- Do your research:
whether it's picking your stage name, creating a new routine or gaining inspiration do a little research. Get on the internet, scour the forums, check blogs and put that extra effort in.
I'd even go as far as saying before you start Burlesque, read books on the art, watch movies [the old classic are the best] and youtube it to death! MoB have a fabulous forum and network it's another good place to start.
If you are planning on using a similar prop to another performer, song, or costume piece then it's always best to send the 'courtesy email'. It's just the polite and right thing to do and I guess it covers your back because it gives them the chance to voice their feelings and concerns and if they are rude enough not to respond they can't say you never told them?
However as a follow on from the 'courtesy email' you should NEVER and I mean NEVER steal someones whole concept/ costume or routine! This is frowned upon and should never be done and of course your version will never be up to the standard of the original. You will gain no respect of other burly kittens and kats and promoters won't hire you for their events and shows.
Before attending a show check out the line up and do a little research, check if performers, comperes or the promoter have websites / blogs / facebook pages and youtube videos. Take the time to look in to their work, it adds an extra nice touch to turn up to a venue and be familiar with everyone and their work.
It's bad manners to bad mouth a burlesque performer or a performers routine to another burlesque kitten backstage - whether it be a kitten from the show your at or a show you've recently performed at. It doesn't make your acts look any better it just makes you look a bit of a bitch and gets kittens wondering what you'll say about their routines later or to others.
The same with promoters and venues, you never know who knows who so don't go shooting off your mouth at any opportunity - I've had my fair share of awful venues and less than satisfactory promoters but I make sure I only tell my main burly network of friends.
[as Danielle pointed out and I'm grateful she did of course if a promoter regularly doesn't pay performers or treats them badly! word should be passed on - if you've taken a personal disliking to someone that shouldn't necessarily be passed on to everyone]
Remember the stage kitten / maid will be in charge of your props and costume so don't be bossy or look down on them, there helping you out.
Be kind to newcomers as well as established performers everyone deserves the same respect and we were all in the same position once - share your knowledge don't keep it to yourself like a secret others don't deserve to know.
Icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and yes kittens even Katy Perry are free for the pickings you can't claim the idea to be all yours especially if your copying a costume from an icon or an entire 'dance' routine.
I'd like to thank Luli Blue, when I was a newcomer she met me at one of my first shows and shared all her insider tips - including how to make my own fans and website! and Millie Dollar was a doll at a show last year sharing a few tips and hints!
I won't be the first or the last to admit I've not enjoyed someone's routine, but you'd be kidding yourself [even I would be] if you thought everyone loved everything you do and I have spoken about it with my close friends and burly friends - it's not that professional but some ladies you can fully trust!
Really this was just a little blog of the tips ad bits I've picked up over the last few year.... it's not set in stone it just how I see it personally.