Thread: Help needed with routine!

Hi all!

Its been a while since i last posted, reason being that i havent had internet access for a while save for on my phone or occasionally when i visit my parents. A belated Merry Xmas to everyone .

I have a show coming up in January and its a punk/neo burlesque styled show with several local bands performing as well. Staying within the whole punk mind space is a bit hard with burlesque sometimes because the kind of audience i am expecting isn't the kind that i am normally used to.

I am doing a routine about how the media has cheapened and exploited burlesque to its own ends to the point where it is no longer something classy/ special/ a forum for creativity an expression or well researched, rather it has become McBurlesque. I have nothing against people who are new to burlesque or are learning the ropes. No, my problem is that so many people who get into it think that all burlesque involves are seamed stockings, red lipstick, feathers,sequins, glitter and a funny name.

In any case, my Mcburlesque routine sees me as a curious and cheeky girl who ventures into a real life McBurlesque and goes on a shopping spree to become a burlesque star. You see her buying Mcseamed stockings, McBoas, Mc pasties etc and she basically starts putting them on (Reverse strip). She then tries to follow instructions from the McBurlesque guide with hilarious consequences. This is basically the first half of this two act performance.

The act is in two parts, one before the band starts and one after their set. The second half sees her get really worked up and rip/peel her way down to bra/ cincher and undies to the sound of Hole's Celebrity Skin. When the cincher is removed the words SKIN DEEP appear to be carved onto my belly (a nod to the "gimme a fix" scrawl on Sid Vicious' chest). The finale is me removing the bra to complete the sentence with my the words "Burlesque is" on my chest completing the sentence. I guess my whole point with this act is a retaliation that seamed stockings and feather fans are all that there is to burlesque.

What i really need is suggestions as to what song i should use for the first half of my act. I am hoping someone can point out a very very cliched and overly used number that has been overdone in burlesque or perhaps a clever song which implies that glamour and class can/cannot be bought.

Also, i like the Hole song i am using as my contemporary number but i would be glad if someone could point out a more fitting ditty in the same genre i.e. Riotgrrrl which deals with female identity.

Apart from this, what does everyone think? Good idea? It a punk themed show so any ideas you guys arent using or think would work for the show is welcome at this stage. I have a whole 3 weeks to practise up as i am on holiday atm and dont mind reconstructing a number.

Love to all
Iskra Valentine

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Dude, I would LOVE to see this act live. This sounds amazing and I love the idea.

I keep thinking that you need the typical "background shopping" muzak for the first half of your routine. The MIDI instrumentals to some sappy love song, as cheesy as possible.

I'm not hundred-percent au fait with riot grrl, but I'm sure if you look around feminist websites (esp radical cheerleading) you could probably find something.

Hey there,

I love the idea... have you looked at bands like Bikini Kill/Babysitters on Acid/7 year bitch? Also Queen Adreena - maybe "Pretty Like Drugs"? Or Daisy Chainsaw? Thyere some names to think about!

Good luck with the routine! Agreed that the midi supermarket music is a great idea.

Do be careful to ensure that this routine remains interesting for non-burlesque-scenesters. Make sure your references are wide enough to be caught by those who may be surprised to learn that burlesque isn't just sequins and feathers. Remember to make the act as much about your character as it is about the notion of 'wanting to be a burlesuqe performer'.

Consider why your character wants to perform burlesque in the first place. Why have they not researched burlesque more thoroughly? Are they a fashionista with an air of arrogance, or are they merely a bit stupid?

It's also worth thinking about how you will be read by the audience. There's a danger that such an act could come across as a jealous dig at newbies who put together 'standard' routines and get lots of work. In turn, this could reflect upon your professional persona.

There's only one performer who I know to be good at sending up the notion of being a burlesque wannabe... Madame Myfanwy on MySpace Comedy - Comic Clips, Funny Videos & Jokes

Not sure how 'Mac' you want to go, but there is a fabric company in America that has 4 different cotton prints featuring things like Ronald Mcdonald and the golden arches. Put j and o fabrics mcdonalds into google and you should come up with it. They ship internationally.
And if you need any help getting it made up.........

Viva