Retro Electro June 2012

The second instalment in Electro Swing sweeping the West Midlands gripping Worcester firmly  by its tail feathers.

The Straight Aces got everybody warmed up and suitably lubricated with some fantastic dancing and some great tracks. I only wish I hadn't spent so much time on the door so I could have enjoyed more of their set. They may only be a 3 piece but they really pack a punch.

Khandie Khisses

 Khandie Khisses was a brilliant way to open the show with her swing act. Classically 'Noir' and definitely took the audience by storm. I have seen this performer previously and she is refreshingly frank and honest about, well everything! Character on and off stage I hope to see again :) and her second act (I'm naming it Queen Kong) was genius! Exactly what the audience weren't expecting and that's the way she likes it....



Miss Bailey Bliss



I loved the track (Devil Woman) that Miss Bailey Bliss used,thoroughly enjoyed her act (from side stage). A little bit of trouble getting the fire batons lit, but ever the professional! Pulled it off, no-one would ever know. A joy to work with.

Betsie Blaze - I must start off with the first and hopefully only apology for miss spelling names on posters lol Billed as Becca Blaze her bride act was well received and I like her more eccentric and modern take on Burlesque as an image.

Ginger La Rouge

Ginger La Rouge 's bought a little bit of magic to the proceedings. Thoroughly lovely. I would book all these acts again and it was a thoroughly enjoyable show! (If I do say so myself)

I would love to know what acts you've seen that got you hot under the collar? Which musical acts you've seen on a Burlesque night that really got your toes tapping and maybe you will see them and I will see you next time.

Aug 31st.... SSSSSssshhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell anyone :D x

All photographs used in this post Copyright of Cherry Atomic Studios 2012
All work is owned by CAS/Cherry Atomic/Cherry Atomic Studios 2008-2012.Killer Slick Photography 2010-2012.
All rights reserved

Cherry Atomic - Worcester

Eliza DeLite

Miss Lily Deathstar

Miss Lily Kitty

Miss Bailey Bliss

Cherry Atomic Photography - Cherry Atomic specialize in Pin Up,Burlesque,Retro,Boudoir,1940's 50's and Alternative Model Photography.

Copyright of Cherry Atomic Studios 2012
All work is owned by CAS/Cherry Atomic/Cherry Atomic Studios 2008-2012.Killer Slick Photography 2010-2012.
All rights reserved.

World Burlesque Games 2012

If you weren't already aware once a year for the last 5 years there is a London Burlesque Festival in the form of World Burlesque games. Over a period of a week or so there are many shows showcasing the best of British and International talent on many stages. This year I attended the Male and Female Crown performances (Uk and International over 3 shows) and the British newcomers. I have decided to do a whole post about the Boylesque performances soooon which is the show I enjoyed the most (wonder why ;) but below are some of the rest of the acts of note from the week you should look out for in future. 

UK Female Crown 

Chi Chi Revolver was my favorite UK performer whom I had never come across before. Her act was a great mix of cheek, and skill. We've all seen Hula Hoopers before (or at least if you havn't then you should!) but Hula hooping burlesque was a winner with me. The hoops didn't stop for the whole routine for stocking removals and full striptease routine and at one point twirling a whole load of hoops at once, I couldn't help but be impressed. I should note a`t this point that there is a 1st 2nd and 3rd in each show and I was very surprised when Chi Chi didnt place :(

Im sure you know by now that I am a fan of the next act and have featured her in my events previously on more than one occaision. As always Eliza DeLites "Like a Prayer" act was breath taking. In my experience when you see an act that you've seen before and you still cant take your eyes away and its better than the first time then there's nothing I enjoy more! The costume had changed a little since last time but for the better and more sparkly than ever. I am thrilled to say she came 1st in the World Female Crown. In the Female crown there were one or two robotic acts. I enjoyed the second part of Coco Devilles act with a large balloon bounced to the music with a sparkley finale with a really gorgeous perot costume.

Venus Noir had a really stunning pair of web design fans that went with her spider and the fly routine. Her costume was impressive with a pole reveal in her dress and stocking removal with shoes ON! Nothing I had ever seen before. (2nd place)

I did find is slightly disappointing during the shows that there were some acts that bore similarities that should have been spread more evenly throughout. I saw quite a few fire acts this weekend, one of which in the Newbies category there was so much fire it was quite extraordinary, even just that the sprinklers didn't go off.

