Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Shimmy! March Aether Salon - edited transcript

Serafina Puchkina clears her throat
Miss Viv and I are pleased to welcome you to the March Aether Salon and know that you will Shimmy! With excitement when you hear this month’s speakers. We sincerely appreciate the support we receive from everyone in the community, and we humbly thank you all.
Many fine people have contributed to today’s salon: we are grateful to Miss Ceejay Writer, Miss Breezy Carver, Miss Ahnyanka Delphin, Canolli Capalini of Capalini Fine Furnishings for the chairs, and to Miss Morgan Kincess of Digital Eyes for the craft. Finally, I want to personally thank my most amazing and talented co-host, Viv Trafalgar.
Unlike other salons, we decided we don't mind audience reaction/participation during the talk - since burlesque is all about engaging and involving the audience.
As a courtesy to all, please turn off everything that feeds the lag monster: all HUDs, scripts, AOs and so on; Miss Viv will severely be miffed if there is the hint of biting, bombs or weapons. You don’t want to see what I will do if I spy a mullet.
Mark your calendars for Submersibles! in April, Engines! in May, and Fey! in June. After a brief hiatus, we'll return in September with Airships!, and Haberdashery! In October. We're keeping a log of things “overheard at the salon” on aethersalon.blogspot.com just in case you're looking for a good laugh.

Viv Trafalgar: ((and there will be a July surprise, we think!))

Serafina Puchkina: If you would like to join the Aether Salon group and receive notifications of future salon events, click the lower right hand corner of the large brown sign by the entrance. As a reminder, all tip jar donations go directly to the speakers.
Hang on to your hats as I welcome my co-host Miss Viv Trafalgar.

Viv Trafalgar: Ladies and Gentlemen, and Bob... Our esteemed guests this afternoon are Miss Ahnyanka Delphin and Miss Ceejay Writer.
Miss Delphin is the proud owner, manger, dancer and jack-of-all-trades at the New Champagne Rooms, a classy vintage burlesque theater. When she’s not kicking up her heels on the stage, she also manages the Shops outside, where she has her own clothing store called Rhapsody Vintage Fashions.
Miss Writer is a dancer at the New Champagne Rooms, specializing in sassy, silly routines laden with puns and clever wordplay. When she needs to rest her dancing feet, she writes articles for the Primgraph and Prim Perfect publications.
She enjoys long walks, absinthe, and avoiding dunks in the canals, with limited success at the latter.
Without further ado, please put your hands together for the ladies of the New Champagne Rooms.

Ahnyanka Delphin smiles over at Miss Viv and Miss Sera. "Thank you for inviting us to join you today!"
Miss Ceejay and I thought it would be fun to take you all on a trip through the history of Burlesque, the implications of its impact on gender and let you draw your own conclusions about the art form.
Ahnyanka Delphin grins over at Ceejay and gives her a nod.

Ceejay Writer: The 1840s: The term 'burlesque' came into common usage, and referred to a broad (no pun intended) range of comical plays. "burlesquing" a play was to make fun of not just the play, but the society it represented. No one was immune. Shakespeare was spoofed, as was the singer Jenny Lind, who was wildly popular in her day.
The 1860s: In Britain, burlesque had taken a decidedly scandalous turn, relying on shapely women wearing tights. This was in a time when women took great pains to hide their shapes with bustles, hoop skirts, and layers of fluffy fabric.
Ceejay Writer gazes out over the room filled with bustles, hoop skirts and layers of fluffy fabric, and smiles.
The late 1860s: Lydia Thompson's British burlesque travels to New York, where they performed "Ixion" in 1868. Performers wore tights and performed men's roles.

Ahnyanka Delphin nods over to Ceejay and adds in… “One critic was talking about Lydia Thompson’s British Blondes stating that they were, ‘not like men... unlike women’ " He was also was quoted saying they were "very pretty, very blonde and very unscrupulously clever."
They used impertinent humor, irreverent songs, revealing costumes and parodies of the masculine gender to draw attention to the power of female sexuality.
They often "talked like a man but walked like a woman,” effectively using male clothing and attitudes not to impersonate men but to underscore femininity… calling into question accepted gender roles themselves.
Ahnyanka Delphin grins impishly as she sneaks behind the dressing screen, leaving the floor to Miss Ceejay.

Ceejay Writer: 1880s: The first American-born burlesque star, Mabel Saintley forms "Mme. Rintz's Female Minstrels" and spoofs the male actors of the time.

Ahnyanka Delphin flips the fabric from her bustle over the top of the screen letting it drape across it before the audience. She peeks her head out from behind the curtain for just a moment as she mentions

Ahnyanka Delphin: Character comedy became a popular draw. One performer by the name of Lillian Shaw, used to portray various styles of women in her acts. Examples of her characters ran from flirtatious, well-dressed young French woman, to a bitter, shabbily dressed, immigrant worker.
Her portrayal and approach to women's roles and sexual values were complex and often contradictory. Her comedy was often sexually aggressive and challenged some of the limits of what was considered "respectable" performance.
Her shows helped erode cultural notions of women as passionless and were often a place where women could come and fantasize about other people's lives, imagine alternatives to Victorian refinement and unleash anger at the limitations of their own lives... all within the confines of what was termed to be a "respectable and refined" presentation.

Ceejay Writer shakes her head sadly at 'respectable' and 'refined'.

Ceejay Writer: Concurrently, in the 1880's: Men took over burlesque as managers, and began to suppress female wit in favor of dressing them as scantily as the law would allow. The art of titillating instead of being downright lascivious was refined.
Variety shows became common. These would typically feature a song and dance number with performers dressed formally, and be riddled with gags. Various comedians, skits, singers and other variety acts would follow. The show would culminate with a one-act musical, "burlesquing" a famous play.

Ahnyanka Delphin steps back out from the crowd, dressed in men’s attire and tights. “We thought it might be a good idea to give you an example of how women in men’s clothing could be quite…. enticing, so you can see for yourselves.”

Ahnyanka Delphin giggles as she trips a bit and wanders back up o the stage.

Adding more to what Miss Ceejay was saying, many of these variety acts, especially comedy and burlesque, used the theater as a forum for social criticism.
They were somewhat subversive and intimidating because of the frequent gender bending acts, as well as the upfront and non-timid sexuality of the female performers.

Ceejay Writer nods. "Thus complimenting the audience, acknowledging its sound reasoning and ability to make up its own mind about social issues of the day."

Ahnyanka Delphin nods and winks out at you, "This is quite a reflection on the times and shows some of the sexual revolution that’s become a large force in our society."
But not only were women portraying themselves differently on the stage to draw the crowd, male performers were baring more in various acts of athletics and acrobatics. Some claim it was an attempt to attract more female customers.
A reporter in the New York Dramatic Mirror joked about a strongman routine stating, "[His] attire, or rather the scarcity of it, suggests that he might do well to give out, besides his dissertations on how to develop the physique, a few friendly tips on how not to develop pnemonia."
In a later issue, that same reporter observed that the performance "is applauded for an exhibition that if attempted by any woman would be promptly suppressed."

Ceejay Writer: "Now see how you all are relaxing a bit, laughing, 'burlesquing' and feeling a bit freeer for that, I might guess?"

Redgrrl Llewellyn: nods in agreement

Viv Trafalgar: yes absolutely

blakopal Galicia: yes, yes

Beq Janus nods

Viv Trafalgar: bob is feeling incredibly free at this point

Redgrrl Llewellyn: feels the fervor similar to a revival tent......

Ceejay Writer smiles proudly. "This is what burlesque brings to you. That feeling. That empowerment. That fun."

Ceejay Writer takes a deep breath and beams a smile to the audience. “We hope you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the art of burlesque today! Though, we do fully expect you to hoot, holler and whistle at our next show. Please don’t ever become too highbrow for that! We’d be so disappointed!”

Ahnyanka Delphin: Oh so very disappointed!

Ceejay Writer smiles at Miss Ahnya, quite proud of her performance today.

Ahnyanka Delphin raises her hat to tip her cane and gives you all a wink.

Dreddpiratebob Streeter: i have a question!

Viv Trafalgar: anyone other than bob?

Serafina Puchkina: Bob, what is your question?

Dreddpiratebob Streeter: why did ya feel it necessary to use all those long words to talk about girls in their undercrackers?

Beq Janus: to confuse the men

Ceejay Writer chortles. "because it proves we have brains and not just bums, bob!"

Ahnyanka Delphin chuckles and nods, "Ooh.... lovely answer, Miss Beq!"

