Please join me in welcoming Logan Belle (pen name of Jamie Brenner), author of the Angel Trilogy, a refreshing burlesque themed trio which brings the world of Burlesque and entertainment to readers – the trilogy is out in the UK now, as well as taking the US by storm. Jamie will be web chatting with me later today about her books, so if you have any questions for her drop me an email or respond to this post and we’ll see if we can get them answered :)
Jamie was kind enough to
answer my questions about the world of Burlesque, and how she came to write the
Angel Trilogy – my review of the books will follow tomorrow:
Jamie, I was intrigued and curious as
to your reflections on your experiences within the world of Burlesque. What made you choose Burlesque as a theme?
My boyfriend took me to a
burlesque show on my birthday a few years ago. He didn’t tell me where we were
going or what we were doing – he just took me to the club and it wasn’t until I
got there that I realized what the show would be. I had mixed feelings about
it, and that is how I opened Blue Angel – a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.
Like, this could be cool, but is it for me, or for him? But by the second act
of the show, I was hooked. I was amazed by the performers, the energy of the
crowd, the wit of the MC. I thought
about it for days afterwards, wondering who these women were and if they had
“day” jobs. What were their backgrounds? Had they gone to university? Did they
have boyfriends? Husbands? I was fascinated by the world. When I actually got
to meet the women, I was even more impressed. They were smart, passionate,
creative (they make their own costumes) and extremely dedicated to their craft.
Did you get to try on any of the
decadent costumes the dancers wear?
Although I did go back
stage at a show, I never tried on any costumes. However, one performer was
selling hand-made pasties during intermission one night and I bought a set.
Pasties are these sequined discs that performers put over their nipples at
venues where complete nudity isn’t allowed. They’re colorful, usually match the
theme of the costume, and often have tassels on the end. Sometimes performers
where them just for the tassels, because twirling is a basic burlesque skill
and the crowds usually get really excited about that. Anyway, I bought a pair of the pasties and
tried them on at home one night. I didn’t try twirling them, though!
With so many dancers from various
backgrounds that you met, what was it that drew people specifically to
Burlesque?
I think the one thing that
attracted all these different women – different in background, different in
body type, different in artistic sensibility – was the rich history of
burlesque, and the absolute freedom of expression that comes with performing
burlesque.
Were there many
differences in the audience or spectators of Burlesque at the different types
of places Jamie visited - I wonder if they were all drawn to see Burlesque for
the same reasons?
The audiences at burlesque
shows ran the complete gamut: young and old, gay and straight, single people
alone and couples out on dates. To me, the variety and passion of the audience
was the most amazing thing about burlesque shows. I don’t know if they all came
for the same reasons. I think some guys come just to see naked women, but they
are probably in the minority. A lot of gay men seem to appreciate burlesque for
the costumes and the overall artistry. Some people, like me, love watching any
form of dancing and love the costumes and music. Burlesque offers something for
everyone, and every show is different enough to let you experience something
new.
Burlesque shows aside...I think in
the UK Burlesque is becoming not only a dance form but also exercise for some -
one of my friends attended Burlesque classes for that very reason!
Yes, a prominent burlesque
performer in New York, Jo Weldon (also known as Jo Boobs), founded the New York
School of Burlesque, and some people take classes to in order to start serious
careers in burlesque, and others are just women who want a more fun way to
exercise. I’ve never done it myself. I love watching burlesque, writing about
burlesque, and reading about burlesque, but I really do not have the urge to do
it. I’m not sure why not – maybe it’s
just because I don’t like exercising J
Character outlines from
the books:
Mallory Dale – A recent
law school grad, Mallory moved to New York to be with her college boyfriend, Alec, and to
begin her legal career. As someone who has played by the rules all her life,
Mallory’s world is turned upside down when Alec introduces her to burlesque.
Suddenly, she finds herself questioning her choices, and discovering an edgier
side to her sexuality – and finds herself having to choose between her more
liberated self, and her relationship with Alec.
Alec Martin – Mallory’s boyfriend. A journalist in Manhattan, Alec loves Mallory, but at the same time, finds
his head turned by the temptations of living in New York’s fast lane. When Mallory starts coming out of her
shell and finding temptations of her own, he’s not sure he can handle it.
Bette Noir – a beautiful
burlesque dancer who has segued into mainstream stardom. She becomes Mallory’s
mentor.
Poppy LaRue – A pretty blonde, new to the burlesque scene
and determined to make a name for herself. She competes with Mallory for Bette
Noir’s attention, and for her place at Blue Angel.
Violet Offender – A
dominatrix by day, burlesque performer by night – and overall trouble-maker.
Agnieszka “Agnes”
Wieczorek - a former Warsaw ballerina, Agnes is the owner of the Blue Angel
burlesque club. She is a tough task-master, but acts like a den mother to all
the girls.
Billy Barton – Alec’s boss, a young, wealthy
bon vivant and magazine owner.
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