Have You Met The VanDolls?

As you may or may not know, I am a member of a wonderous burlesque troupe called The VanDolls. The VanDolls are a group of 8 ladies who are passionate about burlesque. We met through fate and destiny as the burlesque gods guided us to all sign up for Screaming Chicken's Becoming Burlesque course at the same time. Although we were all quite timid around each other at first (Okay, maybe not Bunny) one day we realized 'HEY! We're getting naked in front of each other... let's be friends'. Once our course was over we joined forces to create The VanDolls and our voyage through burlesque continues as a team! Isn't that a cute love story? Without further ado I'd like to introduce you to the members of The VanDolls:

Bunny Meugens - she keeps going and going and going... the original Energizer bunny.

Genevieve Jaguar - rawr!

Kitty-Kitty Bang Bang - meow!

Malvina MasVino - Russian wine expert.

Rufflesilkskin - moi!

Sherry Hymen - she wants to pop your sherry!

Sweet Sashay - sweet and spicy.

Vermillion Viper- she'll slither into your heart.




I love these ladies with all my heart and I know you will fall in love with them too. Come check us out on a stage near you and in the mean time Like The VanDolls on Facebook and visit The VanDolls web page!

- Rufflesilkskin
http://www.rufflesilkskin.com/

Handy-Dandy Photo Shoot Tips!

Since I've stepped into the burlesque scene I've been lucky enough to be involved in a number of photo shoots ranging from scary sea monster to sexy and sensual. Now, I'm not claiming to be a top model here by any means, but I do want to share some posing tips that I've learned from some fantastic teachers who know how to get the best out of their pupils. Whether you are a burlesque performer, a model or just vain (KIDDING!) here are some helpful tips for some great shots!

Our 1st shoot! Can you spot the vowels?

Buy a Vowel

State your vowels and emphasize them! That's right...give me an A-E-I-O-U! (Sorry 'Y'). The wondrous Melody Mangler of Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society conjured up this fantastic way to get a wide range of facial expressions during our Becoming Burlesque shoot with photographer Franky Panky. Here is what each vowel does more or less (web cam not working, video soon!):

A - Open smile
E - Closed smile
I - Surprised expression
O - 'Oh my I'm...naughty, cute, shocked etc.
U - Kissy face!

Be You... but Better!

Not too long ago I scored some one on one time with the burlesque living legend Catherine D'Lish. Considering she's an award winning, highly notable bombshell advice from her is advice worth taking. Catherine told me to take the pose I was trying to accomplish and do it naturally and then enhance it. So instead of standing straight, feet together maybe you'd stick out your hip a bit.... tilt your head...point your foot etc. Go in front of the mirror, strike a natural pose then tweak it until it's beeeeea-utiful!

Be Vain... Research Yourself

Admit it - you've chosen your Facebook profile picture based on how hot you look. Find some photos of your self that you truly love and find out why. Is it your facial expression? Your body positioning? An outfit? Whatever it is, take that into the next photo you take and capitalize on it.

In every photo shoot I learn something new about myself. Sometimes good, some times bad but I always take away something positive for the next shoot so I can continue to grow as a performer and make Ruffle the best Ruffle she can be! If you have any posing/modeling tips or tricks please feel free to add a comment!

- Rufflesilkskin
www.rufflesilkskin.com