WOW!
It's been far too long since I blogged anywhere. I have been really busy with running the studio, traveling the country to do pin-up workshops, producing shows all over the Bay Area, recording a Fromagique CD, and FINALLY getting a pin-up demo video done so people can see what the workshops are like before they sign up. In my spare time. . . . . I uh, sit around and wonder what it would be like to have spare time.
It's been far too long since I blogged anywhere. I have been really busy with running the studio, traveling the country to do pin-up workshops, producing shows all over the Bay Area, recording a Fromagique CD, and FINALLY getting a pin-up demo video done so people can see what the workshops are like before they sign up. In my spare time. . . . . I uh, sit around and wonder what it would be like to have spare time.
There are a bunch of you that came out to the 111Minna show to see my art, my performances, and my band (Fromagique). Randy said a few SG people signed the mailing list saying that they knew me from here. Wish you all had said, "Hi" to me while you were there, but I was REALLY busy (as usual) so I am sure it was tough to even find me assuming you wanted to.
Anyway, come out to our big Elbo Room show. We need as many people as possible to come out so that we can get more shows there. Here's the blurb:
Come see and hear Bombshell Betty and Fromagique with the Fabulous Fromagettes! There will be singing, dancing, LIVE MUSIC, Burly-Go-Go, Group acts, Solos, and all the high quality burlesque you come to expect from Bombshell Betty Productions and Fromagique
Performers include:
Bombshell Betty
Michelle Pliner
Red Velvet
Sneak-A-Peak Sally
Holly Highbeams
Bourbon Lee
Bootsy La Rue
and
The Amazing CoCoNuts
MC Kingfish will be rocking the mic and layin' down some fresh rhymes for y'all, or maybe he'll just get drunk, tell bad jokes, and give everyone he can a good time.
Fromagique includes:
Bombshell Betty
Michelle Pliner
Randy Johnson
Patina DeCopper
Rusty 2.0
Ezekiel Pseudonimo
Jimi Jat
*
9PM- Midnight
The Elbo Room
647 Valencia St in SF (near 16th St. BART)
415-552-7788
*
21+ with ID
$8
www.bombshellbetty.net/shows
www.myspace.com/fromagique
www.elbo.com
And just for fun:
Anyway, come out to our big Elbo Room show. We need as many people as possible to come out so that we can get more shows there. Here's the blurb:
Come see and hear Bombshell Betty and Fromagique with the Fabulous Fromagettes! There will be singing, dancing, LIVE MUSIC, Burly-Go-Go, Group acts, Solos, and all the high quality burlesque you come to expect from Bombshell Betty Productions and Fromagique
Performers include:
Bombshell Betty
Michelle Pliner
Red Velvet
Sneak-A-Peak Sally
Holly Highbeams
Bourbon Lee
Bootsy La Rue
and
The Amazing CoCoNuts
MC Kingfish will be rocking the mic and layin' down some fresh rhymes for y'all, or maybe he'll just get drunk, tell bad jokes, and give everyone he can a good time.
Fromagique includes:
Bombshell Betty
Michelle Pliner
Randy Johnson
Patina DeCopper
Rusty 2.0
Ezekiel Pseudonimo
Jimi Jat
*
9PM- Midnight
The Elbo Room
647 Valencia St in SF (near 16th St. BART)
415-552-7788
*
21+ with ID
$8
www.bombshellbetty.net/shows
www.myspace.com/fromagique
www.elbo.com
And just for fun:
Thank you everyone for your supportive comments and encouragements!
I think this picture is about as much Lemonade as I can make out of this particular lemon. I just had a bunch of stickers printed. If you want a couple, they are free. Just PM me the address you want them to go to, and DON'T put them anywhere you don't have permission to.
You can also get them at the show tonight at Stagewerx! 533 Sutter @ Powell, 8-10PM 15 bucks!
Hee Hee!
I hope the person that did this tries to sue me for stealing their idea. LOL
I think this picture is about as much Lemonade as I can make out of this particular lemon. I just had a bunch of stickers printed. If you want a couple, they are free. Just PM me the address you want them to go to, and DON'T put them anywhere you don't have permission to.
You can also get them at the show tonight at Stagewerx! 533 Sutter @ Powell, 8-10PM 15 bucks!Hee Hee!
