Backstage with The Kittens
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
As promised, here’s a peek of what goes on behind the curtains at Cafe Rembrandt. We may be sultry and sexy while performing, but we’re just really a group of goofy girls that enjoy each other’s company.
The show was a great success! Thank you to everyone for coming out. We really love performing at Cafe Rembrandt because the crowd is loud and rowdy, just the way we like it! In case you missed it, here’s a few photos from our last few numbers (we can’t show you everything!) :
Missed the show?
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Don’t worry. We have tons of pictures of all your favorite Kittens,
including some we took backstage. ; )
We’ll get them up real soon and tell you all about it.
And thank you so much to all of you who came out tonight! Your support is everything. We’ll be back in rehearsal next week getting ready for our next burlesque show on Saturday, August 23 at 10 p.m. at our home, Cafe Rembrandt.
We hope to see you next time. Until then, check back often; we will have pictures from the show and maybe even a few tips for our upcoming auditions on Monday.
It’s a Busy Day for The Velvet Kittens
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
The Kittens are getting everything ready for their burlesque show tonight at Cafe Rembrandt.
While we’re busy primping, please enjoy this picture of Bianca Suite.
It’s really such a shame. The picture just doesn’t do her any justice at all.
Come see all of the beautiful Kittens tonight at 10 p.m.!
07/30/08 Velvet Kitten Rehersal Photos
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
In this number we act well-behaved and proper (for about 30 seconds).
This is how we take breaks; we just nap on each other.
Rehearsing “Mister, Mister”
Normally Ginger and Mimi take their tango seriously, but last night they couldn’t help but giggle.
The Velvet Kittens Hard at Work…Kind of.
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Yesterday was our first rehearsal in our new space. Since we have a show on Friday we didn’t waste anytime. Okay, we wasted a little but we took pictures to share with you! Hope you enjoy. xoxo
Our Director, hard at work.
Mimi is dehydrated after rehearsing her sexy tango with Ginger. Ginger is… well, amorous.
Rose Darling takes a minute to calculate all the bruises she’s earned from rehearsing Rag Doll.
Meet our Newest Kitten! Jade Pearl.
Bianca acts camera shy.
We hope you enjoyed our rehearsal pictures. We’ll post more soon!
Interview with Jana Edele, Choreographer/Director/Creator of The Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
You have been a dancer for your whole life, how did you transition from commercial and mainstream dance into burlesque?
I originally never intended to dance professionally, but somehow kept getting commercial and corporate work as a dancer and choreographer. These experiences became a great training ground as I moved into the new direction. And these experiences are also why I needed to move into a new direction. Working in a conservative market, we were restricted in costuming and certain types of movement. I had always been a fan of the glamor and sensationalism of the old Hollywood musicals. I also had fallen in love with stylized jazz, often what's experienced in Broadway musicals. But a hip roll too many or combined with a rib isolation were often frowned upon in these markets. As a choreographer it also became stifling being so limited in what combinations of movement were considered acceptable. I’ll always be grateful and appreciative for the experiences I had, and I was very lucky to work with some amazing people. But it was time to grow as an artist/choreographer, and also to take some risks instead living within a safe zone all the time.
Does burlesque require any special training?
This is a bit of a loaded question. I teach burlesque dance classes, and also jazz, ballet, and hip hop classes. My philosophy is that anyone can learn to dance, and everyone will improve in their own time, in their own way. In general any technically trained dancer with emphasis on jazz training can learn burlesque choreography pretty easily. Burlesque has also been transformed into so many definitions; it really depends on how you’re defining burlesque. If standing on a stage and taking off your clothes is your definition, then no, it doesn’t require any technical training. If you are referring to the beginnings of burlesque, which was a variety show of talented performers, then yes, it would require a lot of technical training, rehearsing, talent, and skill.
Who are your inspirations?
I am a big fan of old Hollywood musicals, and loved watching the comical vaudevillian aspects of earlier Hollywood movies. I also have also been inspired by the glamorous costumes and elaborate stage performance numbers.
For those of us unfamiliar with old Hollywood, could you tell us some specific movies or artists that have inspired you?
As a child I was particularly intrigued by the films involving Marilyn Monroe, and the sensuality that was explored and incorporated in the films. I also fell in love with the comical aspects of Some Like It Hot and Singing in the Rain. And like almost every dancer I know, with exposure to the Broadway musical "Cabaret," every dancer dreams of performing in a cabaret style show. Unfortunately, the word ‘cabaret’ now refers to a different type of venue. The choreography of Bob Fosse, Gene Kelly, Jack Cole, and Luigi’s style of jazz dance technique have all been inspirational as well.
