BOOK REVIEW: THE BURLESQUE HANDBOOK BY JO WELDON (IT! Books/Harper Collins, 2010)
Whether you’re a budding showgirl or a seasoned pro, a serious researcher or just curious about the origins of this super-sensuous art form, “The Burlesque Handbook” by Jo Weldon (IT! Books/Harper Collins, 2010) has something for everyone whose had even a passing fancy for burlesque. From fan dancing to tassel-twirling; from stage make-up to costuming hints; from old school Classic Burley moves to crafting high-concept post-modern performances… this book has it all!
Written by the illustrious Jo Weldon, neo-burlesque legend and headmistress of The New York School Of Burlesque, and star of many instructional burlesque DVD’s, this book is jam-packed with information. The tips and tricks you will learn in this book are usually hard-won through years of experience, but Jo shares her wealth of knowledge freely and happily. The chapters are well organized and cover a lot of ground, including sections of music selection, character development and “Backstage Etiquette”. There’s even patterns for making your own pasties included!
Jo’s facile and often droll writing style makes reading the book a breeze, and her anecdotes about her own career and what attracted her to burlesque in the first place are mesmerizing.
The book is also packed with photos of contemporary burlesque stars and how-to diagrams for technique in boa and fan work, plus hints and ideas from many big name burley professionals working today, including Dita Von Teese, Michelle L’Amour, Dirty Martini, World Famous BOB, Tigger, Kate Valentine, Erochica Bamboo…. and of course, lil’ old ME!
Mega rhinestone and feather-covered kudos to the lovely Ms. Weldon for not only walkin’ the walk, (or struttin’ the strut, as the case may be!) but also talkin’ the talk in an informative way…. and then having the fortitude for putting it all down on paper.
Trust me, if you have any interest at all in burlesque, you will enjoy this book immensely, and refer to it often as a resource.
Purchase this book: http://tinyurl.com/2bq2qtm
Purchase Jo’s instructional burlesque DVDs: http://tinyurl.com/37u9m3c
Purchase Princess Farhana’s instructional burlesque DVD’s: http://tinyurl.com/2a24ze4
Photos: Jo & Princess at Jo's LA book signing; book cover
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