What is BurlyCon?
Burlycon is a community-oriented educational convention for Burlesque performers, fans, and aficionados. First held in Seattle the weekend of Nov 7-9 2008, BurlyCon was met with thunderous acclaim and will happen again! This year, the event will be held October 14-17 and BurlyCon will offer classes, workshops, panels, a vendor fair, and social events.
How is BurlyCon different from Exotic World Weekend, New York Burlesque Festival, Tease-O-Rama, and the Great Boston Burlesque Expo?
BurlyCon is focused entirely on community building, educational and social events. There are NO Burlesque shows or performances! There is no contest, and no performance showcase. Instead, we offer faciliated feedback sessions where new and seasoned performers can workshop their acts-in-progress with their peers.
Why are there no Burlesque shows at BurlyCon?
There are already several huge national (and International) festivals in which performances play a central role. At all these events, participants want more time for networking, education, and social activities. Performers seek opportunities to focus on each other, without the pressure of an impending competition or performance.
What will attendees get out of the weekend?
This weekend will be packed with thought-provoking, skill-building and transformative educational and community-building opportunities. A “newbie” track of introductory classes and workshops will support the budding Burlesquer. A “seasoned” track of challenging panels and workshops will deepen and enhance skills for performers who have several years of experience already beneath their belts. With additional offerings for documentarians, techies, producers, fans, and fan dancers, BurlyCon offers something for everyone who loves the Burlesque Community.
Really? No performances? What happens at night?
2009 Events:
Thurs: Vintage Fashion Meet & Greet and Newbie Feedback Sessions
Fri: Casual Luncheon with Keynote, Evening Indoor Tiki Pool Party, and Seasoned Feedback Sessions
Sat: Pants-Off Dance-Off
Sun: Pajama Brunch
What are some examples of the workshops?
Topics include costuming, performance skills, history, photography, business, and ethics. Specific examples are “Building Persona”, “Melodrama: Pushing conceptual edges”, “Old School Walks & Struts”, “Bawdy Bump & Grind Striptease from a Gown”, “Ethics, Copyright, Propriety & Imitation”, “Exoticism, Racism, and Cultural Appropriation”, “Getting Booked”, “Quick Release Costuming”, “Photographing Live Burlesque Shows”, “Burlesque 1860-1900”. “Hair & Makeup for the Burlesque Stage”.
Who’s putting the Convention on?
BurlyCon is being produced by a Seattle-based Board of Directors with national support and guidance. Directors include: Miss Indigo Blue, Headmistress of The Academy of Burlesque; Jo Boobs, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque.
The entire Seattle Burlesque community is involved in hosting the event.
Where will it be held?
The entire convention will be held at a host hotel in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, near Seattle Center. The hotel has an indoor pool and GREAT rates. All attendees are encouraged to stay there because all weekend events will be at or near the hotel.
Who’s coming already?
BurlyCon is confirming our Guests of Honor and Invited Presenters for 2010.
Performers, fans, producers, and aficionados from all over the country are already planning to attend.
How can I get involved?
- Register to attend!
Discounts for early registration! - Propose a class/workshop/panel!
Survey results indicated strong preferences for specific workshops, which will be offered – suggest your own, or participate in a panel! - Volunteer to assist!
Volunteers are needed during the conference, and volunteers receive discounted registration, a t-shirt, and the gratitude of the community!