I hope the person that did this tries to sue me for stealing their idea. LOL
Recently someone (or a few someones) apparently decided that I was too successful and started up a smear campaign in San Francisco to take me down, or cause me trouble, or annoy me like a mosquito buzzing in my ear, or something. I'm not really sure what their intentions were, except that I'm positive their intention was NOT what the end result actually HAS been: to bring me additional publicity, thereby supporting my business.
I got an email from one of the owners of Stagewerx Theater, where I produce a monthly show in San Francisco, telling me that they had found a couple of these stickers pasted around the theater:
The folks at the venue are pissed because whoever put up the stickers put one on a big sign that cost $5000 to have made, and they can't take it off without damaging the sign. Now the venue is looking into finding out who the vandal is and will prosecute them to the full extent of the law, which could include a prison sentence up to one year plus damages up to $10,000. Pretty serious for a petty stunt, don't you think?
And here's the kicker: I received a second email from someone who saw the sticker, thought it looked interesting and looked me up online to find out what the fuss was about. She loved what she saw and signed up for a Pinup Workshop and my Burlesquercise Intensive that starts in January. Which means that this "bad publicity" directly brought me at least one new student. So, dear vandal(s), thank you for your help. Feel free to put up your stickers all over town and get more and more people looking me up to see what I'm about. Just be careful where you put them so you don't cause damage to any more property!
This reminds me of how the group on Live Journal a few people created to trash talk the Suicide Girls website actually increased sign ups for the Suicide Girls website because it got so many people who had never heard of the website to go check it out to see what all the drama was about.
These are both great examples of how even bad press can help you! We have all heard the saying "there is no such thing as bad publicity" and that it's only bad when no one is talking about you. For the most part, I would say this is true (the exception being when you reach the level of notoriety where the paparazzi stalks youÂ… luckily I don't have to worry about that).
I guess the moral of the story is: If you see someone being more successful than you at what you want to do, put your energy into promoting yourself and building up your own project, rather than trying to tear down the other person. Also keep in mind that trash talking someone within your industry can fall into the categories of slander, libel and trade disparagement, which are crimes and can get you prison sentences and huge fines (and this is separate from any charges for vandalism, as in this case).
In many burlesque scenes in different cities, there seems to be what I consider an unnecessary feeling of competition. I don't understand why so many people would rather undermine each other rather than pull together and work on building the scene together - especially in the burlesque scene, which is so underground and needs as much proactive outreach and public awareness building as possible. Wouldn't it be better to think of your "competition" as another group helping to bring more people into the scene? Isn't each person they meet and bring in to one of their shows or classes or what-have-you another potential audience member or student or customer for you as well? Most people who come to one burlesque show and like it will go to more burlesque shows if they can find them.
I appreciate all of the hard work that everyone else in the burlesque scene is doing to build awareness of our art, locally in San Francisco, across the country, and around the world. Promote, promote, promote! That is how our art will thrive! I look forward to the day when telling someone you are a burlesque performer will be like telling someone you are in a band. Instead of "What's that?" or "I hear dancing on a pole is a great workout" people will say, "Really? What style do you perform?" and I will be able to reply "My acts tend to be sort of New York avant garde style with a traditional aesthetic and a clowny twist" without people looking at me and saying, "What the hell are you talking about?"
So, the next time you find yourself gritting your teeth as your "competitor" has another successful show or announces yet another class format or fun product, rather than setting yourself against themÂ… put your energy into designing a clever flyer or sticker that showcases you and your fun project and spend your time proactively putting them around town. Shameless self promotion is a great game that we can all get in on!
I got an email from one of the owners of Stagewerx Theater, where I produce a monthly show in San Francisco, telling me that they had found a couple of these stickers pasted around the theater:
The folks at the venue are pissed because whoever put up the stickers put one on a big sign that cost $5000 to have made, and they can't take it off without damaging the sign. Now the venue is looking into finding out who the vandal is and will prosecute them to the full extent of the law, which could include a prison sentence up to one year plus damages up to $10,000. Pretty serious for a petty stunt, don't you think?
