Newsworthy Happenings!

Special Announcement! I'm very proud to say that the September 6th Black Cherry Burlesque show was my debut of performing with my Go-Go Tornadoes! We resurrected their first act, Boogie Fever, and it felt like we were Solid Gold dancers! New and exciting things in the works for the Tornadoes, including a new member, a website (soon), and of course, fun new acts!

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! Our Black Cherry Burlesque shows are THIS FRIDAY! The ever-entertaining Scotty The Blue Bunny www.scottybunny.com is hosting! Scotty is coming to Tucson from The New York Burlesque Festival and we are very excited for his return to The Old Pueblo. I'll be bringing my Lady Evil act back to the stage, which was my first act ever! I figured it was only fitting for me to do my sultry updated version of it to celebrate 7 wonderful years of performing with Black Cherry Burlesque. And yes, you will see me sporting ass tassels in my Greek Statue act as well! Please join us for this exciting show, tickets available at www.blackcherryburlesque.com

More News - Save The Date! The Black Cherry RAW Halloween Spooktacular is Friday October 18, and I'll be gender-bending as a goofy, yet scary tv character! This show is a must-see! The Raw Dogs have put together a chilling song list chock-full of hauntingly strippable tunes!

New Act Update! The Friday November 1st shows will be our very most Halloweeniest show of the season! I'm very excited to debut an act I've dreamed of and wanted to do for years (and I hope you'll all be excited for it too) - Morticia Addams!!!

A brief interview with Black Cherry Burlesque

The Mikie Show interviews Black Cherry Burlesque! The actual interview starts around 10:25.

http://themikieshow.org/category/podcasts/

Victory Variety Hour

http://www.victoryvarietyhour.com/About.html

In August of 2012 I had the thrill of headlining at Victory Variety Hour! Voted "Best Badass Burlesque" in the LA Weekly 2012, and also voted one of the top 3 burlesque shows in LA by the LA Weekly 2013, this long-running show in North Hollywood has featured perfomances by Kitten de Ville, Coco Lectric, Diamondback Annie, Ray Gunn, Margaret Cho, Russell Bruner, and Lux La Croix, to name just a few... Produced by Penny Star, Jr. and showcasing a regular cast of talented local performers, this fun, bi-monthly show draws in burlesque performers and afficianados from all over the nation. Penny and her team made sure I had such a great time not only on stage, but backstage as well. Truly a great experience!

More, more, more

I'm looking to do more modeling! Well,, as much as I can fit in between my burlesque and Go-Go Tornadoes... I just signed up on iStudio, check out my profile here:  www.istudio.com/stormyleigh

Here's another photo from my shoot with Vestige Photography, in the Tiki Bus at The Shady Dell in Bisbee last October: 

I also got myself registered on Burlesque Bitch here:  http://www.burlesquebitch.com/article.php?id=2348

Oh! Last week I, along with some of the other Black Cherry Burlesque ladies, did an exciting outdoor photo shoot with Skwid Inc. Photography! Not only did a lot of amazing photos happen that day, but we had a great time hangin' together. I'll be posting photos from that shoot as I get 'em.

Happy Thursday!

Yakety Yak

Here's my interview with DJ Red Viking of The Wasp Factory at The University of Arizona's KAMP Student Radio!

 

http://hookjaw2000ad.podomatic.com/entry/2013-08-14T11_27_00-07_00

Centurions

Since I'm still playing catch-up from not blogging from November 2009 to January 2013, as well as turning my focus more on Tucson, I would like to make a mention of my experience of performing at the 2012 Centurions Fundraiser. For those that aren't familiar, it's a HUGE party held each May to benefit Carondelet/Saint Mary's Hospital. When I say HUGE, I mean they even blocked off the streets downtown as well as take over several businesses and nearby parking lots just to contain the whole party! Thousands attend and it's a top-notch themed event with a costume contest, gambling, bands, food, and a hefty amount of alcohol. Description here:  http://www.downtowntucson.org/2012/04/the-centurions-are-throwing-a-masquerade-escapade-party/

