graced and headlined stages all over the UK and Europe and has featured in publications such as The Mail On Sunday, OK! Magazine, French Playboy, Irish News of The World, to name a few. Chrys has also made a number of T.V. appearances including on ITV with Dita Von Teese, and is currently on tour in Australia with The Burlesque Ball.

Since it’s beginnings, Dr Sketchy’s in Sydney has gone on to become one of the most successful branches in the world, featuring a feast of local and international performers. The branch has not only been a hit with guests – constantly featured in the media including TV, Sydney Morning Herald, The Lonely Planet, Time Out Magazine, Cherrie Magazine, Daily Addict, Sydney City Weekly and many many more. Dr Sketchy’s Sydney was also recently the Farmer’s choice for his group date with the female contestants on TV show Farmer Wants A Wife and is now listed as a must do “date” in the Sydney edition of “Tomorrow’s Date” cards.

Described as an “absolute must do while in Sydney” – Dr Sketchy’s Sydney offers a wonderful night in…

BOOK NOW AT
http://www.drsketchy.com.au

Bijou Cabaret returns to Melbourne Sunday 21st March!!

Bijou pushes the boundaries between dark, mysterious cabaret, high end neo burlesque meets cutting edge performance art. Leave your expectations of classic cabaret at the door, this is a step into the unknown, the exciting and the risque.

To Book Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/571994852
For more info visit http://www.bijoucabaret.com

Chaz Royal’s International

~LONDON BURLESQUE WEEK 2010~

                                                                                 In Association with SECRETS IN LACE

  *THE 4TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BURLESQUE, CABARET & VARIETY ARTS*

NEW UPDATES AVAILABLE NOW! TALENT PROFILES AND SHOWTIME SCHEDULE RELEASED!

ALL LBW TICKETS 25% SOLD OUT!

www.LONDONBURLESQUEWEEK.com

PRE-FESTIVAL TEASER ~SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13th~

FOR CLIPS OF LAST YEAR’S FESTIVAL, CHECK OUT THE LBW 2010 PROMO VIDEO NOW! *WATCH IT HERE*

  IN OTHER NEWS…

_____________________________________________________________________

So it’s been a few days now since I returned from Paris & Stuttgart. Wow what a trip. One of my business partners, Cassandra Atkins came to Paris with me for a whirlwind 4 night trip filled with Parisian cabaret, including of course The Moulin Rouge, The Lido and the Crazy Horse.

I also spent some time with our acts Vivi Valentine, Amber Ray, Beatrix Von Bourbon, Max & Willi on their current contract at Friedrichsbau Variete in Stuttgart, Germany. The show is amazing – if you are in the area you simply must attend it. Oh and the live band (Triple Expresso) really add to the show’s vibrant feel.

Not suprising, but I have come home very inspired, and guests at The Burlesque Ball will see a definite change in this years show. I mean it was obviously going to be a different year with Julie Atlas Muz as our headliner, she is known to push the boundaries between Burlesque & performance art, so there was always going to be a shift from the all classic shows of the past.

What I can say, is that guests will be treated to far more than a 2D experience this year. More empahise has been placed on videos, lights and effects, and guests will also notice an obvious classic and contemporary half. I have been working hard with all of the performers, and MC Ophelia Bitz to ensure that the shows reflect the overall vision of the show. I guess you could say it’s almost a story about the evolution of Burlesque, in a fashion. Not only are the acts international, but also the themes. One moment you in Paris, the next New York, the next somewhere in the Middle East. It truly will be a feast for the senses.

I have been listening to the music for the show and getting goosebumps. I hope you all love the show as much as I do.

xx JB

ps. We now have a Jac Bowie iPhone & iPod Touch App. Simply head to the App Store or iTunes to download. All you need to do is search for “Jac Bowie”. It’s completely free and filled with goodies including photos, news, links, videos and live updates from Twitter, this site, Facebook and more.

Just letting everyone know I will be in Paris from 17th – 21st of Jan, Stuttgart 21st-25th Jan and Dubai from 25th – 28th Jan.

