Dead Boy Productions

Thanks for coming back for more Burlesque 101 with me, Miss Lizzy D. Vine.  I appreciate your time and your company! Along with my readers, I would like to continue to embrace learning and appreciating the history and lifestyle of a Burlesque Performer. Here's a tidbit; the word “burlesque” helped form the word “burlesco” a derivative of “burla” or joke, fun, mockery in the Spanish language. Oddly enough that is just what Burlesque is; a theatrical parody entertaining the masses. 

As I have researched book after book, website after website I have learned that NONE of those resources can paint us a better picture of what burlesque is- at least, not any better than the performer him/herself can. For this particular column, I thought I would focus on a quote by the ever so sexy World Famous Bob:

“Burlesque isn't just one of America's earliest forms of entertainment- it's a celebration of pageantry, women, glamour, sex, and humor. So pull up a chair or step up on stage but be sure to join the party!” 

Love & Poodles, World Famous *BOB

I couldn't have said it better myself! As Burlesque continues to grow and as I continue to write I could only hope that encourages you to do just that-- ...pull up a chair or set up on stage but be sure to join the party.  

World Famous Bob Biography: 

I'm just a girl from the farm that believes in making the most out of what you've got!" For The World Famous *BOB* that's a lot! At 5 11" and a staggering 42 1/2 F - 32 – 42 she's quickly become one of New York City's most well rounded performers. Known for her over the top blonder bombshell image *BOB* has captivated audiences all over the world with her unique Burlesque stylings, humorous performance art, and MC skills. Famous for mixing martinis in her cleavage *BOB* combines her unique sex appeal with a strong sense of humor to bring you the best in burlesque.  

She has been photographed by hundreds of photographers including Patrick McMullan, Mario Testino, and David LaChapelle. * BOB* appears in several books such as Hotel LaChapelle, New Burlesque, Striptease; From Gaslight to Spotlight, Burlesque; The New Bump-N-Grind, The Brooklynites, and released in January 2008 – The Velvet Hammer Burlesque. Believing that television is “theater for the poor “ *BOB* is always happy to make an appearance on the boob tube & is featured in A&E ‘s History of Cleavage, German television, and made a winning appearance on FUSE TV’s “Pants Off Dance Off!”. An experienced break dancer, *BOB* has appeared in the remake music video of “HEY we want some P*ssy!” by Jason Nevins & The Crew as well as MTV commercials for the Music Video Awards. High fashion and World Famous *BOB* are no strangers- she has graced the pages of BUST magazine multiple times, worked the runway for Lane Bryant, had a six page layout in Mode magazine, and has worked with high fashion god Thierry Mugler. Her ample bosom has also filled pages in The New York Times, New York Post, New York Magazine, The New York times Magazine, HUSTLER, Esquire, Style Monte Carlo, The Village Voice, Interview Magazine, PAPER, Italian Marie Claire, Bizarre and she is Miss July in The 2008 Mistresses of George W. Bush bid Farewell Calendar available at www.thingstolookat.com . The big screen suits *BOB * as well, her latest cameo being in John Cameron Mitchell’s film; SHORT BUS.

Recipient of 4 New York Burlesque Festival Golden Pastie Awards (peer nominated) including; Most Influential/Inspiring Performer, Performer With The Best Boobs, Performing Most Likely to Still Be Doing Burlesque At Age 60, and Most Class Act Both On & Off Stage. *BOB* also was awarded Miss 2nd Runner Up 2004 at the Miss Exotic World Pageant where she now interviews Burlesque Hall of Fame legends live on stage!  

