news

Madame Was Always a "Daydream Believer."

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:12:02 +0100

    Today, like millions of others, I mourn the loss of Davy Jones. For our younger fans who may not know, Davy was the world's biggest teen-heartthrob, and part of the first boy-band, The Monkees in 1966. He was my first crush. I was captivated by him and his voice when MTV began re-airing the campy, fun "Monkees" television series in the mid-1980's.

    The Monkees were my first rock concert, at Stabler Arena in 1987. I had every single album on vinyl, and got up at 2:00 in the morning to watch the repeat of the repeat episode I had watched earlier in the day. I coped with big-time bullying by the popular girls at school for my choice of music. And everything else, actually. I had every reprint of Tiger Beat Magazine, several autographs, and a bedroom plastered with his posters.

    My mother was kind enough to take me to meet Davy on a few occasions. He lived in PA, and often did local events in addition to his schedule of national and international dates. One memorable day, I came home with the holy grail of artifacts... I hugged him at a book signing of his autobiography, "They Made a Monkee Out of Me," and came away with a strand of his hair on my sweater. I knew because it clearly showed the red highlights of his not-too-obnoxious mullet. It was 1988, after all. I swooned for months.

    This would all just be the musings of yet another teenage fan, if it weren't for my unanticipated foray into the position of Burlesque producer and hostess. When I opted to host the "Big Reveal" for my first Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival, it was to visibly thank the members of my community who came out in force to support my efforts. It was also to control the quality of the show. I had never even held a microphone, let alone been in a position to wade into a crowd of people who were all of a sudden "fans." I had to figure out, and fast, how to engage, entertain, and make myself real to the people who had paid money for an experience I had promised to give them.

    It turned out to be easy for me. I started looking at the entertainment-type things, such as concerts, music, and DVDs, that had made me happiest, and that, as a consumer, I felt were money well-spent. The first person on the list was Alice Cooper. Then Rob Zombie. Both amazing showmen, with a concert format that would leave you wanting more, even if you weren't a fan of their music. Molly Sugden as Mrs. Slocome from "Are You Being Served?" The DVD collection of that series would be worth it at three times the price. Monty Python. Mae West. And, then, drifting up from my distant past, Davy Jones. I had spent what would be thousands of dollars on merchandise, untold hours in the car and waiting in line for a photo and autograph, and stoidly endured the ridicule of my classmates. Of all these stars, he was the most inspirational.

    Aside from the mega-stardom that came from the Monkees, Davy interacted with his fans easily. He was always kind, easy-going, and accessible. He laughed loudly and smiled broadly. There was never anything snobbish or "too busy" about him. He could have insulated himself, and perhaps rightly so, given the scale of his celebrity, but he chose not to. He was content to be hugged, kissed, and probably goosed by the people who loved him. It was plain to see that he embraced their warmth because he knew his job as an entertainer did not end when the curtain came down. His fans loved Davy Jones 24/7, and he made the same committment to them.  And it was very sincere.

    The way I felt as a fan of Davy Jones was the way I wanted Jim Thorpe and PA Burlesque Festival fans to feel, too. I don't want to be a celebrity, I want to be the hostess of a party that I threw just for them. I make it a point, during each intermission, to come off the stage and chat with our audience. I want them to know that it's important to me that they have an incredible time. I have an after-party whenever it is possible, so that fans and performers alike can get a chance to show how appreciative they are to see one another.

    People who successfully lead by example aren't always the ones who have the most flash or are currently at the top of the charts. They're the people who unbegrudgingly reciprocate the joy and gratitude they receive from all areas of their life. They're the ones who are in it for the long haul, side by side with the folks who helped them get where they are. They realize that nothing is too small to make a difference, and they work ceaselessly to pay dividends on the monetary, emotional, or spiritual investment that has been made in them.

    They are you and I.

    Madame Corsetiere

PA Burlesque Festival Headliners and Latest Press

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:39:36 +0100

    The management of the 2012 PABF is pleased to annouce the return of Jacqueline Hyde as our featured performer for Friday June 29th's "Burlesque Gala" show at the TLA. Jacqueline's professionalism as a performer and teacher has been a tremendous asset to our shows, and we're proud to have offered her a permanent place on our production staff. She will also, as in years past, sit on the judging panel of the 2012 "Big Reveal."

    In a salute to a performer who has performed at each one of our festivals, it's with much excitement that we announce SIZZLE DIZZLE as our headliner for the 2012 "Big Reveal" on Saturday, June 30. Sizzle is a regular on the New York Burlesque scene, and is a familiar face at "Drive-Thru Burlesque." She took home Second Runner up at our 2010 Festival in Jim Thorpe, and we're cheering her on as she heads up our flagship show this year!