I have some times free to meet with performers & clients whilst in town.
Please contact me via jac@jacbowie.com to arrange.

For all other enquiries in Australia whilst I am away, please direct an email to Zoe Baeten on zoe@jacbowie.com

Karl Lagerfeld Shoots Plus-Size Burlesque Star Miss Dirty Martini (PHOTOS)

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It looks like Karl Lagerfeld is eating his words. After reportedly saying “no one wants to see curvy women” and “you’ve got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly,” the German designer has seized the opportunity to get even more publicity by photographing plus-size burlesque star Miss Dirty Martini for V Magazine‘s highly anticipated “Size Issue.”

From V’s press release:

Photos from V magazine, which hits newsstands January 14th.

PHOTOS:

Buzz up!

reetings Worldwide!
 
The performer application deadline for London’s 4th annual festival of Burlesque,
Cabaret & Variety, LONDON BURLESQUE WEEK 2010 is January 15th.
 
We have already issued over 500 application forms and will be narrowing down
an incredible performer schedule this year to exceed all previous LBF events!
 
Most showcases are already announced at the SHOWTIME and on sale now at
‘Early Bird’ prices. Ticket prices rise on the 1st of February, March & April.
Buy early and save. ALL ACCESS passes will be on sale as of January 15th.
 
Please see LBW 2010 online for all of the exciting details!
 
http://www.londonburlesqueweek.com
 
 
And certainly don’t forget about our Valentines gift to you!!!
Our Pre-Festival Teaser…
 
 
Chaz Royal & Secrets in Lace Presents
LONDON BURLESQUE WEEK 2010
~Pre-Festival Teaser~
1 Night, 1 Show Only!

*FULLY SEATED EVENT GUARANTEED
This event is already 40% Sold Out!

Saturday February 13th
@ the Historic BUSH HALL,
310 Uxbridge Rd W12
Doors at 8pm, Showtime 9pm-Midnight
Tickets £22.50-29.50 at Ticketweb.co.uk
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=363733

FULL PRE-FESTIVAL DETAILS AT:
http://www.LONDONBURLESQUEWEEK.com
 

Warming up is just the start for burlesque babe

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Buzz up!

The beauty releases you don’t want to miss in 2010

Relax News

AFP PHOTO VALERY HACHE

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The Burlesque Ball was born from a concept in 2005. The event coincided with the rise in popularity of Burlesque in Australia, and was the first event of it’s kind to showcase Burlesque on such a grand scale. Many have tried to emulate and imitate it’s success with similar concepts, but each year The Burlesque Ball remains the “golden mile” for performers and the most popular choices for audiences.

Each year we lift the expectations and over deliver an incredible show filled with some of the worlds leading Artists.

Jac Bowie produced the event after discovering although Burlesque was experiencing an underground movement, there were no events that focused on big props, expensive and ornate costumes – what you associate Burlesque to be when you think of the major international stars (Dita Von Teese, Catherine D’Lish, Sally Rand etc) and had a more formal vibe that appealed to guests of all ages and walks of life.

This event oozes class and sophistication and all acts are especially produced to always dazzle but never ever offend. This is the great thing about The Burlesque Ball – it suits everyone and is a popular choice for guests experiencing Burlesque for the first time! But saying this, every show is a major production. There are no 2 minute fan dances in this production, you will find all performers have spent months preparing their unique part of the show that we can guarantee you have not experienced anywhere else!

Lavish costume design, elaborate props and music – The Burlesque Ball is everything you want Burlesque to be. This event only showcases the high end performers.

Since it’s humble beginnings , the event has now grown into a huge Burlesque spectacular, always showcasing Australia’s leading acts and we are now internationally renown as the biggest and most sophisticated event on the Australian Burlesque calendar.

More information and tickets available from www.burlesqueball.com

2 0 1 0 L I N E U P

JULIE ATLAS MUZ (NEW YORK)

Miss Exotic World and Miss Coney Island 2006, Julie Atlas Muz is one of the most acclaimed and prolific conceptual performers and choreographers in New York.

