How To Throw A Burlesque Themed Party – 5 Easy Tips!
I am living for wild nights out with my girlfriends lately.
This is what 2am this morning looked like:
Me, Kim Boekbinder, Maria Dahvana Headley, Cynthia Von Buhler, and Katelan Foisy in the gutter.
This was AFTER the “Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History” Spring Gala at PS 122. Perhaps Cynthia Von Buhler and Kim Boekbinder invited me because they know that I am rarely well behaved.
That’s called “ON THEME”, Hun-nay!
Speaking of being badly behaved, themes and girl nights out (lucky boys are invited to girls’ nights out, too, you know you who are *ahem*)….
My bad girl brain brings you: How To Throw a Burlesque Themed Party!
The best parties will simmer your five senses…. sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
Simmering Sense #1 Hearing: Mood Music.
There are few things that move me like music. Burlesque music is like voodoo…it puts me under its spell every single time. I remember my very first burlesque class back in 2006 with my burlesque hero and one of my BFFs, Jo “Boobs” Weldon. I had no idea what I was doing, but she put on the music and instantly my hips knew the way. Hit play on this mix I cooked up and tell me what it does to you…..
Simmering Sense #2 Sight: Get the Burlesque Vibe Going With Eye Candy Galore.
Backstage at one of my favorite underground parties in the world, Shanghai Mermaid.
- Drape vintage looking globe string lights around your mirrors to give it that “burlesque backstage” vibe like the above pic.
- Switch out your regular light bulbs for red bulbs and see a regular room go to va-va-voom in 5 seconds flat.
- Pick up a gold mylar curtain to put over doorways for grand burlesque entrances!
Dirty Martini rocking it out in front of the gold mylar curtain of Starshine Burlesque
Simmering Sense #3 Taste: Make Your Treats Mouth-Watering!
It’s burlesque. I want sexy foods to nibble and lick and feed to my friends. I’m talking chocolate covered strawberries and luscious cherries in a glass bowl so we can dare each other to tie the stems with our tongues. Decorate little cupcakes with sprinkles and luscious frosting. Burlesque Opera Star Vivi Le Voix of Nipples of Venus Cakeriemakes delicate seductions like this….
Yum. Yum. Yum. Made by Vivi LeVoix
Simmering Sense #4 Scent: Sultry and Spicy
I love exotic, deeply intoxicating scents. My newest scent crush is Miss Anastasia perfume. I also love Lush’s Karma and Gucci Rush. Spritz your perfume onto your curtains or bedspread and iron the fabric to create a saucy burlesque den of intriguing scent. Vanilla, Peppermint, Jasmine or Ylang Ylang candles are instant sexy scents to introduce to your party.
Simmering Sense #5 Touch: Tease, Tease, Tease!
Make your burlesque party aim to tease! Have everyone bring one item to strip out of. One of my favorite things to strip out of is a pair of gloves. People see my bare arms every single day on the street, yet there’s something tantalizing about putting on a satin glove and slowly taking it off, fingertip by fingertip with my teeth, to reveal a bare wrist.
Before you strip out of an item, draw attention to it, by running your fingertips over it. Let the people watching think about what you are about to do. Imagination is gorgeous. Then very, very, very slowly….strip out of it.
Jo “Boobs” Weldon shows you how it’s done.
Want more secrets, moves and ideas for costumes for your party?
Snag a copy of Jo Weldon’s The Burlesque Handbook.
Jo is a rock and roll burlesque badass and her book is full of must-have burlesque tips, backstage stories and step-by-step instructions. It’s my bible in the temple of burlesque. It’s great for performers, but also for people who want to add an extra little wiggle to their walk for the everyday confidence.
Step into that party with some sass!
Dancing in my underwear on a rainy NYC day….
xo
Veronica