Mermaid Parade Photos

Every year Coney Island holds the Annual Mermaid Day Parade and these are my pictures (and some I snagged from the web- credited OF COURSE). Enjoy!  Feel free to scan through Flickr as well as google to see even more CRAZY photos from this magical adventure.

Here I am before leaving the house in my mermaid gear (with my swimsuit top so as not to spoil the surprise... and riding the Q train topless does not sound appealing)

My friend Molly allowing me to photograph her in the subway- I think a mermaid in the subway is hilarious.

Dottie Dynamo and Lucille Ti Amore who also marched with us



A group of French Mermaids that marched ahead of us



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NYC has awsome law about women being topless... oh yeah!







Here are Molly and I during our march on the Parade Route which stretches from 21st Street to the Cyclone all the way down Surf Ave in Coney Island and down the main stretch of the boardwalk (treacherous in heels!)

These are just some more shots from the Route! I have never seen this many sea creatures outside of an aquarium.  Please, please, please google the crap out of this! 



I took this pic bc I like the tail fabric



I know you are all wondering if Mermaid's need sunscreen- this one is wearing SPF 30 so that her nipples don't fry

A short sidenote here... because of my costume I received a disgusted look from a woman covering her children's eye... so I jiggled them at her- and for the duration of the parade that was my response to any haters... which immediately made them all laugh (with the exception of the first woman) and cheer.  Bahahahaha! This is clearly an adult parade...


These are shots of Surf Ave from the Q train, which is elevated at Coney Island.  These pictures are post Mermaid Parade shots of Deno's Wonder Wheel, a landmark ride on Coney Island dating back to 1920. Deno's Wonder Wheel has only ever stopped once- during the July 13,1977 blackouts- where riders were brought down from the top by the owner, who had to hand-cranked them down. Full size replicas appear at Disney's California Adventure (why, is BEYOND me) and there is also one in Yokahama, Japan. 

These shots are the final farewell to Coney Island.  The Cyclone opened at Coney Island on June 26, 1927 and cost $0.25 to ride (now it's $10.00 with a $5.00 reride booster ticket- 2 years ago when I rode it last) it was declared a New York City Landmark in 1988 and a National Landmark in 1991.  It tops out at 60mph and is the most replicated compact wooden coaster in the world.

So, I hope all of you enjoy this fun post that has a little to do with burlesque... I am a Burlesque dancer and I was in it.. ergo it has to do with burlesque. :)

Eyelashtastic

Ok, so some of the newer performers I keep running into mention how stressful false eyelashes can be and seem to shy away from the giant eyelash variety. So I've adapted this posting from my other blog The Everyday Pinup Girl to assist and inform those who are seeking a little more guidance. I LOVE comments and thoughts from other performers. Before reading this you should be made aware that they are addictive and once you go big you can't go back!

Me in F*Bomb Burlesque's Aerosmith Show  I did "Dream On"

From The Everyday Pinup Girl

I use strip lashes as they work the best for me. I've used many brands and I'm here to tell you that the two that stick out are Makeup Forever http://www.sephora.com/ and Mattese http://www.rickysnyc.com/.

Makeup Forever has AMAZING eyelash glue hold-wise BUT the application can be messy and it stains clothes (I dripped some on a black costume skirt and now it looks like it came out of Monica Lewinsky's closet.)

I have two sets by Makeup Forever. #25115 are pink at the lid line and about half-way down the lash they become black with little decorative tips.

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/eyes/artistic-false-lashes/artistic-eyelashes-25115.html



#25116- are a dark heavy black feathered lash- great for when you need to look dangerous.
http://www.makeupforever.com/products/eyes/artistic-false-lashes/artistic-eyelashes-25116.html



I find that Makeup Forever's eyelashes are very high quality- great for multiple uses (I reuse them for MONTHS) easy to apply but not as easy to trim, especially the feather ones as cutting the inner tip dramatically changes the effect of the lashes. I would recommend just starting on the inner corner of the eye and extending beyond the lash line if need be- don't trim them at all if you can avoid it. Their eyelashes cost between $10.00 and $22.00 a set.

On to Mattese Eyelashes.

These are my favorite. They are inexpensive (between $7.00- $14.00 a set)

however not all of them come with eye lash glue. I have so many pairs of these I don't know where to begin but I will share two of my favorite lashes they make.

This set is very Marylin Monroe and I wear these for regular appearances in and around the city. They are clearly false lashes and I really love them. They provide a heavy lidded look and give that smoldering temptress her bedroom eyes.
http://www.rickysnyc.com/beauty-makeup-products/false-eye-lashes/lashes-party-11.html

These lashes are super fun- though can be a little uncomfortable if they are put on wrong- they are stiffer than some of the other models. I am wearing these in my pinup set on my facebook page.
http://www.rickysnyc.com/beauty-makeup-products/false-eye-lashes/lashes-party-13.html


I find that Mattese's lashes are a little more cost effective and last just as long (they even have VERY similar styles to Makeup Forever) for me they are easier to get as there is a Ricky's on every other corner here in New York City but you can always order them online from Ricky's (which if you don't know about Ricky's, it's a Mecca for drag queens, strippers, burlesque dancers, and rockabillys.) They carry both natural and crazy lashes... though I say, go big or go home- everyone knows that your eyelashes are not that long or full or well curled so you may as well live it up.