Dreddpiratebob Streeter: from what i've seen you lot can't keep a decent set of clothes on for more than a minute anyways

Serafina Puchkina: Any other questions?

Dreddpiratebob Streeter: one more!

Bookworm Hienrichs: From what you've seen? Have you been sneaking into the New Champagne Rooms, Bob?

Dreddpiratebob Streeter: whys all the blokes sitting funny?

Viv Trafalgar: I have a question

Ceejay Writer: "Ah, the art is in the tease, so we remove clothing very deliberately to exact a certain reaction. In you Bob, that would be abject horror."

Ahnyanka Delphin: Burlesque has always been known for his witty and insightful commentary on the times.. from both men and women...

Viv Trafalgar: What kinds of political and social commentary might there be in a performance?

Ceejay Writer: You want to take this one, Ahnya?

Viv Trafalgar: and was there any burlesquing related to the recent mayoral race?

Ahnyanka Delphin: Mostly Burlesque is about challenging perceptions and working to modify the accepted gender roles...

Eugenia Burton: There once was a Doctor called O, who wanted the werewolves to go, So he built up a weapon, the magicks to deafen, and dealt supernaturals a blow.

Ceejay Writer: A good parody never forgets its source material, but examines it anew.

Redgrrl Llewellyn: AND showing off your purty undercrackers!

Eugenia Burton: Like that.

Ceejay Writer: Eugenia! You have successfully burlesqued!

Redgrrl Llewellyn: and fighting suppression

Viv Trafalgar: other questions from the floor?

Ceejay Writer: Indeed, and engaging the audience to participate is part of the fun. You are a perfect audience this way.

Elleon Bergamasco: will you be having men in your show soon Miss Delphin??

Ahnyanka Delphin chuckles and nods, "By being willing to flaunt in the face of society... it allowed men and women to explore options and even fantasies of a different society."

Redgrrl Llewellyn: do you think that the witty banter enhances the effect of the performance?

Ceejay Writer coughs and mutters "Boylesque".

Ceejay Writer: "Oh, Red, absolutely. The banter is very important."

Ahnyanka Delphin: As a matter of fact, we will be asking men to join us on the stage!

Ghilayne Andrew: When you say a play was burlesqued... was it a contemporary play, or usually something like Shakespeare? Given some of his comedies, he might have been considered burlesque in his time by your definition... just not called that :D

Ceejay Writer: Miss Andrew. Anything from Shakespeare to local government laws were ripe for mockery.

Redgrrl Llewellyn: I have found that the more amusing the banter and the entendre the more stimulating the performance...and that is always in fine supply at the NCR

Ahnyanka Delphin blows a kiss to Capt. Red.

Ceejay Writer smiles. "thank you Red. That means a lot to us!"

Ceejay Writer: Any other questions? Please don't be shy, not around us!

Viv Trafalgar: what did a performer need to own in order to perform? Her own clothing? Or was that provided?

Ahnyanka Delphin: And it's something that the lovely residents of New Babbage seem to enjoy... so to encourage it, we're going to open a branch of the New Champagne Rooms right here in your very city!"

Ceejay Writer thinks. "Some performers worked as a troupe, and pooled resources. Others had to arrive with their 'dowry' and prove they could supply a full show."

Elleon Bergamasco: and what level of society were the performers from? did they just need luscious curves or... perhaps high society ladies looking for some.... diversion

Ahnyanka Delphin: We want to encourage the exploration of performance art of all varieties... from comedy to burlesque... magicians, musicians and fire dancers.

Ceejay Writer: "From what I have read, most were middle or lower class folk... but I suspect some rebellious wealthy folk indulged."

Ahnyanka Delphin nods at Ceejay.

Annechen Lowey: Was the apprenticeship system used in burlesque?

blakopal Galicia: i'd imagine there were some of 'means', since it would have been costly to acquire outfits and such
Ceejay Writer looks questioningly at Ahnya. "I have not heard of apprenticing. Have you?"

Viv Trafalgar: and then we'll unleash the craft

Ahnyanka Delphin: I'm sure it was in some traveling troupes... or "Wheels". Performers worked from obscurity up to becoming headliners.

Ceejay Writer smiles gleefully.

Ahnyanka Delphin: So they would often work under more experienced actors or dancers until they became a full performer in their own right

Redgrrl Llewellyn: unleash the craft! [chants]

Ahnyanka Delphin grins impishly, excited to unleash the craft box on the crowd.

Viv Trafalgar: we have a doozy this time, thanks to miss Ahnya, the fantabulous leader of NCR and Miss Ceejay, the wittiest dancer on the floor today

Ceejay Writer: Our craft box contains something nice for our .... fans. And, sorry to say, Bob, but there's a homework assignment in there too! I think you'll all find this fun, and something you might want to share with those close to you. *Winks*

Viv Trafalgar: this was a great presentation - and a great audience

Ahnyanka Delphin: A fabulous audience! Thank you all for coming today!

Viv Trafalgar: Ceejay, please tell them what they've won...

Ceejay Writer: I want to see Bob using his craft box!

Viv Trafalgar: Sera and I want to see everyone at the ball this weekend using these - we can do a salon fan dance!

Ceejay Writer: Yes indeed! You have time to practice before the ball.

Ahnyanka Delphin: I want to thank the phenominal Miss Morgan Kincess of Digital Eyes for donating the fans for you lovely salonistas....

Viv Trafalgar: there's something else inside the box; there's a beautiful book provided by Miss Delphin

Ahnyanka Delphin: And I even tucked a little something special into the box for the fellas... oh.. and ladies too!

Ceejay Writer: The book is beautiful, and handcrafted by Ahnya.

Serafina Puchkina: Don't forget next month's Salon is Submersibles! which is not related *cough* to this month's topic. Thank you all so very much for your support

Viv Trafalgar: Exceptional salon - and thank you to such a great audience!

Ahnyanka Delphin: Than you all for having us! You're darlings. Feel free to stop by the glass in the back if you want to take a photo bathed in champagne...

Viv Trafalgar: We will be giving the Speakers Fund to these two brilliant performers in just a moment - our way of saying thanks so much for a stunning and educational presentation

Redgrrl Llewellyn: when is the NCR opening in Babbage?

Ahnyanka Delphin: The first week in April! Keep your ears out and I'll be shouting it from the highest roof tops.

Viv Trafalgar: Don't forget the ball! March 28 - and the April 4th opening of NCR!

Ceejay Writer: If you have a talent... come talk to us!

Viv Trafalgar: We're happy to give NCR the speakers' fund of 4775L - with thanks so much from a grateful audience
Ceejay Writer: Wow, thank you all! That's generous, and will be used 100% to keep the NCR clubs going!

Ahnyanka Delphin: You are all so generous, thank you for being darlings!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Shimmy! March Aether Salon - unedited transcript

[I removed tip jar donation amounts, when my friends logged in, and when I volunteered to dance at NCR as a tiny.]

