Thread: Vintage-ing up my Burlesque Act

Hello all,
I have just been asked to perform at a Vintage Ball with this routine

Imogen Hoops champagne routine - YouTube

It's a champagne themed aerial act, but I've been asked if there is anyway I can put a specifically 'vintage' twist onto it. I'm not really sure of what element to adjust to make it 'vintage' so any help or advice on what you class as vintage burlesque (costume, themes, props) would be fantastic! Or if you have any suggestions regarding the routine I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!

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Hi Imogen
Im not an experienced performer but surely if someone has asked you to perform (rather then you apply for it) surely it is then very cheeky of them to ask you to change that act, even in the slightist way?
If it was me id say no. They have asked you to do a particular act and thats what they will get-and it is a lovely act

x

Hi Imogen - really impressed with your flexibility! Brill.

I have tweaked routines to fit to a theme and sometimes find I prefer the tweaked version! With regards to your act, probably the first thing I'd change to fit the theme is the music. Choose an old track which captures your imagination and work around that. I don't know much about aerial work so not sure whether you can wear jewellery etc but working on other aesthetics like hairstyle and make up is nice and easy and can make all the difference.

Lena x

Thank you guys so much. Debbie you are lovely They weren't saying they needed me to change it, but just asked if there was a possibility so I didn't mind or find it cheeky.
Thank you Lena, that's a great help and it's nice to know you've done similar things. I was wondering about replacing the champagne bottle with a different prop, possibly a vintage style make-up case with a mirror in it which I could pretend to check my hair in while I'm upside down...

Hi Imogen,

I agree with Lena Mae in that finding music to work your routine to would be the first port of call. Also perhaps decide what era you would like to do and choose music and a costume inspired by these.

As a professional aerialist myself, I have been asked many times to adapt a routine to suit particular themes and depending on time and fees involved depends on how I adapt it. For example, with a routine I am happy with already I would just change the costume/image and music of it to suit the show. That way it is a clean, adaptable routine. If you feel certain moves aren't relevant to the piece then change them to suit and same with the props, but again this may depend on how much time you have to work with.

I don't think its particularly necessary to change the props you are using in your routine. This may be, after all why they want the act, its called 'Champagne'! But perhaps decide if its true to the theme you choose.

Alexandra x

Thanks Alexandra, that is a really helpful reply! Can I ask where you perform? And why you decided to add burlesque to your aerial work - I just sort of stumbled into it after working with some pole dancers but I am keen to find out why other aerialist put the two together
xx

Hey hun,

Thats a great act - i really like it! Im going to pretend during the next five minutes that I can still do the splits aswell - heh heh!

I think if I was going to 'vintage' it up a bit I might add a twist of twenties glamour into it. To me the twenties still had that cheeky personality which could work and would only potentially need a few touches rather than reworking a routine.

I'd say perhaps you could pin curl your hair and add one of those old style hair pieces that have a slight netting which comes towards the face. Not sure if you could add it whilst doing aerial but could you add a pearl piece to the outfit (pearls instantly give that vintage look) or frills to the pants?

I like the champagne (and its the act name), Id probably see if I could add in something else aswell, I like the idea of the mirror - could you work in applying lipstick or something whilst posing on the hoop? Or getting one of those old fashioned long cigarette holders and posing with that - kind of depends on whether they'll let you, and whether you smoke!

Just googled and came up with this..... Emily Rose Aerial Hoop - YouTube

Anyway, hope it goes well doll x

Hi Imogen,
I perform solo aerial pieces in various cabaret and circus shows but also work with physical theatre and dance companies that include aerial in their shows.
I began dancing 9 years ago and discovered burlesque along the way and was really interested in it. I began my full time aerial training 5 years ago and found certain characters I was developing in my acts were parodying subjects and people, which is where burlesque fitted into my aerial work. I also began experimenting with clothing removal on aerial equipment as well which unleashed some other interesting characters too!
Alexandra