All-con cosplay photos by Neither Noir

My apologies for disappearing on y'all.  I was busy working on a new routine (that, of course, had to have a complex costume) so I haven't been able to catch up on entries.  Next up will be my All-con recap, but in the meantime, here are some photos of my cosplays from that weekend by the fine folks of Neither Noir.

Mako Mori - Pacific Rim

Jet Girl - Tank Girl (film version)

Wonder Girl - Young Justice (90s version)

For more photos, check out my facebook album.

A Clotheless Homecoming

Panty Raid will always hold a special place in my heart, and not just because it was the setting for my bust-out.  The producers/Academy of Queerlesque teachers created an atmosphere that made me feel as though burlesque really did have a place for me as a performer.  Therefore, when Lily Lovely offered the opportunity to perform my comic book girl number in their "Crimson and Clothesless" show, my answer was a resounding "Hell yes!".  Actually I had a more subdued response, but I was stoked at another chance to do my routine.

Johnny Genevive and Ashley Boucher

However, since I had taken a big break after the Dallas Burlesque Festival to recover and focus on my upcoming lab meeting presentation and All-con, I didn't have much time to rehearse.  There were definitely a few points that could use some more refining.  Even though Panty Raid is a more laid-back show, I felt more nervous than I did at DBF.  I really hoped that night wasn't a fluke.

On the bright side, The Companion and two of our friends were going to be there.  Going out to dinner helped to clear my mind a bit.  Unfortunately that also led to me being late due to underestimating driving time.  I got to Sue Ellen's with enough time to get ready and check in on my friends.  Despite the welcoming environment, I still worried that they, three straight guys (two of whom aren't involved with burlesque in any way), would feel out of place.  It turned out that my worries were all for naught because Johnny Genevieve, who was also performing in the show, took the time to chat with them.

I didn't want to spoil the key part of my costume, but I also wanted to see the other acts, particularly Jerry Fedora's infamous Darth Gaga number so I wound up hiding in the corner by Luscious Peach Boutique's stall.  I enjoyed being among familiar faces and seeing performers—some burlesque, some not— I didn't know.  Pretty soon, it was my turn.

Minxie Molotov

Whenever I get in my zone, I tune out everything.  It kind of bums me out of bit because I'm curious about what the emcees have to say whenever I don't have a set intro (and it gives me a better idea of what to write when asked for one).  I was not prepared for the smooth wood floor and wound up slipping a bit in the beginning.  Despite the shaky start, the performance went spectacularly well again.  Later in the evening, I would analyze little details and tried to figure out what needed adjustment, but in the meantime I wanted to quickly get dressed and see the rest of the show.

"Crimson and Clothesless" was a super fun show.  I really appreciate the fact that Lily wanted me to be a part of it and that my friends came out of their element to show their support.  Doing Panty Raid again felt like a homecoming.  Even though I didn't know many fellow performers this time and the first time, I always got the sense that anybody who is part of the queer community or an ally can belong (which is ironic considering that I used to fear not being queer enough to participate in such events).  Upon leaving Sue Ellen's, I reminded myself that I needed to visit more because it's a great place and I want to be part of the support network that helped me get off my feet.

post-show selfie

Dallas Burlesque Festival '14 Night 3

The big DBF show was Saturday night, but I was already busy during the day.  The Ruby Room hosted workshop from some of the festival's performers.  Unfortunately, being car-less in a city with less than ideal public transport options and a stage kitten for that night, I could only pick one to attend.  I chose Gloves & Stockings, Basics and Beyond! with Midnite Martini.  Paco Fish's mention of her in his essay, "On Innovation and Creativity", had sparked my interest, which was further bolstered by the videos I found on-line.  Plus I was already thinking of ways to switch up my stocking (or sock) removals.

Photo by Renee Holiday
http://instagram.com/reneeholiday1

I have to admit that I was a little intimidated by Midnite Martini's bold personality because I'm the exact opposite.  Maybe that was what I needed to start experimenting a bit more.  The class was super fun, and everybody had a good laugh over the ideas generated.  I think I was a bit hungry at one point because I started listing food-related items.  After the brainstorming session, we played around with removing gloves and stockings in unusual ways.  Midnite encouraged us to just go for the wildest idea even if it didn't work out.  At one point, I focused on taking a stocking off with my other foot while stretching my legs into a split, no awareness of the rest of my body.  The casual vibe I unconsciously gave off worked, and everybody loved it.  I'm such an overthinker that this little bit of positive feedback was refreshing.

I got home in time to pack my things, put in my contacts, and make a sandwich to go.  This weekend has tested my on-the-bus make-up application skills, which have been steadily improving in the past year.  When I got to the House of Blues' main stage, I was caught off guard by how big it was from a performer's point of view.  The task of being in the right place was daunting, but with four of us working backstage, I think everybody got the help they needed.

