Article by Lucida Sans

Most college Greek societies require creepy hazing rituals or at least four kegs for anyone to take their top off; Alpha Psi Ecdysia needs only to schedule a meeting. That’s because Alpha Psi Ecdysia is not a sorority, but the official burlesque troupe of SUNY New Paltz—one of only three burlesque troupes on an American college campus and the only one to operate out of a public university. A.P.E. was born this Spring, when new-girl-in-town Lucida Sans (that’s me—hi!) realized that her sexy and talented classmates–including a champion hula hooper, a fire dancer, a girl with a sexy lobster costume and nowhere to wear it, and some of the most badass coeds you’ll ever know–had no outlet for their fabulosity.

Alpha Psi Ecdysia had a few events and field trips during the early part of the semester, but it didn’t really exist until Jo Weldon came to teach an all day workshop on campus.

“Jo made a bunch of young women feel totally comfortable about jumping around topless in front of full length mirrors, and that’s pretty remarkable. I couldn’t stop saying, ‘JO IS LIKE, MY HERO. WHEN SHE SAID (insert Jo quote here), I WAS LIKE, I LOVE YOU.’ I’m still more excited about what I did Saturday than anything I’ve done in a while.”–
-Gemma Stone, SUNY New Paltz ‘09

“Thank you so much Jo for taking time out of you exciting, busy life to do this workshop for us! I want to personally thank you for letting me be comfortable and feel sexy in my own body without feeling dirty or guilty. I never really truly embrace my body because by society’s standards I am not the ideal picture of sexiness, I’m considered fat and out of shape. You let me embrace the inner ‘me’ and finally feel 100% comfortable in my own body. I felt sexy and desirable for the first time in my life. I by the way, was dying to tell you that when I was a little girl, I also wanted to be a stripper. I thought that it would have allowed me to be sexually validated. Like, men would always desire me if I was a stripper. But, being introduced to burlesque made me desire me. I honestly did not want to keep my shirt on after it came off. I was proud of my body and I was proud of the sexy me. I was in Catholic school my entire life and I would never have even considered doing anything like this, my stripper thoughts alone were scandalous, but I am really happy that I had the opportunity to participate in this. For the first time, I felt at home and in touch with who I truly am.” –

-Virago Sadine, SUNY New Paltz ‘11

The founding troupe and its corresponding debut show formulated organically after the workshop, and by the following month we were papering the town with flyers for our upcoming show. Though we’d experienced no prior opposition to our work, things got a little “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” once we began advertising. A well-meaning theatre professor began pulling individual performers aside to urge them to reconsider their involvement, explaining that she worried they would be viewed as “stripper-trash” and that she was uncomfortably seeing “[her] girls” in this manner. Other professors expressed concern about the performers’ safety and reputation, and were shocked to find that every “what if?” scenario they envisioned had already been considered by the troupe; most were relieved and impressed to find we had already planned precautions for such scenarios—others remained adamant in their opposition.

The biggest shock to the troupe’s system occurred less than 24-hours before the show, when I received a call from the venue telling me that local authorities had ‘gotten hold of’ our posters and were trying to scare them into canceling the show. In spite of the venue’s cabaret license, the police department was looking for loopholes within the local law with which to persecute the company and venue. I received threats that I would be arrested and the venue would lose its liquor license, should the show go on as planned. The venue stuck behind us and vowed not to cancel the show, but asked that we tame the show by wearing no less than full-back panties and bras at all times.

While stage manager extraordinaire Shari Griswold contacted the performers to tell them to be prepared for such changes, I went to Village Hall to petition the issue. After lengthy meetings with various authorities and tireless efforts from myself and others, it was good ol’ Gypsy that saved the day. As soon as the building inspector realized that we were talking “burlesque, like in the musical Gypsy” and not lord-only-knows-what-she-had-imagined, the issue was dropped entirely. The show went on the following night—pasties and all.

The troupe performed its debut show—Alpha Psi Ecdysia: Touched for the Very First Time—at a local piano bar on Friday, May 2nd. Amazingly, the only nervous person backstage was me. The performers remained professionally calm in spite of technical and house management difficulties that turned me into an utter wreck in the minutes before showtime. 120 people squeezed into the 70-seat venue, and 100 others were turned away. In spite of some technical difficulties, the show—which featured fifteen soloists, two group numbers, four go-go dancers, and live music by Anton Jackov and The Threesomesters—was pretty fucking fantastic.