International Female Crown

There were a lot of fantastic costumes during this show, too many to even mention! Marlene Von Steenvag (Berlin) had the most beautifully embellished Kirks Folly esque garden costume. It was a lovely theme executed well and a fantastically intricate costume. Reminded me of snow white singing with the animals. 

Red Hot Annie (Chicago) gets my vote for most conceptually original act painting herself naked onto a canvas covering her front. Well presented, funny and different approach. 

Lada Redstar (Berlin) came first in this category and you couldnt really argue. Her caterpillar to butterfly routine was conceptually good, visually amazing whist still sexy and bug like at the same time. Show stopping showgirl. She really got the crowd going late on in the night when everyone was a bit tired and feeble she soon whipped everybody back into a frenzy. 

The main difference it seems to me (in my humble oppinion) seemed to be costumes and props between these particular shows, although both were well worth seeing. 

In the newbie corner.... for the UK

Rubyyy Jones and Peggy DeLune were my two to mention. Both these london lasses did a singing element in very different styles. 

Peggy DeLune - Peggy did a air hostess routine singing about chicago, the props use was excellent (including inflatable life vest), she was an endearing character. She came first with good reason she was a very busy bee and her routine was intricate and radio mic needed so she didn't stand still for a minute! 

Rubyyy Jones - Rubyyy had come from Canada i believe and did a number based on the Marilyn Monroe song, I want to be loved by you. I really enjoyed the routine. I was however very disappointed at the reveal when with her back to the audience there was a sparkle on the back, shall we say, but on turning around no merkin or pastie in sight. Full frontal nudity. I'm not sure how well this went down with the crowd. I am no prude however i do believe that burlesque is an elegant art of eluding to ones feminism and sexuality not just standing there naked! That was a dissapointing ending for me to a promising routine. 

Vivi Valentine repeated her dazzling act from last year, one of my all times faves :) 

Full Burlesque games listings are here 

http://londonburlesquefest.com/

I had a great weekend and was also lucky enough to see the Damien Hirst and Brush with Burlesque shows, more on them soon. 

toodles x

Miss Hilton Presents - Monster Bash and Cirque Du Risque (Previous Performers)

Seas Of Mirth

Where to start! This 7 piece 8 piece 5 on the night piece band of swashbuckling mentalists made my night. After a significant amount of organisational disasters around PA systems and kit due to the band not having access to a van on this weekend (typical), I'm not going to lie, I had everything crossed it was worth the hassle and It absolutely was! They were entertaining with lots of banter, great warm up for the audience, they looked the part and with songs such as Ladyboy (called Steve) how can it be bad. Theres an eclectic selection of instruments (including a air tube operated keyboard?) and general hilarity. Due to the show being a Sunday and time constraints due to public transport unfortunately the set was short lived I would love to book them again but be warned me heartys with this much crew you need a big PA!

Sophia Disgrace and Luci and her Crew.

Unfortunately I had to nip out at this point to drop equipment back (flaws of a single handed promoter) So I missed them. GUTTED But i made sure to canvas the audiences opinions and there was much positive praise for both acts commenting on the quality of costumes and the angle grinder routine included hot wax also! I am impressed that as well this could all be done indoors!

Von Vamp

Well what can I say about this lovely lady, a local (ish) lass from Birmingham who did two acts on the night. A bloody nurse and a fan dance to velvet revolver. There was a good use of props in the nurse act but I have to sat the fan dance blew my sox off! I loved the track anyway and the outfit with orange pumpkin pasties and orange fringing on the bustle was incredible! V impressed.

Lewis Spelt Backwards

We were lucky enough to have a 20 minute preview of LSBs new material at the Pig and Drum last night and I as always was impressed. The backing track was slick it all made sense and merged in the right places. Good audience movement and kept everybody transfixed from beginning to end. A couple of people were disappointed he'd kept his clothes on but I however disagree it was a different performance than the last and was very well put together. The crowd were wowed! (As usual)

Blackfire Burlesque - Stella Noir and Dandy Inferno (Leeds)

This was a good routine, change of pace using Coldplay but a well recognised song. Very different to have a couple performing as a duo. The bride of Frankenstein theme to me didn't really come across too well but this would not have been apparent to the audience as I was obviously told about the act before hand therefore I had an idea in my head of what to expect. The wing dance was very good , good use of space and the costumes worked well my only criticism was that maybe the full reveal was a bit too early and there was a lot of time when Stella was on stage in her final undress. The Dandy Inferno did some indoor body burning and fire eating for us as well later on. Very impressive and professional, Pasties and eye patch very well made and looked the part. Also impressed with the heart latex skirt worn by Stella as the assistant.

