Some useful links for burlesque resources and information
Burlesque Chic
An Australian online store that sells all kinds of burlesque costumes, burlesque inspired lingerie, masks, stockings, feather fans and more. Plus information on burlesque events in Australia!
http://www.burlesquechic.com.au
Burlesque Baby
Another fantastic Australian e-boutique with burlesque costums, lingerie as well as a fantastic range of vintage inspired pin up clothing. Also carries handbags, shoes and more for you to complete your pin up look!
http://www.burlesquebaby.com.au
Kinky Boots
Exotic apparel and costumes - particularly excellent range of exotic (and just plain fabulous) footwear!
History of Burlesque
An interesting and informative website that tracks the rise (and fall) of burlesque from the late 1800s and early 1900s through to today. A good starting point for understanding what burlesque is and gaining an understanding of its origins and history
http://www.musicals101.com/burlesque.htm
Ministry of Burlesque
Undoubtably one of the most useful online burlesque resource - information on performers worldwide, blogs, photos. Particularly useful forum to chat to other burlesque performers, get tips on performing as well as make up and costume tips and tricks of the trade!
Some useful books and references for those interested in researching burlesque or wanting costume inspiration.
Michelle Baldwin, Burlesque and the New Bump 'n' Grind
This is a great book, with plenty of fabulous photographs of a range of current burlesque performers. It focuses on the resurgance of burlesque in the 1990s - from its underground revival in the early 90s through to mainstream popularity (with thanks to performers such as Dita Von Teese and the like) in the naughties. A must for anyone wanting to know more about modern burlesque and its interpretations (from strictly plus size troupes, punk & gothic burlesque through to classic 1950s style burlesque).
Jane Briggerman, Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage
Jane Briggerman of the Golden Days of Burlesque Historical Society, presents a foray into the forgotten burlesque stars of its hey day. What is particularly impressive is Briggerman's focus on the lesser known startlets (those not as famous perhaps as Lili St Cyr, Gypsy Rose Lee and co). She has interviewed and talked with many women from the golden era of burlesque and paid a remarkable tribute to those on the small stages perorming low budget shows across the United States. Amazingly detailed photographs and heaps of showings of memorabilia this is a must have for burlesque lovers.
Kelly DiNardo, Gilded Lili: Lili St Cyr and the Striptease Mystique
Lili St Cyr is arguably one of the biggest names in burlesque during the 1940s and 1950s. This biography is a fantastic look at the career of one of burlesque's most innovative stars - with risque and elaborate routines designed to shock conservatives of the era.
Liz Goldwyn, Pretty Things: The Last Generation of American Burlesque Queens
One of the best burlesque books available! For coffee table book lovers this has esquisite photos of burlesque stars and intricate details on their amazing costumes. For real burlesque afficienados Goldwyn examines burlesque in its golden years and uncovers the women who were the stars of this time. She legitimises burlesque as an art form and uncovers the contributions of these women to the popularity of burlesque within America
Len Rothe, The Queen's of Burlesque: Vintage Photographs from the 1940s and 1950s.
A largely pictorial work containing heaps of visually stunning photographs of burlesque artists from the golden years of burlesque
Dita Von Teese, Burlesque and the Art of Teese/Fetish and the Art of Teese
Probably the most popular and easily accessible burlesque text. Two books packaged as one. The first contains Von Teese in pin up photos reminiscent of burelsque in its hey day as well as make up tips, costume ideas and songs to undress to. The second book is more fetish oriented with stunning photos and costumes all with submissive allure
Jacki Wilson, The Happy Stripper: Pleasure and Politics of the New Burlesque
Definetely not a coffee table book! Wilson's book is an acadmic insight into the burlesque revival - particularly touching on the debate of burlesque empowering women. This won't be everyone's 'cup of tea' but if you are a keen studier of burlesque and particularly how it fits (or doesn't fit depending on your stance!) with the feminist movement and women's self image, this provides for interesting reading and thought provoking discussion.