    ALERT! Follow us on www.twitter.com/paburlesque AND www.facebook.com/paburlesque We've got a huge annoucement coming up concerning our LEGEND HEADLINER for the "Burlesque Gala!" Our Legend promises to close the "Burlesque Gala" with an incredible performance, share her knowledge through classes, and meet with fans and fellow performers alike. She will also sit on our panel of judges for the "Big Reveal." Stay tuned!!

    Many Thanks to Kelly Huth of the Easton Express-Times for this great article on the local resurgence of Burlesque, which features Jacqueline Hyde and Brooke Au Buchon, our Executive Producer. http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment-general/index.ssf/2012/02/burlesque_is_back.html

OFFICIAL PA Burlesque News for 2012!

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:25:15 +0100

We meet again, Ladies and Gents!

Everything has finally come together for our monumental move to Philadelphia. The legendary TLA on South Street is the official venue for the 2012 PA Burlesque Festival. Join us on Friday, June 29 for "The Burlesque Gala," headlined by Jacqueline Hyde and featuring Dragontown Burlesque. Then double your pleasure by taking your seat for "The Big Reveal," on Saturday June 30 to see who takes home $1,000.00 and the "Crystal Corset Award" for 2012.

As always, we will feature a full weekend of fun, empowering classes and our Burlesque Bazaar! Get your "DIVA" on at the Hampton Inn on Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, at 1301 Race Street, Philadelphia. Embrace your inner Glamazon and learn to dance, strut, tease, and bewitch with our collection of classes, workshops, and discussions.

Then, properly outfit your newly found superstar at the BURLESQUE BAZAAR! Shop with our hand-picked merchants who will provide you with costume pieces, lingerie, cosmetics, jewelry, custom corsets, and more.

Stay tuned to www.parburlesque.com for more happenings as they unfold. But, be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER, too!

See you in June!

P.S. Watch out for a "world's first" announcement about the PABF around the second week in May, 2012! It's a complete game-changer for the entire Burlesque industry!!

Are You Ready for The 2012 PA Burlesque Festival?

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:40:11 +0100

    2011 has been a whirlwind of marvelous changes for us. Firstly, we welcome Jacqueline Hyde and Bunny Bedford to our professional ranks. Jacqueline has performed for us beginning with the very first festival in 2010, and much to our delight, pulled up stakes in Seattle to move to Jim Thorpe, PA. She owns and operates the Jacqueline Hyde International School of Burlesque, at Jim Thorpe Arts in Motion, and offers the most professional Burlesque curriculum in the country. Her 13-week Master Series is an in-depth program that truly prepares a student to be a serious contender in the Burlesque community, including all the often neglected business aspects of becoming a success. Visit her at JacquelineHydeSchool.com.

    Bunny Bedford is a Jim Thorpe native, and came to us as a first-time performer for the 2011 Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival. She gave us two numbers that rivaled those put forth by seasoned acts! We couldn't get enough of her, and she quickly became a part of our team. Bunny's theater degree has proved to be a priceless asset to us, and she lends a layer of polish and expertise that compliments all our endeavors. See what dance and fitness classes she's offering at JTArtsinMotion.com.

    2011 has marked the birth of Dragontown Burlesque. That's right! Madame Corsetiere now has her own troupe. Dragontown Burlesque made its debut at BOOLESQUE 2011, and currently stars Jacqueline Hyde, Venus Mantrapp, and Bunny Bedford. Additional members will most likely be graduates of Jacqueline's Master Series, who will have the opportunity to audition for the troupe. Dragontown Burlesque will open the 2012 festival in Friday's "Showcase Gala," with a number you'll never forget. Madame Corsetiere sings! Who knew this lady had such a set of pipes? Don't miss it!

    In addition to all this happy news, we're thrilled to report that Jim Thorpe's britches are too small! They just can't hold all the excitement produced by our hard work, so we're moving up and out! The Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival has been expanded into the PA Burlesque Festival. It was selfish of us to keep it so local. The entire state of Pennsylvania needs to see what we're up to!

    As of today, we're in negotiations for theater and convention space in Philadelphia for 2012. The tentative time of year is late June, early July, so as to not compete with other festivals taking place in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Toronto. We love the atmosphere in historic downtown Jim Thorpe, but moving to Philly will give us much-needed access to more convenient facilities. There are more hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the big city, and we hope that the added culture and nightlife makes our guests' stay even more enjoyable.

    As always, the 2012 Festival will feature:

"The Showcase Gala," our Friday night show.
"The Big Reveal," our famous Saturday night competition for the Crystal Corset Award and $1,000.
Classes, lectures, and workshops all day Saturday and Sunday.
The Burlesque Bazaar, our hand-picked vendor market, Saturday and Sunday. Free to the public!

Applications for 2012 should go up by January 1 on PABurlesque.com. We'll be taking applications for:

Performers for both shows
Class instructors and speakers
Burlesque-related vendors, including but not limited to: lingerie, costumes, cosmetics, accessories, feathers, vintage clothing, pin-up art, and jewelry.

