It's been TOO LONG!

I'm ashamed to say it has been almost a whole YEAR since my last blog entry....I feel like I am making some sort of confession there....

BUT. Now I feel it is time to have a bit of a recap, some would call it a refresh, or a relaunch.

Since making and selling my first pair of burlesque pasties in JANUARY 2009 I feel I've come a long way. Sometimes projects get put on the back burner for a while due to the day job and other commitments. I'm sure you know the feeling.

Please don't be mistaken in thinking I am a newcomer to the burlesque scene. I haven't crept in through the back door. I was however a late starter at around 40 years of age. I've spent the past four and a half years building up a relationship and identifying who my customers are. Website stats are very handy for that!

During that period of time a LOT has been done. I've performed burlesque, although not in a prolific way, qualified and started my own business as a fitness instructor and also assisted my husband with his vintage business side-line. I am thankful I've got no children, I just wouldn't have been able to cope! Hats off to all you Mums.

It's true, that old saying: "life begins at forty" - I am living proof of that. It's okay to NOT KNOW what you want to do with your life....I am aware and very fortunate in that I happen to LOVE what I'm doing at the moment, although working for yourself is extremely hard and no guarantee of instant wealth. That's probably why I turned to the fitness industry for work, a stable, modest income as I somehow knew I'd never make a living from making burlesque accessories! Good luck to anyone who does.

Which brings us back to tassels.....I do this because firstly I enjoy it and as I was originally trained in textiles to MA degree level I think it was important for me to be doing something creative. It's not all about the money. I also don't take note of what other burlesque designers are doing, because I don't really care and nobody can accuse me of copying. Nor do I recreate other people's work when asked - and I have been asked a fair few times, believe me... If you like my designs, welcome to my world! If you have stuck by me during hard times, for this I thank you.

I'm pleased now to be back on track after a year with my head down, in a tracksuit,WORKING. I've rebuilt my website which has been around for a while also applying myself to updating it more often. I've also got two very trusted reputable retailers who I am honoured to work with. PLUS UPCOMING exciting projects with a very artistic photographer......but that, I think, is material for another blog post.

So, there's a few more pieces to the jigsaw that is Helene Bach Burlesque Style.....pop over to my website and facebook page to see more frequent updates and a little more insight.

www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk 

www.facebook.com/helenebachburlesquestyle

Check out my photo stream on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/helenebachburlesquestyle/photos_stream

Some recent custom orders.....

Large TIKI MASK pasties.



Stunning roulette wheel tassels.



I even made this Statue of Liberty/Semiramis head dress for a burlesque performer!



More custom made items.....I've been doing custom designs since the start. These were for a New York themed act...you can also see some mini shower puff pasties at the top right of the picture. Strange request, but VERY effective when seen on stage!



Ok, not such an ORIGINAL idea, but a popular theme nonetheless. I give the customer what they ask for.
See you next time.

THE VELVET BURLESQUE

My friend Lara Gothique is promoting these wonderful shows, so I heartily recommend you go along and see how burlesque should be done! They are very classy shows, entertaining from start to finish with accomplished performers who will absolutely dazzle you!
Here is a link to the website for THE VELVET BURLESQUE:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.velvetburlesque.co.uk%2Fid5.htm&h=dAQHCsr-8

http://www.velvetburlesque.co.uk/

Picture of the gorgeously gothic Lara Gothique performing at The Velvet Burlesque Hallowe'en Horror Cabaret show in Oct 2010

Review of the year.....

Well it's hard to believe that it's been practically a whole year since my last official birthday! I say official because like all burlesque performers I have two birthdays, my official one being my real date of birth, and a burlesque birthday - the date of my first performance. Well let's just say I will be one year old on august 22nd! Should I tell you my age on the 10th july? Didn't anyone tell you a lady never tells her age?



I had such a great official birthday last year. It was filled with burlesque. I was eagerly anticipating my first performance, and I even enjoyed a performance by the fabulous Coco Malone at a burlesque show which I attended.



