This year I made the decision to roll with the punches and layoffs and try to manage a self-employed career involving burlesque and some of my other talents. I'm hoping I can keep that up in 2012!
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| Image from weheartit.com |
Productions:
I produced two shows this year, and helped out with a few others. Ladies in Red was the first show of the year, at Cherry Cola's Rock 'N Rolla. The show went spectacularly, and I am so happy to have had a chance to work with the girls who have become a staple in my cast for producing. Also on this show was the debut of Izzy Ridged, aka Joey Arrigo who you may know from So You Think You Can Dance Canada. The drama following this show was disappointing and I found myself losing faith in the community due to the behaviour of some jealous people but it's best to ignore it and move forward, and that's what I did and will continue to do!
Babes in Space was another resounding success! My Star Trek vs Star Wars burlesque show sold out both nights of its show and received several positive reviews, as well as TV spots with Naked News and Cosmo TV. I'm so thankful to the audience and my performers for pulling out all the stops to make this show amazing, and to my friends who worked their pert asses off at FanExpo to help with the booth.
I've come to expect drama surrounding productions. Babes in Space was dogged by a very similar pair of productions by a group that had originally stated that they were aiming to promote and contribute to their community. Originally. I've removed myself from their association and the success of my event speaks for itself.
I've learned to guard my productions a little bit more seriously heading forward, and to consider those who I am making partnerships with more carefully. There are a lot of unscrupulous people that I simply do not need to waste time on. I will continue to surround myself with inspiring and talented people who don't feel the need to bully others to get ahead. Lead by example and all! Both shows were great success and moving forward with that will be my main goal!
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| Babes in Space group finale, photo by Chris Suppa |
Shows:
I've had a chance to perform and play with a load of amazing people this year! The highlight was the recent show with my teacher Coco Framboise. Performing with Armitage Shanks and the whole cast was stellar.
The Toronto Burlesque Festival seemed to whip by this year and I really wish I had more of a chance to throw myself into the crowd! My performance on Sunday was both less and MORE stressful than performing at the beginning of the 2010 festival. Last year I was the Thursday opening act, and able to enjoy the rest of the weekend with the pressure off (though the pre-performance pressure was insane!). This year I had a load of other performances in my head and nervous anticipation leading up to the show! But the environment was great and I was in the first set so I got to see the rest of the performances. I was also able to write up the first few days of the festival for 21st Century Burlesque, and you can check out my diary over there!
Impromptease is probably my favourite regular show, both for the reason that its producers are brilliant, and the show is a ball of hilarity. I was also able to perform at Comedy Bar again, which was a bit nostalgic as that's the bar where I did my first burlesque performance!
Learning:
I was able to take quite a few classes this year, and I hope I can continue that into the new year. Coco's classes are a regular thing for me, and I was excited to take lessons from Burgundy Brixx and Jett Adore (whom I got to interview later). Through her I was also able to learn from Minnie Tonka and Armitage Shanks (who was brilliant, as usual).
Other classes I was able to take included a series of circus classes with my trainer through Centre of Gravity. I hope to focus more on my aerial skills in 2012, since quite a few things got in my way this year! I managed to make some progress on vocal classes with my sexy teacher, but due to time and cash I also had to let those slide. Again, something I want to pursue more responsibly in 2012! I also took some dace classes with Carla Catharwood, and though her idea of burlesque is at odds with mine (PussyCat Dolls style vs Strip Tease, which is a whole other blog post) she's an amazing dancer and a great teacher. I'd like to take more classes from her in the future.
A major class I took with the Hourglass Workout with Lyzabeth Lopez. This is a really hardcore women-only bootcamp focused on creating and enhancing an hourglass figure. I lost 15lb and about 15 inches over the course of the her classes, and made huge increases in strength. I'm continuing these classes in 2012, and you should too.
People:
I met some great people this year and furthered some previously existing relationships.
Toni Wallachy of Pink Panther Studios was a great connection and we've done amazing work together (and I hope to continue to do so).
Brook Alviano has continued to make some amazing costumes for me and others, and was indispensable with Kinky Biscuit (an upcoming star) during Babes in Space and the insanity there.
Tatiana of Spanish Fly Films has been incredible at filming and editing some amazing trailers, and I've got a load of work for her in the new year!
Coco Framboise stepped in near the end of the year and has been amazing, despite her busy schedule.
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| Kinky Biscuit, Toni Wallachy, and Tatiana in Windsor |
The Future!
2012 already has a ton of things underway. I've been running in circles throughout December trying to get moving on projects that don't have dates yet. Of course, without dates, I have nowhere to go!
I'm really excited for the productions I have lined up for the new year! You can expect another Babes in Space from me some time around FanExpo. I will also be coproducing with the amazing Toni Wallachy of Pink Panther Studios , and have another show in the works with another infamous (and dapper) colleague that I'm incredibly excited about.
My monthly show is an experiment that will be launching February1st (stay tuned for more news!) and I have plans being made to attend Miss Exotic World in Las Vegas during the summer, and BurlyCon (finally!) in the fall.
With my passport renewal underway I'm excited to explore performance opportunities across the border and maybe even overseas!
That being said, obviously production is a major push for me this coming year. I'm hoping to continue my streak of sold-out shows! No pressure.
With my employment situation transforming from corporate salary to self-run business, I'll be looking for multiple opportunities to expand my social media clientele and taking some time to teach myself more tips and tricks in this area. Even though I feel I'm strong in this category, I'm all about staying on top of learning!
This blog will be undergoing a mini-makeover with some expansion into advertising, and I'm hoping to push forward on my Youtube page as well! My website needs an overhaul. This'll be a top priority for me.
As for my performances, I would like to audit my current acts and work on 'upping' their 'wow' factor. Less acts, higher quality! There are two festival style acts that I have buzzing in my head, and I'd like to refine my plane act as well.
Basically, more more more for this coming year!
Here's to 2012!
~ Red
Woo, you go girl! Can't wait for Reveal Me at the Rivoli :3
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