At the show’s end, the place erupted with sexual joy, devolving into a fabulous dance party that lasted until the bar kicked us out. The audience response was incredible, and gained APE a bevy of beautiful new performers (far more than we could ever book in a single show!). Most fulfilling was receiving emails from students like Lizz Guzman, who wrote: “Each and every woman (and man) who took the stage embodied beauty, sexuality, femininity and a great sense of feline fun. I was so excited to see so many different types of bodies, types of acts…you all really captured the beauty of the female form. […] I think that every woman in the audience learned an important lesson about being sexy and being confident from all of you.”

Performing burlesque has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for the women and men of APE; everyone loves finding new ways to experience music, experimenting with performative sexuality, feeling beautiful and sexy, laughing at the sacred, bonding over bedazzling, and so much more; the same stuff every burlesque performer loves. Unique to APE is the excitement of seeing performers courageously claiming and expressing sexual identities they’ve only begun to explore, and sharing that exploration with the audience; or the thrill of seeing a girl who has never undressed for anyone—even a lover—removing her bra onstage to delighted screams; or a performer’s mother—trepidatious since day one—crying with pride by the end of her daughter’s act; or a performer changing her thesis topic to account for her newfound passion.

As founding members perfect their acts in out-of-troupe performances throughout New York State, new performers have joined the group and begun their exploration. APE has existed for less than four months, and already I can spend a morning teaching incoming freshmen about burlesque and the troupe, the afternoon rehearsing new acts with first-time performers, and the night seeing seasoned APEcdysiasts perform in Hudson, Albany, Brooklyn, and more. SUNY New Paltz is learning that burlesque is an exciting and vital performance form, academic pursuit and tool for personal growth. With six themed, full-length shows planned for the coming academic year, thirty six student participants, and continued support from the university, Alpha Psi Ecdysia plans to continue its productivity as long as there is interest.

Alpha Psi Ecdysia will reprise Touched for the Very First Time at Rififi (332 E. 11th) on Thursday, June 5th at 10pm. Learn more about the gang at http://www.myspace.com/AlphaPsiEcdysia

End of Lucida’s Article! Go to the show and see what all the excitement is about!

I am amazed by this story, the way I was amazed when I was on the Sex Workers’ Art Show Tour and I saw all the different groups that brought us to the campuses. When I was in college there weren’t groups like this. Of course I went to business school and I might have missed something that was going on around me, but I don’t think so. I think there really is a lot more openness to this kind of playfulness and exploration than there was when I was their age. I’m so happy to see it!

In just a few hours I’ll be leaving for the Burlesque Hall of Fame weekend in Las Vegas. Many of my students will be there. I was thinking about this last year–many of them are the age they’d be if I’d had kids in my twenties, and many of the legends performing and speaking at the show are of the age to have had me in their twenties. That makes me just about the definition of a middle-aged stripper. Who would ever have thought being a middle-aged stripper would make for such a great life?

Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque, for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com.

Bambi the Mermaid, for many years the co-producer of the BOTB series, has created some outrageous theme shows there, and one of my favorites so far was the Blacklight Spectacular. She begins planning some of her theme shows years in advance, and they’re just not like anything else.

All photos courtesy Norman Blake.

Bambi Represents the Blacklight.

Velocity Chyalld does Badass Blacklight Burlesque.
Also amazing was Amber Ray’s second number featuring her with Muffinhead, in which she came out covered with balloons filled with neon paint, which Muffinhead popped until she was covered with the paint. I can’t even begin to describe Bambi’s number with her giant snailshell.

Right now we’re gearing up for the new season, and I’ll be presenting the students from my Coney Island Master Class there, as well as producing a show about breakfast cereal. Snap, Crackle, Strip!
The Great Fredini, Co-Producer of BOTB.

Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque, for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com.

Amber Ray, Professional Sensationalist.

Me, pulling out an old strip joint number for the occasion.

Julie Atlas Muz goes radioactive.