I'm shocked at how much I have done in the last 12 months, becoming a burlesque performer, making lots of tassels and pasties for other wonderful performers, and now I am entering the world of fitness! No wonder it feels like my feet haven't touched the floor. I sometimes wish I had done some of it 20 years ago.....but I'm glad I have tried stuff now before old age and regret set in.



It's time like these that you start to evaluate the future. Where do I go from here? I definitely want to do more performing but for the next 12months, I will also concentrate on combining burlesque with a fitness career where time allows. Life is certainly making a turn for the more exciting......


http://www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk/


also "like" my facebook page; MISS B'S FITNESS

Some new designs for your wish list, maybe?

Just wanted to post these links to show a few new items on my website. In the meantime, I am looking out for some other stuff you may like....next time join me as Miss Helene Bach goes shopping!

www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk/

This is my home page which I have just updated with a few new items.

http://www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk/shop.aspx

This is my "shop" where you can choose from an array of designs, which I update periodically.

http://www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk/BurlesqueBizarrePasties.aspx

This page gets quite a lot of hits, according to my stats, here I show unusual designs.....

Please contact me If I can be of service to you!

Thanks....see you again soon

xxx

Perle Noire - A rare treasure.

Because I am relatively new to the world of burlesque, I'm still feeling the thrill of discovering new things on my route of exploration which I recently felt was becoming a bit too localised. Then I remembered seeing the Immodesty Blaize film, Burlesque Undressed and a performance which for me really stood out as something familiar yet really fresh and exciting no matter how many times you looked at it.
The lady in question was Perle Noire. I have never seen this artiste perform live, only on film. It is my dream however, to see her one day, perhaps if she visits the UK again. Even with the barrier of the screen, I just smiled throughout as I just love the sheer energy and the vintage aspect of her act, with a technique that was spot on. I was immediately reminded of a childhood memory of seeing a piece of film on a documentary where I thought the dance was being done by a puppet, such was the flexibility.Years later I found out that this beautiful black woman was in fact the legendary Josephine Baker.

Looking at her biography you can see that Perle Noire was practically born a star.

Her early appearances were in Los Angeles at the tender age of 5 when she landed a Mc Donald’s commercial and a guest role on The Cosby Show. At 18, Perle moved to L.A with just $100 and a backpack with the aim of becoming a full time dancer and singer. She immediately started performing as a back up dancer and singer at The Excalibur Hotel with the lounge singer JOI.
In 2002, Perle Noire moved to New Orleans where she enjoyed further success; Backstage at Da Fonky Burlesk, Woman’s Work, and The Vagina Monologues. After she performed in the musical Backstage at Da Fonky Burlesk,(a play about a former Burlesque Queen turned T.V mogul) Perle decided to pursue her life long dream of paying tribute to her idol Josephine Baker.

Below: Perle Noire in her "Banana skirt" a restyled version of the costume worn by Josephine Baker.

This picture is used by kind permission of Leland Bobbe. http://www.lelandbobbe.com/

Here are a list of Perle's acclaimed performances:

2005 - New Orleans Bustout Burlesque
(where she received her name Perle Noire) It was here that she worked with acclaimed choreographer Dollie Rivas in creating her award winning tribute to the legendary Josephine Baker.
Regular performer at House of Blues, Tipinita’s French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta, and Le Chat Noir.

2008 - Winner of Best Debut at the Miss Exotic World pageant in Las Vegas

Performed in London for the annual Immodesty Blaize Tease Show.

2009 - Winner of the second runner-up title of Miss Exotic World.

Performances with Dita Von Teese at the House of Blues in New Orleans for Tales of Cocktail show.

Featured in the L.A Times, the New Orleans Times Picayune, Pin Curl Magazine, Bizarre Magazine, and on television in MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen and the Travel Channel’s Extreme Competitions.

Here are some things that have been said about Perle Noire:

"New York is in for a delectable treat. Josephine Baker lives again. This weekend, Burlesque dancer Perle Noire titillates New York audiences with a version of “Danse Banane” a Josephine Baker inspired nearly-naked banana dance."


"New York Examiner"

Below: A public domain picture of Josephine Baker.