[13:46] Ahnyanka Delphin thinks that she's just a bit too antsy to think about eating...
[13:46] Bookworm Hienrichs enjoys a nice bite of Turtle Torte Petit Four, yummy !
[13:47] Ceejay Writer: Lovely refreshments, thank you so much, responsible parties!
[13:47] Bookworm Hienrichs takes another bite of the Turtle Torte Petit Four.
[13:47] Viv Trafalgar: we have very kind supporters
[13:47] Bookworm Hienrichs nods.
[13:47] Viv Trafalgar: ahem. Mr. kiergarten. your sidearm.
[13:47] Bookworm Hienrichs moves away before she is tempted to take more.
[13:47] Ahnyanka Delphin wanders over to the other side of the stage.. away from the tempting deserts.
[13:48] Bookworm Hienrichs takes the last nibble of Turtle Torte Petit Four and wipes away any crumbs left on their lips.
[13:48] Ceejay Writer: oh, indulge, Book. Today is all about the pleasures in life!
[13:48] Bookworm Hienrichs chuckles.
[13:48] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Penelope!
[13:48] Bookworm Hienrichs: Hello, Penelope!
[13:48] Viv Trafalgar: hehe
[13:48] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Nell!
[13:48] Serafina Puchkina: Everyone has a chair, right?
[13:48] Ahnyanka Delphin grins over at Jed and gives her a wink.
[13:48] Serafina Puchkina: If you need a chair, see Jasper
[13:49] Ahnyanka Delphin: Actually, I would love one.
[13:49] Ahnyanka Delphin smiles over at Jasper, "Could I?"
[13:49] Jedburgh30 Dagger: so did Ceejay spill the beans on me Ahnya?
[13:49] Jasper Kiergarten: certainly
[13:49] Rhianon Jameson: Hello, Miss Puchkina
[13:49] Ceejay Writer giggles. "I say nothing!"
[13:49] Ahnyanka Delphin laughs, "Which beans? Jelly beans?"
[13:49] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Miss Jameson!
[13:49] Ahnyanka Delphin looks curious.
[13:49] Bookworm Hienrichs: You look wonderful, Penelope!
[13:49] Ceejay Writer: Hello Miss Jameson! What a beautiful dress!
[13:50] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Miss Jameson!
[13:50] Rhianon Jameson: Thank you, Miss Writer!
[13:50] Rhianon Jameson: Hello, Miss Trafalgar.
[13:50] Serafina Puchkina: That is a lovely dress, Miss Jameson
[13:50] Ahnyanka Delphin blows a kiss over to Jasper, "Thank you!"
[13:50] Ceejay Writer: Salon always does bring out the best in everyone.
[13:50] Ceejay Writer: Except Bob. OH HI BOB.
[13:50] Bookworm Hienrichs chuckles.
[13:50] Rhianon Jameson: Thank you, ma'am
[13:51] Ahnyanka Delphin whispers over to Ceejay, "What beans??"
[13:51] Ceejay Writer whispers back. "She danced fabulously for tips last night."
[13:51] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Miss Peng! Welcome!
[13:51] Serafina Puchkina: Welcome Miss Peng
[13:51] Ahnyanka Delphin claps happily for Jed.
[13:51] Amelie Peng: hello ms ceejay
[13:51] Viv Trafalgar: Would you like a chair?
[13:52] Ceejay Writer: Amelie! So good to see you!
[13:52] Serafina Puchkina: Ahhh, Jed, you didn’t tell me!
[13:52] Ahnyanka Delphin: Miss Amelie! Welcome, my dear! So glad you could join us.
[13:52] Amelie Peng: once everything has rezzed, yes
[13:52] Amelie Peng: hi ms ahnya
[13:52] Jedburgh30 Dagger: I say nothing...
[13:52] Jasper Kiergarten: I'm the keeper of the chairs, so if you need one, let me know :)
[13:52] Viv Trafalgar: Miss Peng needs one
[13:52] Jasper Kiergarten: on it
[13:52] Jasper Kiergarten: :)
[13:53] Ceejay Writer: Amelie, they are special chairs. You wear them. Don't drop them on the floor.
[13:53] Ahnyanka Delphin: For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of meeting Miss Amelie, she's one of our lovely dancers.
[13:54] Bookworm Hienrichs: Good day, Miss Peng
. [13:54] Amelie Peng giggles and waves
[13:54] Ceejay Writer: "She is indeed, and always a pleasure to watch her show."
[13:54] Viv Trafalgar: oooh maybe we have time for a round of What's wrong Wiff Bob
[13:55] Bookworm Hienrichs laughs.
[13:55] Ceejay Writer: Yes please Miss Viv!
[13:55] Viv Trafalgar: Who wants to start?
[13:55] Ceejay Writer: I think Bob's hat is too tight, thus his brain is squished.
[13:55] Viv Trafalgar: nods
[13:55] Ahnyanka Delphin chuckles, "Isn't it wonderful to be so loved, Bob?"
[13:55] Jasper Kiergarten: hi tigs
[13:56] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Miss Oh! I didn't see you!
[13:56] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: now! stop it
[13:56] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: there will be trouble
[13:56] t1g3y Oh: Greetings
[13:56] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hi Tig!
[13:56] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Tigey!
[13:56] t1g3y Oh: My everybody is so tall
[13:56] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: yes they are
[13:56] Viv Trafalgar: we need to get you a box
[13:56] Ceejay Writer: there already WAS trouble, ruffian.
[13:56] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: coz of their silly shoes
[13:57] Viv Trafalgar: that was quite something with the smoke bombs bob
[13:57] Ahnyanka Delphin waves down to Miss Oh.
[13:57] Ceejay Writer: I need to wash my hair now. Twice.
[13:57] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: that wasn't trouble tho! that was fun!
[13:57] Viv Trafalgar: Elle!
[13:57] Viv Trafalgar: Hello!
[13:57] Bookworm Hienrichs: Hello again, Elleon.
[13:57] Ceejay Writer: Hello, Elle!
[13:57] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hi Elle!
[13:57] Elleon Bergamasco: hallo all... visible and not
[13:57] t1g3y Oh: *waves back cheerily*
[13:57] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Elleon
[13:57] Ahnyanka Delphin grins and waves to Elle.
[13:57] Serafina Puchkina: Welcome, welcome
[13:57] Elleon Bergamasco waves at everyone
[13:58] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Miss Galicia!
[13:58] Serafina Puchkina: Welcome
[13:58] Viv Trafalgar: Welcome Miss Galicia!
[13:58] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Hi Blak!
[13:58] Ceejay Writer waves at BlakOpal.
[13:58] blakopal Galicia: hello red
[13:58] blakopal Galicia: hi ceejay
[13:58] Jasper Kiergarten: I have the chairs, should anyone want one
[13:58] Serafina Puchkina: Hi Sylvie
[13:58] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Sylvie! Good to see you!
[13:58] t1g3y Oh: eeps!
[13:58] Bookworm Hienrichs: Hello, Sylvie!
[13:59] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hi Sylvie and Layne!
[13:59] Sylvie Franizzi: Hello everyone!
[13:59] Ahnyanka Delphin gives Miss Laynie a hug, "Welcome doll!
[13:59] Viv Trafalgar: Tigey what would you like to sit on?
[13:59] Ahnyanka Delphin: Sylvie!
[13:59] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Ghilayne
[13:59] Ahnyanka Delphin blows her a kiss too.
[13:59] t1g3y Oh: I was almost smothered!
[13:59] Ceejay Writer: Sylvie, my dear! So glad you are here!
[13:59] Ghilayne Andrew: Hello!
[13:59] t1g3y Oh: my heels
[13:59] t1g3y Oh: ty
[13:59] Viv Trafalgar: we'll give it another minute or two
[13:59] Viv Trafalgar: okies
[13:59] Viv Trafalgar: people are having a little trouble logging in
[13:59] Ceejay Writer: Were there SL issues today?
[14:00] Viv Trafalgar: some
[14:00] Bookworm Hienrichs: Hello, Ghilayne!
[14:00] Viv Trafalgar: we jumped 80k
[14:00] Viv Trafalgar: again
[14:00] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Petunia
[14:00] Viv Trafalgar: welcome!
[14:00] Jasper Kiergarten: hi petunia
[14:00] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Petunia
[14:00] Petunia Schism: Hi all!
[14:00] Serafina Puchkina: Welcome Mr. Ozigard
[14:01] Serafina Puchkina: Please join us
[14:01] Jack Ozigard: hello serafina
[14:01] t1g3y Oh: I'm shorter than Bob ^^
[14:01] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Mr. Ozigard!
[14:01] Serafina Puchkina: If anyone needs a chair, contact Jasper Kiergarten
[14:01] Serafina Puchkina: He's the chair hander outer
[14:01] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Beq!
[14:01] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Beq
[14:01] Ceejay Writer: Beq! Hi sweetie.
[14:01] Redgrrl Llewellyn: hi Beq!
[14:02] Ceejay Writer does that thing we don't mention.
[14:02] Beq Janus: hi all
[14:02] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: hullo shortstuff
[14:02] Jedburgh30 Dagger: ow
[14:02] Wiggy Undertone: Hello Sera :-)
[14:02] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: hi beq!
[14:02] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Wiggy!
[14:02] Serafina Puchkina: Welcome Wiggy
[14:02] t1g3y Oh: Hi BIG BOY
[14:02] Sylvie Franizzi: Ooh, I love your outfit Ceej! It's so cute!
[14:02] Ghilayne Andrew: Hello, Beq... and everyone else coming in.