Dandy Inferno

Stella Noir

As always Rockella Brown and Dean the Queen were dressed to impress and fabulous and did some routines for me of some well known favourites. A fab night was had by all.

Flixx Demantrant

I can't praise this performer enough I was very impressed with his track, well edited and great use of props. It obviously helps that he is devilishly good looking but since this event (apologies for the delay in review) all people have done is ask about his triumphant return. Surprises in the costume here and there, make-up was good in general its not often you find a performer that creates a character, not just a routine. I will definitely be booking Flixx in the future. 

Satine DeMonte

Ever the professional this incredibly talented lady pulled it off yet again. She did a Grecian goddess routine with Isis wings that wowed the audience with a glittery surprise. Shes a crowd pleaser every time. I have seen many routines from Satine and have booked her before and I'm sure I will do again. 

I have also been lucky enough to work with Mimi and Lilly from Monster Cirque who are very versatile filly's, Their talents include stilt walking fire fans AND Burlesque would you believe! Very professional and a joy to work with.....

Mimi and her Fire Fans....

.... up on the roof

Having a Burly shopping moment.....

Having just watched Burlesque and having just done my 4th and most successful Burly show yet. It got my brain ticking over....

Want!

Anne Summers Bra £40 and feather collar last season. Would look amaze under a sheer blouse or with an underbust corset. The collar reminds me of Skunk Anansie last year at Download, but obviously far more practical. Hers was on a wire frame and looked fierce!

Want!

Pearls and Swine, Cherry Fascinator. Limited edition in the sale £60! I will get around to buying them soon I hope. 

Want!

ASOS SALE Vivienne Westwood By Melissa Skull Slingback Court Shoe - RRP £120 Reduced to £75! 

Owned!

Collectif Norma fitted sailor dress, in the Sale one of many Bargains I got, this was only £30 :)

Payday isn't far away!

In other news for Download this year I NEED THIS! Mexican Skull oversized backpack,  I have wanted this for ages. I have changed jobs so I'm 5 weeks between ages, so I've been waiting. Sooon my pretty :)

That is all. 

toodles xx

Back in Black

Jeepers. I've been busy. The highlights and the Low lights follow. 

I have moved.... I have got better Internet and am Therefore back trading again on Etsy.com click HERE to check out my wares in a tattoo ink original art kinda way. 

Also I now promote Burlesque nights in the local area of Worcestershire too! I decided I wasn't busy enough doing painting in my spare time and working full time so I'm now doing bi-monthly burlesque shows in Worcester at the Pig and Drum in Lowesmoor. My first show at the art house in July was a great success. I compare them myself and bring all the great acts that I have come across to the masses (of the home counties lol) So that's exciting too! 

Poster by Tilly Mints Graphics

If you are interested in finding out more head to my Face Book page for Miss Hilton Presents

I'm hoping to do some act reviews in the next coming weeks from my show and also an offer Sunday - Sunday  on my original art works now my shop is up and running. So stay tuned! 

I also in the next few weeks have Hen nights, Weddings and Medieval Festivals, so never a dull moment! 

Me and Rooster my DJ

I'm on Twitter @misshiltonink
Lowlights - Brixton Urban art was a washout! Absolutely threw it down so I was glad I'd hedged my bets and only done one day. Still a good weekend!

In other news my sister has started to make vintage cake stands from odd crockery so I should blog about those soon too (we are a clever pair!).

Art work soon to be going up in my new venue and Burlesque classes on the cards? Stay tuned :) x

London Burlesque Festival 2011 - Highlights

What a weekend I've had! What a bank holiday indeed. LBF 2011 finally came around and as promised it was a blast.

I was going to do reviews of the all the shows I had seen but really and truly Ive decided to stick to the best parts due to the fact Ive got a lot to say about some acts and not much to say about others (I'm sure you know what I mean ;) ). I saw 4 Shows in a whistlestop tour of London's venues in Madame Jojos, Bush Theatre in Shepherds Bush and The Coronette in Elephant and Castle.