Black Cherry Burlesque was the final and featured act of the festive evening at the historic Rialto Theater. The hosts of the show rushed us from the green room (a separate building from the theater) to backstage as we were told the venue was filled with a restless audience. They wanted burlesque! Lola Torch opened the show, warming up the audience with her lovely version of Let Me Entertain You. I was up next, with the first striptease routine of the evening. Taking a deep breath, I quickly walked to center stage and struck my opening pose. The lights came up, my music started, and I turned to face 1,400+ people standing shoulder to shoulder, watching and cheering as I undressed and worked my boa... Sizzling acts by Ginger SinClaire and Diamonda Morgue followed, further captivating the audience. I finished the show by performing my playful and high-energy Greek Statue act, most certainly initiating quite a good number of people to a crazy lil' thing in burlesque we call "Ass Tassels!"

www.thecenturions.com

If there were more hours in the day, just imagine how worn out we would all be?

That festival deadline I mentioned earlier came and gone... And no new video was made. Not enough hours in the day! So, I was unable to submit, and I'm back to my original schedule and plans, for the most part. As I'm still in the process of getting myself back on track, this is fine. All in good time...

I did spend the bulk of my weekend working on my acts for our Black Cherry Burlesque shows happening this Friday. One act hasn't been on stage since 2008, and basically got a complete overhaul. It's a patriotic act, and the timing is perfect for our Independence Day weekend! The dress has been altered, a robe has been completely done away with, and a lovely new sash has become an intricate part of this routine. Many, many hours were spent over the past few weeks working with the changes in costume, choreography, and character development. Another act of mine went through a few changes as well. It's another older one that actually hasn't been performed that often. I never felt right about one of the costume components, so I found myself avoiding performing it altogether... Too much fidgeting with an awkward and hurried skirt removal... It's a pretty skirt, but was it really adding anything of value to my act? I ditched that piece, spiced up the choreography, and voila - it's now an act I'm happy and excited to do! I'll bring both of these fun acts to the stage this Friday for two shows, 8 and 10 pm at the Surly Wench Pub on 4th Avenue. VIP seating at www.blackcherryburlesque.com, or general admission at the door.

I better rest my feet 'cause this Saturday night I'll be go-go dancing with The Furys at Club Congress for "Bikini Island"! It's a late night show, so the temps will be perfect for an evening of shimmy-shaking to high-energy surf music! Since this show is bikini themed, my outfit for the evening consists of a ... Well, you guessed it - a bikini! A fringe-y bikini!!! And go-go boots, of course. I'm absolutely thrilled to be dancing for The Furys at this event!  Their talented lineup consists of:  Jacob Jakerson on guitar, Randy Bowler on guitar (yes, two kick-ass guitarists!), Hank Norush on bass, and Robbie Colvin on drums. They'll be playing your favorite surf tunes along with an impressive catalogue of original songs for your listening and dancing enjoyment. This evening of bikini and island-themed events begins at 9 pm, more details at http://hotelcongress.com/music/bikini-island-party/

Excited for tonight's Black Cherry RAW shows!!!

If you've never been to one of our RAW shows, tonight is the night! And if you have, we would love to see you again! I'm very pleased with the songs assigned to me for the evening and have come up with clever dances for both of them. In one, I'll be using my silk fans, which will make for a lovely, hypnotic effect. For my other song, I'm using some costume pieces that are new to the stage! Gorgeous and glistening!!! The Raw Dogs will be our band for the evening, shows are at 8 & 10 pm at the Surly Wench Pub on 4th Avenue, hope to see you all there! xoxo

It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind

In reference to my previous posts, I'm finding that I'm actually looking into submitting to a festival, ha ha ha ha ha! But, it's a few months away, so I expect that I'll be needing to satisfying my wanderlust by then. Thoughts of other traveling prospects keep coming to mind as well... Hmm... Still need to get decent video... Well, we'll see how that goes!

