Corsets and Cuties – A Burlesque Cabaret – #flawless

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Corsets and Cuties has a Fringe show this year titled Flawless in the black venue which is in “The Venue”, (511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803). When I arrived for the dress rehearsal, everyone was working their way through the final dance number. With that worked out they then started to get into their outfits. Corsets had to be laced. Barbie Rhinestone leaned forward as another dancer pulled the laces tight. “Can you breath?” she was asked. When she said “Yes”, the laces got pulled tighter. Each corset had a different letter on the front, like an O, and a T. The letters finally made sense when all the dancers lines up on stage and spelled Strong.

Some numbers were outright hilarious. This is burlesque with a comic twist and it will shock and amaze you. The group numbers celebrated all that is good about Orlando. You kind of expect delays and some glitches in a rehearsal and there was a problem back stage between numbers. A workman in a black hoodie came out tightening screws with a drill. Well the worker turned out to be a performer, and a sexy one at that. In one dance, a guy sat in a chair and a female performer did a handstand and leg split right in front of him. He was supposed to grab her hips but he grabbed her legs. They had to do the move over again, and then one more time during the performance. 

If you want a lighthearted and fun Fringe evening, then I would suggest  stopping out to the Black Venue for Flawless.

Show Times:

Price: $12

Thursday May 18, 2017 at 11:59pm

Sunday May 21, 2017 at 10:30pm

Wednesday May 24, 2017 at 9:00pm

Thursday May 25, 2017 at 11:59pm

Sunday May 28, 2017 at 9pm

The Corsets and Cuties 2nd Annual Amateur Contest & Holiday Kick Off.

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 I was invited to a Corsets and Cuties dress rehearsal on Wednesday 8-17 at The Venue (511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803) from 8pm to 10pm. It was three months since the Pulse shooting, and the venue was richly decorated with rainbows, and an Orlando Rising banner. Even as performers stripped, the banner reminded one, to never forget.

The Corsets and Cuties performers always bring lively tongue in cheek humor to their performances. Laughter, set them apart from other burlesque troops I have sketched. Rainbow skirts flew off of hips and fluttered to the floor. This see me an appropriate way to honor the spirits  of the young men and women who were dancing and celebrating life when insanity cut their lives short.

The next Corsets and Cuties performance is the 2nd Annual Amateur Contest & Holiday Kick Off, on November 18th. Doors open at 9 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, and $20 at the door. The Cuties are opening the show, and then inviting contestants to the stage for audience votes. The audience chooses the winner who
earns their place as the Cuties guest star in our Spring Show! Then the Cuties
take over to kick off the holiday season!

Base Orlando keeps pushing the boundries of themed Body Painting.

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I arrived at BASE Orlando “British Invasion” Body Painting Show at the Majestic Event Center, (801 North John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL) a bit early so I could watch the talented body painters transforming models into living works of art. I immediately decided to focus on Nix Herrera who was painting a group of model to camouflage them against a British flag. A camera was set up on a tripod and from the camera’ vantage point the models blended in perfectly with the flag. The artists had to consult the came often to be sure they were on track.

Some of Orlando’s top entertainers also be performed on stage throughout the evening. Entertainment included BalaChandra Belly Dance,
Corsets and Cuties, and
Rock Hard Revue
Team Rush.Vendors were also set up around the venue so there was plenty of art and fashion. For me, the event is always an exciting and challenging sketch opportunity, as I document the models who are transformed as I sketch.

BASE brings together the talents of renowned Face and Body
Painter Mandi Ilene who has been painting for over a
decade, and Photographer Robert Johnston. From humble
beginnings of face painting at princess parties, Mandi was inspired to
see the entire body as a canvas and potential work of art. Since then,
she has won multiple face and body painting awards, painted across the
state, on cruise ships and in the Bahamas and currently does face
painting in Orlando. Mandi and her dynamic team now bring their work
together at BASE Orlando for an imaginative experience unlike anything
else.

After her community of body painters spent years
gathering in bars or homes to practice and exhibit their art, Mandi
founded BASE in an effort to reach out to a wider audience and produce a
complete art show. After many wildly successful events, Mandi and her
team continue to offer visitors a remarkable experience through their
one-of-a-kind collection of local artists and performers.

Mark your calendars! On January 14th, Base Orlando will present the Steampunk Body Paint Art Show at the Majestic Event Center. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are $11.54 to $27.37. I’m excited about the Steampunk Show. I can already imagine the women being transformed into exotic mechanized creatures. Since the event features artwork on nude models, all guests should be over 18.

Corsets and Cuties ring in the Holidays at The Venue.

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Tonight at 9pm, Corsets and Cuties will be performed their Holiday Show at The Venue
(511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Florida). I went to the dress rehearsal, or should I say, undress rehearsal to get a sketch. This talented burlesque troop always delivers a unique combination of class and sass. Many of the routines are laugh out loud funny while other performers have golden voices that can belt out Broadway quality tunes.