She sucker punches the boundaries between performance art, dance and burlesque with dark, twisted, come-hither performances that have secured her place in the underworld of nightlife as well as the bastion of the art world.

Muz has been awarded Artist- in-Residency status from Chashama (2002), Joyce Soho (2001), Mondo Conne Artist-in-Residency at Dixon Place (2000) and Movement Research Artist-in-Residence (1998-99). 2004 Whitney Biennial Artist and a 2005 Valencia Bienal Artist.

MC OPHELIA BITZ (LONDON)

An infamous trouble-maker and agent provocateur, Bitz’s none-too-shabby academic career took a turn for the fabulous when she ran screaming for civilisation and landed on her dinky feet in London town. Accounts of being chased out of the village with burning pitchforks remain officially undocumented but entirely plausible.

Forging an accidental career as a comic burlesque dancer (most noted for her anatomical bar-tending and animal puppet porn shows) and singer whilst studying Theatre Arts and Drama at Goldsmiths College, Ophelia Bitz has worked with some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names. From televised hypnotism with Derren Brown (2006) and head-lining Tim Burton’s Halloween party (2006) to touring with The Tigerlillies (2008) and The Dresden Dolls (2006) and music videos with The Puppini Sisters (2008), Bitz has seen it all and drunk them all under the table!

ROXI D’LITE (ONTARIO)

Roxi has performed on stages all over Canada and the United States for the best in the industry, including the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in Las Vegas where she won the 1st runner-up to Miss Exotic World 2009, the Toronto International Burlesque Festival and Chaz Royale’s Burlesque Goes North Festival. Roxi made her New York City debut for performances at the New York Burlesque Festival and America’s Favourite Burlesque Game Show, This or That!

Roxi has been voted one of the 20 Hottest Burlesque Stars in the world (Asylum Magazine). Canada’s national newspaper calls her a “stellar variety act,” (Globe and Mail) and she is known throughout the metropolitan Detroit area as the “reigning burlesque diva” (Windsor Star).

PEEKABOO POINTE (NEW YORK)

Peekaboo Pointe, known as the “Fastest Tassel-Twirler from East to West,” has graced the stage of nearly every burlesque show in New York City. Peekaboo started out as a classically trained modern dancer studying under Bill T. Jones, Mark Morris Dance Group, and a host of other notable choreographers. With an early background in ballet and tap, she eventually ventured off on a rare and unusual tour of Cuba studying Afro-Cuban Dance with the group Cutumba.

Peekaboo and her twirling tassels have wowed crowds at over 70 different venues in New York City including the Copacabana, Slipper Room, Highline Ballroom, Lotus, and The Box, just to name a few. She’s traveled coast-to-coast headlining the Dos Equis Midnight Revue, touring with Burlesque-A-Pades, performing at Exotic World in Las Vegas, taken Spain by storm as a part of Los Straightjackets’ “Twist Party” with her cousins the Pontani Sisters, and even performed in Venice, Italy for MTV.

LOLA THE VAMP (BRISBANE)

Lola The Vamp is the only burlesque performer in theatrical history to perform burlesque for the academic award of PhD. She is part of the resurgent burlesque movement of the early 21st Century, that includes other performers such as Dirty Martini, Dita Von Teese and Jo Boobs. Lola’s work in burlesque harks to the Art Nouveau aesthetics of the Belle Epoque era, (also known as the classic striptease of mid-20th Century Burlesque).

In Australia, her performances included Tease-o-rama (2002, 2003 and 2005), Miss Exotic World Pageant (2006), Go Go Burlesco in Sydney, Edinburgh Fringe (a show that was created in 2005, that earned several positive reviews in the UK from The Times and The Scotsman), The Big Day Out (2003, 2004 and 2005) and her headlining tours of the East Coast of Australia (2007 and 2008). Lola has been involved in launching two burlesque clubs in Australia, and was the subject of an exhibition by 5 artists at Rivoli Gallery in Brisbane in 2005. During that year, she launched La Lola Salon, Australia’s first burlesque school of the neo-burlesque period. She became the Australian Penthouse Pet of the Month in November 2007.

