The Velvet Kittens

Reserve Your Tickets now for A Wink and a Smile

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

The Kittens are getting very excited about Dierdre Timmons’ new burlesque documentary, A Wink and a Smile.

Click here to get your tickets now. This film has been selling out all over the country; you don’t want to miss it!

It’s a busy day, but we still have a treat for you…

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

The Velvet Kitten’s Bewitching Burlesque Revue is tonight at 10 p.m. at the charming Cafe Rembrandt Dutch Pub! There’s no cover, but you should get there a few minutes early if you want to a good seat.

Here’s a clip from the documentary that we filmed earlier this year and in 2007. See glimpses from our Bewitching Burlesque Revue last year, and hear the Kittens discuss the audition process and performing on stage.

Meet Our Newest Kitten: Lexi

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

photo by: J Eddington Photography

If you’ve been to our last two shows, you probably noticed that we have a stunning new addition to our troupe of gorgeous Kittens. Her name is Lexi and you can find out more about this sultry model and dancer here.

What made you want to be a Velvet Kitten?

I have always been intrigued with the art of burlesque dancing as well as it’s rich history. As a trained dancer, I have dabbled in many different styles of dance and I felt that this was the right time in my life to delve into the world of burlesque. I had heard of The Velvet Kittens and about their amazing style as well as the high caliber of entertainment in their shows. As luck would have it, I stumbled across The Velvet Kittens website and I was completely hooked!

What was your audition like? Were you nervous?

My audition was actually a really fun experience. However, before I arrived at the audition I was very anxious because I didn’t know how personable or receptive the Kittens would be towards me. Once I arrived, I was able to put my worries at bay. They were all very encouraging, it was such a positive experience.

What is your previous dance history?

I began my dance training at the tender age of three at a local dance studio. Growing up,
I trained in ballet and tap, however my main focus was jazz. When I started high school, I auditioned for my school’s dance team. We trained and performed mostly jazz, hip hop, contemporary and musical theatre style dances. Once I graduated high school, I went on to Texas Tech University to continue my education by minoring in dance. I received ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, and thrash training. I then took my studies to The University of Texas at Arlington where I also minored in dance. At UTA I studied many of the same styles of dance, as well as choreography and the history of dance, which I have always found very interesting. While I attended UTA, I became a member of the UTA dance team. While on the dance team, my training focus was mainly jazz and hip hop. I also had the amazing opportunity to train with LA Dance Force during my time at UTA. During my college years, I also was a dance instructor at a local dance studio, which actually taught me to see the art of dance from a different perspective. I had always been the student, so it was actually very eye-opening to be on the other side of the fence. After college, I moved on to choreographing, as well as dancing in some hip hop music videos. I absolutely love being a Velvet Kitten because it allows me to entertain others, which is my passion in life!

Before you auditioned, you came to see the Velvet Kittens perform. What was that like?

I was completely awestruck! I felt like I was watching a Vaudevillian show. It was amazing and completely intriguing.

How did you feel at your first performance?

Very excited! I was ready to make my debut!

What made you choose Lexi as your stage name?

Well first of all, you’ve gotta love a name that rhymes with “sexy”. Also, I think that the name Lexi is versatile, it’s a modern-day name with a vintage quality about it.

What do you bring to the troupe that is unique to you?

I feel that when I dance, I draw my emotion and my passion from my personal life experiences. I think that this definitely brings a unique and diverse quality to my performances. I also draw inspiration from burlesque dancers of the 1940s, such as Ann Corio, Lily St. Cyr, and Gypsy Rose Lee. I think that a lot of my emotion during my performances has a 1940s feel to it.

For the fellas: boxers or briefs?

Actually, I like boxer briefs.

Are you dressing up for Halloween this year?

Yes, I love dressing up for Halloween! This year I am going to dress up like Marie Antoinette.

A Wink and a Smile

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

As promised here’s some more information about the exciting new burlesque documentary from first-time Seattle director, Deirdre Timmons.

We hope to see you there!!