"Perle Noire, or the Black Pearl, springs onto the stage stripped down to a G-string, pasties and yellow featherlike ruffles on her wrists and ankles.
In a routine reminiscent of legendary vaudeville dancer Josephine Baker's, she performs a series of calisthenics, flinging her arms and legs sky-high and leaping into a starburst before landing in the splits and slithering seductively across the floor toward the audience.
The theater erupt in cheers and applause"

"L.A Times"

In my opinion, Perle Noire is the most exciting international performer in Burlesque. Watch her perform and you will find something to aspire to, whether it be flexibility, agility, costuming or sheer energy and attitude, this lady's stage presence could fill a stadium. I look forward to seeing more from her. I'm a fan!

For Booking Information Please contact Perle Noire at theblackpearl98@yahoo.com

Also visit her website: http://www.perlenoireburlesque.biz/

All about Roxy.....well nearly all!

One of the people who has helped me on my way, inspired me, and spread the word about me and my products is Roxy Twirls. She gave me my first opportunity to perform on stage and has really been there from the start.



So, I have had a look at where her burlesque talent originated from, what was it that got her started? This whirlwind of a career started when Roxy, who lives in Southampton, went on a night out to see a burlesque show in nearby Portsmouth. After this first taste, she was left thinking; "I could do that!" and with the help of a mentor, she began to perform and had the idea of putting a charity show on. This show, staged in November 2008 was called "Heart of Burlesque" with the funds donated to the British Heart Foundation. It was such a success that by February 2009, Roxy and her mentor were staging another, called "Lover's Lane" which was again well received by the paying audience.



By this time, Roxy had parted ways with her friend and mentor, due to lifestyle and career commitments. It was at this time that Heart of Burlesque became "Roxy's Rendezvous" which has become the prolific and reputable organisation that has become so popular on the burlesque scene.



Not only does Roxy now have a thriving burlesque show which she runs along with her husband, Mr Peter "Deviant" Vert, but she also teaches the art of burlesque to ladies who wish to give it a try. Her students then have the opportunity to become one of "Roxy's Rockets", resident showgirls at the rendezvous and artistes in their own right. As well as becoming a prolific performer herself, Roxy is always willing to pass on her skills and knowledge to others. Continuing in this way, she has had a hand in the rebirth of a burgeoning scene in the South of England which will be around for many years to come.

A visit to Burlesque Salon!

Burlesque Salon is a hidden gem of a shop, tucked away in the fashion mecca that is the Oasis on Corporation Street, Birmingham.

Opened by Ella Young, this welcoming little shop is an absolute aladdin's cave of burlesque goodies, with something to tempt everyone. There is a range of excellent corsets in an array of colours and patterns, also a selection of pretty ruffled knickers, bustles, and hosiery, costume details such as hats and wigs can also be found, in fact everything you need to kit yourself out for burlesque.

You can even find my tassels stocked there, with a christmas range coming soon!

Well worth a visit as you do your christmas shopping in Birmingham.

Hallowe'en Masquerade Show at THE PUBLIC, West Bromwich, Saturday October 30th 2010

The setting for this well attended burlesque show was the "long room" rather than the theatre. This could have had an effect on the atmosphere due to its dimensions which sometimes meant that the audience energy was not so concentrated towards the stage Nonetheless, there were a variety of performance styles on show which meant that any audience newcomers to burlesque saw an almost complete spectrum.

I am usually a traditionalist as I like to see a male compere, but I was delighted with Gigi Golightly's elegant turn, she gave each act, including mine, a lovely introduction. However, as there were indeed a lot of newcomers (who knew little about burlesque) in the audience, she had her work cut out when it came to encouraging them to cheer the acts on.

Plenty of people turned up to see some real scary glamour. Black Country Burlesque regulars such as Delilah Cherry Blossom, Ava Quinzel and Lola Pops showed their finely honed skills and fabulous costumes in neo and gorelesque performances, taking delight in "freaking out" some of the ladies on the front row! Another thing which struck me was the expertly applied make up of these performers. The great amount of work that had gone into these performances was all too apparent. The stage manager for the evening was Celeste Chiffon who did sterling work in her own inimitable style, with horror make up and a fluorescent green wig.