‘A breakthrough for Cho came when she saw burlesque being performed for the first time. “I was so amazed when I saw the performance. There were women with all different body types, ages, races, and you could tell they were so happy and comfortable with their bodies,” she said. “I was crying when I saw it, it really cured me.” For Cho, who performed burlesque on her tour “The Sensuous Woman,” burlesque was not about sexualizing herself as much as it was about emancipating her from the idea that her body is a prison. “We are so conditioned to a certain look that models have, and people think that’s the only kind of body that can be beautiful and sexual, and that’s not true, everybody has that ability.” Cho believed that performing burlesque allowed her to see that ability. ‘

Margaret Cho provokes laughter and thought

Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque, for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com.

How To Look Good Naked

Kittie Klaw is Gok’s special guest on How To Look Good Naked – LIVE this coming Friday!

TV sensation How To Look Good Naked comes to Glasgow’s SECC this Friday (November 30th) for the ultimate girly night out!

It’s party time as Gok gets ready for the Christmas season. Glamour, goody bags and feel-good fun are set to make this Scotland’s ultimate style event at The Clyde Auditorium on Friday 30th November. Expect a night of treats and surprises as two lucky ladies undergo a full head to toe transformation while more audience members get a mini makeover from the show’s hair and makeup stylists…

Kittie is one hand with MoB co-stars Gypsy Charms and Viva Misadventure to add some burlesque sparkle and oomph to the proceedings. Will Gok get his tassels out?

Bangers, booty and bodies galore are set to fill the Clyde Auditorium for a chance to see the Channel 4’s uber stylist in the flesh. Gok Wan gets Glasgow ready for the party season with tips and tricks for feeling sexy and looking great. The star of How to Look Good Naked is taking to the stage for the first time ever in this feel-good, glamorous and cheeky show proving that Glasgow is Scotland’s style capital.

It’s party time as Gok gets ready for the Christmas season. Glamour, goody bags and feel-good fun are set to make this Scotland’s ultimate style event at The Clyde Auditorium on Friday 30th November. Expect a night of treats and surprises as two lucky ladies undergo a full head to toe transformation while more audience members get a mini makeover from the show’s hair and makeup stylists.

Gok is thrilled to take his unique brand of style advice to a live audience saying: “The festive season doesn’t need to be daunting, it’s a time to dress up and step out in style. I can’t wait to meet Scotland’s gorgeous girls and guys for some serious fashion fun!”.

April Chamberlain, Managing Director of The Comedy Unit echoed Gok’s sentiments, “We’re delighted to bring Gok’s genius to the stage in Glasgow for the first time, for what will be an unmissable night out.”

Alex Fraser, the Creative Director of Maverick Television, which produces How to Look Good Naked, was delighted to be bringing the hit show and its presenter live to the people of Scotland:

“How to Look Good Naked has touched a chord with British audience from the moment we brought it to the television screen last year. We’re thrilled to be offering this unique chance for a live audience to immerse themselves in the show with its star, Gok Wan.”

The third series of How To Look Good Naked will be broadcast on Channel 4 from Wednesday November 14th at 8pm.

For further information, images and interview requests please contact

Owen O’Leary on 0141 220 6416 / 07815 992658, OwenO’Leary@comedyunit.co.uk or Emma Haggerty on 0141 220 6415 or EmmaHaggerty@comedyunit.co.uk

Listings Information:

How to Look Good Naked – Live!

The Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow

Friday 30th November

Show starts at 8pm - Doors at 6pm

Tickets £25

Call 0870 040 4000 or buy online at www.secctickets.com

Michelle first made her mark on the world’s neo-burlesque scene by folding her classically trained dance sensibilities into a mix of saucy playfulness and no-holds-barred steaminess. During a Lavender Cabaret show in 2003 (in which she choreographed and performed), circumstances led her to fill in for the show’s striptease artist. Once she “felt the wind” on her bottom for the first time, she was hooked. And what a bottom it is. In a short four years, she’s climbed the heights of the neo-burlesque community, achieving the honor of Miss Exotic World 2005 only two years after taking off her first piece of clothing.

Since then she’s started a successful burlesque school (The Michelle L’amour Burlesque Finishing School for Girls, the world’s only consistent weekly set of classes). With the addition of monthly workshops from New York to Toronto to LA, Michelle can now boast teaching more than 2000 women. “FemmeTV”, a theatrical follies show which she produced, directed and starred in, was one of Chicago’s best loved sexy productions during it’s 2 year existence.