The purpose of this blog is also morphing! Yesterday I asked myself if I felt ready to go public with it. A handful of questions and thoughts followed:  Who would be interested in my natterings? What purpose does this blog serve? What topics aren't already covered by other burlesque blogs? With all the on-line burlesque magazines, big-name performers, and burlesque aficionados that already write about the latest and biggest festival, the best way to make a pastie, how to get a gig, or whatever glittery thing they've done, what can I say that hasn't already been said? I'm thinking I would like this blog to serve as a means to share a bit more about me than what I post on my Facebook or Twitter pages, as well as to give a voice to the stripping performer that the audience sees. As I perform twice a month with Black Cherry Burlesque at the Surly Wench Pub in Tucson, Arizona, maybe THAT is the audience I should be writing this for? Hey, there might be two or three people out there that want to know a bit more about that rhinestoned covered giggly gal, curious as to when and where she performs next, and what influences and events shape her moments on stage? Or something like that... Maybe, possibly, there are also other performers out there that are curious about the Tucson lifestyle? Put the focus more on my home - Tucson, and what makes our scene and lifestyle here great! Maybe that's what will make my little blog have a dash of originality amongst all the others out there???

Mini makeover

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm cutting back on traveling for a little while. In addition to working on new acts, this break is turning into a mini-makeover for myself as a performer. A bit more polish here, a touch more glamour there... Older costumes are getting fancier, or even re-done! New acts are being constructed to meet even higher standards than before. Older acts are getting their choreography improved. I'm developing an improved and consistent rehearsal schedule for myself as well as getting into the gym more often. I am working on getting my website working again too. Exciting things ahead!

It's time. Time to step it up to the next level and bring the very best I can offer to the stage and the art of burlesque that I love so very much.

What's up, doc?

After having to head home early from one festival and decline another (which was heartbreaking), I have decided to take a break from traveling out of state nearly every month. This also includes missing out on The Burlesque Hall of Fame this weekend... While I thoroughly enjoy the experience of performing at festivals and other shows out of town, currently my schedule at home has me very busy.And while I try to keep my postings, news, comments, etc. upbeat, I have to further explain that having my father pass four days before heading out of town to perform, followed by more trips nearly each month following, followed by teaching class, followed by the addition of another monthly show in town... I hadn't taken the proper time to mourn his loss. Also, I had not been managing my time as effectively as I should. So, I have felt a need to take things down a notch, for just a bit. How long of a break? Hmm... Not sure. Whatever life dictates for me, I suppose. Do a little restructuring. And, in the meantime, if the right opportunity arises, I'll certainly weigh my options and choose appropriately! A little something now and then might be just what the doctor ordered... Currently, I am focusing on improving my craft, with my performance energy and attention directly on Black Cherry Burlesque's shows. I'm also planning to debut some fabulous new acts that I'm very excited about in the next few months. Then, when the time is right, and I've got all my ducks back in a row, I'll be back on the road again!

The Texas Burlesque Festival

As you can see I'm still behind on keeping up! Here it is, at the end of May, and I'm just now getting around to posting about TXBF, which happened in the middle of April. My next post will somewhat address (okay, not really but you'll get the idea) that I've been super swamped! And as I'm not the best at writing smooth, eloquently worded contributions to my blog, I've not been doing the best job here.

The Texas Burlesque Festival really deserves better coverage than what I can give it... Produced by Lynn Raridon and Coco Lectric, this three-night fest in Austin included performances by Imogen Kelly, Ray Gunn and Bazuka Joe of The Stage Door Johnnies, Dirty Martini, legends Tiffany Carter and Camille 2000, and more big names that you can find listed at the website here:  http://www.texasburlesquefestival.com Cora Vette hosted, along with some fantastic ladies interpreting every word (and I mean EVERY WORD) she said via sign language. And if you've ever heard Cora Vette, you know the results were hilarious! There was a delicious performer's brunch Saturday morning, along with a round table discussion, then Saturday night's performers compete for several prestigious awards. I proudly performed my Safe Cracker act on Friday night, and luckily I was on early so I could enjoy the rest of the show! Unfortunately, I had to leave the festival early and missed the Saturday night show. Like I've been saying, so busy, so busy... Hoping next time I can stay longer!

