Tuesday 28 June 2011

Rant1

I am rather annoyed in writing this, after spending a lot of time trying to find high quality feathers to make some ostrich fans I find myself rather appauled! After reading through reviews and forums I have to tell you I am disgusted at the nerve of some 'sellers' a lot of bulk sellers were fake, and have scammed people or are wrongly selling spandones or Spads, which are lovely feathers but no where near full and fluffy enough to offer the lovely soft cover of sally rand style fans, they are stiffer and more skeletal at the tip and do not droop into that lovely plume at the end. Also note that wing plumes are wider, a lot wider.

I have been one of the unsuspecting victims of this, I brought 25 what was supposed to be A or 1st grade ostrich feathers/plumes (wing) only to find out that they were high quality spads being sold as plumes. So becareful if you are buying these... here are images to show the difference

Spads-


Wing Plumes -


anyway I have found a very good supplier for gorgeous wing plumes and am very happy now so images to come of the fans very soon

Thursday 16 June 2011

Does it have to be Feathered?

I have noticed that the most well known fan dance for Burlesque Performers is the Ostrich feathered fan, sally Rand style if you will. But is this the only one you can use?

Of course not ^^, I know that these are expensive and I will be writing a tutorial on how to make a nice single, double and tripple layer fan with different staves and accents, should be fun. Also whilst on the topic of tutorials I will post one on adding accents to existing costumes and also pasties... among maaany others. I am considering doing some video tutorials for some basic burlesque moves to so keep an eye out.

Okay so you know about the stunning and elegant ostrich fan, what else is there?

Small marabou fans can add an extra charm to a piece so do not overlook them. Other fans commonly used are Silk Veil fans, fire and fabric fans, all can be used efficently to achieve some great effects.

When fan dancing think about the effect you want it to have on the audience and the motion of the fan itself. In my own acts I have used silk veil, marabou and ostrich.

To show you the effects each can have I have included some videos of some stunning ladies and their fan
Nina Nightshade -

The Duskettes -

Catherine D'lish -

Friday 3 June 2011

Sugar Suite December 2010 and April 2011

I did say I would post images up of some of my performances, this isn't all of them and doesn't outline the acts too well but it will do for now until the videos are finished... so you all have that surprise to come

First off I performed at the Sugar Suite December 2010.. my debute for a new act and first performance for a long time. (OH had a problem with me performing so I stopped for a while)

I performed my Draconian act.. an oriental number but it was a bit long and I ended up improvising half of it as I couldn't remember what to do.. fail. I don't have any images of the kimono and Japanese fan part of the act... Just the wings and my hand made dragon pasties. It was Performed to Sisters of Mercy - Temple of Love.








I next performed at the sugar suit in April this year... I loved it ^^ Two acts this time and once again I don't have all the images so wait for the videos.

My First Act was Meridianna Performed to Siouxsie and the Banshees - Peek-a-Boo... adequate name. It was a classic neo-burlesque strip tease number with chair and feather boa props. I made the entire outfit myself. including sprial pasties which I will not show you now... patience for the video.




My second act of the night was a bump and grind act with some silk veil fans thrown in and tassel twirling.. oh Yes! ;D This named Lavender and honey and performed to The Cure - Lovecats





There was some amazing acts that night... The winner of the heat was Miss Bruise Violette, other performancers included Candy Carnival, Celeste Chiffon, Satine Di monte, Luna Delovely, Trois Deville, Lucrezia Bourgeois and so many more.

I shall get those videos done... the new acts are almost ready for their debute to which will be soon and I shall be posting information of here.