How to burlesque on a budget
We're in an industry obsessed with sparkly and glittery. And it comes with a hefty pricetag for that moment of absolute dazzle worthiness onstage.
I'm all for a big costume, prop and a lot of rhinestones. But this can definitely become a drain on the hip pocket. Which is fine if you're getting the big gigs to go with it. But that's not always possible.
This isn't a blog post on stopping buying swarovski's, rhinestones and appliques. I can't say that because I'm an example of really bad addiction. My advice centres on knowing your acts and where you can rationalise some of the costume spend and maximise your budget.
Look at your set list closely
Re-evaluate all your acts and consider which are the ones that 'sell' you as a performer and reflect your identity onstage. Leave the ones you aren't passionate about. In my opinion that's what absolutely kills. Performing something you have no attachment to can make you feel rubbish.
If you review your set list closely, you should have a smaller set of acts that you love performing. You can then make a note of the costumes and what can make them really 'pop'.
Anything leftover you absolutely hate? Sell it on. You're costing your mental health having that toxic shit lying around. Newbie performers will often be really grateful even for a basic bra/panel skirt or some pasties. I realise it sounds a bit dramatic. But I really feel that possessions and objects impact on your mood and your creativity. I cannot perform acts that feel absolutely devoid of love. So I'll get rid of the costume and let it spawn new inspiration in someone else so they can give it a new 'life'.
New performer? Just have one or two great acts.
In your first year if you develop one corker of an act, that's the best you can do. It's better to have one fabulous number than half a dozen ho-hum ones. Spend more time on one great act and make it as professional as possible. This will see you booked more often, and potentially build your income so you can invest it into something else. Don’t make the mistake of feeling like you need a new act at each show you do.
Colour coordinate your costumes.
This tip is for my ‘classic’ artists who might be doing several strip tease numbers or repeat some of that bump and grind. You can easily mix and match your ensembles. I might have a beautiful classic number that comes all in red. But I can easily take the red bra and g string and match it to a black and red corset. Or I have costumes where the outfit is the same but the headpiece simply changes. Starting with one base, I can develop a few acts around it. But by doubling the g-string and bra where possible, shoes, fishnets and hair pieces I've been able to save a few dollars.
Be Smart
Without cutting your budget too much or reducing the overall look of your costumes, you can take a few simple steps to get a bit more wear out of your outfits.
Go for nude: If you wear stockings or fishnets, you'll find nude (nude seams on nude are available!) is the most versatile and can go with everything from blacks, to colours, to pastels
Mix in some cheaper trims. For every swarovski flat back crystal, add in 4 less expensive rhinestones. Conversely if you are used to using mainly cheaper rhinestones, adding in a few quality crystals may give you some extra shine if that's what you are after
Try using appliques. They cover a larger space on a bra or corset (or g-string) for a lower price point and look great mixed with crystals, rhinestones or sequins.
Wait until you've tested your act before you go all out with the bling. I always think it's good if you can book a small gig to test out an act. That way if your costume needs tweaking you've not wasted too much $$$
Have basic nude or black panel skirt belts; use snaps to replace the panel skirt flaps as needed.
Have one high quality pair of pasties in nude/silver or black and make a spot for interchangeable tassels.
Have one great nude crystal g-string and add a space for different fringed trim or a shimmy belt to snap into place.
I can't promise this will save you a fortune, but if you make a few clever changes you can see your costumes go that extra mile!