CHRYS COLUMBINE (LONDON)

Chrys is a UK burlesque starlet, pin-up model, and trained concert pianist from London. With the ethereal looks of a fairytale princess, the enticing mystery of a femme fatale, and a number of stunning, unique routines she is a charismatic performer through and through. She has graced and headlined stages all over the UK and Europe and has featured in publications such as The Mail On Sunday, OK! Magazine, French Playboy, Irish News of The World, to name a few. Chrys has also made a number of T.V. appearances including on ITV with Dita Von Teese, and is off to LA for a run of shows this summer.

“Chrys is superb – enchanting, ethereal, elegant – captivating to watch” Jo Upcraft, The Mail on Sunday

“Chrys Columbine blends characterful performance with sensual grace to stunning effect.” Paul MacInnes, The Guardian

IMOGEN KELLY (SYDNEY)

Imogen Kelly is internationally reknown as Australia’s Queen of Burlesque.

Actually she is more notorious than famous and that’s how she likes it! She has been performing since the 1980s when she accidently found herself naked in front of 20,000 people!

Imogen is a skilled circus aerialist who ranaway with a UK circus troupe for 3 years and subsequently was trained by Romanian Gypsies.

She has gone on to perform many times at The Sydney Opera House, and actually was the first Burlesque act to be booked there.

She is a talented director and writer who specialises in scripts – plays and films, having graduated from NIDA without once removing a shred of clothing! Imogen comes from a family that is fabulously non-conformist – an ex convent girl turned street kid turned dissident who began on the streets of Sydney’s Kings Cross and wound up playing the International grand stages of London, New York, Tokyo and Gay Paris!

SARAH LEA CHEESECAKE (MELBOURNE)

A striking bombshell famous for her heaving cleavage, classic curves, tight corsetry and demanding derriere. With Dita Von Teese-esque looks Sarah has secured a position as a daring, engaging and sophisticated Burlesque performer.

With a background of jazz, ballet and tap as a young girl Sarah Lea draws on those influences whilst incorporating them into the timeless, classic art of sensual showgirl sophisteque, specialising in classic 1940’s and 50’s striptease and the art of Burlesque fan dancing.

Performing Burlesque for over 6 years and formerly of the infamous Man’s Ruin Burlesque troupe, Sarah went solo in 2006 with performances all over Australia and the world leading the way in neo-burlesque.

She has enjoyed cover girl status, gracing the papers of many magazines, books and newspapers whilst gaining the reputation as ‘Australia’s Queen of Burlesque (Triple J Radio) and ‘Australia’s Burlesque sensation’ (Clem Bastow, The Age) and with stage shows including 7 foot birdcages, jewel encrusted showgirls and 60 inch ostrich feather fans it’s no wonder she heralds this striking reputation.

THE GAMBLE SISTERS (BRISBANE)

The Gamble Sisters return to The Burlesque Ball in 2010 after a cute debut at the Brisbane event in 2009. The twins are the writers of all of the original music and lyrics, professional showgirls, cigarette girls and of course, Burlesque performers – both together and solo. They have performed as a burlesque and cabaret act for a range of clients and regularly at Brisbane’s Ragtag Revue and The Smoking Joynt. The Sisters have performed dance and cabaret at events such as Big Day Out (lily World), Speak Easy at the Tivoli, Byblos at Portside’s NYE 07/08, and… and…have been featured in performances in London by Chicks on Speed and performed with Peaches at Parklife 08 as part of a team of ten who they choreographed and designed costumes for. It’s with great pleasure we announce The Gamble Sisters as our cigarette girls for The Burlesque Ball tour in 2010.

A Feature Event of Sydney Mardi Gras 2010

Cocktail Nation thanks to Tiki Shark with Koop Kooper….enjoying the holidays…in the Sydney Penthouse after a fantastic New Years Party with a stack of great music to play for you tonight…..coming up on the show our regular segment Ask Koop tackling a legal problem this week…… and ofcourse our look at the world of swank.

Special guest on the show is Australian lounge musician Janet Seidel.