A unique addition to the show this year was Serafina on the silks. She tested out the violet silks before the run through of the show. The distance from floor to ceiling is a bit shorter than she is used to, so she modified her routine to compensate. She does this death defying drop that caused one of the dancers to scream from the back of the theater. The silks caught her just inches before her skull crashed to the stage.

Every man knows what his woman really wants for Christmas, which is of course his junk in a box. This holiday favorite always delivers laughs. This routine might be followed by a song by a sexy Mrs. Claus, or another routine in which Mrs. Claus strips after having too much to drink. From the opening number to the grand finale this show packs in the surprises while delivering plenty of sexy holiday cheer.

Tickets are $18 at the door and as of the writing, the show isn’t yet sold out so this might be your lucky day. The Venue’s doors open at 9pm and the show starts at 10pm. If you arrive a bit early there are drinks available for purchase in the lobby.

Corsets and Cuties Halloween Burlesque

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Corsets and Cuties will be performing a Halloween Burlesque show at Gods and Monsters, 5250 International Drive; Suite E8, Orlando, Florida, on 

Friday, October 23 at 10:00pm.

The She-Devils of Corsets and Cuties dare you to step out of your comfort zone and feast your eyes on the flesh of the damned.

If you have seen the Cuties perform before, you know to expect the
unexpected. However, the voluptuous beauties are bringing a touch of
the macabre to the stage. Demons, Zombies, and Vampires will titillate
your fancy. But be careful. You may leave your heart behind.

This sketch is from a Corsets and Cuties performance at a BASE Orlando body painting showcase.

In this performance, Barbie Rhinestone shyly took to the stage and sat in the chair. She was in trench coat and she seemed surprised to be surrounded by an audience. Babs shouted from the crowd, “You go girl!  The music kicked in and Barbie made a shy half hearted attempt at shaking her shoulders. The crowds wild, encouragement got her to stand up and use her hips a bit. Then garments were discarded with a sensual flourish while her bright pink hair whipped free. Corsets and Cuties performances are always outlandish and hilarious. 

 
Advance tickets. 
Tickets are $15 at the door.
18+
Please park on the south side of Artegon Mall. Gods & Monsters is located directly behind Sheplers.

Drip Art Night adds a splash of color to Orlando’s art scene.

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On February 26th, I went to the Drip Local Art Night to sketch. Drip is located at 8747 International Dr. Ste 102, Orlando, Fl right behind Denny’s and Senor Frogs. Brit Lytle was body Painting an attractive model whose breast became the eyes of an owl. Artist Janae Corrado was exhibiting her mysterious and dark fanciful paintings. She seems to exhibit her art at every event that I sketch. She sets up early and breaks down her exhibit with an enviable ease. At this event she worked on one of her paintings when she wasn’t talking to prospective clients. Kristen Lockhart who organized the event set up a Drip community art project which allowed anyone to channel their inner Jackson Pollack by pouring paint onto a large panel.

BalaChandra Belly Dance performed several acts during the evening, along with Corsets and Cuties, a Burlesque Cabaret. The burlesque was staged near the bar with sly smiles becoming the drinkers to loosen up and have more fun. Staging a strip tease in the round must present intimidating challenges since it becomes hard to discreetly cover private parts that are only meant to be unveiled for the final climax. Music was supplied by Frank Asaurus Fresh who was the DJ from 8:00-10:00. Artist could keep 90% of all art sales while DRIP got 10%. This is a great way to meet some of Orlando’s best visual artist while experiencing lively and fun dance and burlesque. Many artists who said they wanted to participate ended up being no-shows. I can’t believe any artist would pass on this fun way to showcase their work. One of my DRIP sketchbooks was sold which justified the time spent designing that print on demand book.

Corsets and Cuties bring belly laughs to burlesque at Fringe.

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Double Tree Productions presents Corsets and Cuties a Burlesque Cabaret in the Black Venue (The Venue) at this year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival. I went to one of their earlier shows at 10:30pm to sketch. What Babs and her troupe do is make burlesque fun and classy in equal measure. A three foot long sausage with balls on the male dancer might not be classy, but it is laugh out loud fun. He also did a number to the song Kriptonite in superman pajamas. When he stripped behind his long red cape, the women in the audience went crazy. He did turn around but kept part of the cape covering his midsection at all times just like the drapery in a Michelangelo.

I love the Three Belly dancers who performed a James Bond themed belly dance.  Theirs is a graceful class act. I wanted to catch their graceful gestures but my sketch was already crowded with performers. Their was a magical effect created by the blue footlights that I would have loved to catch. Sometimes I wish my right hand could move a whole lot faster (for sketching).

The number about the history of the brazier featured Babs in a costume that had impossibly large pillowy breasts. Jaimz wore a German Tirolean costume and the routine has to be seen to be believed. I laughed so hard my sides hurt. The big reveal would often happen with a performer’s back to the audience and these performers understand the art of the tease. Performers walked out into the audience and dollar bills would be stuffed into crevices. As the whole troupe took their final bow, a fist full of dollars rained down on the stage. The show is sponsored by Premier Couples Superstore. Every evenings show is different so there are always surprises.

Corsets and Cuties add some spice to the holiday season.

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I went to a dress rehearsal or should I say, an undress rehearsal for Corsets and Cuties at Danceworks on Curry Ford Road. Snow was blanketing most of the country while the cast gathered outside the dance studio waiting for an aerobics dance class to end. Each dancer clutched her costumes for the night. Exhaling, I could faintly see my breath. One dancer was really under the weather trying to recover from a cold or flu. Three new dancers had joined the cast. One lamented that all her co-workers were planning to go to the show to see her in her birthday suit.

When the class let out, the Cuties stormed the dressing room. Producer and performer Jaimz Dillman acted as the announcer. She explained that the show consisted of some well rehearsed favorites and some new acts that stayed with the holiday season theme. Blue tarps were duck taped over the front windows as the cast changed. A large group number opened the show and then there were a series of solo performances. Many performers sang as well as danced, confirming that there is some major talent in this show. Feathers and baubles flew to the floor along with clothing.

Some acts were laugh out loud funny, like the Junk in a Box routine. Two cuties sat in their 60s styled negligee and they were seduced by two male admirers holding gift boxes at their hips.  When the girls finally got a look inside, their shocked expressions were priceless. Two huge dildos sat nestled inside. Marisa Ashley Quijano acting as one of the men, thrust her box braced hips so hard that the top popped off to hilarious effect. She also later did a “Blue Christmas” number where she shed her white polar fleece jacket to show off her sexy blue lace outfit.

The Corsets and Cuties show on Saturday November 22nd at The Venue (511 Virginia Drive Orlando FL) is SOLD OUT.  Having experienced the fun and craziness of their rehearsals, I can understand why.

Corsets and Cuties Brings a Lush Cabaret and Burlesque to The Venue

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On July 23rd I went to a rehearsal for a Double Trouble Production of Corsets and Cuties, a Burlesque Cabaret. I made the mistake of first going to The Venue. Luckily I was a bit early and when I looked at the calendar on my cell phone, I realized I was supposed to be at Dreamworks Dance Studio a couple of miles away. The Dance studio is in a strip mall right next to Clemmons Produce Plaza which had huge watermelons in the window. When I arrived at Dreamworks, I found Babs and her husband waiting at the door to the dance studio. Babs is a producer of the show, along with Lady Jaimz. It turns out, I had sketched Babs before at a body painting party at DRIP on International Drive. Her talents had turned her model into a glittering white pixie fairy.

As we waited for someone to arrive with a key, it began to pour. Thankfully we were under cover. Performers who arrived late however were soaked along with their costumes. When one performer arrived, she complained that she had stabbed herself on the porcupine quills that were sticking out of a pocket in her purse. Now that is an occupational hazard you don’t hear about very often. I can’t imagine what kind of costume would require porcupine quills. I once took a survey to find out which Indian spirit animal I most resembled. It turns out I am a porcupine.  The porcupine walks through the world with quiet confidence. He is keenly aware of his surroundings and always prepared. He protects himself with authority without being outwardly aggressive.

I helped cover the front windows of the dance studio with tarps since there would be partial nudity at times.  It was Bab’s birthday and performers showered her with flowers and balloons. The back dressing room became a buzz of activity as the women and one male performer got into costumes. Corsets were tightened and glitter and feathers were everywhere. Risa Risqué is the performer who was kind enough to arrange my sketch outing. I spotted her in the audience of Legally Blonde way up in Eustis. She has a tattoo of tiny angels wings nestled between her shoulder blades. It is one of the classiest tattoos I’ve seen. I’ve often wondered what image I could commit to for the remainder of my life and as a visual artist my tastes change too often. I sketched Risa as she adjusted her frilly svelte costume in the mirror. I then focused on Lady Jaimz as she introduced the show. I figured she would return center stage between acts giving me multiple chances to refine her sketch. I was right.

Frank arrived. He is a blow up doll that is integral to Bab’s first number.  He was a bit flaccid when he first arrived, so she had to blow him up until he was rock hard. The inflation nipple isn’t locate where you would expect it to be. It was in the small of his back. He was a marvelous dance partner and she helped him strip. He was fully anatomically endowed and it was hilarious when she had him nestle between her ample breasts. Like most men, he was a disappointment and she cast him aside. Seven performers sang during their burlesque routines. They are consummate performers with good lungs and a knowledge of how to entice with humor. There was one costume mishap when Honey Child‘s banana belt fell off as she danced. Group dance numbers were well choreographed and polished. One group number had all the girls and Jax N. Augh wearing hats. After he stripped, he kept the hat over his privates and then let go. The hat dangled in front of him as if by magic. Even the girls dancing with him were laughing. This is going to be one hell of a show!

Mark Your Calendar! Corsets and Cuties, 2 shows only! 9pm on August 1st and 2nd at The Venue (511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Fl)   The shows are already sold out folks.