Other performers to appear were trained by Maggie Palmer at Wolverhampton's Burlesque Academy. Blue Bell Noir and Starr Rouge, are a sister act who performed in perfect synchronisation in a traditional cabaret style. Tiger Lilley was another academy girl who made her debut with a sensual performance to the music "Teach me, Tiger".

I myself did two performances which included my debut act and a new one which used Robert Plant's "Fortune Teller" to tell my tale.

The evening had a couple of departures from burlesque with the Jawahir Belly Dance Troupe from Kingswinford dazzling us with their stunning costumes and routines.

Another part of the evening was an appearance by "Angel Eyes Helen" a medium who did readings for randomly selected memebers of the audience. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a different act which added to the variety of the evening.

As always, it is difficult to rate a show you have appeared in yourself, but I would recommend this show as worth a visit should there be another one, but I might suggest some format changes.

(Many thanks to Robin Lowe from Black Country Burlesque for the use of photographs from the night.)

A Burlesque Workshop that's worth giving a twirl....

Ladies enjoying themselves at the Burlesque Academy.

By popular demand, there will be another Beginner's Burlesque Academy workshop at DANCE BY DESIGN STUDIOS, Blyth House, 130 Hordern Road, Wolverhampton WV6 OHS. It will take place on 28th November 2010, starting at 10 am and lasting all day until approximately 5pm with an hour's break for lunch.

This intensive day-long course is aimed at beginners who have little or no experience in Burlesque, but in my opinion it could also be a useful refresher for ladies wanting to brush up their technique.

You will be expertly taught by professional dance instructor Miss Maggie Palmer, a.k.a Divine Destiny who will teach you the basics of walking, posing, posture and some choreographed routines in vintage and modern styles. The basics of "peeling" and "teasing" are also covered so you will be able to go home and give hubby a demo!

Although there are elements of striptease included in this course, no nudity is required, so your blushes are spared. You will need to bring some items with you, but you will be advised of this when you pre-book your place.

Miss Maggie Palmer teaching at the Burlesque Academy

I would highly recommend this course, although only a day long, burlesque is well worth a try just for a fun day out or it can be a life enhancing experience for those ladies wishing to learn more and take it further. (Like me) I wouldn't have dreamed I would be doing this two years ago. It is a real confidence boost and can also provide a toning workout, very good for the legs, back and abdominal muscles.

So, why not get a little glamour in your life, if only just for one day and try this marvellous course?

Cost for the day - £20

For details and essential pre-booking please ring Maggie Palmer on 07881 538780

Burlesque designs for Hallowe'en!

Many apologies for the delay in posting. It is a very busy time for me as I am training to be a fitness instructor as well as continuing with my burlesque!

I thought I would give you some pretty pictures to look at, courtesy of my good friends at Lady K's just in time for Hallowe'en!

Visit www.ladyks.co.uk

to buy these designs.

Spooky spiders web pasties

Skull and bones tassels

Skull pasties with holographic effect

Roxy's Rendezvous - On a Night Like This 22nd August 2010

The venue for this show was The Talking Heads in Southampton, with it's friendly ambiance and rustic charm. Once filled with an audience of regulars and newcomers to burlesque, the atmosphere from a performers point of view was encouraging and filled with energy generated from their responsive feedback. Tickets were for both seated and standing, with a vip area included.
In preparing for this show as a performer, I was consideringthe idea of a burlesque show themed around the music of Kylie Minogue. Do themed shows restrict creative expression or do they stimulate an artistes creativity? My perspective was also slightly altered by my taking part in the show.
At least, Kylie provides a popular, well-known output of music which is familiar and above all entertaining - and the audience clearly responded to this. Paired with a variety of performance styles, a fun atmosphere was generated and people seemed thoroughly entertained. It was however, extremely difficult to single out a favourite act of the evening as the performers were of a consistently high quality.
The leading lady of the night was Roxy Twirls who made a spectacular showgirl entrance in her blue beaded fringed costume and ostrich feather plumes making a fitting visual tribute to the queen of pop.
On the whole this was a professionally produced, well organised show which I would thoroughly recommend. Being a fan of Kylie was not a pre-requisite!
I award 5 stars *****

Sequins, stage nerves and slip-ups!