Better late than never!

Sometimes it takes me a while to get back on here...

In February I had the pleasure of performing at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase at the KiMo Theater in Albuquerque New Mexico! Show producers Kitty Irreverent and Holly Rebel brought in top notch performers from across the country for three nights of hot burlesque entertainment that took the chill off freezing desert winter temps that Albuquerque is known for. Overnight lows were in the teens - that's mighty cold for this Tucson native! The first night of burlesque was at Launchpad, a local bar and band performance venue. I made myself cozy in the balcony section and enjoyed my roomie Natasha Noir open the show with one of her trademark stunning traditional acts. The rest of the night was filled for the most part with smart and sassy neo-burlesque performances. The Friday and Saturday night shows were at the beautifully restored historic KiMO Theater. Friday night's show was hosted by Dr. Lucky and Devin D, featured legend Tiffany Carter, and was headlined by Jo Boobs. I performed my Safe Cracker act, and yes before I went on stage I left a toy at Bobby's shrine to ensure that my prop-filled act would go smoothly! You can read about the ghosts that inhabit the theater here- http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-kimotheatre.html Michelle L'amour headlined Saturday night, Gypsy Louise was the featured legend with Cora Vette and Devin D hosting the third night of dazzling burlesque, rounding out a fabulously fun weekend in Duke City.

Great minds think alike... Sometimes.

And sometimes it's just bad behavior.

I enjoy podcasts and one of my favorites is The Mike O'Meara show. http://mikeomearashow.com

In a recent show they discussed how they are suspicious of (a well-known comedian) of stealing their comedy routines. After all they've been doing their "Dueling Micheal McDonald's" and "Resurrection of Jack Cassidy" bits for quite a while now. How dare!Sounds familiar? I can't tell you the number of burlesque routines I've seen at festivals that I've also seen done in a similar manner by local performers. I know many of these performers and how and when their acts came about, know that they hadn't seen these other acts, and that they had done their best to research for similar concepts. Heck, I've had more act ideas of  my own that I can remember that I've had to quash after seeing that "perfectly unique" concept I thought I had being performed before my very eyes...

Or am I over thinking it? Worrying too much? I've seen plenty of newer acts similar to my older acts. Usually I don't get too worked up over it. Usually...

Happy Thursday!

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Getting back on track

After reviewing my earliest blog posts, I've decided to follow through on writing about my mentors and inspirations...

So, let's briefly get back on track with lovely La Cholita - The Latina Queen of Burlesque!

Meeting La Cholita several years ago was a wonderful experience which I will try to recall as best as I can... She definitely impressed me though! Such a dazzling, powerful performer who takes complete command of the stage from start to finish. I recall admiring her colorfully ornate costumes that were styled to reflect her Mexican heritage. So much fringe and ruffles and rhinestones! As we all got ready for the evening's show, I found her to be very sweet, glamorous, interesting, funny, and down to earth all at the same time. Cholita performed with Black Cherry in 2009 and 2010 and was always friendly with each and everyone of the other performers, even making time in her busy schedule to join a few of us for brunch the next morning of her brief stay. Viva La Cholita!

Modeling and other skills/hobbies

It sure is fun to get all dolled up and create interesting images with a beautiful costume, a cool idea, and some hot poses! I really enjoy modeling and am looking to get more exposure in magazines, calenders, and catalogs. Styles I am interested in include: Glamour, lingerie, performance artist, pinup, promotional modeling, and swimwear. I will also consider event work, depending on assignment. I can do my own hair and makeup and have many, many unique costumes I can use for a shoot as well. I love to travel and am seeking creative photographers to collaborate with.


