Queen's Edict #3: "Femininity"

This is a cover of the Scopitone Video of Donna Theodore singing "Femininity" - special thanks to Spike Scopitones for the advice! The original is located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rgbg0INRD4

This is not exactly an edict per se, as there is no directive or call to action. It does, however, embody the principles of absurdity, curiosity, and variety inherent in the practice of femininity and masculinity. Enjoy this ode to post-post-modern anti-analysis with love from the Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Miss Indigo Blue

Featuring the Stage Door Johnnies and a cameo by Julie Atlas Muz.

The Queen's Edict #2: "Friendly Competition"

Showgirl Accounting, Part 1: Donating Performances & Tax Deductions

Hi darlings,

Donating performances is an AWESOME way to be involved in your community, get more exposure to new audiences, and get more stage time.  However, the value of your performance is not tax-deductible - even if you're donating it to a Non-Profit Organization.

REPEAT: donated performances (aka "services") are *NOT* tax-deductible.

If someone offers you a performance opportunity, and one of the "benefits" is that you can deduct the value of your guarantee, they are WRONG.  They should be directed to this helpful information from the IRS Brochure #526:

_______________________________________________________

Contributions

You Cannot Deduct

There are some contributions you cannot deduct. There are others you can deduct only part of.

You cannot deduct as a charitable contribution:

1. A contribution to a specific individual,

2. A contribution to a nonqualified organization,

3. The part of a contribution from which you receive or expect to receive a benefit,

4. The value of your time or services,

5. Your personal expenses

_______________________________________________________________

According to my savvy tax accountant, it's often best to just think of the performance as a straight up donation.  The other option is to receive payment, then donate it back to the organization.  Unfortunately, the payment *is* income, and you're taxed on it anyway.

"To start, payments to performers, whether made by a for-profit or a non-profit company, are all considered taxable income to the recipient (both for income and self-employment taxes).  If the performer receives the payment, they have to claim that payment as income on their tax return.  If they turn right around and donate it back to the non-profit, that would be considered a charitable donation and could be claimed as a deduction if the performer itemizes their deductions on Schedule A of their return.

If the performer waives payment, meaning they never receive any payment from the non-profit, then there is no income to claim on their return because they did not receive any money.   However, because they did not receive any income, they do not get to take a deduction on their tax return for the waived payment because a deduction can be taken only when money was actually paid out, and in this case no money came in and no money went out. 

So if a performer wants to donate their performance, the best way to do that is to waive their payment rather than getting paid and donating it back so that they avoid paying income and self-employment taxes on income that they then turn around and return to the non-profit.   If they waive their payment, they have donated their time to the non-profit, which is a nice thing but, just like other service donations (i.e. volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping with a charity auction), is not deductible."


I had to read it twice.  Once out loud, just to be clear.  -sigh-  The good news is, if you're looking for a deduction on your taxes *somewhere* that will help to compensate for the expenses related to your donated performance, you're in luck - as long as you itemize.  Make sure that they write you a letter stating what you have donated and what (if anything) they provided to you in exchange.  That will allow you to deduct your expenses related to the event.:

Again quoting from the IRS Brochure:

 ____________________________________________________

Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Giving Services

Although you cannot deduct the value of your services given to a qualified organization, you may be able to deduct some amounts you pay in giving services to a qualified organization. The amounts must be:

• Unreimbursed,

• Directly connected with the services,

• Expenses you had only because of the services you gave, and

• Not personal, living, or family expenses.

Uniforms - You can deduct the cost and upkeep of uniforms that are not suitable for everyday use and that you must wear while performing donated services for a charitable organization.
(Indigo's note - if you've already deducted the costs of the purchase/cleaning of this costume elsewhere, you can't deduct it again here)

 Travel - Generally, you can claim a charitable contribution deduction for travel expenses necessarily incurred while you are away from home performing services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel. This applies whether you pay the expenses directly or indirectly. You are paying the expenses indirectly if you make a payment to the charitable organization and the organization pays for your travel expenses.
(Indigo's note - that includes bus fares, taxi, and subway - save your receipts!  Write the date & purpose on the ticket or in a log book!)

Car expenses.   You can deduct unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of gas and oil, that are directly related to the use of your car in giving services to a charitable organization. You cannot deduct general repair and maintenance expenses, depreciation, registration fees, or the costs of tires or insurance.