Well, its finally here....the last few days before Miss Helene Bach makes her stage debut. It's been said before, but I will say it again; people do not realise just how much effort is put into creating a burlesque performance. Lots of artistes make it look easy, but believe me - it's not!
Rehearsals are going well, and I now know where my feet should be, the timing of the peels, and all the technical stuff - I think! What I am still working on is how to put the character into the routine. How do you "be sexy" in front of an audience of mostly strangers? All at the same time you are remembering your choreography, making sure things "come off" without getting hooked on anything, and then on top of that, you are supposed to smoulder!
Well I'm sure I will pull it off in the end (pardon the pun).....

Helene Bach as show vendor.

Just a quick post today, to show some of the new designs I have come up with, ready to sell on my stall as I take my products to the people! I will be appearing as show vendor at:

Black Country Burlesque's EXTREME show at "The Public" in West Bromwich on 13/8/10,

also at:

Roxy's Rendezvous "On a night like this" at The Talking Heads in Southampton on 22/8/10. (Where I will be making my stage debut.)

Here are a few of the new designs I have created for sale at these events. I will also be writing show reviews. I look forward to seeing some of you there!

The famous flying eyeball logo has been transformed into a pastie design!

Some variants on my juicy cherry designs, very pretty and vibrant.

A nude effect pastie, made from ivory satin topped with black lace and a sequin spot border.

It's all in the eyes.....

With rehearsals for my stage debut going well and only three weeks to go, I haven't really had time to feel any nerves yet. On friday I will be revealing my first routine to my burlesque teacher and mentor, so maybe the nerves will kick in then? I don't know. I'm interested in finding ways to cope with stage nerves as I will probably be a nervous wreck on the big night and don't really want to rely on alcohol to get me through it.

Friends of mine who have never even been to a burlesque show have even tried advising me on how to play it! Apparently it's "all in the eyes" - of course, I have had a good teacher so I already kind of know that. Thanks for telling me anyway, but I think it takes more than "eyes". Until you have tried it, believe me, you do not realise all the work that goes into burlesque....still, it's fun.

Apart from my hair needing a trim, and the tan lines needing a little help, I am more or less kitted out for the event. This week I can recommend these pretty lashes that I bought from, believe it or not, my local market!

Made by a company called QVS, this is the "Bedazzled" lash duo, a day to night lash kit. They are easy to apply and remove, the case is superb to store them in - and they come with glue and tweezers. As you blink, the gems give a subtle sparkle which looks great. I have bought some other lashes which are more like caterpillars, but which might look good onstage as I do a bit of fluttering! After all, it IS all in the eyes!

Workouts, Choreography and Glitter!

This week is an endless round of workouts, living room choreography and glitter! I am at the apex of a strict training programme to be in good shape and ready for my burlesque debut at "Roxy's Rendezvous" in August. The show has a Kylie theme to it, and I've chosen a lesser known song to perform to, but I will let you wait and see what it is! My pasties are ready,self made of course -which I am also keeping under wraps until the big night. Well you need to keep some things to yourself, don't you?

I went to my usual aerobics class last night and maybe this is too much info, but I could wring out my top when I got back! I did wear a terrific sports bra though. I've recommended it before, but the new model is much easier to put on and remove with an extra set of hooks having been added. The shock absorber bra, in black with white edging. You will not budge in this bra, even in a super-energetic workout!

I'm also testing deodorants, as I've yet to find one that ticks all my boxes - so my results will appear here soon.

The living room choreography isn't an ideal situation as I'm rehearsing with veil fans and my decor is not exactly minimalistic! I manage okay with the sofa pushed back anyway. I think though, a visit to my local dance studio might be benficial as I've only a month left. The routine is written out as a script, as I find that the easiest way to work, as I have been taught by my burlesque teacher and mentor, Divine Destiny.