My photography credits include: Vestige Photography, Skwid Inc Photography and Design, Flash In The Past Photography, Photo Safari at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, Steve McMackin, 3 Quarter Moon Photography, Centerfold Studios, Hardwood Pinups. For more information please visit my Model Mayhem page at http://www.modelmayhem.com/stormyleigh


Let's see... Other skills... Well, my dance training includes: Ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance. Before delving into the world of burlesque, I performed many years with Flor de Liz Dance and Tucson Metropolitan Ballet, appeared in the motion picture "Tank Girl", and spun fire poi while on roller skates in a collaboration with Tucson Roller Derby and world renowned fire performance group Flam Chen. I roller skate very well as I competed in American Roller Dance and speed skating/racing from age 11 into my early 20's. I guess I've always been an active gal!


But wait, there's more! I really really enjoy costume design and construction. The majority of my costumes are my own design and believe me, many an hour has been spent threadin' a needle, cutting a pattern, and inhaling E-6000 fumes! I also do choreography and was recently hired to choreograph a "First Dance" for a wedding - so much fun! Additionally, I have my own line of hair flowers, fascinators, and boudoir pasties called LOOT by Stormy Leigh. Recently, my LOOT business has had to take a backseat to my day job and burlesque endeavors, but I still do occasionally make and sell items as time allows.


Did I mention 60's style go-go dancing? That's my latest venture. Stormy's Go-Go Tornadoes will feature a group 60's style go-go dance with a playful flair to a variety of upbeat tunes. The Tornadoes are still in the zygote stage and updates will be posted as we make progress!

Festivals a go-go

Here's a quick list of the burlesque festivals and the acts I have performed there so far:

Tease-O-Rama 2012 Opening Night Bash in San Francisco (Lady Vulcan), Texas Burlesque Festival 2012 in Austin (Lady Vulcan), Colorado Burlesque Festival 2010 (Greek Statue), 2011 (Cave Woman), and 2012 (Lady Vulcan) in Denver, and the Burlesque Hall of Fame Opening Night Gala 2010 (Cucaracha) in Las Vegas, baby. Oh! And in just a few days I'm heading to Albuquerque to perform my Safe Cracker act Friday night at the historic Kimo Theater for the Southwest Burlesque showcase!

Loss of momentum

Or... Go this way... Now that way!


Back in 2009 the poor economy had a very personal affect on me. Well, who wasn't affected, right? Like so many others, I got laid off from my day job. Not one to let things get me down, I made the most of the situation and dove head first into burlesque. Keep in mind, this is Tucson we're talking about, and at that time if you had a performance opportunity once a month you were lucky! Five new acts were created during that layoff, three of those are among the best I've come up with yet. One of those acts - my Cucaracha act, I proudly performed at BHOF in 2010. Now, that's what I call making lemonade out of lemons! Man cannot live on lemonade alone though, and shortly before my BHOF experience and after 11 months of unemployment, I found myself re-employed. My newly blossoming burlesque pursuits no longer fit in a 50-60 hour work week bogged down with a commute farther than I had ever had to make before. There was little time to travel out of town, let alone work on new acts, do networking, etc. It felt like I kinda lost my momentum... Not an easy time for me, but believe me, I was very grateful for the regular paycheck. And now, thankfully, I've returned to my original employer. My hours are manageable, with a short commute and time to pursue my beloved burlesque endeavors once again!

Long time, no blog

I had forgotten that I had started blogging lo so many years ago... Lots of exciting things have happened in my glittery burlesque world though, and I hope to make a mention or two of them, in time. As I embark on my 7th year of performing burlesque, there have been many wonderful experiences, done some traveling, and met some really fantastic people along the way. While I no longer have that "eager puppy dog" way about me that is so much fun to see in the newer performers, I still get charged up and inspired constantly! Smooches to all two-and-a-half of you that may stumble upon this lil' blog o' mine, I've got sooo much good stuff to get y'all caught up on! Oooohh... Here's just a little tid bit- First off, starting last November I've had the pleasure of performing in Black Cherry Raw, which is a fabulous Black Cherry Burlesque show performed with a live band! We've been spoiled with two wonderful bands:  The Raw Dogs, and Lola Torch and Her Burning Desires. More on them in upcoming posts! I've also been accepted to perform Friday night at the Southwest Burlesque Showcase in February!!! xoxo