Before the show, I took the time to introduce myself to Calamity Chang.  She's a dancer I will unapologetically fangirl over because she was the first Asian burlesque dancer I found on-line (incidentally it was a picture of the last time she was at DBF). Seeing her picture got the gears turning in my head about possibly doing burlesque, and her Asiance article about navigating body image and sexuality as a well-endowed Asian girl was something I could relate to and inspired me to start looking at myself differently.  I also told her how much I loved her signature RED Burlesque lipstick especially since I've struggled to find the perfect red to work with my skintone.

me and Calamity Chang - Taiwan represent!

All of the performers throughout the weekend have been spectacular, and I feel like every time I kitten, I experience something new.  I got to see Eva Strangelove and Justin F. Credible's bullwhip tango act up close in the wings, and it was both exciting and a little scary.  Of course, it was an honor— and a riot—to be backstage with Dallas' legendary Tammi True.  She has not lost a bit of that sassiness.  Unfortunately I didn't get to talk to our special guest, Claire Sinclair, beyond checking up on what she needed, but we did bump butts and dance during one of the musical numbers backstage.  Despite the hectic rush, there was still fun to be had behind the curtain.

with my fellow stage kitten Penny Ruffles

The Companion had come to the show directly after a video game tournament so he dozed off somewhere in the after-party while I tried to mingle.  We discovered that Pelvis Costello knew what Project M was (a Smash Brothers mod and what The Companion was playing), which made  both of us happy.  Because I know what it's like to feel out of place in a crowd, I’m always overly conscious of accidentally ditching my date and boring him.  At a certain point, MayMay and I tried to find people to get food, but it wasn't until last call that we officially decided to head out.  That led to a hilarious attempt at finding the parking lot (drunk people + tired Companion + directionally challenged Hana = no idea where's the exit).  Thankfully Donna Denise led us out, and after divvying the passengers up, we invaded a taqueria that Femme Vivre LaRouge and Dr. Q recommended with in all our glittery glory.  It was late so once everybody was done eating, we decided to call it a night.

My Dallas Burlesque Festival experience was one of the best weekend of my life.  I made my solo debut and had a blast kittening the other nights and hanging out with fellow performers.  Even though I know that burlesque, like everything else in life, is not all sunshine and butterflies (despite the glitter), I rode that high for weeks afterward.  I'm proud of myself and I hope to continue to work hard for weekends like DBF.  Thank you to the producers for giving me the opportunity to strut my stuff and help out, my teachers for giving me the tools for my solo routine, and everybody who has supported me at the festival and the journey there.

Here are the previous nights' recaps: Night 1 and Night 2.
More photos can be found on my facebook page.  Many thanks to Karlo X. Ramos for getting the shots of my routine.
For those of you who didn't get to see the routine, here's the video by Michael Sauer.  It's much better live though so keep an eye out for show annoucements!

dbf14 day 1 hana li from Ruby Revue on Vimeo.

Upcoming shows: Oh, Rocky

I'm going to be stage kittening for this Rocky Horror-inspired burlesque show with Kitty Martini. Performers include Black Mariah, Blaze, Ida Buttahstein, Lola LaRue and The Black Sparrow, Spyke Styletto, and headliner Mr. Gorgeous. There will be a costume contest so come dressed for the Time Warp!

Dallas Burlesque Festival '14 Night 2

Since I knew I would getting home during the wee hours of Friday morning, I took the day off from work.  Two of my co-workers deserve mad props for coming to support me, staying for the whole show, and then going to lab meeting the next morning at 8:15 AM (in which one of them was presenting).  I've got awesome people in my lab.

I took some work home, thinking I'd get a little down time.  Needless to say, I didn't feel like doing science.  Taking it easy was probably the best choice because I had volunteered to be a stage kitten for the rest of the festival.

My fellow kitten Jessica and I went around asking the performers about props and their placement.  It seemed like an easy night because there wasn't much set-up.  However, never underestimate how hectic backstage can get once it's show time… especially when you're directionally challenged and prone to mishearing things.  On the upside, we had Pelvis Costello working as a stage hand so we didn't have to worry about lifting furniture in heels.

By Karlo X. Ramos
www.karloxramos.com

Amidst the running around, Jessica and I got roped into a little on-stage gag.  I had no idea what the game plan was and tried my best to smile my way through.  The confusion was probably written all over my face.  Everyone had a good laugh though.

There were so many amazing performances that night, and I loved getting glimpses of the audience going wild.  Of course we were all awed by Perle Noire; she brought so much intensity to every step of her routine.  I have to give Lola Martinet a shout-out for representing us Asians that night and for her ingenuity.  I also didn't get the chance to tell her how much I loved her jacket so I'm doing it here.

At the after-party, I came to the conclusion that my awkwardness is inversely proportional to how much clothes I have on.  ­­­Contrary to popular belief, a person with no qualms about nudity can still be shy.  Similarly, even though stage kittening is seen as a stepping stone to performance, it's not necessarily an easier job.  I always thought being comfortable with my body would be a more difficult task, but DBF last year was a huge step and look at how far I've come in a year.  This year, I tried to focus on trying to socialize more and actually sticking around at the after-parties (and not spend all my time with The Companion).  Overcoming that anxiety is a daunting task, but even just hanging around for a hour counts for something.  And hey, I still had a fun Valentine's Day evening despite my partner being at work.