[14:02] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: HAH!
[14:02] Beq Janus: soory hun
[14:03] Ahnyanka Delphin grins and waves to everyone coming in as she covertly ruffles through her notes.
[14:03] Ceejay Writer: Thank you Sylvie! Ahnya handtailored our skirts!
[14:03] Serafina Puchkina: Hello Mr. Emoto
[14:03] Wiggy Undertone: Hello everyone!
[14:03] Kevin Emoto smiles "howdy"
[14:03] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Sir!
[14:03] Sylvie Franizzi: She is so darn talented! *winks at Ahnya*
[14:03] Serafina Puchkina: Again, if you need a chair, see Jasper
[14:03] Viv Trafalgar: Please make sure you are in close
[14:03] Ahnyanka Delphin waves over to Kevin.
[14:03] Viv Trafalgar: those back corners can get very quiet on the chatline
[14:03] Jasper Kiergarten: anyone without a chair, please let me know
[14:03] Ahnyanka Delphin: Thank you, Sylvie!
[14:03] Kevin Emoto grins and waves back
[14:03] Beq Janus: lovely outfit Jed
[14:04] Jasper Kiergarten: I can't cam around anymore, due to lag, so just IM me :)
[14:04] Jedburgh30 Dagger: thanks!
[14:04] Ceejay Writer starts heading for the stage now since Im walking through treacle.
[14:05] Serafina Puchkina clears her throat
[14:05] Viv Trafalgar: Hello Breezy!
[14:05] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: you talking Ceejay?
[14:05] Serafina Puchkina: Miss Viv and I are pleased to welcome you to the March Aether Salon and know that you will Shimmy! With excitement when you hear this month’s speakers. We sincerely appreciate the support we receive from everyone in the community, and we humbly thank you all.
[14:05] Breezy Carver: hi ☆smiles ☆
[14:05] Jasper Kiergarten: hi breezy
[14:05] Breezy Carver: smiles hello Jasper !
[14:05] Serafina Puchkina: Many fine people have contributed to today’s salon: we are grateful to Miss Ceejay Writer, Miss Breezy Carver, Miss Ahnyanka Delphin, Canolli Capalini of Capalini Fine Furnishings for the chairs, and to Miss Morgan Kincess of Digital Eyes for the craft. Finally, I want to personally thank my most amazing and talented co-host, Viv Trafalgar.
[14:05] Viv Trafalgar: hello viceconsul Lowey!
[14:05] Serafina Puchkina: Unlike other salons, we decided we don't mind audience reaction/participation during the talk - since burlesque is all about engaging and involving the audience.
[14:06] Viv Trafalgar: hehe yay!
[14:06] Ceejay Writer grins.
[14:06] Serafina Puchkina: As a courtesy to all, please turn off everything that feeds the lag monster: all HUDs, scripts, AOs and so on; Miss Viv will severely be miffed if there is the hint of biting, bombs or weapons. You don’t want to see what I will do if I spy a mullet.
[14:06] Annechen Lowey: Hallo.
[14:06] Serafina Puchkina: Mark your calendars for Submersibles! in April, Engines! in May, and Fey! in June. After a brief hiatus, we'll return in September with Airships!, and Haberdashery! In October. We're keeping a log of things “overheard at the salon” on aethersalon.blogspot.com just in case you're looking for a good laugh.
[14:06] Elleon Bergamasco is practically nude already...
[14:06] Viv Trafalgar: Welcome Miss Burton!
[14:06] Sylvie Franizzi eyes Bob
[14:06] Jedburgh30 Dagger: or emus
[14:07] Viv Trafalgar: ((and there will be a July surprise, we think!))
[14:07] Serafina Puchkina: If you would like to join the Aether Salon group and receive notifications of future salon events, click the lower right hand corner of the large brown sign by the entrance. As a reminder, all tip jar donations go directly to the speakers.
[14:07] Serafina Puchkina: Hang on to your hats as I welcome my co-host Miss Viv Trafalgar.
[14:07] Bookworm Hienrichs applauds.
[14:07] Viv Trafalgar: claps for Serafina
[14:07] Serafina Puchkina takes a big breath
[14:07] Ceejay Writer applauds.
[14:07] Viv Trafalgar: Thank you Sera!
[14:07] Jedburgh30 Dagger: claps
[14:07] Ahnyanka Delphin applauds for Miss Sera
[14:07] Eugenia Burton waits to get her bearings before hitting someone with her crutches.
[14:07] Redgrrl Llewellyn: smiles and claps
[14:07] Viv Trafalgar: Ladies and Gentlemen, and Bob...
[14:07] Viv Trafalgar: Our esteemed guests this afternoon are Miss Ahnyanka Delphin and Miss Ceejay Writer.
[14:07] Sylvie Franizzi giggles
[14:07] Ahnyanka Delphin giggles.
[14:08] Viv Trafalgar: Miss Delphin is the proud owner, manger, dancer and jack-of-all-trades at the New Champagne Rooms, a classy vintage burlesque theater. When she’s not kicking up her heels on the stage, she also manages the Shops outside, where she has her own clothing store called Rhapsody Vintage Fashions.
[14:08] Wiggy Undertone: Hello Aqua :-)
[14:08] blakopal Galicia: applauds
[14:08] Ceejay Writer beams proudly at the boss.
[14:08] Elleon Bergamasco claps
[14:08] Viv Trafalgar: Miss Writer is a dancer at the New Champagne Rooms, specializing in sassy, silly routines laden with puns and clever wordplay. When she needs to rest her dancing feet, she writes articles for the Primgraph and Prim Perfect publications.
[14:08] Ahnyanka Delphin gives you a little wink as she flutters her fan.
[14:08] Eugenia Burton settles in by Annechen, uncomfortably looking around for an instant.
[14:08] Viv Trafalgar: She enjoys long walks, absinthe, and avoiding dunks in the canals, with limited success at the latter.
[14:09] Viv Trafalgar: Without further ado, please put your hands together for the ladies of the New Champagne Rooms.
[14:09] Ceejay Writer blushes.
[14:09] Ghilayne Andrew laughs softly.
[14:09] Amelie Peng: yay! *claps*
[14:09] Viv Trafalgar: ::cranks up the hurly burly::
[14:09] blakopal Galicia: claps enthusiastically
[14:09] Rhianon Jameson applauds
[14:09] Ahnyanka Delphin giggles.
[14:09] Elleon Bergamasco: yay]
[14:09] Ahnyanka Delphin smiles over at Miss Viv and Miss Sera. "Thank you for inviting us to join you today!"
[14:09] Serafina Puchkina whispers to the newcomers: welcome and if you need a chair, im Jasper Kiergarten
[14:09] Sylvie Franizzi claps
[14:09] Ceejay Writer feels a bit awkward not breaking into dance while on a stage.
[14:09] Dreddpiratebob Streeter applauds
[14:09] Serafina Puchkina: Yay!!
[14:10] Redgrrl Llewellyn: grins and claps
[14:10] Jedburgh30 Dagger: Woohooo!
[14:10] Ahnyanka Delphin: Miss Ceejay and I thought it would be fun to take you all on a trip through the history of Burlesque, the implications of its impact on gender and let you draw your own conclusions about the art form.
[14:10] Eugenia Burton murmurs to Annechen, "Are you feeling any ill effects?"
[14:10] Ahnyanka Delphin grins over at Ceejay and gives her a nod.
[14:10] Ceejay Writer: The 1840s: The term 'burlesque' came into common usage, and referred to a broad (no pun intended) range of comical plays. "burlesquing" a play was to make fun of not just the play, but the society it represented. No one was immune. Shakespeare was spoofed, as was the singer Jenny Lind, who was wildly popular in her day.
[14:10] Annechen Lowey shakes her head, "Nothing right now."
[14:10] Viv Trafalgar: chuckles
[14:11] Eugenia Burton looks relieved and hushes to listen.
[14:11] Ceejay Writer: The 1860s: In Britain, burlesque had taken a decidedly scandalous turn, relying on shapely women wearing tights. This was in a time when women took great pains to hide their shapes with bustles, hoop skirts, and layers of fluffy fabric.
[14:11] Rhianon Jameson: Thereby surprising many a husband on the wedding night.
[14:11] blakopal Galicia: lol
[14:11] Ahnyanka Delphin is rather fond of scandalous turns...
[14:11] Viv Trafalgar: ::Coughs::
[14:11] Ceejay Writer gazes out over the room filled with bustles, hoop skirts and layers of fluffy fabric, and smiles.
[14:11] Elleon Bergamasco giggles
[14:12] Ceejay Writer: The late 1860s: Lydia Thompson's British burlesque travels to New York, where they performed "Ixion" in 1868. Performers wore tights and performed men's roles.
[14:12] Ghilayne Andrew smiles.
[14:12] Jedburgh30 Dagger: gasp!
[14:12] blakopal Galicia: my my!
[14:12] Ahnyanka Delphin nods over to Ceejay and adds in… “One critic was talking about Lydia Thompson’s British Blondes stating that they were, ‘not like men... unlike women’ "
[14:13] Ceejay Writer nods at Jed, "It's true!"
[14:13] Redgrrl Llewellyn: feigns shock] Never!
[14:13] blakopal Galicia: the hussies!
[14:13] Ahnyanka Delphin: He was also was quoted saying they were "very pretty, very blonde and very unscrupulously clever."
[14:13] Beq Janus: unlike men
[14:13] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: not like you lot then
[14:13] Bookworm Hienrichs chuckles.
[14:13] Redgrrl Llewellyn: nods to Blak and adjusts her garter
