So You Wanna Start a Burlesque Troupe, Part II
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
As promised, here is the second installment on how to start your own burlesque troupe. Remember, if you have any questions, you can always contact me through our website.
6. Business or pleasure? Are you starting a business? Or is this just a fun, creative outlet? For me, choreography and dance is not only my passion, it’s my career. Make sure you know what you want to get out of it of your troupe, and most importantly, only surround yourself with responsible people who understand your vision! If this is business, start with a business plan and contact the SBA in your area for guidance.
7. Creating Your Vision
Do you want to direct and choreograph the troupe or just be a performer? Time to decide. If you're a choreographer, you can skip this step. If not, its time to find someone to create those dances you want. You'll also want the choreographer to help with auditions as well. When hiring a choreographer the first thing you want to do is check their references. Find out about their dance training and performance and choreography experience. You can audition a choreographer by having them preform an short and original piece for you, just a few 8-counts long. In this day and age they should have some sort of recording of other works they've created. Check ’em out!
8. Let’s Audition!
If you're working with a dance choreographer, they can help you find places to post audition notices in the dance community.
Here are some audition pointers: Prepare a short combination. There’s no need to make a dancer try to audition with 32 eight counts of music. If someone has classical training or the look you want, you will know very quickly. You can also have dancers come in with a prepared combination. I sometimes do this. If I am interested I still have them learn one of my combinations.
9. First Rehearsal
By this time you've established rehearsal times with cast, discussed financial obligations (if there's any shared), and are ready to begin dancing. Hopefully you secured your rehearsal space earlier (like I mentioned). If at all possible, rehearse in a dance studio or gym. Dance studios should have a sprung or floating floor, which protects dancers from stress injuries and should have the right amount of give. Even if advertised, check the flooring. It shouldn't be too hard (or too soft). It should feel softer than your home flooring. Your choreographer will either have something prepared or set choreography on the dancers. Everyone learns and works in their own way; be supportive of one another.
10. Most importantly….
Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of somebody else.
— Jana Edele
Director/Choreographer, The Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque
