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