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Happy Birthday Dita Von Teese! Celebrate With Your Local Burlesque Troupe.

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Today is neo-burlesque icon Dita Von Teese‘s birthday. A prominent figure in the neo-burlesque movement since the early 90s, Von Teese, is in no small part responsible for the burlesque revival that continues to this day. Inspired by the films and musicals of the 30s and 40s, Von Teese helped define the performance style and aesthetic that has become de riguer with modern burlesque performers. Von Teese’s look is inspired by classic cinema and retro style, particularly elaborate lingerie such as basques, corsets and stockings, and her live shows often feature props such as a giant powder compact and a giant martini glass. She’s also known for a fan dance which features the world’s largest feather fans. Von Teese has been featured in Playboy, Vanity Fair, Vogue and Elle and has also recently designed a new lingerie range with Wonderbra (see video below).

While Von Teese is the public face of the neo-burlesque movement, there are girls (and guys!) all over the country that are taking what Von Teese popularized and adding their own, unique twists and shimmies. Brown Paper Tickets has long been a supporter of the burlesque movement and we ticket hundreds, possibly even thousands, of burlesque events year round.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWq7NRB2X9Q]

In honor of Miss Von Teese’s birthday, we decided to let you all know about some of the great burlesque performances going on around the country this weekend. Looking for something exciting and maybe just a little bit naughty? Then, we probably got a burlesque event going on near you. Get out there and support your local burlesque troupe and maybe you’ll discover the next Dita Von Teese right in your own hometown.

Friday, September 30

Glitterati! Presented by Can Can!Seattle, Washington  The Can Can’s in-house dance troupe The Castaways perform in a night inspired by the ambiance and enticing innovation of the European Cabaret era. Let yourself escape into a parallel world of acrobatics, contortion, dance, burlesque, and much more… An all star cast including: Jonny Boy, Rainbow, Fiona Minx and Benihana.

The Real Houswives of Burlesque: An Alumni SpectacularSeattle, Washington  Merriam Webster describes a housewife as “a married woman who is in charge of her household”, but how do the Academy of Burlesque alumni interpret “a housewife”? Is it the Stepford, or the Desperate variety? Perhaps a reality TV, ahem, star? Whichever it is, we can guarantee these bumping & grinding starlets have been put their homemaking skills through the wringer to present one heck of a show, just for you! The Alumni Spectacular series showcases graduates of the Academy of Burlesque. Some are very fresh and new, while others are well-trained glitterites that have been gracing the stage in Seattle and around the country. Watch as they give back to their audience.. with some sexy school spirit!

Stripped Screw Burlesque presents: Disney After DarkOlympia, Washington  Have you ever wondered what happens in the Magic Kingdom after the sun goes down? Well the delightfully deviant ladies of Stripped Screw Burlesque know! And they’d happy be give you a little peek After a sold-out run in Seattle, Stripped Screw Burlesque is bringing “Disney After Dark” to Olympia and Portland! Follow the latest and greatest fairy-tale princess as she traverses her way through the magical “Disney After Dark” dreamscape on her path to find true love. Guided by the Blue Faerie amidst depraved princes, mischievous maidens, depressed donkeys and smiling conniving felines, she’ll be lucky to come out the other side of this rabbit hole.

Redlight Variety Show presents “Mythfablore”Garden City/Boise, Idaho Since the dawn of man, human kind has sought to explain its existence and the mysteries of the world through story. Join the Red Light Variety Show as they explore the myths, fables and folklore that binds our past to the present and see what’s hiding in the grey area in between.

A Night at the Paradise Burlesque!Hoboken, New Jersey Parlour Productions of Jersey City and The Theater Company of Hoboken present an outrageous romp into the foray of Burlesque and TV Game Shows!
Parlour Productions has a history of outrageous, over-the-top drag productions. Audience members not only enjoy but participate in this unique musical performance.

Saturday, October 1

Laramie BurlesqueLaramie, Wyoming  Laramie Burlesque presents “Boudoir of Horrors,” the troupes’ Halloween themed production. The troupe is bringing back some of your favorites along with some new blood.

Gotham BurlesqueNew York, New York Presented by award-winning filmmaker, artist, and producer Gary Beeber, GOTHAM BURLESQUE is an exciting evening of song, dance, tricks and visual treats that plays the first Saturday of each month with a different cast at the intimate Upper West Side venue, offering audiences a taste of a wide range of live entertainments from both established and up-and-coming performers and acts. This Saturday, GOTHAM BURLESQUE presents “Coney Island In NYC! SPECTACULAR!” featuring: THE GREAT THROWDINI – the World’s Fastest and Most Accurate Knife-Thrower, VERONICA VARLOW and PEEK-A-BOO POINTE – Burlesque Superstars, BAMBI THE MERMAID – Queen of Coney Island, FREDINI – Sword-swallower, EKATERINA and HARVEST MOON – Contortionists, and much, much more! Hosted by WORLD FAMOUS *BOB* with his trusted stage kitten DANGRRR DOLL.