06/09
Miss Lizzy D. Vine
When Various Types of Entertainers Cross Paths the Very Best of Burlesque Troupes are Born
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Dear Readers,
As always, I'm excited to share with you the latest Burlesque has to offer! Needless to say, I also am thankful that you have come back, yet again, to read my column. Hope you have enjoyed catching up on my other articles.
With that said, on to my newest discovery. Bootstraps Burlesque! I found this group of gals while websurfing and sifting through YouTube. I am very glad to have found a group that understands what Burlesque truly is.
It is my firm belief that when various types of entertainers cross paths, the very best of burlesque troupes are born. Composed of various talents; belly dance, ballet, theatre, pin-up and fetish, Bootstraps Burlesque is raising the bar in the world of Burlesque. Enjoy!
XoXo,
Miss Lizzy D. Vine
Company Name: Bootstraps Burlesque
Members Names:
Corky Bordeaux, Cherry Poppins, Tommy Knickers, Britta Filter, Dixie Diamond, Queen April, Amelie La’mour, and our MC Professor Infinity (with his sidekick Sophie the performing pooch).
Create an autobiography, chronologically describing how you became the successful individual/group in your medium, what your future aspirations are etc.
Bootstraps, since its inception, has gone through so many changes. You are currently catching us with a brand spanking new cast of members: Britta, Dixie, The Queen, Amelie, AND Professor Infinity are all new to the troupe. We are just now, paving the way for Bootstraps as it now stands. Each of us, slowly trickled in at our own times finding our spot in this little circus. I’m sure, after this summer alone we will have a VERY interesting cluster of stories to update you with, so be sure to interview us again come October! *7 giggles, one manly huff and a little woof*
Tell me about your troupe.
We are a collaborative troupe of entertainers. We come from different backgrounds; including belly dance, ballet, theatre, pin-up and fetish. Personality, drive, and ambition (to name a few) are usually the initial attraction when finding a new addition to the troupe. We each, have something unique to contribute while striving to bring classic burlesque to a greater caliber.
What inspired you to become a burlesque troupe?
After Asheville lost its premier troupe, “The Rebelles” there was a space to be filled. Thus, Bootstraps formed to keep the pace going where things left off.
Whom, in the industry, would you say has an influence in your style of dance and music selection?
We tend to be inspired by a more classic style of burlesque, but with a modern twist. This includes such individuals as Bettie Page, Tempest Storm, Sally Rand, and Clara Bow to name a few!
Did your troupe start as a hobby or did you have every intension of making it a part of your life?
It was our every intention to make it a profession from the start!
We've been very fortunate to watch your videos online... tell us about your signature routine?
Our signature routine has been called “showgirls” within the troupe. To be honest, it still remains nameless, haha! It is inspired by the 1920’s era. It is a group dance. Our newest troupe members intend to learn as well. It is the epitome of our goal, to stay along the lines of traditional burlesque, but apply the modern element as well. We wouldn’t want to ruin the dance by describing it, you simply must watch! You can view clips of this routine on You Tube where it was taped during a performance at the Asheville Fine Arts Theatre.
What are your thoughts on the new found Burlesque Revolution?
Well it makes our jobs at lot easier! Haha. It’s very rewarding when your passion is embraced by a vast community.
What would you say to a newcomer?
Do your research! Burlesque is a modern revival. It’s an art form from a very specific time period, and it’s easier to know where you are going, if you know where you came from.
(By the way Tommy Knickers was just about to give you a history lesson, but there is no time for that!)
What would you say to those whom don't understand the art and find it taboo?
Most of the people who make that kind of judgment, must have not seen a solid burlesque performance! How could you not enjoy it?
Do you have a website?
Yes we do! It’s bootstrapsburlesque.com and is currently undergoing construction. Keep an eye out for updates but until then you can go to our MySpace (www.myspace.com/bootstrapsburlesque)
How can people contact/book you?
Through our MySpace or our e-mail booking@bootstrapsburlesque.com
When is your next show?
We have a lot of events coming up this summer along with a couple of performances. We have Asheville Burlesque and Sideshow Festival in June. Asheville’s Summer Throw Down, Bele Chere, where we will have a Saturday show at Club Nashwa called “Postcard Pinups.”We update our MySpace with flyers and dates for anyone who is interested in making it out to any of these.