And here's the kicker: I received a second email from someone who saw the sticker, thought it looked interesting and looked me up online to find out what the fuss was about. She loved what she saw and signed up for a Pinup Workshop and my Burlesquercise Intensive that starts in January. Which means that this "bad publicity" directly brought me at least one new student. So, dear vandal(s), thank you for your help. Feel free to put up your stickers all over town and get more and more people looking me up to see what I'm about. Just be careful where you put them so you don't cause damage to any more property!
This reminds me of how the group on Live Journal a few people created to trash talk the Suicide Girls website actually increased sign ups for the Suicide Girls website because it got so many people who had never heard of the website to go check it out to see what all the drama was about.
These are both great examples of how even bad press can help you! We have all heard the saying "there is no such thing as bad publicity" and that it's only bad when no one is talking about you. For the most part, I would say this is true (the exception being when you reach the level of notoriety where the paparazzi stalks youÂ… luckily I don't have to worry about that).
I guess the moral of the story is: If you see someone being more successful than you at what you want to do, put your energy into promoting yourself and building up your own project, rather than trying to tear down the other person. Also keep in mind that trash talking someone within your industry can fall into the categories of slander, libel and trade disparagement, which are crimes and can get you prison sentences and huge fines (and this is separate from any charges for vandalism, as in this case).
In many burlesque scenes in different cities, there seems to be what I consider an unnecessary feeling of competition. I don't understand why so many people would rather undermine each other rather than pull together and work on building the scene together - especially in the burlesque scene, which is so underground and needs as much proactive outreach and public awareness building as possible. Wouldn't it be better to think of your "competition" as another group helping to bring more people into the scene? Isn't each person they meet and bring in to one of their shows or classes or what-have-you another potential audience member or student or customer for you as well? Most people who come to one burlesque show and like it will go to more burlesque shows if they can find them.
I appreciate all of the hard work that everyone else in the burlesque scene is doing to build awareness of our art, locally in San Francisco, across the country, and around the world. Promote, promote, promote! That is how our art will thrive! I look forward to the day when telling someone you are a burlesque performer will be like telling someone you are in a band. Instead of "What's that?" or "I hear dancing on a pole is a great workout" people will say, "Really? What style do you perform?" and I will be able to reply "My acts tend to be sort of New York avant garde style with a traditional aesthetic and a clowny twist" without people looking at me and saying, "What the hell are you talking about?"
So, the next time you find yourself gritting your teeth as your "competitor" has another successful show or announces yet another class format or fun product, rather than setting yourself against themÂ… put your energy into designing a clever flyer or sticker that showcases you and your fun project and spend your time proactively putting them around town. Shameless self promotion is a great game that we can all get in on!
Fromagique's First gig was the 17th of Nov. and we had a blast with the Hubba Hubba Revue at the Uptown in Oakland. My Boyfriend Randy is on Bari sax (composer/arranger too) and we had Patina on trumpet, Rusty on Trombone (LOL), and Zeek on Clarinet. We have a drummer now (Jimmi). Here's a video of one of the acts we did last Monday. I think we sound pretty good considering we only practiced twice! Sorry the video sucks. It was taken by a friend. You can't even see the band in the shadows. HA!
I'm hanging out in my hotel room in Boston right now. I am here for a Pinup Workshop tomorrow in Boston and another one on Sunday in New Haven, CT. One of the Boston Babydolls will be attending the workshop tomorrow and portions will be filmed for the Babydolls' upcoming reality TV show! How exciting!
My hotel is in the South Side area of Boston. My cabbie from the airport explained to me that this is the gay neighborhood. Lots of yuppies now, he said, but it's still very gay. I told him that I'm from San Francisco and that I'd be very comfortable here. From what he was saying, I expected that I'd landed in Boston's version of the Castro, but not so. I went wandering the neighborhood today, and it's a very nice neighborhood. Lots of brownstones, cute restaurants, parks... very residential really. Other than the gay bar next door to the hotel, I didn't see anything that put me in mind of the Castro. Oh well. He also told me it was a dangerous neighborhood, but I think he's wrong on that score as well.
Next week I'll be in San Diego for yet another workshop and to perform in the second Fishnet Follies produced by my friends Mynx d'Meanor and the Reverend Dick! I will be performing a number that I have been wanting to do for oh... about 3 years! Finally! I have some special shoe shopping to do when I get back to San Francisco!
