Gravity-defying burlesque at the Lucky Cat
(Credit: drsketchy.com)
This is Burlesque
Host Murray Hill presnets this "bawdy and bodacious" burlesque and supper show, which mixes comedy and strip tease routines with relative grace and skill (note: these two ideas are less likely to work in tandeom in your own bedroom). Teh show also starts Angie Pontani, who is about the closest thing to a "star" the genre has outside of Dita von Teese. Oh, and if one of your stars is also a trapeze artists (Peekabo Pointe), you know you're in for some truly body-twisting routines. But the good news is that, instead of the usual dive-bar atmosphere, this show takes place at Corio, a cozy Mediterranean eatery specializing in small plates of meat and fish dishes, as well as specialty cocktails (named Blood, Sugar, Sex and Magick, among others). (Every Thu-Sat. until Dec. 1, 8 p.m. @ Corio)
Burlesque at the Slipper Room
This LES landmark/dive earns kudos for hosting not one, not two, but three nights of bump-'n'-grind action per week. Hot Box Burlesque (Fridays) and Mr. Choade's Upstairs/Downstairs (Saturdays) features local burlesque stars (Gigi LeFemme, Jo Boobs, etc.) and up-and-coming talent, while Mr. Choade's Sloppy Seconds (Wednesdays) offers up the same deal with much, much smaller crowds. For the weekend, be warned: the place does get packed, so try to secure a spot at the bar for the best viewpoint. (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. @ The Slipper Room)
Pinchbottom Burlesque
The most imaginative (and funniest) burlesque troupe in the city is Pinchbottom, a collective led by the duo of Nasty Canasta and Jonny Porkpie. Their shows take oddball themes (sci-fi, superhero, cowboy) and end up somewhere between sexy and funny (usually tilting more on the latter side of things). For the end of 2007, the troupe is premiering a sports-flavored "Balls!" (Oct. 19), the return of the awesome sci-fi themed "Naked Planet" (Nov. 16-17) and "How the Pinch Stole Xmas," a holiday special (Dec. 7-8). (All events at Collective:Unconscious starting at 10 p.m.)
The School of Burlesque
It's not easy working with pasties, you know? The School of Burlesque, under the tutelege of Jo Weldon (voted the "Best Bump 'n Grinder" at the 2005 New York Burlesque Festival), offers up a number of speciality classes for pin-up and go-go wannabes. Some of our favorites: "Chair Dance" (Oct. 21) and "Glove and Stocking Peel" (Oct. 28). Meanwhile, guest lecturers Princess Farhana and the aforementioned Peekaboo Pointe offer up their own weekly lessons on "Bellydance and Burlesque" and "Burlesque Pilates," respectively. (Check the official Web site for locations and times)
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
Burlesque is an art form. So is illustration. Why not combine the two? Author and artist Molly Crabapple’s biweekly class utilizies "the most beautiful burlesque dancers, the most bizarre circus freaks and the most rippling hunks of man" as models for her drawing salon. As a bonus, Crabapple sponsors a contest at each class, asking participants to incorporate woodland animals or other bizarre images into their sketches. (Oct. 13 and every other Saturday following, 3-6 p.m. @ Lucky Cat)
Kitty Nights
Tired of the same names at the same places? Every Sunday the cozy Bar on A hosts a night of "rising stars" burlesque, which ends your weekend (and starts off your work week) on a high note. This Sunday's performance features Miss Fleur De Lys making her Kitty Nights debut, as well as Mini Malicious, Fifi DuPree, Burgundy Brixx, Fem Appeal, Kiki Clutch and Weirdee Girl. You know, I think I once dated a Burgundy Brixx, wonder if it's the same one...? (Sundays, 9 p.m.@ Bar on A)
