Dallas Dance Auditions
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
House of Funk is auditioning dancers on September 6, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Taylor's Dance Center (1434 N. Central Expressway, McKinney TX 75069). Dancers must be 18 yrs and up. House of Funk is looking for 12 dancers for their upcoming October performances of "Too Bad."
For more information about the auditions, contact Cindy Capener at 469.939.3581.
The Velvet Kittens Anniversary Shows!!!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Join us as we celebrate going into our 4th year as the Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque!
September 12 and 26
Check your inhibitions at 10:00pm.
Our Anniversary Shows will be at Rembrandt's Dutch Pub, located in the Old Brewery Buildings in the West End Area, at 703 McKinney Ave, Dallas TX.
Reservations not required, but recommended.
And as always, there's never a cover for our
vaudevillian-burlesque extravaganzas
at Rembrandt’s Dutch Pub!
Becoming a Burlesque Performer, Part III
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
One of the most popular questions we receive is asking advice on how to become a burlesque dancer or performer. We've been answering this in a series.
If you're new to the series, you can begin with Part I, Understanding Burlesque and Part II, Creating Your Character.
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Part III
Music Selection and Preparation for Composition
1. Find your music. As you begin your path into choreographing your first number, you'll want something that inspires you. Let this be your guide to music selection.
2. Count out your music. In dance we count the number of beats up to the count of 8 (the time signature on the music will be 4/4), and start over. Continue on to the next set of 8 counts. You will repeat this process through the entire song. I suggest on a piece of paper create a vertical line of your 8 counts to be your guide through choreographing your dance. These will be, in essence, your dance sentences.
3. Identify different aspects of the song. I suggest placing a slash in between the 8 counts to separate the song into sections: intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. These will become your paragraphs.
4. Find elements in the music that stand out to you. It can be an instrumental solo, perhaps a bass line or even a single drumbeat, to a word within a lyric. Write down the exact count or counts it's on by the 8 count sentence in the correct section (paragraph) of the song.
5. Continually listen to your music. In the car, around the house, or whenever you can get a chance, listen and get to know your music better. Also, be thinking of what costuming and props you may want to incorporate in the number.
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Helpful Hints!
~When counting out music you will sometimes find that the beats seem to "start over" before you get to count 8. This does happen, and if it's how you counted it then write it down. Also, not everything will be in 4/4 time, and in 3/4 time the beats count to 6 instead of 8. The more you do exercise 2 above, the easier this will become.
~In exercise 3, as you write down particular counts of elements within the music, be aware that there are downbeats (the beats you are counting to 8) and the upbeats (the "and" counts in between the downbeats). Your favorite drumbeat could be on the "and" after 3. If you're having trouble adjusting to upbeats and downbeats, reggae is a good style of music to listen to while adjusting to hearing upbeats.
~It's also a good idea to mark time codes next to different sections as a useful guide of where you are in regards to the length of the song.
~If you're feeling intimidated with this process, avoid most blues and up-tempo swing music in the beginning. Start with something simpler. I suggest counting out Peggy Lee's version of "Fever" as an exercise. Once you get a better understanding and feel for listening to music as a choreographer, you can ease into more complicated musical selections.
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If you have a particular question regarding becoming a performer, or any questions for the Velvet Kittens, contact us !
My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
My Way:
A Musical Tribute
to Frank Sinatra
Conceived by
David Grapes and Todd Olson
directed and choreographed by Mark-Brian Sonna
A musical tribute to the songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, "the first modern pop superstar." This elegant evening contains fifty-six songs sung by four great singers including All the Way, Fly Me to The Moon, I Only Have Eyes For You, It Was A Very Good Year, The Lady Is A Tramp, My Funny Valentine, New York, New York, and of course, My Way.
My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra is described by Rover Dramawerks as a bright, breezy tribute to one of the greatest vocalists and performers of all time.
My Way runs September 10 thru November 3rd on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, with a Saturday matinee on September 19th at 2:00 pm.
Tickets are selling out fast!
Visit Rover Dramawerks for tickets and show info!
Dance with Michael Mayes!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Still trying to find an adult dance class that fits your schedule?
Take jazz and hip-hop from choreographer/instructor Michael Mayes beginning on August 25 at BCSA. The classes are open to BCSA students and public/CE (class card).
JAZZ – T/TH at 6-7:20PM
HIP HOP I/II – M/W at 10:30-11:50AM or 5:35-6:55PM
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Classroom Description:
Michael's classes are designed to sharpen and shape the students mind, interest, ability and technique utilizing different learning methods.
A professional outlook, creativity and full class participation integrate constant challenge and self-expression from the student. Emphasis is placed on each individual need and communication skills. An introduction and routine atmosphere is demonstrated fluently. In conclusion, participation is encouraged and expected.
Student participation will challenge and inspire progression. It emphasizes building the mind, confidence, communication skills and focus.