[14:13] Ahnyanka Delphin: They used impertinent humor, irreverent songs, revealing costumes and parodies of the masculine gender to draw attention to the power of female sexuality.
[14:13] blakopal Galicia: smiles
[14:13] Jedburgh30 Dagger: Salon?
[14:14] Petunia Schism: I like their style
[14:14] Viv Trafalgar: hehe
[14:14] Ahnyanka Delphin: They often "talked like a man but walked like a woman,” effectively using male clothing and attitudes not to impersonate men but to underscore femininity… calling into question accepted gender roles themselves. [14:14] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: now that sound more like you lot
[14:14] Ceejay Writer is proud to be in this profession.
[14:14] Kordite Eizenberg: "parodies of the masculine gender"?? That sounds naughty.
[14:14] Redgrrl Llewellyn: sounds like Babbage ladies
[14:14] Sylvie Franizzi mentally smacks Bob in the head
[14:14] Ahnyanka Delphin grins impishly as she sneaks behind the dressing screen, leaving the floor to Miss Ceejay.
[14:14] Jedburgh30 Dagger: sounds like some babbage men
[14:14] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: sounds like parroies
[14:14] Ceejay Writer: "Is it any wonder I feel at home in Babbage?"
[14:14] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: *parroties
[14:14] Redgrrl Llewellyn: ::coughlaughs::
[14:15] Ceejay Writer shushes Bob, stifling a laugh.
[14:15] Ceejay Writer: 1880s: The first American-born burlesque star, Mabel Saintley forms "Mme. Rintz's Female Minstrels" and spoofs the male actors of the time.
[14:15] Redgrrl Llewellyn: barely resists the temptation to use her special ocular device
[14:15] Rhianon Jameson nudges Miss Llewellyn. "Willpower, Red!"
[14:15] Ahnyanka Delphin flips the fabric from her bustle over the top of the screen letting it drape across it before the audience. She peeks her head out from behind the curtain for just a moment as she mentions
[14:16] Redgrrl Llewellyn: grins to Miss Jameson and says tightly] trying!
[14:16] Ahnyanka Delphin: Character comedy became a popular draw. One performer by the name of Lillian Shaw, used to portray various styles of women in her acts. Examples of her characters ran from flirtatious, well-dressed young French woman, to a bitter, shabbily dressed, immigrant worker.
[14:16] Ceejay Writer grins at Red. "It's all about control! Or... not."
[14:16] Ahnyanka Delphin: Her portrayal and approach to women's roles and sexual values were complex and often contradictory. Her comedy was often sexually aggressive and challenged some of the limits of what was considered "respectable" performance.
[14:16] Redgrrl Llewellyn: grips her chair
[14:17] Ahnyanka Delphin: Her shows helped erode cultural notions of women as passionless and were often a place where women could come and fantasize about other people's lives, imagine alternatives to Victorian refinement and unleash anger at the limitations of their own lives... all within the confines of what was termed to be a "respectable and refined" presentation.
[14:17] Ceejay Writer shakes her head sadly at 'respectable' and 'refined'.
[14:17] Ceejay Writer: Concurrently, in the 1880's: Men took over burlesque as managers, and began to suppress female wit in favor of dressing them as scantily as the law would allow. The art of titillating instead of being downright lascivious was refined.
[14:18] Redgrrl Llewellyn: boos suppression!
[14:18] Beq Janus: boo
[14:18] Elleon Bergamasco: boooo
[14:18] Redgrrl Llewellyn: blink grins at Beq
[14:18] Ceejay Writer smiles at such an understanding audience!
[14:18] Viv Trafalgar: more wit!
[14:18] blakopal Galicia: mourning loss of lasciviousness
14:18] blakopal Galicia: mourning loss of lasciviousness
[14:18] Ceejay Writer: Variety shows became common. These would typically feature a song and dance number with performers dressed formally, and be riddled with gags. Various comedians, skits, singers and other variety acts would follow. The show would culminate with a one-act musical, "burlesquing" a famous play.
[14:18] Rhianon Jameson tries to spell lasciviousness, and fails.
[14:19] Sylvie Franizzi: silly men
[14:19] Redgrrl Llewellyn: more ti...tips!
[14:19] Viv Trafalgar: lol
[14:19] Viv Trafalgar: naughty red
[14:19] Redgrrl Llewellyn: tries to look remorseful......
[14:19] Redgrrl Llewellyn: fails
[14:20] Ahnyanka Delphin steps back out from the crowd, dressed in men’s attire and tights. “We thought it might be a good idea to give you an example of how women in men’s clothing could be quite…. enticing, so you can see for yourselves.” [14:20] Redgrrl Llewellyn: the very fringes of her control starts to unravel
[14:20] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Oooh!
[14:20] Viv Trafalgar: claps
[14:20] Petunia Schism: WOOO!!!!
[14:20] Jedburgh30 Dagger: wooo!
[14:20] Beq Janus whistles
[14:20] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Looks familiar, Fraulein Genie.
[14:20] Ceejay Writer sticks two fingers in her mouth and whistles.
[14:20] Viv Trafalgar: well done Ahnya
[14:20] Redgrrl Llewellyn: claps and whowhoos!
[14:20] Ahnyanka Delphin giggles as she trips a bit and wanders back up o the stage.
[14:20] Rhianon Jameson whistles.
[14:20] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds
[14:21] Sylvie Franizzi wolf whistles
[14:21] Jedburgh30 Dagger: applauds
[14:21] Serafina Puchkina whistles
[14:21] Redgrrl Llewellyn: builds a banbox in her mind to stand upon and .........umm claps!
[14:21] Ceejay Writer is not at all surprised at how well Miss Ahnya is received.
[14:21] Ahnyanka Delphin: Adding more to what Miss Ceejay was saying, many of these variety acts, especially comedy and burlesque, used the theater as a forum for social criticism.
[14:22] Redgrrl Llewellyn: her eyes are glued to her nether limbs ......shown!
[14:22] Sylvie Franizzi grins broadly at that concept
[14:22] Ahnyanka Delphin chuckles as she gives up the idea of moving and stays on the floor.
[14:22] Viv Trafalgar: yay lag!!
[14:22] Ahnyanka Delphin: They were somewhat subversive and intimidating because of the frequent gender bending acts, as well as the upfront and non-timid sexuality of the female performers.
[14:22] Ceejay Writer nods. "Thus complimenting the audience, acknowledging its sound reasoning and ability to make up its own mind about social issues of the day."
[14:23] Redgrrl Llewellyn: YAY Subversive! and Boo Timidity!
[14:23] Ahnyanka Delphin nods and winks out at you, "This is quite a reflection on the times and shows some of the sexual revolution that’s become a large force in our society."
[14:23] Redgrrl Llewellyn: murmurs to Beq] So modern!
[14:24] Ahnyanka Delphin: But not only were women portraying themselves differently on the stage to draw the crowd, male performers were baring more in various acts of athletics and acrobatics. Some claim it was an attempt to attract more female customers.
[14:24] Beq Janus: So us my dear
[14:24] Elleon Bergamasco: oooooo
[14:24] Rhianon Jameson gasps. "Shameless!"
[14:25] Eugenia Burton: Yay for shirtless boys!
[14:25] Ceejay Writer grins. "Fair is fair!"
[14:25] Ahnyanka Delphin grins mischieviously out at the men in the audience... wondering if any of them wants to do a quick costume change behind her screen...
[14:25] Sylvie Franizzi giggles at the thought of the Seraph boys performing in such a manner.
[14:25] blakopal Galicia: hooray for scantily clad men!
[14:25] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Heh.
[14:25] Ahnyanka Delphin: A reporter in the New York Dramatic Mirror joked about a strongman routine stating, "[His] attire, or rather the scarcity of it, suggests that he might do well to give out, besides his dissertations on how to develop the physique, a few friendly tips on how not to develop pnemonia."
[14:25] Ceejay Writer: "Baron, was that a volunteering sound?"
[14:25] Rhianon Jameson laughs.
[14:25] Redgrrl Llewellyn: oh my!
[14:25] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Nein.
[14:25] Annechen Lowey eyebrows.
[14:25] Viv Trafalgar: aww
[14:25] Ghilayne Andrew grins while fanning herself.!
[14:25] Serafina Puchkina laughs
[14:26] Beq Janus thinks of mud
[14:26] Redgrrl Llewellyn: remembers a certain bare chested wrestling match ...holds off a swoon
[14:26] Eugenia Burton swoons, seeing as she's all weak already.
[14:26] Ahnyanka Delphin grins back at Ceejay and then winks to the baron.
[14:26] Viv Trafalgar: chortles
[14:26] Ahnyanka Delphin: In a later issue, that same reporter observed that the performance "is applauded for an exhibition that if attempted by any woman would be promptly suppressed."
