sourceDita Von Teese is hands-down the most in-demand burlesque belle on the face of the earth – and even though she’s practically considered royalty across Europe thanks to her chic, choreographed dance/stripping routines, she can’t understand why so many in her native America still have so many reservations toward “burlesque” as an art form.
“I don’t mean to America bash, but it is interesting that burlesque is an American invention. Burlesque as we know it and the great burlesque that was prevalent in America in the 30’s and 40’s in big theaters with big stars that were in the movies and on TV and wrote books. It’s shocking to imagine it is now 75 years later and people are still saying ‘I don’t get it, she’s a stripper,’” Von Teese told Tarts at the Samuel French bookshop in Studio City on Friday night where she was signing copies of her new flip-book “Dita Stripteese.”
“I don’t mind being called [that] because that is what I do, but I don’t understand why there is such a taboo attached to it. Basically what I do is like an actress that has nude scenes in a movie, it’s part of the role and its part of what my show is. It’s not really any different. I think it’s just too easy for people to criticize.”
******
Oh no she didn't. Americans are far more enlightened than Dita thinks. We most certainly know who Bettie Page was and her vast contributions to American entertainment and fashion. In, fact we love Bettie Page. And we also "god bless Lili St. Cyr." And if you get that last reference you are my new BFF. Point is, we are not as dim as you think, Dita, so shove that in your giant martini glass.
35 comments:
Does it count if I looked it up on Wikipedia? You are always full of knowledge. One of you endless awesome qualities. Glad you are back. Take care and Happy Holidays for whatever you celebrate.
I don't know, she might have a point, at least applied in my experience. I have been to a few burlesque shows lately (they're soooooo much fun!!!) but as liberal as my town is (Olympia IS pretty liberal) I do have to admit from experience it's mostly women in the know and also active performing artists who go to shows to have a good time and to support the fellow burlesque artist. The non-artist audience are often friends or family invited by the artists. What I mean is, we might know who Lily St. Cyr and Bettie are, but there are still many people who don't appreciate burlesque as an art form. It's the same with bellydancing, folks might know who Samia Gamal and Tahiya Carioca are, but they still don't think Bellydance is a true art form and it is still frowned upon by many, sadly.
Meissa, you look so beautiful belly dancing and it takes real talent. I happen to love it. I love pole dancers too, the real ones, not the idiots.
Muser Mommy, any Frank N. Furter fan will know what I meant, but, it was obscure so don't feel bad.
I think the art form of dancing. Is a beautiful exotic expression. Specially if it is done correctly. Burlesque Is swear started in france. Its once step higher than a exotic dancer. Its done with more glitz, glamore and show. Its more of a tease performance. Instead of wam bam thank you mam.
Dita just has stuck with the 1950's era of pin ups. Yes she has done this with even living only wearing vintage clothing. She has made a living out of this. I congratz her the whole way.
But on the other hand I dont like this new burlesque crap like the peep show. or pussy cat dolls. Bwa thats not even classy.. its trassy
There was a lady who used to do a fan dance
in the 40s my uncle Jerry met her I gravitate
to this framed pix of her at his house.
She signed it this way
Your fan Sally Rand
I will try to send u a copy of it next time I
go see uncle Jerry at Xmas time.
Kiki
:)
btw it's definately an artform & beautiful
way to express & tell a story heck look at
the ballet swan lake / the nutcracker etc...
Not everyone can dance it's a skill that takes
years of hard work and talent I'm sure
meissa knows all too well and she does
look beautiful I remember the pix Lisa k
emailed me last summer very very NICE !
Sally Rand is very famous. That's cool.
Sally was also the original Bubble Girl.
God bless Lily St's Cyr! Said by Janet, from the pool scene in The Rocky Horror Picture Show!!!!!!!
You got it. LMAO! My favorite scene.
DD just sent you an email, let me know if you don't get it.
When I first saw the picture - I thought it was Boy George!
LOL. And I'm glad. I've been a fan until now. Now she put her foot in it.
The pool scene in RHPS is kinda scary & creepy, yet very cool. I love that damn movie. I wish VH1 would still do the Halloween marathong of it. My favorite scene is the "Sweet Transvestite" scene. With the elevator and white studded platform heels. It's sexy as hell. Tim Curry rocks.
rox
Very kabuki theater isn't it?
Let's not forget Gypsy Rose Lee, forced by her mother to begin stripping at about 12 years old. Then her mom took all the money.
"dance for the horny men, honey, dance"
Thank you for the RHPS reference! I couldn't agree more...she bugs the hell outta me
-Steph
Avoiding stress I hope?
Avoiding my mom, you mean? Yep.
You know, every time I look at Dita I just remember that she used to not only poke Manson, but was married to that beast. To me that just screams
"mental patient"!Her real name is Heather Renee Sweet and she's a blond.
I think Dita is gorgeous, although that white make up on her face doesn't look good.
Kabuki. Uhhh uh. But, I am very white too so I can't talk.
I love Manson's music, but, the dude is such an asswipe in real.
The Manson thing just creeps me out about her. Must have been a relationship for reasons other than genuine affection. Her private persona is probably as faux as her professional one.
Yummmm loves me some Dita!
Dirty Disher, Do you ever watch that show called TMZ that show makes me so mad!
Grrrrr!
And they have some big-mouthed JEW lawyer that runs the show. Like anyone cares what THOSE people think about anything?
And what's with that long-haired surfer guy? He thinks he's so cute....but he's NOT!
He's a stupid-head pretty-boy...that's ALL.
And they make little joke captions and things....while they simultaneously RUIN the lives of good people like Tiger and Lilo.
IT'S NOT FUNNY!
I hate that show so much!
But I love your site and I'm glad we met and I hope your feeling better,
RN
Every time I've caught the TMZ show, Harvey the dope is drinking out of some to-go cup like he just got back from lunch.
Every time
The JEW lawyer is gay too.
Now you have two great reasons to hate him.
Asshole.
I understand what you are saying, RN, but TMZ doesn't ruin any lives, the people do.
I only called you an Asshole for the JEW comment.
I'm sure you are a very nice person, otherwise.
I never thought of Harvey as a jew, I always thought he was a wanking asshole. I thought that was his religion.
Hello, we have Jews here. Sheesh. We have a little of everything, you should know that.
It's just so funny how ONE WORD can change the whole tone of a post.
I don't think RN meant any harm.
My daughter has plans of having a clothed Betty tattooed on her forearm next year. When she gets it done, I will email you a picture Pat.
I took my oldest to see the indie film Notorious Betty Page. We both liked it and funny thing...she and I were the youngest people in the theatre.
I'm not sure Snark. I hope not.
It sounded offensive to me. Just call a lawyer a lawyer, or an asshole, or a blood-sucking bastard, or whatever. Why use a religious/ethnic term as in that post? Makes no sense to me.
Christina
Rocky!!!!
Thanks Pat for telling me about the water smartweed- actually tied a bunch of stuff together, because the painting was set by a lake.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Post a Comment