Dare to Bare: Burlesque
I first fell in love with Burlesque in college and have since been fascinated with the performers and Burlesque’s racy empowering side. Although anyone can participate in the tease, Burlesque feels to me like it’s for women by women. To give us a little more insight into this performance art and the ways that Burlesque is about more than just breasts and bums, we caught up with the well known and incredibly charming Burlesque performer, Boo Boo Darlin’.
Breathe Magazine: How would you describe Burlesque?
Boo Boo Darlin’: Burlesque is vintage striptease originating from vaudeville theater and satire. Burlesque is over the top entertainment! It can be over the top sexy, glamorous, humorous, cheeky, or even dark. It is open to whatever form of expression the performer desires and that to me is one of the most attractive things about burlesque.
What attracted you to Burlesque dancing? What was your first performance like?
I auditioned for Sugar Shack Burlesque in 2009 and after my audition RunAround Sue and Legs Malone asked me to perform in their show in Washington DC at the former Palace Of Wonders (now called The Red Palace). I was nervous and tremendously excited. Another attractive part about burlesque and probably one of the most important aspects is the audience that comes to these shows. Burlesque shows encourage the audience to be a part of the show, the more they express what they like with their cheers, claps and cat calls the more the performer will feed off and give back. So after a few minutes of being on stage my nervousness stripped away with each gown, glove or stocking peel. It felt so natural and so invigorating, and from that moment I was hooked. …
Our visit to Ten Thousand Villages
Last night Breathe headed over to the Charlottesville Ten Thousand Villages shop to hear CEO Doug Dirks speak about fair trade. Doug and his wife have been involved with Ten Thousand Villages in some capacity for more than 25 years, starting when they first went to Bangladesh. I was extremely touched by the level of his friendship with the people in developing countries who use the fair trade organization. He knew their life stories, struggles and valiant moments. Ten Thousand Villages overall mission is for all artisans to earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a quality life, according to Doug.
I knew what fair trade was, but only to a certain level. I knew that by purchasing something fair trade I was helping someone on the other side of the world, but I didn’t know the exact impact of my purchase. Here are some fun facts I learned about fair trade and Ten Thousand Villages while visiting with Doug and the C’ville store’s shop associates. …
Gym Equipment You Should Be Using
The majority of us fall into the trap of using the same equipment daily at the gym for our workouts. Why not try something different? Our bodies get used to the same routine, which prevents progression in goals whether it be weight loss, an increase in strength or flexibility. Try adding in new equipment or exercises to push pass a plateau. …
What to do in Virginia’s Northern Neck
You don’t pass through Virginia’s Northern Neck. You need to go out of your way to get there, crossing many a bridge. On our visit to the area, we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of activities and sights for such small, sparsely populated towns. For instance, Irvington, our home base, has just under 700 people. After a weekend in the Northern Neck, we realized we needed more time to explore. Here’s the activities we were able to pack in during our two-day stay. …
Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Puff Cake
There was a period of my life — which may or may not have been only six months ago — when I meticulously searched for, and wrote down, food holidays every month to celebrate and, perhaps, provide a little culinary inspiration for my blog.
Do a little web-searching and you’ll discover a food-related holiday or celebration for nearly every day and month of the year. While I’m not sure “National Eat What You Want Day” (May 11th) is anything more than a restricted dieters excuse to have a cookie, there are some celebrations that are more nationally recognized than others. By “nationally recognized” I do, in fact, mean “taken up by a food or beverage council as an effective PR campaign for its product.”
May, for example, is National Strawberry Month. (If Foodbuzz says it, it has to be true.) And while I would always recommend celebrating by simply eating as many fresh strawberries as you can get your hands on, there is something fun about a whimsical strawberry dessert to celebrate either the fruit itself, or the joy of looming summer sweetness at the farmers market.
The best thing about this Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Puff Cake is that it’s a lazy baker’s dream come true, by taking the idea of a cream puff and eliminating the need for hot ovens and pastry bags.
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Last-minute mother’s day bouquet
Looking for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift that has some thought to it? Try assembling a floral arrangement! All you need are scissors, a shallow design dish, floral foam and some flowers and greenery. The flowers and greenery we chose can be picked up at the grocery store or your neighborhood florist. Feel free and get crafty, venturing out into other flowers, depending on what Mamacita likes. …
Add Native Plants to your garden
Fear not the term “native plant.” They can be easy. So easy. You have probably heard about them in the context of their being resilient additions to the garden. It is true. They don’t bat an eye at our soils (compacted clay!), our droughts (weeks without rain!), or our summers (stark heat and humidity!).
I am here to tell you that the native plants in my garden show up every year — multiplying and keeping-on with very little help from me. I have stuck them in those clay soils, under black walnuts, in bald sun, in deep shade. And while I returned to the comfort of my home and couch, they figured out how to eke out an existence in Sugar Hollow.
Native plants have become easier to find at nurseries, as well. Many will mark them, or put them in a section of just native plants. I find some of mine online (including, believe it or not, ebay) and at native plant sales. Your local native plant society probably has one of these sales once a year.
Here are my present top three — all are good starters. Two of which I own, the third being on my wish list. …
Eureka! Warrior Lantern
If you are like me, you thought that Eureka! only made tents. Turns out they offer a wide range of gear for outdoor adventure. For our annual spring break camping trip last month, we carried along the Eureka! Warrior 230 IR, an LED lantern that made camp much more enjoyable. At its brightest, the Eureka! …
Books Mom Will Love
Mother’s Day is nearly here — May 13. If you’re still stumped on what to get mommy dearest, books can be a lovely and personable way to show your love and appreciation for the amazing woman in your life. Here are some recommendations. …
Free Subscription Thursday!
Q OF THE WEEK: We are very excited about our May issue and our beautiful cover girl, Sara Evans. Tell us what you liked most about our May issue. Be sure to check it out the digital version if you haven’t picked up a copy!
We’re giving away a one-year subscription to Breathe Magazine every Thursday! Comment on our Question of the Week and you’re entered into this week’s drawing. You have until next Wednesday night to comment and be entered in the giveaway! Winners will be announced every Thursday on our Facebook page. Be sure to check back every Thursday for another chance to win! …
