CarnalNation

I have to admit, I hate a lot of books about burlesque.

Most books I have read completely miss the mark about burlesque; some seem so dry and historical, they miss the fun of it. (Full disclosure; It doesn't help that a recent very academic burlesque book, which I was excited to read because I heard I was mentioned in it, recalled a performance by me and said I was "proudly fat." Ouch!)

Other books on the subject seem to portray a shiny veneer to burlesque that glosses over the blood, sweat, and tears that go into being a usually low-paid, always hustling-for-the-next-gig, wondering-how-to-wash-your-stinky-rhinestoned-costume performer.

Only two books I have read so far get the tone and feeling of modern day burlesque just right; both are by women who are performers themselves. One is the superb Burlesque and the New Bump 'n' Grind by Michelle Baldwin.

The other is a new, easy-to-read book by Jo Weldon. (More disclosure; I have had the pleasure of performing with this lovely lady on stages across the USA.) Acclaimed as an educator of burlesque as well as dancer, her new book, The Burlesque Handbook, gets down 'n' dirty, showing the DIY side of burlesque, from the nuts and bolts of costuming to the art of pastie making, to step by step instructions on the "greatest hits" of burlesque choreography dance moves.

In a brief interview with me, Weldon said, "I think there is enough information in there to help anyone do any style of burlesque; the three chapters on movement could be used in any kind of theater or dance where they want to evoke burlesque." And indeed Weldon takes us through all the finer points of putting together a burlesque routine from start to finish. It's a great resource for newbies, something I wish I would have had as a neophyte. I really enjoyed the section on "tassel-twirling," where several different styles of twirling are discussed. Yes, gentle reader, there are several ways a would-be burlesque-r can twirl her pastie tassels, and Weldon takes us through each one.

It's obvious that the book is aimed at stylish, young, smart women—and more, for the book is careful to include male and transgendered performers—and Jo Weldon makes them feel welcome with hip references to punk rock, rockabilly, and pop culture. There is an assumption that readers will have at least a very basic knowledge of burlesque from modern day performers like Dita Von Teese and Catherine d'Lish, so outsiders might need to do some Google-ing before they turn these pages, but the tone is overall welcoming and inclusive.   

There are some touching vignettes, where the living legends of burlesque from the glory days of '50s and '60s are interviewed or give memories. In her interview with me, Ms. Weldon told me, "I think people need to know about them to know that we didn't invent playfulness and irony around sexuality, that it has been going on forever in performance. I wanted people to feel connected to this history of outlaw energy and humor." Some of the more touching parts of the book are when the author divulges some personal information about herself and how she came to burlesque through her past as a stripper. It's a moving and entertaining journey as she finds her way to the supportive community of other creative souls, one which I can identify with.

I had a few out-loud chuckles when I read suggestions about backstage etiquette, like "brush your teeth, chew gum, drink water. Everybody loves fresh breath. And bathe. Really." More importantly, Weldon encourages performers to be supportive instead of catty with each other.

Ultimately, the book is a fun one. It has some wonderful tidbits which even seasoned performers will like and is an ideal starting point for the those trying to break into the scene. I'll leave you with a thought Weldon brought up in our interview: "I hope it's as interesting to fans and curiosity seekers as to students, but it's definitely a handbook, not a novel." Would-be burlesque queens, put on your reading glasses.