As far a glue goes- buy a tube of both clear and black from DUO (it's the best glue I've used.) I rarely use the black but it can be great if you are doing a jet black eye or very dark makeup near the lash line however, I suggest using the clear until you are a lash master.


How to put on false lashes:
Before you begin put your eye makeup on. It's easier to adjust eye makeup once the lashes are on rather than attempting to create a look from scratch- that's my opinion everyone is different, only experimentation will help you. In fact, many sources say specifically to wait to apply your makeup until afterword- when I tried this I had trouble navigating around my extremely long lashes with my complicated makeup plan- so like I said it's really up to you what works best, this is a very personal choice.

When you pull the strip off the plastic mold remember to pull from one end (not the middle, you don't want to accidentally put a kink or break in your lashes) and smoothly peel them off their holder. Even though it is sticky you must still use glue, even if they say they are self adhesive, you must still use glue- the tacky stuff they use to stick it to the plastic WILL NOT hold it to your eye.

Put a very thin strip of glue on the part of the eyelash you are placing above (for the top and below if you are using bottom lashes as well) your lash line. Allow it to get tacky BEFORE putting it on your eye. You have to let eyelash glue cure before attaching it to your eye.

Once the glue is ready (anywhere from 30-60 seconds or so for me) start on the inner part of your lash line where you want the lashes and gently press them on (I use the handle of a makeup brush to hold it place) and follow the lash line all the way across the eye to the outer corner. Starting from the inside of the eye and moving outward gives you more control on where the lashes are situated and allows you to decide if you need to trim them and which end you should trim from. Hold it in place a minute and then if they are satisfactory do it on the other eye. Voila! Beautiful false lashes!

Don't be afraid to wear big lashes, or colorful lashes. They are fun and easy to wear and once you know the tricks can really bring an outfit to life- a femme fatale, an innocent anjenu, a doe-eyed sock hopper, or that smoldering temptress we talked about earlier.

Girlie Gushings about my new shoes

These are the Flamingo Peep-Toe Glitter Pump by Ellie. I of course will be adding to them, though they are fabulous as-is, they need some personal touches. I'm using these for one of my re-vamped acts that I will be doing at Kitty Nights on May 8th (Mother's Day!) All I can say is that if I get my wish and my act together just right, it will involve sparkles, "fur", and a little striptacular surprise... IF I can get everything I need in time...

Otherwise, the purpose of this blog was just to gush about how in love with these shoes I am and how they will be performing at Kitty Nights as well as myself. For those of you in the New York City area that haven't been to Kitty Nights, you should come because it's a really good time. Great acts with killer hosts all for only $5.00 every Sunday in the East Village. I hope to see everyone who can make it at Bar on A, May 8th at 9:00 pm SHARP! (Fem Appeal doesn't cater to late comers!)
http://www.kittynights.com/

Doin' Time

So many people in the performance arena are aware that you have to work your way up from the bottom to enjoy the cream at the top. Burlesque is no different. As a new performer you need to be mindful of other dancers that have been doing this longer than you have. That means being helpful, respectful, and out of the way (i.e. if you aren't performing- don't block the mirror/light/or dancers from changing)... and above all, if you don't know a dancer's name or haven't heard of her, DO NOT point that out to her. Just because you may have no clue who she is doesn't mean the rest of the Burlesque world does not and it may also mean that you don't attend enough shows. If you are working or performing- BE ON TIME. I have learned that this early in the game you have to put a lot of work into networking, listening, watching, and just plain good old fashioned being pleasant. This world is about women supporting each other, which quite frankly, doesn't happen as often as it should.

With that out of the way, let me share an amusing moment from when I was working Honi Harlow's "Harlow's Hide-A-Way", which is currently every Thursday at Fontana's on Eldrdige between Broome and Grand right here in New York City. It's August so audience can be fickle, so I was tickled 12 shades of pink when I walked into Fontana's last Thursday and saw about 60 people in the bar and Chandlelier room. Upon my arrival I also discovered that there were bands performing downstairs. As the people in the bar began to funnel between our show and the bands performing in the basement, I was charged with the task of separating and directing them where they needed to go based on what they were there to see. For about 5 minutes of this, it seemed that everyone was headed to the basement and becoming tired of that (I love music too but stripping women dancing to music vs. bearded sweaty men standing around listening and bobbing their heads... hmmmmm) I decided when a delcious quartet of men walked up to me to try to persuade them to stay upstairs.

So I asked them,

"Are you guys here to see the Burlesque show?," as brightly as I could,
"Or the Bands downstairs?" and I was 50% less bright with that last question.

All four started laughing at me and one cute one (out of the other four devastatingly handsome men) in a plaid shirt looked at me and smiled,

"We are the band."