If you do not want to deduct your actual expenses, you can use a standard mileage rate of 14 cents a mile to figure your contribution. You can deduct parking fees and tolls, whether you use your actual expenses or the standard mileage rate.You must keep reliable written records of your car expenses.

(Indigo's note - I keep a notebook in my car and write down the start/end mileage and what I'm doing.  Keep your parking receipts!)

Deductible travel expenses. These include:

• Air, rail, and bus transportation,

• Out-of-pocket expenses for your car,

• Taxi fares or other costs of transportation between the airport or station and your hotel,

• Lodging costs, and

• The cost of meals. Because these travel expenses are not business-related, they are not subject to the same limits as business related expenses. For information on business travel expenses, see Travel in Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

If you render services to a qualified organization and have unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses related to those services, the following three rules apply.

1. You must have adequate records to prove the amount of the expenses.

2. You must get an acknowledgment from the qualified organization that contains:

a. A description of the services you provided,

b. A statement of whether or not the organization provided you any goods or services to reimburse you for the ex- penses you incurred,

c. A description and a good faith estimate of the value of any goods or services (other than intangible religious benefits) provided to reimburse you, and

3. You must get the acknowledgment on or before the earlier of:

a. The date you file your return for the year you make the contribution, or

b. The due date, including extensions, for filing the return.

___________________
Donating is fun, good for you and good for your community.  But having a balance is also important.  Make sure you're taking care of your financial needs, and taking advantages of the tax deductions offered to you.


Happy Performing!


Love & Tassels,
Indigo

An Edict From The Queen

The first edict has been issued!  Watch it here!

Thoughts on Job Title of "Reigning Queen of Burlesque"

Some of my friends and colleagues here in Seattle have been teasing me about how I like to turn everything into a project.  It's kind of true.  I think of myself as an "idea girl".  I'm excited by new ideas. And I'm thrilled by the potential of this title, by the potency of this time, and by the power each of us have to make a difference through Burlesque.

So, the first thing I'm doing in this job is writing my job description.  For research purposes, this month I met with Lamalani, International Ms. Leather 2009, and Aleksa Manilla, Empress Olympia XXXV to discuss the duties and responsibilities of the titleholders in their organizations. The pageantry guidelines of the Seattle Imperial Court are very detailed and official.  They provide an interesting perspective on how a title can be used for fundraising and visibility.  Although the IMSL organization does not have their Titleholder Duties online, Lamalani shared a paper copy with me that she received from IMSL 2008 Hobbit.  I've been reviewing these for ideas about what kinds of things might be applicable to the Burlesque population. Next, I intend to talk to many of the Former Queens of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World Titleholders about their ideas on title duties.  As you can imagine, there is more to come. 

Meanwhile, this month I am performing at the Colorado Burlesque Festival and the Toronto Burlesque Festival, and teaching a new Burlesque 101 class here in Seattle with The Shanghai Pearl and Miss Viva Las Vegas 2011 Inga Ingenue.  Oh, yeah, and planning BurlyCon.

If you have any thoughts about what the duties of the Reigning Queen of Burlesque should be, please email me at suggestionbox@missindigoblue.com

Love and Tassels,

Indigo Blue

Vagina (Pride)

Vagina.  Pride.  Two of my favorite things.  What better than to have a tea date with The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins during Seattle's Pride Weekend?  We lounged in the yard sipping tea for the single actual hour of sun that appeared this afternoon.

First of all: I'm completely delighted to be informed by Vagina about the existence of an amazing, accessible collection of Burlesque memorabilia at Ohio State University's Library.  The archive contains memorabilia from Lili St. Cyr and Rose La Rose, including, according to Vagina, the stage drawings and set descriptions of all Rose's performers at her club... for years!  It is my dream and hope that someday, the paper archives and ephemera of the Burlesque Hall of Fame will also be indexed, accessible, and available to the public.

Second of all: Vagina got a special preview of the rough cut of "The Queen's Edict: #1" which will be released on July 2 on YouTube.  I'm pleased she was amused.

Third of all: I'm completely honored to be performing in the Pre-Pride show on Sunday June 26 at 10:30 a.m., with the sexy accompaniment of The Original Twins!