The other problem is, there's glitter everywhere, although I feel as though I've only used a small amount! How does it get into my husband's dinner and stuck to his back?

Ooops.....That's just an occcupational hazard, I guess!

Miss Helene Bach recommends....Jo Weldon's Burlesque Handbook

With my birthday being this saturday, my lovely husband has already begun showering me with gifts! He returned home with a copy of this fantastic little book, with which I am delighted. It covers all you need to know about burlesque, with a lot of behind-the-scenes information.

As an aspiring performer, I know I am going to find it very useful. Although I haven't read it from cover to cover yet, I have only "dipped in" -but I can see there is a lot of information including some very handy costuming tips, advice on choreographing and even how to use feather fans in an elegant way. The chapter on pasties and tassels includes several different techniques for how to twirl tassels, complete with photos of them in action. The only thing I could possibly suggest is that the book be released with a tutorial dvd, perhaps in a special edition.

It's written in a friendly, almost conversational tone which makes burlesque an accessible artform to anyone who would like to give it a try. It will appeal to beginners and experienced performers alike, or to anyone who has a passing interest in this fascinating artform.

Priced at £9.99, this book is an absolute must have, which I highly recommend!

During my birthday weekend, I will be attending a burlesque show by "Black Country Burlesque" which is going to be held at "The Public" arts centre in West Bromwich. They always put on a great show and this one is for a worthy cause, Macmillan's. The artistes will all be giving their time for free. Tickets are priced at £12.50 standard, or £20 V.I.P. I've heard there will also be an auction of items donated by well known burlesque stars to raise yet more funds.

Visit their website which is ably run by Mr Robin Lowe at: www.blackcountryburlesque.co.uk for future dates and events. Tickets for this saturday's show are available from the BCB website, or you can ring the PUBLIC box office on 0121 533 7161.

Welcome to my new location!

Hello, my name is Miss Helene Bach. I am a burlesque designer and aspiring performer. I started making pasties and tassels for other performers and was quite happy doing this until I started attending burlesque classes. I hope you enjoy following my experiences as I enter the world of burlesque onstage!
This is the last post I made earlier this year on my myspace blog. I now resolve to continue blogging and I look forward to hearing your comments and sharing experiences.
Visit my website to see my designs: http://www.helenebachburlesquestyle.co.uk/

The gloves are off!

Week three of the burlesque course is upon us and I’ve learned two new routines which taught me some “peeling” techniques. The glove routine, which was started the previous week, was completed. I love the cheesecake style of burlesque! I think it’s going to suit my character if I ever get the bottle to give it a proper go!

The gloves came off no problem this week, and I was delighted to start learning a “coat” routine, which to be honest made more sense once the music was playing. Very slow paced but so effective! Really, any woman could enjoy doing burlesque classes, I keep saying it, but it is such fun!

It’s been yet another pulverising week for me what with two core fitness classes besides burlesque- and a meeting about a respectable day job. I don’t mind confessing that this weekend I feel well and truly knackered!
What can Helene Bach recommend this week? Hmm… what about Radox salts? Sounds good to me!

I’ve tried and tested the “Shock absorber” range of sports bras and come across a really firm control one recently, it looks like a crop top with a bra attached inside it - a feat of engineering, but so effective when that aerobics routine really kicks off. You will not budge in this bra! They wash well and dry quite quickly even over a radiator which is always a bonus.
Speaking of bras, this week I will be learning how to remove a bra the burlesque way. No doubt this will be incorporated into a routine which I’m really looking forward to. Now this is PROPER burlesque, every week adds a little bit more to our armoury of technique. Thing is though, us beginners will look like a load of superheroes gone wrong with bras over the top of our clothes to spare the modesty of the shyer ladies. No wonder there are a lot of dog walkers outside Dance by design! see http://www.burlesque.triplemdanceacademy.co.uk/

Since posting this, I have completed course 1 and 2 in burlesque classes, also some improver's classes. I have been very busy making tassels and pasties for other performers and I am also getting ready to make my stage debut at "Roxy's Rendezvous" in Southampton in August.