My hotel is in the South Side area of Boston. My cabbie from the airport explained to me that this is the gay neighborhood. Lots of yuppies now, he said, but it's still very gay. I told him that I'm from San Francisco and that I'd be very comfortable here. From what he was saying, I expected that I'd landed in Boston's version of the Castro, but not so. I went wandering the neighborhood today, and it's a very nice neighborhood. Lots of brownstones, cute restaurants, parks... very residential really. Other than the gay bar next door to the hotel, I didn't see anything that put me in mind of the Castro. Oh well. He also told me it was a dangerous neighborhood, but I think he's wrong on that score as well.
Next week I'll be in San Diego for yet another workshop and to perform in the second Fishnet Follies produced by my friends Mynx d'Meanor and the Reverend Dick! I will be performing a number that I have been wanting to do for oh... about 3 years! Finally! I have some special shoe shopping to do when I get back to San Francisco!
PINUP MODELING WORKSHOP IN A BOOK: 'Plain Jane to Pinup Queen' by Bombshell Betty
http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinupbook.html
I am so excited that this is finally going to be coming out soon!
http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinupbook.html
I am so excited that this is finally going to be coming out soon!
Friday the 13th LUCKY Fundraising Party!
Hello all!
To help offset the many costs that go into running our own dance studio, Bombshell Betty's Dance Studio is throwing a fund raising party! Come hang out and enjoy our open bar while dancing all night to great tunes. Burlesque style dress-up and impromptu dance routines encouraged! Tell your friends, family and neighbors!
Bombshell Betty's
715 Bryant St #102 (@ 5th st) SF
Look for the red door!
Friday, June 13
10PM - 4AM (No new admissions after 2AM)
$20 / 21+ only (bring an ID)
Open bar of champagne, wine, beer, and liquor!
Hello all!
To help offset the many costs that go into running our own dance studio, Bombshell Betty's Dance Studio is throwing a fund raising party! Come hang out and enjoy our open bar while dancing all night to great tunes. Burlesque style dress-up and impromptu dance routines encouraged! Tell your friends, family and neighbors!
Bombshell Betty's
715 Bryant St #102 (@ 5th st) SF
Look for the red door!
Friday, June 13
10PM - 4AM (No new admissions after 2AM)
$20 / 21+ only (bring an ID)
Open bar of champagne, wine, beer, and liquor!
Pin-Up tour: LA, San Diego, Vegas, NYC, Boston, Sac, SF
For more info and registration: http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinup.html
***
5/24 Pin-Up Workshop/Photoshoot 12-8PM (North Hollywood)
May 24, Los Angeles, CA: 12:00-8:00pm
Screenland Studios
10501 Burbank Blvd.
in North Hollywood
(818) 508-2288
June 1, San Diego, CA: 12:00-8:00pm
Vernetta's Dance Studio
3927 Utah Street
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 260-1707
June 14, Sacramento, CA: 12:00-8:00pm
The Fire House 5
2014B 9th Street (9th & T)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 705-2157
June 22, New York, NY: 12:00-8:00pm
Pearl Studios NYC
500 8th Ave # 4
in Manhattan
(212) 904-1850
June 29/July 6, San Francisco, CA:
June 29, 2:00-5:00pm
July 6, 1:00-7:00pm
715 Bryant Street, Suite 102
at 5th Street in San Francisco
July 19, Boston, MA: 12:00-8:00pm
Location TBA
For more info and registration: http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinup.html
***
There were so many great photos to choose from. I can't wait to see the look on [my husband's] face! Thanks so much for a wonderful experience. It really challenged me to feel good in my own skin, and with all of the help from you and [our stylist], the final product is amazing. Thanks again for putting this together and I wish you all the best in your continued work to bring out the beauty in all of us! Best regards,
- YoLawnda
These are great! And the workshop was a complete blast ... it really exceeded my expectations. It's very hard to create a space and keep that much energy going all afternoon with that many people - but you and [the photographer] did. I had a great time, and I think everyone else did, too. I'm not really sure what suggestions to offer to make it "better" ... seriously, that was one of the most fun things I've done in the last few months. Thanks!