Believing in the future of burlesque World Famous *BOB* has produced a monthly show for new performers entitled “The World Famous *BOB* Presents! “ for the past four years in NYC actually putting over 80 performers on stage for their first time ever! Each month showcases a new talent and a group of first timers! She also teaches at The School of Burlesque in NYC. Her classes are Self Confidence- The Ultimate Accessory! As well as “F to F – The Art of Wigs and Lashes”. www.schoolofburlesque.com 
Her performance schedule & snapshots are posted at  
http://www.myspace.com/dreamcometruegirl 
She lives in Brooklyn in a candy hued apartment known as The Pink Cupcake with her sister Kit Cat & her beautiful pink toy poodle Movie Star!  
From Brooklyn to Paris The World Famous *BOB* is “The Dream Come True Girl!”  

Interview:

How and when did you get interested/introduced to the world of burlesque?  

I was doing Burlesque in gay bars in the East Village here in NYC and didn't even realize it! I finished doing my signature act one night about 11 years ago called "Martini Time", (where I pour a martini that I've shaken from my cleavage), and a guy said "Nice burlesque!". I went home and did some research & realized that I had been accidentally doing Burlesque. 

What contributed to your choice in stage name? What is your stage name? 

My full name on & off stage is World Famous *BOB* - I had it legally changed. I changed my name to *BOB* when I was 15 because of Robert Smith from The Cure, (I LOVE The Cure!). I added World Famous 11 years ago under the advice of my Drag mother, Jackie Beat. 

What does burlesque mean to you? 

Burlesque has been an amazing vehicle for me to realize so many of my dreams- from becoming a skilled performer myself to traveling the world. I get a lot out of teaching now, which I do at the New York School of Burlesque. 

When did your first show take place?  

The night I mentioned above was my first technical Burlesque show and it was about 11 years ago at a bar named The Cock in NYC. 

Name individuals you have worked with that have inspired you? 

Dixie Evans, the Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque, runs the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she has been my biggest inspiration. At 82, her beauty, passion, and generosity are great examples of what I hope to be like! Some peers that I feel EXTREMELY inspired by are Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas MUz, Bambi the Mermaid, all of The Velvet Hammer girls (LA), Tigger, Kate Valentine, MiMi Le Meaux (San Diego), Jo Boobs, Kit Cat, & Legs Malone. 

Your fondest memory?  

The first Tease-O-Rama convention in New Orleans I was asked to stand on stage next to Dixie Evans and hold up a gown that belonged to Gypsy Rose Lee for auction- what a dream! 

Your most embarrassing moment?  

I would have to say when I was on tour 10 years ago and did an act where I needed to open a condom- I couldn't open the pack. Thinking fast I sat on some guys lap and handed it to him, smiling. He couldn't get it open either and my music ran out- now I pre open EVERYTHING!!! before going on stage.

Would you like to describe one of your acts? Would it be considered your signature act? 

Martini Time- I come out in a beautiful gown, the current one is red with a fish tail bottom. I peel my gloves off slowly where they lie across my ample chest- not moving. Finally, I cast them aside and begin to peel out of my dress down to a red sparkly bikini. Showing the martini shaker to the crowd, I then insert it in between my breasts and do a very long pour of vodka/gin. Now the shakin' comes in.....you can picture it. A carefully placed strainer goes into my mouth and the mixer & strainer meet - pouring a perfectly shakin' & NEVER stirred martini into the glass on the barstool. Finally it's olive time and I dig them out of bikini bottoms- splashing them into a glass to the soft beat of the music- the last one going into...my mouth. CHEERS! 

Of course, if there is anything you'd like to add feel free to do so. Thanks so much. Have a wonderful day!! 

Burlesque isn't just one of America's earliest forms of entertainment- it's a celebration of pageantry, women, glamour, sex, and humor. So pull up a chair or step up on stage but be sure to join the party! Love & Poodles, World Famous *BOB*  

It was certainly enlightening to have met with World Famous Bob stay tuned for Smoking McQueen a Male Burlesque performer coming soon. Ciao again and stay tuned. Kisses from Nor Cal.  

• Miss Lizzy D. Vine

www.myspace.com/misslizzydvine

pinuplizzy@yahoo.com 

P.S. If you are a Burlesque Performer and wish to be featured please contact me directly via MySpace or by email. Thank You!