Join us as we kick off 2010 in swank style!

www.cocktailnation.net

Don Tiki-Billions of Brazillians

Antonio Carlos Jobim-Girl from Ipanema.

Janet Seidel-I Got Lost in His Arms

Martini Kings- Desafinado

The Midnight Combo – Soft Waving

Sammy Davis Jr-That Old Black Magic

Billy May- Love Is The Thing

Abbe Lane – Whatever Lola Wants

Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited-La Fille Dans Le Train

Enoch Light-Fly Me to the Moon

George Shearing -I’ll Be Around

Esquivel – Amor, Amor

SG Sound-The Cantina Band

Waitiki-Craving

Alvino Rey-Speak low

Frank Wess Jazz for Playboys

Pink Martini-Over the Valley

Mark Copeland-The Lady is a tramp

Happy Holidays, one and all dear friends!  I hope this finds you well rested and relaxed from the holiday zaniness!  In addition to the upcoming year, this month’s also my birthday and I got exactly what I wanted: an awesome new apartment!  So come celebrate the year of the tiger with me and who knows?  I just may have some cake for you!

Saturday, January 2nd @ 9pm

& EARLY BIRD DERBY DAY PARTY
Bell House, Park Slope
149 7th Street (F,G,R,M to 9th St/4th Ave)
Cover: $10

Come join us for a Kentucky Derby themed masterpiece staring the ladies and gents from Wasabassco Burlesque:

Tuesday, January 5th @ 9pm
Wham Slam Bam!
Delancey Lounge, LES
168 Delancey St (F,J,M,Z to Delancey/Essex)
Cover: $8
     If you missed the insanity of my cowardly lion act, I’m bringing it back as the animal portion of this spectacular variety show!

Wednesday, January 13th @ 10pm
Skits ‘n Tits
Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery (6 to Bleeker, F.V to 2nd Ave)
Cover: $5
     SKITS’N'TITS is a monthly variety show highlighting the best of downtown burlesque beauties, comedians, sketch, variety acts, and music! Produced by and starring Diane O’Debra (formerly of The O’Debra Twins, raunchy comedy/rap superstar), Steph Sabelli (absurd characters, improvisational comedian), and Jessica Delfino (award winning dirty folk rocker publicly denounced by the US Catholic League). This month’s line up will include Adrienne Lapalucci (Winner of The NY Comedy Festival’s People’s Choice Opening act competition), Jessica Kirson (Last Comic Standing), Mike Amato (2 time Andy Kaufman Award Finalist), Mike Lawrence (NY Comic Con), Ben Lerman (Edinburgh Fringe), In house Burlesque troupe The Chi-Ciones, Diane O’Debra, Jessica Delfino, Steph Sabelli, Burleque Queens Lil Miss Lixx and Sizzle Dizzle, and a VERY special surprise celebrity guest!

Thursday, January 21st @ 8pm
Gameshow Speakeasy
The Slipper Room, LES
Orchard & Stanton (F,V to 2nd Ave)
Cover: $5
     New York’s favorite guessing game is back and wittier than ever!  Come see how our esteemed panelists use craft, brains and nifty blindfolds to win the game!

Saturday, January 30th @ 10pm
Sextacular, Sextacular!
Hiro Ballroom, Chelsea
89 9th Ave (btween 16th & 17th St; A,C,E to 14th St.)
Cover: $15
     Joey Nova (“Cutie Patooties”, “The Vroom! Room”) presents “Sextacular! Sextacular!”, a rock n roll neo-bohemian homage to the old days of the Moulin Rouge!

Charmingly egocentric emcee Joey Nova is joined by his saucy and curvaceous co-host Kristen Lee (Miss Pin Up Coney Island 2008) to present twelve of the hottest performers in Burlesque, held at the lavish Hiro Ballroom in Manhattan! With special guest star Erika Smith (“The Wrestler”, “Splatter Beach”) as “The Green Fairy”!