The hilarity of this was not missed on me so I thought, oh sweet now I can hit on all them! Which I proceeded to do. Some of the banter continued as follows:

Me: "Oh well, you're gonna miss all the gorgeous naked women!"

Band: "How about we play and when we're done we'll come up and see the naked women."

Me: "By the time you're done playing all the naked women will be gone. We are a fleeting thing you know. We don't stay naked forever."

Band: "Are you sure? We love naked women and would love to see them but we have a show."

Me: "Well that's what happens when you put music first. All the naked women dissappear."

The slightly bearded, blue-eyed, dream boat in the plaid shirt threw back his head and laughed. "That's the truth!"

Then the fabulously handsome foursome made their way into the basement and for one brief moment watching sweaty bearded men play instruments was overwhelmingly appealing. Then Honi walked up in her fantastic red dress with a gorgeous rhinestone necklace. The sparkle from it called me back to the land of half naked women and glitter. Whew! That was a close one.

What truly matters

So far throughout my process I have been so blessed to be supported by so many of my friends and family. It isn't easy to choose this path. There is NO MONEY in this line of work and no real firm career but it is such a draw to me as an art form. It isn't easy to bare yourself in front of others, to bare yourself not just to them but for them. To peel off the layers of the self and reveal what is underneath in all its flaws and perfections.

It is a medium which I feel I can perfect and excel in with so much support from those around me and with the opportunities that have sprung up before me from luck as much as focus. I'm really lucky and I want to say thank you to everyone who is helping me in this endeavor. Teachers, other dancers, friends, mentors, parents, and other performers in other genres who are as thrilled and titillated by my adventure as I am. I applaud you all and am thrilled to have such an awesome crew at my back in this.

Acceptance

Lil' Dixie Rising is on the rise... moving onward and upward. It occurred to me in the last community class I took, that I am very VERY serious about this jazz. I have the capacity to be quite a good performer and the dedication as well. So when Jo "Boobs" Weldon's email came round from the New York School of Burlesque I knew it was time. I applied and made it in to the March Essentials Series of which there are only 10 slots. I was so excited I nearly burst! I've got a name and a mission and now guides to get me there. So watch out because the last weekend in March/First Weekend in April, Miss Dixie Rising will be making her debut. Sometimes all it takes is elbow grease and commitment. Let the work begin...

Thoughts on the art form

I have come up with some concepts for numbers. I'm getting mixed reviews upon sharing them BUT most of the thoughts are positive. I have learned that the word "Burlesque" actually means "an artistic composition, esp. literary or dramatic, that, for the sake of laughter, vulgarizes lofty material or treats ordinary material with mock dignity."

I really want to use this medium to express how different people or situations are from what one would assume upon first look. I want to stretch the audiences' mind and maybe bend it a little so that next time they look at the receptionist at the dentist office they say, "hmmmm, I wonder... could she be a freak?"

I think people get hindered by the boxes that others put them in. Whether it's a significant, or a parent, or a friend, or a boss. People make assumptions everyday about what they think is the norm for the people in their lives and in their surrounding environment. We constantly judge those around us, but what if... what if we got to see what was underneath. What if their deepest, darkest truths could be revealed. What if they are a thief, a liar, homeless, depraved, sadistic, an alcoholic, a sex addict, or any other number of strange combinations. What if the mean woman at the DMV likes to be tickeled with feathers? What if that power-crazed policewoman really wears pink satin under her kevlar? What if that pre-school teacher paints herself in black liquid latex at night...

What if I could show you these things in myself and in the people who surround you everyday? Would you mind if I took off this sweater? It's getting a little hot in here...

Dixie is Born

For several months I have been toying with an idea derived from a long standing desire, to become a burlesque dancer. I have always wanted to be one, though I wasn't ever really aware that that was what it was I truly wanted. I've been an actress for over 10 years and a dancer for most of my life. Pursuing acting has been a downhill spiral with very stressful results... especially here in New York City, but the one thing I am a virtuoso at is reinventing myself. So, a few months ago, it happened. I went to a burlesque variety show at Fontana's here in NYC, a show called Honi Harlow's Hideaway, and as I sat there I realized, this was what I had wanted, this was what I was equipped for. Dancing, comedy, and acting all in one, expressed through the body to music for the benefit of the audience. To tantalize and delight. To bring joy. I went to several more shows. Blown away each time, noticing the styles of the different performers, the nuances that made them who they were and the subtleties in their performances.

My appetite was now engulfing my entire life, everywhere I looked were girls dancing and expressing all sorts of things! Now, my mind made up, I went trolling the Internet to stumble across the New York School of Burlesque. There were two prerequisites: 1. pay $15.00 and 2. Come up with a name no one else in the performance industry had. I enrolled. That following Thursday I found myself in a studio with a red headed bombshell named Gal Friday in leopard print pants. Feeling a little conscientious I decided that my new dancing identity would not be able to feel this unless it was part of the act so I walked to front of the room and put on the brightest, reddest lipstick I owned. My Southern roots reached deep into the earth while I steadied my hand tracing my lips with the angled tip of my Benefit "Frenched" red. I heard her name rise up into my mind. Dixie Rising was born.