Be sure to follow us on our new Face Book fan page, Pennsylvania Burlesque Festival

Happy Holidays, and here's to an astoundingly great 2012!

Plans for the 2011 Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival are underway!

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:07:41 +0100

Greetings, Ladies and Gents!

It's time again to make preparations for the Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival. Our last show, "BOOLESQUE" was a great success, and it was wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new fans. A very heartfelt THANKS!!! to everyone who came out to perform, attend the show, and support our endeavors. Be sure to "like" our Facebook page, and take a look at the magnificent photos that Tom Storm took of the show.

Winter is upon us, and as I put on a second pair of socks and make a steaming cup of tea, I'm thankful that the initial preparation for the 2011 Festival can all be done indoors! Performer applications, class submissions, and venue arrangements for the shows, classes, and the Bazaar are all in the works. Performer applications and class submissions will be live on our website by the end of December.

I'm thrilled to welcome Red Hot Annie as a headliner for 2011's "Big Reveal," and I'm equally as thrilled that Jacquline Hyde will rejoin me to headline The "Fundraiser Gala." The performers that apply to come out and spend the weekend with us will be in fantastic company, and I'm confident we will draw yet another happy, fun, supportive audience.

In the meanwhile, everyone cozy up with your sweetheart and wait out these horrible temperatures!

Best Wishes,
Madame Corsetiere

Jim Thorpe Burlesque Gives Birth To New Local Talent.

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:14:15 +0100

Jim Thorpe Burlesque Gives Birth To New Local Talent.
By Michelle Gallagher

In March of 2009, Brooke Au Buchon decided she was bringing Burlesque to Jim Thorpe. It was the perfect setting. The Mauch Chunk Opera House was born again into the Vaudeville theatre it historically operated as.

A year later, the first Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival was an unprecedented success, leaving show goers howling for more in the filled-to-capacity venue. Au Buchon hosted the show as Madame Corsetiere, having an inkling that she was about to carve her name in Jim Thorpe’s history.

While she saw her dream realized, Madame Corsetiere didn’t expect to be the catalyst for the birth of three Burlesque artists. The excitement generated by Burlesque in Jim Thorpe provided the inspiration for new local performers Venus Mantrapp and Cheek A. Boom. Both will be appearing in a duet at BOOLESQUE on October 30 at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.

Venus Mantrapp attended an “Intro To Burlesque” class held in December at the Opera House. She had never danced before but participated in the class at the invitation of JTBF Producer Michelle Gallagher.

Gallagher created the “Intro” class to get the local women excited about the coming festival. The class was hosted by Eva Valentina, a Burlesque performer from San Francisco. Eva shared her knowledge with the group, and imparted the tidbits she learned while attending Burlesque shows at Paris’s legendary Moulin Rouge.

Madame Corsetiere greeted a third daughter this past weekend at the New York Burlesque Festival. Brooklyn resident Anja Keister’s first exposure to Burlesque came when she took the classes and enjoyed the show at the 2010 Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival. She purchased a vegan-friendly corset from Dragontown Corsets, and began documenting her experiences as a vegan performer in an art where the costumes often contain silk and feathers. A short six months later, Anja has immersed herself in all things Burlesque, and has a blossoming following. She will bring her new talent and kitschy act to the Second Annual Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival on April 1, 2, 3, 2011.

Jacqueline Hyde is Confirmed to Appear at BOOLESQUE!

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:56:38 +0100

Our 2010 Crystal Corset Award winner, the incredible Jacqueline Hyde of Seattle's "Tempest Burlesque" has confirmed with us that she will be appearing again on the stage of the Mauch Chunk Opera House! Jacqueline will be bringing her talent all the way over to the east coast to wow our audience at BOOLESQUE on October 30.

Learn more about Jacqueline at http://www.jacquelinehyde.com

Bianca Dupree Shares Her Experience at JTBF 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:07:14 +0100

Hello, Divas!

With her permission, I'd like to direct you to Bianca Dupree's blog about her weekend in Jim Thorpe with the Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival in March of 2010. Bianca is a Polesque performer from Baltimore, MD, who joined us to compete at "The Big Reveal" show on March 27, 2010 at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.

We know that Jim Thorpe Burlesque isn't exactly a household name at this moment in time. We're just now hitting our stride as an event and as a production team. We hope that Bianca's experiences at our First Annual Festival will give other prospective performers an insight as to what it's like to visit Jim Thorpe, PA, what the Mauch Chunk Opera House is like, and how important it is to us that our performers are treated like true friends and guests.

Enjoy!
Madame Corsetiere

Bianca Dupree's JTBF Blog
www.biancadupree.net

BOOLESQUE Applications are up!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:27:26 +0100

Burlesque Divas...

The performer application for Dragontown Corsets Presents: Boolesque is available under the "Applications" tab. Hurry up and get them in... we can't wait to see your act!