FEATURING:
*Rocket-fueled NYC glam rock band STARBOLT 9 (http://www.starbolt9.com) as the Sextacular! Sextacular! house band!
*Quintuple choreographed calamity by MISS KISSY WISHES and THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING HOTPANTS!
*The dynamic acrobatic duo of TRIXIE LITTLE AND THE EVIL HATE MONKEY! (http://trixielittle.com)
*Dazzling hula-hoop light & fire shows by “The Daredevil of Burlesque” JUSTINA FLASH (of The Gyronauts)!
*Astounding aerial performances by VERUCA HONEYSCOTCH (of The Peach Tarts)!
*Capricious comedy rap by SCHAFFER THE DARKLORD! (http://schafferthedarklord.com)
*Burlesque performances by LIL’ MISS LIXX and the legendary JO BOOBS (founder of the NY School of Burlesque)!
*And a heart-stopping closing set by sultry singer/performer MARGOT BLANCHE (with The Wyld Cherries)! (http://www.margotblanche.com)

     Have a wonderful new year and I hope to see you see me in my birthday suit during my birthday month! 

~*~
Hugs,
Sizzle Dizzle

www.myspace.com/sizzle_dizz

SEXY NUTCRACKER: Wow, saying those two words together kind of makes us feel like we’re playing Apples to Apples, but in this case there is such a thing as a sexy nutcracker and it’s going to be gone after Wednesday, so instead of doing last minute shopping, get down with some last minute burlesque watching! Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker is finishing up its fourth year ,featuring some of Seattle’s favorite burlesque dancers such as Lily Verlaine, Jasper McCann, Kitten LaRue, Miss Indigo Blue, and the much-loved Aerialistas. Tickets are no longer being sold online but can be bought at the door, so we’d recommend getting there early–this show has been previously sold out on many occasions.

7, 10:00 p.m. // The Triple Door, 216 Union Street // Tickets: $25-40

The Burlesque Ball returns in February / March 2010 this time touring to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

This years lineup features a feast of international talent and Australia’s top acts – including:

JULIE ATLAS MUZ (USA)

MC OPHELIA BITZ (UKA)

ROXI DLITE (CAN)

LOLA THE VAMP (AUS)

PEEKABOO POINTE (USA)

IMOGEN KELLY (AUS)

CHRYS COLUMBINE (UK)

SARAH LEA CHEESECAKE (AUS)

THE GAMBLE SISTERS (AUS)

Dates, locations, tickets and more information are available from www.burlesqueball.com

First Release tickets now sold out – so hurry or miss out on our most exciting tour to date!!

Chaz Royal Presents
BURLESQUE VIVO ‘The Pink Suite’

Video DVD-Rom in 3D

There are things that you can Not Imagine
There are things that you can Not Tell
There are things you can Only See

Burlesque Vivo- The Pink Suite – is the first video DVD-ROM that combines innovative filming techniques in 3 dimensions with the elegance of Burlesque Shows, which marries beautifully strip, theater, dance & innovation.

Burlesque Vivo is the first video-collection of 3D Burlesque performances in history. It has been entirely shot in London in the frame of the London Burlesque Festival 2009 and involves seven of the best performers of the international burlesque scene. Cecilia Bravo, Chrys Columbine, Fifi Fatale, Honey Moon, Millicent Binks, Roxy Velvet and Veronika Valantine literally come out of spectators PCs. The high quality of work done in the six months of production has made possible to bring out the best performances of the stars, offering the viewer a very compelling vision.

Thanks to the sole use of 3D glasses supplied in the box, the audience will have the impression of being able to touch Veronika’s cloak, splashed from Roxy’s Champagne, to pick a Millicent’s petal or lashed by Honey’s whip! The audience will feel the wind of Chrys’ ostrich fan, tickled with Fifi’s powder puff and Cecilia’s boa will fall at their feet!

Born from the international collaboration between Chaz Royal, the leading name in Burlesque Production Worldwide, and 3DVivo, an Italian film production company. The project can be defined as the link between live show and home entertainment. Only now it has been made possible, thanks to new techniques of shooting and playback, to get a high quality product. Whoever looks at it will be totally involved, thanks to the fidelity of the colors, the crisp images, but especially thanks to the probable 3D perfectly married with the elegance of Burlesque performance.