[14:26] Sylvie Franizzi: No doubt.
[14:26] Rhianon Jameson boos
[14:27] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Boo...hisss!
[14:27] KlausWulfenbach Outlander grins, shaking his head
[14:27] blakopal Galicia: bah!
[14:27] Ceejay Writer: "Now see how you all are relaxing a bit, laughing, 'burlesquing' and feeling a bit freeer for that, I might guess?"
[14:27] Redgrrl Llewellyn: nods in agreement
[14:27] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Boo...hisss!
[14:27] KlausWulfenbach Outlander grins, shaking his head
[14:27] blakopal Galicia: bah!
[14:27] Ceejay Writer: "Now see how you all are relaxing a bit, laughing, 'burlesquing' and feeling a bit freeer for that, I might guess?"
[14:27] Redgrrl Llewellyn: nods in agreement
[14:27] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Quite!
[14:28] Viv Trafalgar: yes absolutely
[14:28] blakopal Galicia: yes, yes
[14:28] Ahnyanka Delphin quietly murmurs, "I always did love a man in tights though... I must admit..."
[14:28] Beq Janus nods
[14:28] Viv Trafalgar: bob is feeling incredibly free at this point
[14:28] Redgrrl Llewellyn: feels the fervor similar to a revival tent......
[14:28] Ceejay Writer smiles proudly. "This is what burlesque brings to you. That feeling. That empowerment. That fun."
[14:28] Ceejay Writer takes a deep breath and beams a smile to the audience. “We hope you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the art of burlesque today! Though, we do fully expect you to hoot, holler and whistle at our next show. Please don’t ever become too highbrow for that! We’d be so disappointed!”
[14:28] Amelie Peng rubs her head
[14:28] Serafina Puchkina stands on tippy toe to watch
[14:28] Jedburgh30 Dagger: Bob is just highly discounted
[14:29] Eugenia Burton: Hoooo!
[14:29] Viv Trafalgar: ::whistles::
[14:29] blakopal Galicia: gets out opera glasses
[14:29] Ahnyanka Delphin: Oh so very disappointed!
[14:29] Ceejay Writer smiles at Miss Ahnya, quite proud of her performance today.
[14:29] Serafina Puchkina applauds
[14:29] Beq Janus applauds
[14:29] Rhianon Jameson applauds
[14:29] Redgrrl Llewellyn: polishes her Lorngette
[14:29] Ahnyanka Delphin raises her hat to tip her cane and gives you all a wink.
[14:29] Faythe Aluveaux applauds.
[14:29] Bookworm Hienrichs applauds.
[14:29] Jedburgh30 Dagger: applauds
[14:29] blakopal Galicia: claps with renewed vigor
[14:29] Dreddpiratebob Streeter applauds
[14:29] Ceejay Writer curtseys lightly.
[14:29] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds
[14:29] Wiggy Undertone whistles and claps
[14:30] Rip Wirefly claps
[14:30] Viv Trafalgar: Folks, we're ready for your questions
[14:30] Annechen Lowey applauds.
[14:30] SweetAnnebelle Magic: applauds
[14:30] Sylvie Franizzi claps and smiles
[14:30] Ghilayne Andrew applauds enthusiastically.
[14:30] Eugenia Burton claps as much as her painful condition allows.
[14:30] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: i have a question!
[14:30] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Don't clap with your ankle, then.
[14:30] Viv Trafalgar: anyone other than bob?
[14:30] Breezy Carver: Hi YA Doktor ☆smiles ☆
[14:30] Eugenia Burton smirks.
[14:30] Serafina Puchkina: Bob, what is your question?
[14:31] Doktor Sweetwater: Hallo, Breezy!
[14:31] Redgrrl Llewellyn: ditches her plan to clap with her ankles
[14:31] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: why did ya feel it necessary to use all those long words to talk about girls in their undercrackers?
[14:31] Breezy Carver: ☆smiles ☆
[14:31] Wiggy Undertone: *laughs*
[14:31] Redgrrl Llewellyn: laughs delightedly behind her gloved hand
[14:31] Beq Janus: to confuse the men
[14:31] Rhianon Jameson shakes her head.
[14:31] Viv Trafalgar: Hmph!
[14:31] blakopal Galicia puts her hand in front of her mouth to stifle a snicker
[14:31] Serafina Puchkina snorts
[14:31] Ceejay Writer chortles. "because it proves we have brains and not just bums, bob!":
[14:31] Ahnyanka Delphin chuckles and nods, "Ooh.... lovely answer, Miss Beq!"
[14:31] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: from what i've seen you lot can't keep a decent set of clothes on for more than a minute anyways
[14:32] Serafina Puchkina: Any other questions?
[14:32] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: one more!
[14:32] Bookworm Hienrichs: From what you've seen? Have you been sneaking into the New Champagne Rooms, Bob?
[14:32] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: whys all the blokes sitting funny?
[14:32] Viv Trafalgar: I have a question
[14:32] Ceejay Writer: "Ah, the art is in the tease, so we remove clothing very deliberately to exact a certain reaction. In you Bob, that would be abject horror."
[14:32] Ahnyanka Delphin: Burlesque has always been known for his witty and insightful commentary on the times.. from both men and women...
[14:32] Serafina Puchkina: Yes, Viv, what is your question?
[14:32] Ahnyanka Delphin: Just not small children.
[14:32] Ahnyanka Delphin gives him a wink.
[14:33] Rhianon Jameson laughs at Miss Writer's response.
[14:33] Viv Trafalgar: What kinds of political and social commentary might there be in a performance?
[14:33] Ceejay Writer: You want to take this one, Ahnya?
[14:33] Viv Trafalgar: and was there any burlesquing related to the recent mayoral race?
[14:33] Ahnyanka Delphin: Mostly Burlesque is about challenging perceptions and working to modify the accepted gender roles...
[14:34] Bookworm Hienrichs chokes back a comment.
[14:34] Serafina Puchkina: Interesting!
[14:34] Eugenia Burton: There once was a Doctor called O, who wanted the werewolves to go, So he built up a weapon, the magicks to deafen, and dealt supernaturals a blow.
[14:34] Ceejay Writer: A good parody never forgets its source material, but examines it anew.
[14:34] Redgrrl Llewellyn: AND showing off your purty undercrackers!
[14:34] Eugenia Burton: Like that.
[14:34] Eugenia Burton grins.
[14:34] Serafina Puchkina applauds Miss Burton
[14:34] Ceejay Writer: Eugenia! You have successfully burlesqued!
[14:34] Redgrrl Llewellyn: and fighting suppression
[14:34] Rhianon Jameson pictures the mayoral candidates shimmying, and shivers.
[14:34] Bookworm Hienrichs chuckles.
[14:34] Viv Trafalgar: HAH
[14:35] Viv Trafalgar: a very good group answer!
[14:35] KlausWulfenbach Outlander snorts in amusement
[14:35] Bookworm Hienrichs: I'd say the wrestling was definitely burlesque.
[14:35] Rhianon Jameson: No offense, Baron.
[14:35] Viv Trafalgar: other questions from the floor?
[14:35] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Heh, none taken.
[14:35] Beq Janus: I'm sure the baron would be quite fetching in nipple tassles
[14:35] Ceejay Writer: Indeed, and engaging the audience to participate is part of the fun. You are a perfect audience this way.
[14:35] Eugenia Burton: I'd pay to see that.
[14:35] KlausWulfenbach Outlander blinks
[14:35] Eugenia Burton: I'd pay to see that.
[14:35] KlausWulfenbach Outlander blinks
[14:35] Elleon Bergamasco: will you be having men in your show soon Miss Delphin??
[14:35] Ahnyanka Delphin chuckles and nods, "By being willing to flaunt in the face of society... it allowed men and women to explore options and even fantasies of a different society."
[14:36] Bookworm Hienrichs coughs loudly.
[14:36] Redgrrl Llewellyn: do you think that the witty banter enhances the effect of the performance?
[14:36] Ahnyanka Delphin nods over at Miss Elleon.
[14:36] Ceejay Writer coughs and mutters "Boylesque".
[14:36] Wiggy Undertone chuckles
[14:36] Rhianon Jameson giggles.
[14:36] Viv Trafalgar: ooo
[14:36] Viv Trafalgar: FTW
[14:36] Ceejay Writer: "Oh, Red, absolutely. The banter is very important."
[14:36] Ahnyanka Delphin: As a matter of fact, we will be asking men to join us on the stage!
[14:36] Ghilayne Andrew: When you say a play was burlesqued... was it a contemporary play, or usually something like Shakespeare? Given some of his comedies, he might have been considered burlesque in his time by your definition... just not called that :D
[14:37] Ceejay Writer: Miss Andrew. Anything from Shakespeare to local government laws were ripe for mockery.
[14:37] Redgrrl Llewellyn: i have found that the more amusing the banter and the entendre the more stimulating the performance...and that is always in fine supply at the NCR
[14:37] Ahnyanka Delphin blows a kiss to Capt. Red.
[14:37] Ceejay Writer smiles. "thank you Red. That means a lot to us!"
[14:37] Redgrrl Llewellyn: blushes pink catches it and tucks it in her corset for later
[14:38] Ahnyanka Delphin nods in agreement.