British Bombshells

There were some very entertaining acts for the first of my many shows in the upcoming week and although I had every intention of avoiding the royal wedding there were the first of many wedding/royal britannia themed acts to be had. Compere Lady Beau Peep was entertaining introducing such acts as Kate Middleton,(Obviously not but quite a good likeness!) otherwise known as Agent Lynch.

Kate Middleton (Agent Lynch)

Closely followed by a Royal Guard in the form of Alli Katte with a rather impressive weapon! I must admit at this point that I did stop taking photos at a fairly early stage due to the intimate nature of the venue and low lighting the photos didn't appear to be  of a very legible quality although now I have then on my laptop they're nearly not as bad as I thought (But still not great).

Eliza DeLite was incredible. I loved the concept of a coal miner bored of working wanting the glamorous life with diamonds and pearls. The outfit was very impressive and I know she stitched a lot of it on herself. It was a nerve wracking time for us all knowing her as we did and knowing Momma DeLite was in the audience but it has to be said (If i didn't say it before) she did the Leicester Demon Belles proud! she was without doubt one of the most impressive acts and dare I say some of the other acts did leave a lot to be desired.

Eliza DeLite - On the big day

This show prompted a mass discussion between the Belles and I about facial expressions as some seemed to be lacking any reality and just doing what they felt they should do. Buuuut I'm all for a bit of cheesy cheescake.

Twisted Cabaret

Tbh I was expecting more from this show. I'm not sure if its because they were leading me up a blind path with the term twisted although at times it really wasn't watchable! The compere I thought was really quite good a rockabilly guy by the name of Benjamin Louche, quite dark and quite funny. I particularly liked the song about getting fucked up! Low points, a man with his mohawk on fire (that smell was WRONG) and a man snorting a condom through his sinus cavity (that I could and SHOULD have gone the rest of my life without seeing!) but there were also some acts that were incredible. The best of which had to include the following 2:

Vivi Valentine

Did a stunning dance in an amazing 300 Esq costume as a high priestess with Romanesque theme. General glamour and hypnotism awaited the audience and then from nowhere there was water, poured out of urns by loyal subjects and then......*spoiler* she threw a large amount of gold glitter into the air and walked through it coating herself. It was a fantastic show with equal focus on costume and talent. One of the best things all week.

Trixie Tassels

Well, I don't have much to say about this one apart from, if you thought fire eating and general fire dancing was impressive check out flaming nipple tassels. Never seen anything like that. Considering a lot of girls with tassels didn't do a lot with them, this certainly made up for it! Awesome.

NewComers Competition

La Fille

http://www.lafilledamnee.com

I have to say that this was the most delicate and emotive of all the acts in this show. It was sooo fragile and bought back childhood memories to me of the wind up jewellery boxes that used to play a song to you as a ballerina twirled around and round. This was definitely the best entrance and exit being static both times and placed and removed off stage by a helper in a fireman's lift with rigid shapes much like a mannequin. This act cant help but give you goosebumps and wasn't your average burlesque act.

Aurora Galore

Photo Taken From: http://www.auroragalore.com

This lady was breathtakingly bold. Although impressive to watch I can see why she (narrowly I'm sure) missed out on taking away an award due to the fact that the act was a fan dance involving impressive fan moves, some incredible lighting but she was however already in pasties and pants from the beginning. The act tho was really really impressive, those fans aren't light but she made it look effortless but FIERCE! The rock edge in the music and black outfit was very much my thing. And would you believe matching thong and shoes! Wowzers. As the final act to this show was a very fitting climax.

Tank

Photo taken from: http://www.tanakaro.com

If I had to pick one thing to see again every day for the rest of my life it would be this gorgeous thing. Her name is Tank, and I was slightly dubious when I heard the name however the display was so skilled, controlled and generally brilliant i forgot this almost instantly. I have seen aerial acts perform before but there is something so captivating about this lady. If aerial doesn't impress you (are you insane) but not only does she do aerial she also managed along with all the acrobatics to do a very good job at striptease down to Pasties. She's very striking in pose and look, her costume was really beautiful. I cant tell you enough how stupidly talented this woman is. If you ever get the chance to see her snap it up quick. She's an international treasure.
In general all of the newcomers did a fab job there was no hiding behind expensive costumes, pure talent. 