- D.C.
I had a great experience with the workshop as a whole. I learned about my body, and I gained significant confidence in front of the camera. The day of the photoshoot, we had an incredibly fun day. Between you and Mona, our photographer, I felt comfortable and happy, and this translated into a ton of great photographs, a completely new experience for me.
- Trish
Hi Betty,
Wow is all I can say! I can't believe how many pictures we took and how many of them actually turned out great. I usually don't like pictures of myself that much. I still have to sort through and pick my favorites. . . I was really impressed with how they turned out. Your preparation made me feel really comfortable and I had a great time. I really enjoyed the experience and I am so thankful that I came across your website. Thanks again for such a wonderful experience!
- Jessica
BETTY!!! OMIGOODNESS!!! The pictures turned out awesome!!! (You sure you didn't photoshop someone else in there?) Geez! They were so great! You are such an amazing director and photographer! So wonderful! I had a total BLAST!!! This was the most FUN I have had in a very long time! YAY!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
- Brenna
I can't believe how fantastic EVERYONE looks! Your instructions along with [the photographer's] skills were right on. It was such a fun experience, and totally comfortable. Just a bunch of ladies having lots of fun making love to the camera!
- Aurora
For more info and registration: http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinup.html
For more info and registration: http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinup.html
***
5/24 Pin-Up Workshop/Photoshoot 12-8PM (North Hollywood)
May 24, Los Angeles, CA: 12:00-8:00pm
Screenland Studios
10501 Burbank Blvd.
in North Hollywood
(818) 508-2288
June 1, San Diego, CA: 12:00-8:00pm
Vernetta's Dance Studio
3927 Utah Street
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 260-1707
June 14, Sacramento, CA: 12:00-8:00pm
The Fire House 5
2014B 9th Street (9th & T)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 705-2157
June 22, New York, NY: 12:00-8:00pm
Pearl Studios NYC
500 8th Ave # 4
in Manhattan
(212) 904-1850
June 29/July 6, San Francisco, CA:
June 29, 2:00-5:00pm
July 6, 1:00-7:00pm
715 Bryant Street, Suite 102
at 5th Street in San Francisco
July 19, Boston, MA: 12:00-8:00pm
Location TBA
For more info and registration: http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinup.html
***
There were so many great photos to choose from. I can't wait to see the look on [my husband's] face! Thanks so much for a wonderful experience. It really challenged me to feel good in my own skin, and with all of the help from you and [our stylist], the final product is amazing. Thanks again for putting this together and I wish you all the best in your continued work to bring out the beauty in all of us! Best regards,
- YoLawnda
These are great! And the workshop was a complete blast ... it really exceeded my expectations. It's very hard to create a space and keep that much energy going all afternoon with that many people - but you and [the photographer] did. I had a great time, and I think everyone else did, too. I'm not really sure what suggestions to offer to make it "better" ... seriously, that was one of the most fun things I've done in the last few months. Thanks!
- D.C.
I had a great experience with the workshop as a whole. I learned about my body, and I gained significant confidence in front of the camera. The day of the photoshoot, we had an incredibly fun day. Between you and Mona, our photographer, I felt comfortable and happy, and this translated into a ton of great photographs, a completely new experience for me.
- Trish
Hi Betty,
Wow is all I can say! I can't believe how many pictures we took and how many of them actually turned out great. I usually don't like pictures of myself that much. I still have to sort through and pick my favorites. . . I was really impressed with how they turned out. Your preparation made me feel really comfortable and I had a great time. I really enjoyed the experience and I am so thankful that I came across your website. Thanks again for such a wonderful experience!
- Jessica
BETTY!!! OMIGOODNESS!!! The pictures turned out awesome!!! (You sure you didn't photoshop someone else in there?) Geez! They were so great! You are such an amazing director and photographer! So wonderful! I had a total BLAST!!! This was the most FUN I have had in a very long time! YAY!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
- Brenna
I can't believe how fantastic EVERYONE looks! Your instructions along with [the photographer's] skills were right on. It was such a fun experience, and totally comfortable. Just a bunch of ladies having lots of fun making love to the camera!
- Aurora
For more info and registration: http://www.bombshellbetty.net/pinup.html