[14:38] Ceejay Writer: Any other questions? Please don't be shy, not around us!
[14:38] Petunia Schism thinks *every* salon should have undercrackers.
[14:38] Redgrrl Llewellyn: whispers to Viv..Bob is asleep....do something!
[14:38] Viv Trafalgar: what did a performer need to own in order to perform
[14:38] Jasper Kiergarten: ha
[14:38] Viv Trafalgar: ::pokes bob with a stick::
[14:39] Viv Trafalgar: her own clothing? Or was that provided?
[14:39] Redgrrl Llewellyn: gah!
[14:39] Ahnyanka Delphin: And it's something that the lovely residents of New Babbage seem to enjoy... so to encourage it, we're going to open a branch of the New Champagne Rooms right here in your very city!"
[14:39] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: oi!
[14:39] Beq Janus: Yay!
[14:39] Eugenia Burton: Hurrah!
[14:39] Elleon Bergamasco applauds
[14:39] Rhianon Jameson: Oh my!
[14:39] blakopal Galicia: bravo!
[14:39] Redgrrl Llewellyn: claps enthusiastically
[14:39] Viv Trafalgar: YAY
[14:39] Viv Trafalgar: When?
[14:39] Ceejay Writer thinks. "Some performers worked as a troupe, and pooled resources. Others had to arrive with their 'dowry' and prove they could supply a full show."
[14:39] Viv Trafalgar: oh wow
[14:39] Sylvie Franizzi grins and applauds
[14:39] Viv Trafalgar: that's expensive
[14:40] Elleon Bergamasco: and what level of society were the performers from? did they just need luscious curves or... ?
[14:40] Viv Trafalgar: Good question Ell
[14:40] Breezy Carver: hummm wonders if they inspired the carnies of today !
[14:40] Elleon Bergamasco: perhaps high society ladies looking for some.... diversion
[14:40] Ahnyanka Delphin: We want to encourage the exploration of performance art of all varieties... from comedy to burlesque... magicians, musicians and fire dancers.
[14:40] Ceejay Writer: "From what I have read, most were middle or lower class folk... but I suspect some rebellious wealthy folk indulged."
[14:41] Ahnyanka Delphin nods at Ceejay.
[14:41] Annechen Lowey: Was the apprenticeship system used in burlesque?
[14:41] blakopal Galicia: i'd imagine there were some of 'means', since it would have been costly to acquire outfits and such
[14:41] Ceejay Writer looks questioningly at Ahnya. "I have not heard of apprenticing. Have you?"
[14:42] Ceejay Writer: (very laggy to type, pardon.)
[14:42] Viv Trafalgar: We have time for two more questions
[14:42] Viv Trafalgar: and then we'll unleash the craft
[14:42] Ahnyanka Delphin: I'm sure it was in some traveling troupes... or "Wheels". Performers worked from obscurity up to becoming headliners.
[14:42] Ceejay Writer smiles gleefully.
[14:42] Eugenia Burton adjusts her mithril bracelet.
[14:42] Redgrrl Llewellyn: claps
[14:43] Viv Trafalgar: other questions?
[14:43] Ahnyanka Delphin: So they would often work under more experienced actors or dancers until they became a full performer in their own right
. [14:43] Redgrrl Llewellyn: unleash the craft! [chants]
[14:43] Ahnyanka Delphin grins impishly, excited to unleash the craft box on the crowd.
[14:43] Viv Trafalgar: hehe
[14:43] Bookworm Hienrichs chuckles.
[14:43] Viv Trafalgar: Allrighty
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: we have a doozy this time
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: thanks to miss Ahnya
[14:44] Beq Janus cheers and whistles for Ahnya and Ceejay
[14:44] Redgrrl Llewellyn: grips her chair again
[14:44] Bookworm Hienrichs applauds.
[14:44] Ghilayne Andrew applauds!
[14:44] blakopal Galicia joins in the chant
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: the fantabulous leader of NCR
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: and Miss Ceejay
[14:44] Petunia Schism: applauds!
[14:44] Sylvie Franizzi applauds loudly
[14:44] Ceejay Writer: "Thank you all! "
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: the wittiest dancer on the floor today
[14:44] Annechen Lowey applauds.
[14:44] Breezy Carver: yay !!
[14:44] Ceejay Writer: Our craft box contains something nice for our .... fans. And, sorry to say, Bob, but there's a homework assignment in there too! I think you'll all find this fun, and something you might want to share with those close to you. *Winks*
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: Thank you both so much!
[14:44] Ahnyanka Delphin bobs a curtsy, "Thank you all!"
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: Cheer!
[14:44] Faythe Aluveaux cheers and claps enthusiastically.
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: this was a great presentation - and a great audience
[14:45] Redgrrl Llewellyn: bobs a curtsy [whips her head around]
[14:45] blakopal Galicia: claps
[14:45] Dreddpiratebob Streeter applauds
[14:45] Eugenia Burton: /clasp
[14:45] SweetAnnebelle Magic: applauds
[14:45] Rhianon Jameson applauds
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: there are two craft boxes
[14:45] Doktor Sweetwater claps
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: one by the gate
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: and one by the stage
[14:45] Ahnyanka Delphin: A fabulous audience! Thank you all for coming today!
[14:45] Redgrrl Llewellyn: are they different?
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: Ceejay, please tell them what they've won...
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: er
[14:46] Ahnyanka Delphin shakes her head at Miss Red.
[14:44] Viv Trafalgar: Cheer!
[14:44] Faythe Aluveaux cheers and claps enthusiastically.
[14:45] Viv Trafalgar: this was a great presentation - and a great audience
[14:46] Redgrrl Llewellyn: oh cool! got mine...[hugs her box]
[14:46] Ceejay Writer: I want to see Bob using his craft box!
[14:46] Sylvie Franizzi laughs
[14:46] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Heh, I think I shall pass.
[14:47] Viv Trafalgar: Sera and I want to see everyone at the ball this weekend using these - we can do a salon fan dance!
[14:47] Eugenia Burton: Oh! I have fans!
[14:47] Eugenia Burton: But.. I can't dance now..
[14:47] Eugenia Burton sniffles.
[14:47] Ceejay Writer: Yes indeed! You have time to practice before the ball.
[14:47] Sylvie Franizzi: I thought the ball was next weekend.
[14:47] Ahnyanka Delphin: I want to thank the phenominal Miss Morgan Kincess of Digital Eyes for donating the fans for you lovely salonistas....
[14:47] Viv Trafalgar: there's something else inside the box-
[14:47] KlausWulfenbach Outlander pats Fraulein Genie's shoulder
[14:47] Redgrrl Llewellyn: thinks we should ask Breezy if we can have a fan dance at the ball
[14:47] Viv Trafalgar: It is! My apologies!
[14:48] Viv Trafalgar: There's a beautiful book provided by miss Delphin
[14:48] Ceejay Writer: Look at Beq go! See how lovely!
[14:48] Ahnyanka Delphin: And I even tucked a little something special into the box for the fellas... oh.. and ladies too!
[14:48] Beq Janus winks at Ceejay
[14:48] Viv Trafalgar: WOO
[14:48] Redgrrl Llewellyn: tips Beq
[14:48] Ceejay Writer: The book is beautiful, and handcrafted by Ahnya.
[14:48] Beq Janus smiles at Red
[14:48] Viv Trafalgar: lol
[14:48] KlausWulfenbach Outlander nods