By MayMay
www.youtube.com/user/ElFuzzyFilms

Click here for the recap of Night 1

Dallas Burlesque Festival '14 Night 1

In the days leading up to the Dallas Burlesque Festival, people would ask, "Are you excited/nervous/ready?"  I was all three at various points and sometimes all at once.  As the big day grew near, I stopped freaking out and fussing over little things (the Olympics were a nice distraction).  I realized that no matter what happened, my solo debut was something I put my heart and soul into and I would be happy with that.

By Karlo X. Ramos
www.karloxramos

When I set out to create my first routine, I wanted it to completely represent me while appealing to a broad audience.  I can get pretty niche with my interests, and I don't want to be just a nerdlesque dancer.  I knew that I wanted to use "Black Glasses" by Angela Aki because I could relate to the lyrics and there was some wordplay I could incorporate.  Also, it would be nice to introduce people to a singer they probably had never heard for (she's a bilingual J-pop musician).  Another goal of mine was to incorporate some satire or social commentary because I've always enjoyed that aspect of burlesque and it's important for me as an artist.  The song provided the opportunity to poke fun at a movie trope.  After much contemplation on the type of nerd girl to portray, I chose a comic book fan in order to fire back at people who have railed against "fake geek girls" while simultaneously conquering my fear of being perceived as one.  In short, this routine was me: Asian, nerdy, feminist, silly, and fun.  And yes, I've learned to embrace the cute too.

By Karlo X. Ramos
www.karloxramos

Thursday's show, which was made possible by both DBF and the Dallas Burlesque Alliance, comprised of all local performers with the exception of Ooops the Clown, Ratty Scurvics, and Mr. Cheeze (but Dallas embraces them as our own).  I was happy to be among many familiar faces, as well as fellow DBF newbies.  It made me feel less out of place.

My nerves returned during tech rehearsal.  Even though I had danced on the House of Blues Cambridge Room stage before, I was still overwhelmed by the bright lights and loud music.  I wound up rushing through my routine, and in my desire to not take up other people's precious rehearsal time, I skipped the series of reveals that had me concerned.  However, there wasn't much else I could do besides pay attention to mental notes and get my make-up done.

Renee Holiday gave me an applicator for my false eyelashes, and it helped me win the long, tough battle…sort of.  I didn't have time to trim my new pair so I used the crummy old ones that sit funny.  I fussed with them so much that one fell off right when Lyric Laveau and the Jazz Quartet finished.  The end of the music signaled the beginning of the dancing; fortunately I was in the middle of the setlist.

The eyelashes and my contacts behaved for the rest of the night, and watching the other performers helped me get into the zone.  Playing with Mr. Cheeze also calmed me down.  I still obsessed over details and tried to make sure the very busy kittens new where my stuff was.  I realized that I needed a way to get on-stage without ruining my first "reveal", but thankfully I was able to solve that problem.  Then Pixie O'Kneel had finished her act, and it was my turn.

Isn't Mr. Cheeze adorable?

When I got on-stage, everything became automatic.  I don't really remember much besides the bright lights and glancing down at audience members even though I told myself to look up.  I fed off their energy so the more responsive they were, the more I gave back.  It was an adrenaline rush.

The perfectionist in me would normally pick apart my performance, but I felt so amazing afterward.  I could be critical another night.  Everybody had such great things to say to me— Mary Lynn Mayhem told me to get used the compliments.  I'm definitely proud of myself, but it's hard to not say "Aw shucks" (not that I would say that, but it's that feeling).

After the show, The Companion and I wound up hanging out with my Dallas School of Burlesque classmates MayMay, Jay Scarlet, and Rowdy Rory.  We invaded the Stone Sour auction in our search for a quieter place to chat and met up with The Dirty Blonde and Dapper John.  Since everyone was hungry, we decided to go to Café Brazil— only to be reminded that it was Thursday and they were open late.  Buzzbrews, however, was open so we went there and enjoyed yummy food and hot chocolate.  It was nice way to cap off one of the best nights of my life.  

By Karlo X. Ramos
www.karloxramos

Upcoming shows: Crimson and Clothesless and All-Con

I know I need to make my DBF posts, but I've got some other things on my plate. First is Mustache and Panty Productions Presents: Crimson and Clothesless this Friday.

Next is All-Con. I'll be presenting panels with the lovely Black Mariah, as well as some cosplay buddies: Ashley Easter, Callie Calypso, Frank Hui, and Helena Isis. I am also a last minute addition into their burlesque show.

Black Mariah and me at All-con 2013

All-con Schedule
Friday:
- Ignorance and Fandom: Cons and Cosplay @ 3:00 PM
- Nerdlesque @ 7:00 PM

Saturday:
- History of Burlesque @ 6:00 PM
- Burlesque show @ 9:00 PM

Sunday:
- Ignorance and Fandom: Media Representation @ 12:00 PM
- Nerdlesque @ 1:00 PM