- Tempest Rose - July 25th
I actually shared this post on my page on facebook as it made me laugh so much at the time and really pointed out to me how little people know about performing Burlesque.
A lot of people don’t seem to understand performers, like myself do not perform for the money – If you are in this for the money you going to be sorely disappointed. Burlesque is something I do for me, now you could say that’s selfish and I can’t even recount how many forum posts, statuses and blogs I’ve read on ‘your performing for the audience’ ‘it’s not your podium for your insecurities’ etc. etc. etc. which can get pretty monotonous and incredibly boring, incredibly fast!
Performing is a way to express myself just another outlet, I enjoy it and I think it really shows on stage as ever photo I get back has me smiling like a loon. I think you really have to be having fun on stage because if you are so are the audience, they feed off your enthusiasm. I’d also like to point out I don’t perform to get over any insecurities [which I know is a popular reason for a lot of performers] it has nothing to do with why I perform.
Of course I get paid ladies & gentlemen, I’m providing a service, a source of entertainment and at the end of the day crystals, feathers and glitter don’t pay for themselves. I also think it’s crucial to know how much your worth compared to other performers [take your time working out your fee – make sure it covers the cost of replacing items you may use / cleaning a costume etc] of course everybody’s fee differs. It seems an almost taboo subject, no one really asks how much each other charges and you’re left to decide for yourself how much you think your routine is worth!
If you think this art form is a great way to make some quick money think again – The amount of money I have to put in to a new routine, updating a costume, buying props and getting myself from A to B is ridiculous. If I sat down and thought about it I’d probably start wondering ‘why the hell do I do this?’ – People, promoters etc. pay for quality you need to earn your tassels lady and that’s working from the ground up, personally I don’t think you should start doing paid gigs for at least the first year hone your craft, learn from other performers, take newcomers slots with big names on the bill and start making a name for yourself.
So if you’re thinking ‘I’ll give it a go and make myself a little extra cash on the side’ I‘d like to point out I don’t have a money tree in the garden, a gold fountain with flowing rhinestones in the front yard & my costumes do not make themselves.