[14:48] Serafina Puchkina: Don't forget next month's Salon is Submersibles! which is not related *cough* to this month's topic
[14:49] Viv Trafalgar: HAH
[14:49] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: I am certain it is quite well done.
[14:49] Redgrrl Llewellyn: LOL
[14:49] Ceejay Writer blinks and laughs.
[14:49] blakopal Galicia is being killed by lag
[14:49] Redgrrl Llewellyn: brilliant Salon!
[14:49] Penelope Strathearn: *laugh*
[14:49] Serafina Puchkina: Thank you all so very much for your support
[14:49] Redgrrl Llewellyn: grins at Blak...] i saw your chair hopping about!
[14:49] Viv Trafalgar: Exceptional salon - and thank you to such a great audience!
[14:49] Beq Janus: one of the best Ceejay and Ahnya, thoroughly enjoyable, thank you
[14:49] Bookworm Hienrichs applauds again.
[14:49] Sylvie Franizzi: There you go Bob. A salon that does not deal with underthings.
[14:49] Ceejay Writer: Aw, Beq, you are too kind!
[14:49] SweetAnnebelle Magic: applauds
[14:49] Beq Janus: underwater things
[14:49] Jedburgh30 Dagger: applauds!
[14:50] Dreddpiratebob Streeter: bout time
[14:50] Redgrrl Llewellyn: claps loudly and plans on playing with her fans
[14:50] Serafina Puchkina: Brilliant, Ahnya and Ceejay, just brilliant!! Woo!
[14:50] Ahnyanka Delphin: Than you all for having us! You're darlings. Feel free to stop by the glass in the back if you want to take a photo bathed in champagne...
[14:50] Viv Trafalgar: We will be giving the Speakers Fund to these two brilliant performers in just a moment - our way of saying thanks so much
[14:50] Ahnyanka Delphin gives you a wink.
[14:50] Redgrrl Llewellyn: when is the NCR opening in Babbage?
[14:50] Ahnyanka Delphin: Than you all for having s! You're darlings. Feel free to stop by the glass in the back if you want to take a photo bathed in champagne...
[14:50] Viv Trafalgar: We will be giving the Speakers Fund to these two brilliant performers in just a moment - our way of saying thanks so much
[14:50] Ahnyanka Delphin gives you a wink.
[14:50] Redgrrl Llewellyn: when is the NCR opening in Babbage?
[14:50] Viv Trafalgar: for a stunning and educational presentation
[14:51] Ceejay Writer: May 4th, is it Ahnya? *is distracted by Beq*
[14:51] Elleon Bergamasco claps belatedly
[14:51] Beq Janus wonders if Bob watched Girls Aloud at the brits
[14:51] Sylvie Franizzi: I think everyone's distracted by Beq.
[14:51] Bookworm Hienrichs chuckles.
[14:52] Bookworm Hienrichs snags a shot of Beq dancing.
[14:52] Ahnyanka Delphin: The first week in April! Keep your ears out and I'll be shouting it from the highest roof tops.
[14:52] Ceejay Writer: April 4th opening, indeed! Thanks Rip. :)
[14:52] Elleon Bergamasco: many wishes of good luck in your preparations then
[14:52] Rip Wirefly grins
[14:52] Eugenia Burton: Oh, wonderful!
[14:52] Ahnyanka Delphin flashes a grin as she watches Beq shimmy...
[14:52] Redgrrl Llewellyn: is tempted to put on her Thad reindeer tophat and charge her
[14:52] Viv Trafalgar: Don't forget the ball! March 28 - and the April 4th opening of NCR!
[14:52] Ceejay Writer: If you have a talent... come talk to us!
[14:53] t1g3y Oh: I'd like to audition for the Champagne; but i don't believe anyone will be able to spot me behind those big fans :p
[14:53] Ahnyanka Delphin nods at Miss Ceejay.
[14:53] Ahnyanka Delphin grins over at Miss Oh.
[14:53] Viv Trafalgar: Loves the idea of tiny burlesque
[14:53] Ceejay Writer: We could build a pedestal, perhaps!
[14:53] Ahnyanka Delphin: We'll just have to find you some little ones...
[14:53] Breezy Carver: laughing tinys cant do that can they ??
[14:53] Ceejay Writer: tiny burlesque..... hmmm.
[14:53] Elleon Bergamasco giggles in delight at the thought of tiny burlesque
[14:54] t1g3y Oh: *snickers*
[14:54] Breezy Carver: ponders the animations ??
[14:54] Viv Trafalgar: tinys have the snark down already
[14:54] Redgrrl Llewellyn: ponders on the pasties
[14:54] Annechen Lowey: Breakthroughs in social commentary, indeed!
[14:54] Beq Janus winks at Jed
[14:54] Viv Trafalgar: bwahaha
[14:54] blakopal Galicia: hahaha
[14:55] Viv Trafalgar: We're happy to give NCR the speakers' fund of 4775L - with thanks so much from a grateful audience
[14:55] Redgrrl Llewellyn: sorry...[grins] couldn't help myself
[14:55] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds
[14:55] Serafina Puchkina applauds
[14:55] SweetAnnebelle Magic: applauds
[14:55] Ceejay Writer: Wow, thank you all! That's generous, and will be used 100% to keep the NCR clubs going!
[14:55] Serafina Puchkina: Thank you all so much! Thank you speakers!
[14:55] Viv Trafalgar: claps for the beautiful, witty ladies
[14:55] Sylvie Franizzi: Huzzah! Well done, ladies!
[14:55] Ghilayne Andrew applauds!
[14:55] Ahnyanka Delphin: You are all so generous, thank you for being darlings!
[14:55] Redgrrl Llewellyn: brilliant! thank you!
[14:55] Jedburgh30 Dagger: Applauds!
[14:55] Ghilayne Andrew: Thank you for the beautiful craft boxes.
[14:56] Elleon Bergamasco applauds wildly
[14:56] Rip Wirefly applauds
[14:56] blakopal Galicia: brilliant and enlightening
[14:56] Redgrrl Llewellyn: Mr. Eizenberg! good day!
[14:56] Ceejay Writer: And might I mention our next show is Monday night at 10pm slt!
[14:56] blakopal Galicia: claps
[14:56] Beq Janus stares at the large glass of champagne that she hadn't previously seen
[14:56] Ghilayne Andrew: Ceejay, do you put those on the calendar?
[14:56] Kordite Eizenberg: Ms. Llewellyn. Always a pleasure.
[14:56] Serafina Puchkina: I am surprised no one is in the glass yet!
[14:56] Ceejay Writer: Beq... take a swim!
[14:56] Viv Trafalgar: yes - there is wonderful photo op over there!
[14:56] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Heh.
[14:57] Ceejay Writer: Yes... everyone should try it out and snap a pic, just for fun.
[14:57] Redgrrl Llewellyn: please dear, call me Red..[grins] and i would say that same! congratulations on your writing award!
[14:57] Bookworm Hienrichs: Yes, who will be first to be in their cups?
[14:57] Bookworm Hienrichs grins.
[14:57] Viv Trafalgar: haha
[14:57] Kordite Eizenberg: Thank you. Now, if only I could get published in RL.
[14:57] Ceejay Writer: Ghylayne, no, since they are out-of-babbage.
[14:57] Redgrrl Llewellyn: darn...wanted to join Beq!
[14:57] Ceejay Writer: But we have a ning, at newchampagnerooms.ning.com, with upcoming events listed.
[14:57] Serafina Puchkina: Yay, Beq!
[14:57] Redgrrl Llewellyn: i know the feeling...i've only had recipes published [grins]
[14:58] KlausWulfenbach Outlander notes down the address for the reading list
[14:58] Ahnyanka Delphin giggles at Beq's bubbles.
[14:58] Eugenia Burton painfully unlimbers herself from the blue chair, wincing.
[14:58] Ahnyanka Delphin: Please stop by and say hi on the ning, we'd love to see you there.
[14:58] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Shall I take it back now, Fraulein Genie?
[14:58] Eugenia Burton: If you would, my dear Hero. Thank you for it.
[14:59] Beq Janus: never one to pass up a free champagne bath
14:59] Ahnyanka Delphin gazes sympathetically at Miss Burton.
[14:59] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Bitte.
[14:59] Breezy Carver: laughs !