Were you inspired by any of the troupes or performers who are part of the neo-burlesque scene?
When I started the burlesque style of choreography and performing, I really was continuing to develop my own style as a choreographer. After performing a few numbers with students, I eventually was recommended for a choreographer position for a developing burlesque revue show in downtown Fort Worth, at that point I begun to study the history and origins of burlesque, and was definitely drawn to the earlier incarnations of burlesque and vaudeville. I already had my inspirations from my childhood to draw from; I really didn’t look too much into the other performers and troupes until rather recently.
Your name is the Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque, but sometimes you’re just the Velvet Kittens, what’s the difference?
When I originally began the Velvet Kittens, my aim was to start a show. I decided on Le Cabaret Burlesque as the name to encompass the entire variety show….which at times includes dancers, singers, comedians, actors, musicians, belly dancers, fire dancers, etc. As a choreographer, I wanted a separate name for the dancers so they could also progress as their own entity outside of the variety show.
What is the vibe of one of your full-length shows?
(Laughs) That’s a little hard for me to answer! I’m in the show! The vibe is hot and tiring. But seriously, my aim to provide a lost form of nightclub entertainment that combines the element of entertainment as an escape, like the escape you get from watching a movie or television show, as well as an artistic show using talented and trained performers.
Do you consider burlesque to be entertainment for men? Some people do.
I don’t consider burlesque to be entertainment for men, a lot of our biggest fans are women. Original burlesque shows were a naughtier version of vaudevillian shows. Burlesque had racier jokes and dancing; but still a show in general. At some point it slid to that definition, entertainment for men. In the competitiveness, some women would push the lines because it got them more exposure (and money) if something happened to fall out, or if they "forgot their undies." And eventually there was the fall in popularity of both the vaudeville and burlesque stage shows as forms of entertainment. Club owners could still pull in money with women taking their clothes off. This is what began the strip club circuit. Some performers are re-creating this. That’s never been my interest.
What makes the Velvet Kittens stand out from other burlesque troupes?
I definitely can say what I love about this troupe is that it's made up of these amazing ladies who all share the same vision of vaudevillian burlesque as me. We all grew up wanting to be up on the stage dancing in fishnets and heels to Mein Herr in “Cabaret.” We all wanted to dance and sing along the bar during Big Spender when we watched “Sweet Charity.” This is that opportunity. We’re all driven by the passion of performing. I think because our passion is also based on the art of dance, the movement and style and technique, we are involved in performing in the same way a ballerina performs Swan Lake. We’re playing a role…and in this role we’re wearing fishnets, heels, and lashes, performing stylized jazz dances to saucy songs. In addition, my cast consists of trained dancers. We have Kittens who have studied dance extensively, we have modern dancers, Russian-trained ballerinas and girls who have performed with award-winning dance teams. They are all very experienced. I also have to say that my cast is the most supportive and best-behaved cast yet. These girls are there for each other, and we never have any issues with the girls getting along and respecting each other.
So there are no cat fights in the Velvet Kittens?
(Laughs) Not with this cast. These girls really care for each other, and I think because we all share the same dream and all work really hard, we don't leave any room for drama.
What are the future plans for the VK?
Some things are better left a secret, but keep your eyes open….
What do you suggest to a woman who wants to join the Velvet Kittens?
Well, first I would tell them to make sure they are ready for the commitment. I've had this cast for almost a year now and any one of them can tell you how much work it takes.
The Velvet Kittens are a full time commitment with part time hours. Sometimes things get quite busy and you need to be passionate and committed enough that you can put the group first. All the Kittens are required to take dance classes outside of the group rehearsals (ballet, jazz, modern, etc). The most important thing that aspiring Kittens should do first is come see a show. This is the best way to understand what we do so that a potential Kitten can determine whether or not she is capable and willing to do the work.
Think You Have What it Takes to be a Velvet Kitten?
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
From Choreographer/Director Jana Edele:
The Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque is Dallas/Ft. Worth’s only mainstream burlesque troupe. The Velvet Kittens perform full vaudevillian-burlesque revues shows twice a month at Cafe Rembrandt in Dallas, in addition to appearances at club openings, special events, private funtions, corporate events and media interviews.
What it Takes…
We need serious performers with classical training. Dancers must have ballet background with jazz training. The audition will consist of learning a jazz combination.