Michael's classes will enhance fluidity, passion and knowledge for the aspiring student and professional.
The professional approach toward each class itinerary varies according to class level.
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GOAL
Michael's goal as a teacher is to promote a true appreciation for dance education by instilling a strong, knowledgeable background combined with a diversity of teaching styles and creative techniques to challenge the student.
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For more information or to sign up for classes contact the BCSA School of the Arts at 972-860-4122.
What's up with the Kittens this weekend?
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Two of your favorite Velvet Kittens will be guest performing with House of Funk Theatre Company at the Move to Groove Ball at Cirque nightclub in Dallas. This dance showcase is Saturday, August 22, 2009. Show begins at 7:30pm, and tickets are $25.00 at the door.
After the Move to Groove Ball, head on over to the re-opened Trees in Dallas and catch a Velvet Kitten favorite, Spoonfed Tribe! Tickets are $10.00, show features Trebucket at 9:30pm, Smooth Choppy at 10:30pm, and Spoonfed takes the stage at 11:30pm.
One Day Only the 13th
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Rover Dramawerks is pleased to present
ONE DAY ONLY THE 13TH
Who:
Rover Dramawerks
What:
The lucky THIRTEENTH installment of the wildly popular One Day Only play festival:
7 plays concept to curtain in just 24 hours!
When:
Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Courtyard Theater, 1509 H Avenue in Plano (free and ample parking just north of 15th Street, off of G Avenue)
How:
Just $12! Order tickets online at Rover Dramawerks and call 972-849-0358 for more information.
Why:
Where else can you see SEVEN WORLD PREMIERES that didn’t exist this time yesterday?
BE THERE!
Velvet Kitten Anniversary Shows!!!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
This September the Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque will be celebrating the end of our third year as we venture into our 4th year of burlesque productions in DFW!
We have many exciting new burlesque adventures on the horizon. The Velvet Kittens will be announcing new showdates in Fort Worth, introducing our brand new burlesque curriculum and schedule of on-going burlesque classes and workshops in both Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as continuing our established burlesque showcases in Dallas.
Our September vaudevillian-burlesque shows at Rembrandt's Dutch Pub will be our celebratory anniversary shows. We will also debut a new featured performer that already has us saying wow! More about this VK feature, La Prima Donna, to come….
Reserve the anniversary showdates! September 12 and 26.
At: Rembrandt's Dutch Pub (703 McKinney Ave, Dallas TX)
We do an "inhibition check" at 10:00pm, and the show begins immediately after.
Reservations not required, but recommended.
And remember, there's never a cover for our Rembrandt's Dutch Pub shows.
We're off to the set!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Today the Velvet Kittens are on set and taping footage for the new national TV show, Body Shots! Body Shots is filmed in Dallas, and our upcoming episode will be aired on Mav TV.
We'd love to answer your questions!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
From Perfectlocks: I really liked your blog! It would be soooo helpful to me if you could find it in your heart to write an article about human hair extensions, Indian hair in particular.
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Brittney Powell of OMGhairstyles is an on-going sponsor to the Velvet Kittens, specializing in coloring, styling, and fusion extensions. Occasionally she sends us special hair tips to share with our friends and fans. Well Perfectlocks, Brittney has answered your question:
Thanks for the feedback, perfectlocks. Hope this answers any questions you have. Check out my website for more info on "fusion extensions." Thanks! Brittney
European hair:
Very fine and can be found on the market only in very small quantities.
Few European women would be willing to give up their hair to hair companies and,
if they did, it would be necessary for their hair to never have been chemically treated.
Chinese hair:
Even though Chinese hair can be found in large quantities, this
type of hair is not compatible for fusion bonding because it has a
round cross-section as opposed to the oval shape of Caucasian
hair, making it too thick and rigid to be compatible with European
hair. The usual method of collection results in balls of yarn where
the hair lies unorganized in all directions.
Because of the different directions the hair is lying in, and in order
to be able to use it, it is necessary to submit it to an aggressive
acid treatment to strip it of its cuticle layer and prevent it from
tangling. In the beginning the hair seems shiny and beautiful, but after a few washes the silicone layer starts to wash away and the hair
becomes dull and brittle again, thus resulting in serious matting
and discomfort.
This kind of hair is acceptable for the preparation of wigs and
toupes, because these are dry cleaned only, allowing the silicone
layer to stay and the hair to remain shiny.
Indian Temple hair:
This is Indian silky hair and in virgin condition.
Genetically, Indian hair is very similar to Caucasian hair
in its basic structure. It is of extraordinary quality since
it has never been exposed to harsh chemical treatments.
Indian hair is optimal for the manufacturing of hair extensions.
Professional extensions companies use "remy" hair which means that
the cuticle layers are all facing the same direction from
root to end and, therefore, do not tangle.
This also ensures that the extensions behave exactly
like your own hair, blending in with yours and looking natural.
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Have any questions for the Kittens? Contact us !