BURLESQUE VIVO ‘THE NEW DIMENSION OF BURLESQUE’!

http://www.burlesquevivo.com

VOTE NOW!

Xmas and New Years is our busiest season for hiring out entertainers, so we have streamlined the process and created an online quote / booking form which will enable us to collect the relevant information required – so we can quickly send you through some recommendations for your event or venue.

There are a limited amount of Jac Bowie Artists available for Xmas Parties in December, and New Years Eve events in just about any location around the world, so visit our form online to receive your non-obligation quote. We have options for just about any budget and location, so having your own burlesque, circus, or aerial performer, magician, comedian, mc or music act is possible for just about any kind of event.

Please visit to find out more!!!

Hawke burlesque antics a hit, says dancer

By Cassie White

Posted Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:36pm AEDT
Updated Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:24pm AEDT

The burlesque dancer who dressed up as John Howard at Bob Hawke’s birthday party last night says her act was a perfect reflection of the “kinky, full of life” former Labor PM and his wife.

Mr Hawke’s wife Blanche d’Alpuget spent weeks planning for dancer Gypsy Wood to jump out of a birthday cake dressed as John Howard and do a strip tease, as a surprise at Mr Hawke’s 80th birthday bash.

Gypsy says the birthday boy got a total kick out of it.

“He loved it, absolutely loved it. Bob’s a lot of fun and can take a joke,” she told ABC News Online.

“I didn’t just dress up as John Howard, I also burst out of a Labor ballot box and did a traditional strip tease.

“It’s good because I’m not doing anything more explicit than a Kylie Minogue film clip on TV on Saturday morning. It’s a beautiful form of entertainment that has survived many years.

“I think Bob is a real fan of that so it’s a celebration of nostalgia.

“He’s a silver fox. They’re a great couple, I really enjoyed meeting them and working with Blanche over the past couple of weeks leading up to the performance and I’m really inspired by how kinky and intelligent and full of life they are.

“I think it’s just fantastic of Blanche to be a rule-breaker and be rebellious and she’s a very intelligent and sexy woman. Being politically informed and politically aware is also very sexy.”

And according to Gypsy, Mr Hawke wasn’t the only Labor figure getting into the spirit.

“As I looked into the room, the most positive energy that I was getting was from Bob and Blanche and Kevin Rudd,” she said.

“Kevin Rudd was just absolutely cheering me on, enjoying it, laughing – he got all the jokes.

“When I performed as John Howard I came out to God Save the Queen because John wasn’t really a fan of a republic and gushed over the Queen every chance he got.

“Then I performed and danced around sadly to Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word by Elton John.

“Then I did a strip tease which is my comment on how politicians are very similar to strippers and I just think strip tease and politics go together like icing on cake.”

Mr Howard told media today there’s no skin off his nose over the skit.

“I was certainly not offended. It was very gracious of Bob to invite me to his party, and I’m glad to know that after two years I still bug the Labor Party,” he said.

Gypsy echoed that sentiment.

“In a way it’s a tribute to him. He should be impressed that someone wants to dress up as him and dance around in a bikini,” she said.

Gypsy says it wasn’t the first time she’s danced for Mr Rudd either, but last time he didn’t quite get into the swing of things.

“I did strip for Kevin Rudd in the Chaser but he wasn’t really excited about it that day – he ran away from us,” she said.

Mr Rudd arrived late for his speech at the broadband forum in Sydney today, saying he hoped the affair would be more sedate than last night’s bash.

“Which was uniquely accompanied by what can only be described as a performance of the burlesque and a bikini-clad John Howard impersonator,” he joked.

Gypsy says last night was all in good fun and there will be no scandalous stories threatening to come out of the woodwork later down the track.

“No scandal, I just think that they have a good marriage,” she said.

“You can tell when a couple is in love and I certainly think that Blanche knows how to look after her husband. It’s nice to see a couple at the age still enjoying life so much.”

“The whole experience has made me really inspired a lot more in the Labor Party in general. I would have voted for Bob Hawke had I been old enough.”

COURTESY OF ABC NEWS http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/10/2767890.htm?section=justin