But just one company wasn’t enough. In 2005 she formed Star and Garter Burlesque, eventually turning the performances over to a group of her graduate students. Now two of Chicago’s most successful burlesque troupes are run under the same roof, The Lavender Cabaret

In 2006, L’amour was featured on several episodes of NBC’s top rated “America’s Got Talent” where she plied her peeling trade in front of adoring audiences of more than 40 million viewers. Thought she didn’t win the million smacks offered as the show’s prize, she won the hearts of thousands of fans worldwide.

By performing all over North and South America in the last year, L’amour has gained popularity and experience which has led her into a career as a taste maker and radio personality. Beginning in April 2007, she embarked on a journey with Fearless Radio in front of an international audience with her hit show, In Bed with Michelle L’amour

What does the future hold? A documentary called “What a Booty” is due to air on Canada’s W Network in June 2007. She’s contracted with View Film (creators of “Taxicab Confessions”) to create an unscripted series about being a burlesque star. She’s teamed up with Opera Moda to create an original opera based on “Come Into My Parlor” by Charles Washburn. She’s also begun work on “Nothing But a Good Time - The Poison Musical” with members of Schaudenfreude. With this much on her plate, it’s a wonder she’s had time to produce a popular photographic book series (The first of which, “The Most Naked Woman” was recently released to rave reviews) and series of instructional DVDs.

I guess that’s all in a days work when you have power of POW!

To find out more about Michelle Lamour, check out her profile on the MoBstar Agency.

Reminiscent of the controversial freak and science based acts of the Music Hall such as Walford Bodie, today’s performance art scene is lucky to have such a charismatic Master of Masochism as The Great Voltini (and Nurse Electra) sharing the stages with it’s burlesque divas and cabaret sirens.

Famed for his theatrical use of the Teslar Coils, his charming rhyming patter and his utterly unique ‘art of anal electrocution’ The Great Voltini is a modern British legend in the making.

The Great Voltini kindly put down his instruments of terrorific entertainment and indulged me in an interview where he reveals all about the electrifying loves of his life, staring death in the face on a curious whim and angry neighbours:

“Voltini” – how did he come about? Did you have a lot of spare time on your hands or did it all come about by unexpected accident, or have you had a long term interest in electrocution?

I picked up an old electrotherapy machine in a junk shop. I knew nothing about electricity at the time but this machine fascinated me, with it’s glowing purple electrodes that electrocuted me in a most pleasant manner.

I became determined to know everything about this strange high voltage machine & in the process discovered Tesla coils - lightning machines capable of over 500,000 volts. There’s a magic about these machines & I can’t stop building & refining them. I’ve always enjoyed doing curious & masochistic things in public, so the birth of The Great Voltini was a natural progression.

What is the most dangerous stunt that you have attempted? And Succeeded in?

I’ve performed the ‘Lightning Man’ on one of the biggest Tesla coils in the world, built by HVFX genius Nick Field. Sparks over 10 feet long shoot out of my body, it’s beautiful - I’m the human plasma ball. This stunt was first performed in the 1890’s by it’s inventor, Nicola Tesla.

In 1951 it killed high voltage performer Henry Transtrom.

Any accidents? Perhaps a funny story?

One time (whilst running on idiot), mode I decided whilst being electrified, to switch the kitchen light off. A spark shot from my finger & connected with the mains, which caused my muscles to violently contract & throw me across the room.
Not nice.

My very first Tesla coil was very badly built & it sent rogue frequencies into the mains, which destroyed my neighbour’s computer. He wasn’t pleased.

Do you enjoy the masochism and the electrocution?

I enjoy it tremendously, but it has to be on the stage to do it for me, I don’t sit on the sofa at home with an electrode up my arse.

Tell me about Nurse Electra.

The love of my life - and she lets me electrocute her. What more could I ask?

Have you ever been in trouble with the Thought Police?

I don’t think so.

Do you actively seek trouble?

No. I like to test the boundaries of taste. If a performance isn’t challenging, it’s wallpaper.
Are you fascinated by your own mortality?

Yes. I’m an atheist so death is very final to me. Playing with potentially fatal toys is a great way to concentrate the mind.

What does the future hold for Voltini?

At heart I’m a performer, so that’s what I’ll be doing.

First published in Forum Magazine, Vol 40. No7

This performance was the one that won Miss Immodesty Blaize the coveted Miss Exotic World 2007 crown. Whilst the majority of the performers used comedy or gimmicks to showcase their skills, Immodesty used the old-school technique of wowing the audience with sheer glamour.