Thread: Aerial Burlesque

Hi everyone I'm Kitty Kane
I've been perfroming burlesque for about a year now, and have been training for aerial and circus for about the same time. I've seen a lot of burlesque areial advertised recently, and by christmas I will have my own hoop! :excited:
I live in South Wales but do travel around to perform,
I was wondering if anyone had any advice on circus burlesque. Where to find it? events that may book an act? rigging?... and all the inbetweens

Any advise would be greatly appreciated
thanks
x

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It might be worth contacting the thoroughly amazing Empress Stah who does a lot of aerealist stuff and see if she can fill you in on potential problems and pitfalls? I would guess the main problem would be insurance and rigging requirements which would presumably limit you to large venues and may make you rather expensive?

thanks evildrneil
I've seen a lot of Empress stah online, but never the plesure of seeing her live, didn't think of contacting her, thanks!
I can only rig in certain venues, but with a hoop I think it opens up to more venues because I think you don't need a high ceiling?

A hoop can indeed be rigged much lower: I've seen it rigged at Volupte, where the ceiling is about 9ft max!

But you need to check out if the venue is certified for the loads it can bear on any given point I believe: two friends of mine, Roxy Velvet and Dangerous Dolly, might be able to give you practical advice on this as they're both sticklers for health and safety!

Vicky xxx

Thanks will get in touch with them both for advise!
Also wonder if people think theres a demand for circus burlesque? Or do you think most organisers would rather pay for a standard burlesque act?

Originally Posted by Kitty Kane

Thanks will get in touch with them both for advise!
Also wonder if people think theres a demand for circus burlesque? Or do you think most organisers would rather pay for a standard burlesque act?

My gut instinct (and this is as an observer not an organiser!) is that burlesque becomes mainstream then people will be looking for acts with a difference and circus skills and vaudeville will be more in demand.

Hi kitty, i've been performing aerial burlesque for awhile now and to be honest there isn't really that much of a demand.

Well there is until the venue realises they can't actually host you...oh and that you won't do it for fifty quid because bruises and the old 'death' factor should be paid for ahem...

Plus what Equity says we should get paid for aerial simply doesn't equate in the world of burlesque. It's awkward because often circus bookings ask for a burlesque style and it's well paid, it's rare for burlesque bookings with a circus theme to echo that.

Apologies if this sounds cynical but it's best to get aerial or circus bookings rather than try to do the burlesque circuit with an aerial act.

I do imagine there is higher demand in London and do encourage you to try, just make sure no-one rips you off and please please please make sure you are insured and the venue is safe. Go on a rigging course if you need to or pay a rigger to come to events with you. Learn everything you can from your aerial coach about being adaptable to venues and never ever expect what the venue has told you to be true. I can't tell you the number of times I have turned up to a nightmare of a rigging situation.

I wish you the very best of luck with it

xx

Originally Posted by Amelie Soleil

Apologies if this sounds cynical but it's best to get aerial or circus bookings rather than try to do the burlesque circuit with an aerial act.

Thanks Amelie for the advise, It doesnt sound cynical, as its a tough market out there. Everyone keeps telling me be careful not to get ripped off as people don't realise how much it takes to be just let on stage with a piece of equipment,
As for the bruises I have my own foundation for my legs everytime i perform burlesque!!!! and arnica cream at the ready!
Plus you also have well establised performers that organisers/promoters think of when they want aerial burlesque
I'm never going to be put off, I want to be able to spin my hoop and fly in the sky, wheather its burlesque or circus

thanks for the tips
x

Speaking with my audience member hat on, i would definately pay more on a ticket price if there were aerial acts on the bill. I just came back from doing Sexy Circus Sideshow at Bush Hall and there were two amazing aeirial burlesque acts (one of which actually brought tears to my eyes)...
i know a lot of venues simply can't host such acts but those who can definately should (and offering you enough money to make it worth your while) and i would definately be willing to pay more to see it!

Thanks for you oppinion Emerald, if theres a public demand for something surely eventually the events (within reason due to rigging) will follow demand and create shows that can host it and for a fair fee
So is there a big public demand for it?
Do you know the name of the performers you saw perform?