Love & Tassels,
Indigo Blue

Thoughts on my first 5 days as The Reigning Queen of Burlesque

Dear Darlings,

Aside from eating bon-bons and having my hand kissed by passers-by, I have been hard at work crafting Royal Edicts to issue.  Fear not, they're forthcoming.

Ha! But seriously. This week has been mostly awestruck moments of gratitude, seemingly endless unpacking, and long congratulatory phone calls with my family.  I have managed to get some actual "work" done, however:

Along with several brilliant PR advisors, I have written a series of press releases designed to bring attention to the Burlesque Hall of Fame, targeted to different communities of interest.  We are working on a Public Relations and Media plan that is designed to leverage the title of Reigning Queen of Burlesque to the benefit of the Burlesque Hall of Fame and Museum.  And, in the next few weeks, I will be meeting with members of the Board of BHoF to see how I can help meet their larger goals.

My immediate objectives are:

1. Support the Kickstarter campaign for the film "Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival", which stands to be the most useful and important fundraising vehicle for BHoF.  Please donate today! http://kck.st/mPbTLR

2. Continue to promote and plan the 4th BurlyCon Burlesque Convention in Seattle scheduled for Oct 20-24.  Early Bird registration rates end June 15!http://www.burlycon.org/

3. Meet with members of the Leather and Drag communities to research how their titles are used for the benefit of the communities, and see if there are duties and responsibilities that are applicable to our community.

4. Wear my tiara at all possible events, including TODAY at the screening of Tournee for the Seattle International Film Festival!

5. Create a new email address "suggestionbox@missindigoblue.com" (active on Monday) for all of your ideas about what the RQOB should do this year!

In the meantime, I'm also back at work teaching at the Academy, performing at private events in Seattle, and planning my trip to Denver for the Colorado Burlesque Festival in July.

I can't say enough how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the community.  It is a tremendous honor. I'm sending love, tassels, and big wet Roxi D'lite flavored kisses to you all.

Indigo Blue

The Reigning Queen of Burlesque

Miss Exotic World 2011

Thoughts on my first 5 hours as the Reigning Queen of Burlesque

The sun is rising over the Las Vegas Strip and it's beautiful. Good Morning!

 About a month ago I wrote some of my thoughts down about what the Burlesque Hall of Fame means to me.  It was amazing and validating to hear *BOB* voice so much of the same sentiment in her opening talks on Friday night.  I've been buzzing with energy all night, and I wanted to share these thoughts. 

It's been 20 years since I started stripping, and over 30 since I started dancing.  But 10 years ago I made my first pilgrimage to the old goat ranch in Helendale, CA.  When I first walked into the museum in the trailer and saw 8x10 after 8x10 after 8x10 of hundreds of women with wardrobe, gimmicks, props, and stage names I'd never heard of, I (like *BOB* and many others) realized these were my ancestors. These were my foremothers, the founding females of this unique American art form. And as I have continued to study, learn, and teach, I see them as part of a much longer line of wise women: mystical alchemists with sexual magic and tremendous potency and power. 

We younger performers have a rare opportunity that will not last long; to get to know these foremothers, to honor their history by learning their stories.  I believe we should see them less as untouchable legends and more as potential friends: wise, seasoned, fun & experienced older people who performed in a different time and have experiences, jokes, and stories to share.

None of us are perfect. We may wish to pay homage and make mistakes. We may think we are unique and overlook our community. We are all, young and old, seeking our own place in whatever this community is and continues to become.  

My prayer and my wish is that we find our place, each and every one of us, standing squarely on our own two stilettos, holding the rhinestoned gloved hand of the performer next to us, smiling to our appreciative and delighted audiences, tassels twirling until the last footlight goes out.  

To that end, I offer my deep appreciation to all of those whom I have encountered in my journey thus far.  I am honored to serve the Burlesque Hall of Fame and the community, and I intend to do you all proud.

Love, gratitude, and tassels

Miss Indigo Blue

Blue Night With The RedBone

Tonight I was the opening act for Jazz legend Leon Redbone, who looks EXACTLY like the picture on his Wikipedia page.  I'm not sure if the Kirkland Performance Center attendees knew that they were getting a Burlesque act to open for their laid back blues coot, but boy did they get a cooch show.  It was delightful to have the dapper accompaniment of both Paris Original and Trojan Original.  Gee, can those boys ever work a tux!