The Burlesque Handbook

by Jo Weldon

“Jo Weldon is the gold-standard for New Burlesque. I am proud to call her my friend, and unashamed to admit she’s my idol.” — Lily Burana, author of Strip A Stripper's Farewell Journey Across America From one of the stars of the New Burlesque scene, Jo Weldon, comes a definitive, easy-to-use, and indispensable guide to the art form, with a foreword by superstar comedian and burlesque enthusiast Margaret Cho. Fans of Dita Von Teese—as well as performers of every stripe—will love the helpful advice and feisty attitude of The Burlesque Handbook .

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Sexuality, How To, Research

272 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo "Boobs" Weldon is certainly the nurturing mother diva of the NY burlesque scene. An strangely beautiful creature in person, and well, the author of this unique book. I must say, with the re-birth of the art form, well, first as art and not some cheap thrill, and as neo-burlesque, this book is a must have. Jo indulges the reader in the the research she did (by interviewing some of the old burlesque legends) to learn the techniques and classic maneuvers of the art of teasing on stage. Some notorious and hot burlesque talents of today are within the pages of the Handbook, such as Julie Atlas Muz, Julie's now-husband Matt Fraser, Dirty Martini, Nasty Canasta (of Naked Girls Reading fame!), Johnny Porkpie, and many many more. The Handbook is as practical as it is valuable historically, with careful detail applied to each and every aspect of the burlesque act, from designing costume to picking soundtrack to negotiating with venues. Jo details some of the classic components of burlesque, like the fan dance and twirling with helpful step-by-step images. There are even cut-outs for making your own tassels and step-by-step instructions on how to make them along with some interesting models used by burlesque dancers.

A must have for those who want to learn about burlesque and those who are embarking on the scene!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is an amazing teacher. The one class I took from her on glove peeling was one of the most helpful and fun classes I've ever taken. She brings the fun and excitement she exudes in person to this book. I have so often looked to it for guidance as a performer and found it helpful on nearly every occasion that I have had a question. Thank you Jo for writing this!

[Mello Hex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful handbook for any beginning burlesquer, or anyone interested in burlesque, this performance art and its history. I absolutely adored this book because it's enjoyable to read, actually provides information and the history in a fun and approachable way. But, most importantly (and most of the book is mostly) tips and advice on how to create a persona, an act, what to think about and consider, etc, if you are choosing to begin in Burlesque. It definitely is a very wonderful guide for anyone wanting to start Burlesque and not knowing whatsoever where to start! I love Jo and this is actually a USEFUL and Wonderful book. I love it and give it my full support, and rate it 10/10.

[Rhaenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was our burlesque book club's first pick, and I found it to be both interesting and informative. It's written for those who are just starting out (or thinking about trying) burlesque, and targeted towards solo performers. However, most of the information is applicable to group performances as well. Some of the resource information is a bit outdated, which is understandable considering it was published 10 years ago, but I think the core of the advice is timeless. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to dip their toe into the world of burlesque!

[?0?0?0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

For someone else, this book might be a 5. "The Burlesque Handbook" works as a well detailed, easy-to-understand manual - if this avenue is something you're interested in pursuing, and you're a beginner, I haven't stumbled upon a better resource than what's offered in this text.

[Cynthia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will use this as reference

I plan to take classes at Jo’s school. But I loved this take on burlesque and her guides to do some of the pivotal burlesque moves and to make pasties ! Can’t wait to try all of them out.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while taking classes at the School of Burlesque, where the author is Headmistress. A lot of fun tips and tricks to those interested in entering, or just learning about, the trade.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

- A huge component of burlesque is confidence, and confidence is expressed through body language - stance, posture etc

[Erin S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info but would be better absorbed as a Vimeo series you could rent off the schools website.

[Lisa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fab introduction to the subject... mix of history & ideas for your own show including tips on choosing your stage name.

By the end (thanks to well illustrated instructions) you'll be able to bump n grind, Make your own pasties & Twirl your tassels with the best of them.

If the Burlesque Handbook gets you curious for more Jo has supplied lists (with notes)of websites, books & film performances in her closing resource section.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a bit of a mish-mash: It is an autobiography. It is a quick history of burlesque. It is a burlesque primer. The information is muddled together.

As a tech writer, i like it when an author separates the nice-to-know from the need-to-know. For me, the book wasn't organized to make it was to read.

There is a wealth of information for the want to be burlesque performer - routine, music, costume, makeup, etiquette, etc.

[Claire Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for both looking into Burlesque dancing, how to's and resources. Not very in-depth, or history heavy, so perfect for a bit of light reading - if you want the whole hog of history into the origins or Burlesque, Minsky's etc, this is a good place to start as it gives you enough titbits to send you on your way in terms of research and further reading.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has a lot of information about how to build a burlesque routine as well as get started if you wish to perform. Personally, I found the back stories, the descriptions of the burlesque community, and the opportunity to look more into myself with regards to sexuality and self perception as the best parts of the book.

[Danielle Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for research and it was a really great intro into the history and community of neo-burlesque. The step-by-step "how to dance" instructions are pretty hard to follow - honestly a link to a video would have been better - but I wasn't reading the book to learn how to dance! Super good intro resource for anyone trying to learn more about the art form.

[JennyGirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great how-to for anyone that wants to participate in Burlesque. The details of her instruction were very idiot-proof and the pics that go along with it help with step by step instruction. Two very enthastic thumbs up!

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive, behind the scenes guide to performing burlesque. Weldon covers it all, from the history to costumes tricks and backstage etiquette. As far as I know, there is almost nothing else like this out there that targets actual performance prep. Very useful.

[Leesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this today and am loving it! I will give a full review when I am done!

[Alice Urchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally helpful. I highly recommend reading this if you're new to burlesque.

[Hollie Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have reference for all studying Burlesque. So many handy hints and tips as well as a generally good read

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw her show the last time i was in NYC, sooooo much fun!