A WINK AND A SMILE HITS THE BIG SCREEN IN DALLAS
(SEATTLE, WA) - Golden Echo Films brings the musical documentary, A WINK AND A SMILE, to Dallas audiences for a one-night-only special screening at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Angelika Dallas, 5321 East Mockingbird Lane at Mockingbird Station. See the Event Calendar at http://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/ for details.
WINK producer and Dallas native Jack Timmons will be on hand to answer questions after the screening.
A WINK AND A SMILE follows the lives of ten ordinary women doing something extraordinary - learning the artful striptease. The students of Seattle's Academy of Burlesque have six weeks to peel and reveal their way into audiences' hearts with little more than a tassel and a twirl. Burlesque professionals present entertaining, satirical and beautiful performances to illustrate lectures by the Academy's founder and headmistress, Miss Indigo Blue. Modern chamber music, romantic crooning and romping circus tunes round out the lively 90-minute musical that is currently touring the U.S. to sold-out houses, great reviews, and smiling audiences.

This is Deirdre Timmons' directorial debut. A reporter of 15 years, she was intrigued by the variety of provocateurs and the riveting performances in this reemerging American art form.

"Men and women of all ages, colors and body types are boldly throwing down hilarious and stunning striptease acts that made me laugh, cry, and sometimes wonder, €˜How did they do that?'" says Timmons.
An intoxicating mix of private and public, A WINK AND A SMILE tells the story of exposing more than the human body, putting gender, power, sexuality and social identity under the spotlight.

GOLDEN ECHO FILMS, LLC 628 33rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 206.349.4554
www.winkthemovie.com

You Heard it Here First

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

Join The Velvet Kittens for a screening of Seattle filmmaker Dierdre Allen Timmons’ new burlesque documentary, A Wink and a Smile, at the Angelika Theater in Dallas Thursday, October 11 at 8 p.m. This news is so fresh, we don’t even have any more information for you! We’ll keep you updated as we get more details.

For trailers, movie stills and more, click here.

Kitten Night Out

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

Some Velvet Kittens are headed out to their favorite comedy club, Hyena’s in Fort Worth. Dustin Diamond (remember Screech?) is the featured performer and it should be a fun time. The show is free and the Kittens will be there, so start your weekend early and come have a laugh with us!

How Well do you Know The Velvet Kittens?

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

Can you guess who this adorable Minnie Mouse is? I can give you some hints. She has cats named Snoopy and Woodstock and turns men into putty with her shimmy-shakin’ in the number Land of a Thousand Dances.

So who is this heartbreaker? If you think you know, leave us a comment and tell us which Kitten you think this is.

Candy is Dandy

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

photo by: carbonated

Halloween might be a month away, but the Kittens are celebrating early. As you know our Second Annual Bewitching Burlesque Revue is this weekend and there’s no cover which means you can spend more money on candy (or beer, whatever).

Want to know your favorite Kitten’s sweet treat? In no particular order…

Mimi enjoys the salty sweet combo of Reeces Peanut Butter Cups. What do you expect from a feisty red head?

Our newest Kitten Lexi prefers skittles. Maybe if you flash her a bag of her favorite candy, she’ll pull you up for Pink Panther.

Jade is an old-fashioned charmer who’s mouth waters for Candy Corn.

Want to impress Rose? Bring her a Mellow Creme Pumpkin and watch her heart melt.

Bianca doesn’t need chocolate candy, but offer her some Gummi Bears and she can’t resist.

Skye adores chocolate of any kind, so you can keep the fruity stuff to yourself.

Ginger goes wild for Almond Joy or Mounds.

Come Say Hi to Mimi and Skye…It’s for a Good Cause.

Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News

If you’re out in Arlington today, come say hi to Miss Skye Vega and Miss Mimi Rockafellar. They will be at the Bubba Shafer Golf Tournament Block Party at J. Gilligan’s in Arlington. The proceeds to this event benefit the Women’s Center of Tarrant County Rape Crisis Program. They’re will be lots of food and fun for everyone, and you can stop by and take a picture with Mimi and Skye. The party goes until midnight.

Also, if you’re looking for a date to bring to our Second Annual Bewitching Burlesque Revue maybe you can find somebody special tonight at Kenichi, located on 2400 Victory Park Lane in Dallas. DallasCrowd is hosting a singles mixer tonight. There will be plenty of food, drinks and fun.