Singers must be able to sing a variety of styles. Audition will consist of singing two prepared songs in two different styles. Please bring your track music with you on a cd. Music in our revue shows consists of jazz standards, Broadway musicals, pop, rock and torch.
Comics will be notified of audition date, please audition with your own original material.
Audition Information
Monday, August 4th. Please contact us through the website for the location and any other questions you may have.
I recommend that everyone sees a revue show before auditioning. Your next chance is this Friday, August 1st. Check back often at our website for more information.
If you’re not quite ready to audition, please consider our burlesque dance classes and workshops as a good place to get started.
Interview with Mimi Rockafellar, Dance Captain for The Velvet Kittens
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
How long have you been a member of the Velvet Kittens?
It will be two years in August.
You are the Dance Captain for the Velvet Kittens, what does that entail? I’m Jana’s second man, when she is not there I fill in for her. I help run through the dances with the cast and correct mistakes. I get to help make costumes and show decisions. I read over the set list and make sure everything is correct. Also, anytime Jana needs to go meet with a client such a club owner or someone who wants to book us, I go with her as her a second pair of ears. Basically I’m her personal assistant, but I’m very happy to do it because I love the group so much.
When did you become Dance Captain? Almost a year and a half ago.
In addition to your Dance Captain responsibilities, you perform, so do you ever get stressed? I do when it’s a big show with a lot of new numbers, because like all of us we want to make sure we have everything perfect and ready for the show.
What is a typical day like for you when you have a show? I try as much as possible to not have anything scheduled that day, so nothing stresses me out before the show. Usually I will run out and get new eyelashes and fishnets if I need them. At some point I will get the set list, and will burn the CDs and make copies for the girls. Then, I’ll pack up my bag with everything that will be going with me that night, eat early so I don’t feel nasty during the show, and then finally start getting ready!
What is your favorite number that you are in? With the numbers that I’m in right now I would have to say is American Woman, I love the costumes, but we are working on a new pointe piece that I’m thinking might be my new favorite!
A new pointe piece? Could you explain? Oh, that means we will be wearing pointe shoes in that number.
Like ballerinas? Yes, but with out the tutus (laughs).
Do you want to tell me about your Mr. Peanut impersonation?
Yeah so I love to make people laugh, and I like to think of my self as the clown in the group. One night we were at a gig about to do a number with bowler hats and canes, and to pass the time and to keep up from getting nervous we were joking around like we do a lot and then randomly I thought how I looked like Mr. Peanut because he wears a hat and has a cane like we use. So I kept posing like Mr. Peanut with my cane and hat. From then on I made Mr. Peanut look hot. We still do this now, it's kind of like a running joke.
Learn more about Mimi Rockafeller and the Kittens here.
Velvet Kitten News Bulletin
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
From Director/Choreographer Jana Edele,
Effective immediately, the Velvet Kittens will no longer host their burlesque dance classes at The Girls Room in Dallas. We are sad that this relationship had to come to an abrupt end, however you can be assured that we will still offer burlesque classes. As a matter of fact, we will now be able to offer classes in both Dallas and Ft. Worth, so you Tarrant County gals can save on gas money and still learn the art of burlesque!
We are very excited about the future and look forward to bringing our classes to a wider audience.
About Our Classes
The Velvet Kittens offer a variety of classes and workshops based in burlesque and stylized dance. All classes incorporate technical aspects from jazz, ballet, modern and even hip-hop into the Velvet Kittens' unique style influenced by their classical dance background.
Want to Bring our Burlesque classes to Your Studio?
We want to hear from you! The Velvet Kittens apply their years of experience to offer a fun fitness alternative. We will be happy to tailor our burlesque and dance classes to your studio or gym.
If you want to get a better idea as to what you might learn in our classes, come see the Velvet Kittens and their singers and comics live at Cafe Rembrandt on August 1 at 10 p.m. Remember, there’s never any cover at our Cafe Rembrandt shows!
See you there!
Jana Edele
The Choreographer for the Velvet Kittens is Conducting Research and Wants to Hear from YOU!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Hello darlings,
Jana Edele our brilliant choreographer and director is asking men and women to name
their top 12 sexiest dress-up fantasies.
So fellas, what turns you on? Does the vision of a naughty nurse raise your blood pressure? Whether its Princess Leia, a sexy librarian or Catwoman we want to know.
Ladies, we want to hear from you too! Tell us about your ultimate dress-up fantasies. What character would you want to play? A tough cop? An innocent school girl?
Thanks in advance for helping us with our (ahem) research. Leave a comment and tell us your top dress-up fantasies.
xoxo
The Velvet Kittens
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