All in all I'm sure you can see by my gushing review that amongst the good and the (incredibly) bad the highlights really where something else. I'm really hoping to go next year and take the highs with the lows just to see anything of the same standard again would be a pleasure.

Me and some of the Demon Belles

One more thing.... Thanks to all my girls of Leicesters Demon Belles Society for a thoroughly entertaining weekend. Love u all xx

London Burlesque Fest 2011

As I mentioned previously I am going to be going to London Burlesque fest this year. The various shows are in different places but in general its a week staying in Camden with all my lovely girlies. I have dabbled in a little bit of burlesque myself and have been to some very good................ and very bad burlesque shows in my time. Although it is a thoroughly mixed bag of tricks as to whether the show is organised well and the acts are good I would still risk it every time. When its good its very very good!

Eliza DeLite

This stunning lady is Eliza Delight who is a friend if mine from the Leicester DMU Demon Belles society and a thoroughly mind blowing performer. The skill in which she entertains her audiences with so many different props, themes and situations are incredible. Her costumes alone are creative and a lot of things she uses as part of her performance are hand made. Every act it different but thoroughly stunning and she hasn't disappointed once when Ive seen her. I am really hoping to get this lovely lady to Worcester really soon and organise mt own event with some of my contacts and hopefully prove burlesque isn't just a fad! Some of her concepts for her acts are so beautiful and its a very delicate mix of grace and skill, the classy end of burlesque and the high end of skill and quality entertainment. She is going to be performing in the British Bombshells, best of the UK show on the 28th of this month but mark my words. You'll see her very soon I'm sure.


"Eliza DeLite is a UK performer based in the East Midlands. Although her acts span a variety of styles including both neo & classic burlesque, her speciality lies with cheeky comedic performances inspired by her love of the 40′s pin up era and black and white funnies. Her goal is to entertain her audience with acts which are both funny and sexy." Taken from London Burlesque Festival website. 




Another of my favourite performers is 

Joe Black

Hes hilariously funny completely different and sometimes down right wrong. Ive seen him twice before and he really was the highlight. His Lady Gaga cover is brilliant and his show brings a whole new premise to the term Cabaret! 
"An entertaining and inspiring cabaret artist, he has been voted a favourite of public and industry alike, with a constant stream of theatrical endeavours up and down the UK, Europe and internationally. Joe Black is a well seasoned and well endowed performer (or so we hear). From the smoky underground clubs of Paris, to the dimly lit cabarets of Berlin, even to the gloriously esteemed historical treasure that is the British library…
One of the pioneering personalities in new Variety, he is the unmistakable Vaudevillian Villain." Taken from London Burlesque Festival website

As you can probably tell I'm so very excited! I cant wait to see all of the shows especially "Twisted Cabaret". If any of you are in London, in the area and like a good fun night out with a bit of a sexy twist then you should make a trip to this for even just one show. I've heard this is the last year this year and although I hope this isn't the case I want to make sure I make the most of this year. I'm sure that the audience will look just as impressive as the performers and i will be attached to my camera all week. 

Toodles x

2 things from this week?

Sorry I've been poo. Lots of exciting things happening in the wings. Moving to a new flat at the end of this month with a new studio space so should be able to get back to drawing soon, its been killing me I don't have enough space! so at the end of this month is the big move. 

In the meantime I've bought the big plastic baroque frame and I have dreams of filling it with a crow and arrows and gold leaf.... watch this space. 

To keep you entertained thus far....

2 links I've come across this week:

Milly Pilly seen on Hexotica blog post this week. 

Awesome little fascinators and stuff!!! Loving skulls and net!

&

Nikki Lipstick - Linked on Gala Darling

The finest Burlesque geekery! I <3 it! These Diamonds are my favs, and the bats, and the bows! Actually If u wanna buy me a prezzie they're ll a winner lol AAAAND incase I hadn't mentioned it already (not sure I have) I am going to London Burlesque Festival this year, at the end of this very month infact, and I'm getting mega excited! I will do a post about one of the girls that dances with my old Burlesque group too who's performing in the British Bombshells category. I'm so proud of her.

be bak soon x

footnote: Leicester tattoo convention was a massive let down, found an amazing Tiki Bar though! Swings and roundabouts xD