~Violetta Beretta Presents~

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue!

At the Beautiful Honolulu Museum of Arts Doris Duke Theater!

Friday, June 20th 2014

&

             Saturday, June 21st 2014                     

TWO Outstanding Nights of Naughty Fun in Honolulu, Hawaii! 

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3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue 2014 UPDATE: 

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March 13, 2014

ALOHA & MAHALO for visiting!

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue 2014 is COMING SOON!

On June 20th & 21st, 2014 at The Honolulu Museum of Art Doris Duke Theater, The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue is pleased to present TWO spectacular nights of Burlesque to thrill and delight our local Hawaii Audiences! 

Please take a look below at our exciting announcements about the HBF 2014 Shows & Revues and HBF Performers for the coming year!

Tickets will be available for purchase SOON via the Honolulu Museum of Art Website (links will also be provided here once tickets become available!)

MORE INFORMATION ON TICKETS, TICKET PRICES AND SPECIAL DEALS COMING!

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The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue 2014 Presents:

Friday, June 20th 2014

The Hot & Heavy Ho'olaule'a!

On Friday, June 20th 2014 the Hawaii Burlesque Festival is proud to present "The Hot & Heavy Ho'olaule'a!"

This is in an invitation to YOU to join us for a no-holds barred, super fun Ho'laule'a, Burlesque Style! Ho'olaule'a is the Hawaiian word for PARTY, and that's what the HBF 2014 is planning on throwing for our ka'maina audiences! 

Starring a cast of Local Burlesque Performers (both Soloists & Troupes) that are so incredible they're almost edible, this 'aint your Tutu's luau!

Dress to impress in your Hawaiian Print Best! Bust out the Mu'mu and get the Bedazzler! Hula Skirts & Coconuts Encouraged! 

We're Tickled Pink to announce our

2014 Featured Troupes:

The Kit Kat Club Cabaret - Maui, HI  www.kitkatclubcabaret.com

These sassy kittens hail all the way from the verdant Isle of Maui! They'll be setting the HBF 2014 stage on FIRE (not literally..ok, kinda) with their outstanding choreography, smoldering vocals and mile long legs! 

Volary Aerial Burlesque - Honolulu, HI www.aerialburlesquehawaii.com

Volary Aerial Burlesque is one of the most in-demand troupes in Honolulu, and it's easy to see why! Whether slinking along the floor, or flying aloft in the air each and every one of them is a heart-stopping sight to behold!

 Cherry Blossom Cabaret - Honolulu, HI www.cherryblossomcabaret.com

Cherry Blossom Cabaret is committed to bringing their audiences only the most entertaining, intoxicating and hilarious performances possible! Capturing every heart in the crowd with the twirl of a tassel, or a slip of a strap, these luscious island vixens set a very sweet trap!

~The "Hot & Heavy Ho'olaule'a!" will also feature several delightful Local Solo Burlesque Performers!~

We will be announcing our Ho'olaule'a Soloists very soon! 

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The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue 2014 Presents:

Saturday, June 21th 2014

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue 2014 Final Night Burlesque Showcase!

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue is gearing up for an amazing round of shows in 2014, culminating in an INCREDIBLE Final Night Burlesque Showcase!

The HBF is delighted to be bringing to our kama'aina audiences a truly incredible Featured Performer for 2014! She's recently been named one of the Top 20 Neo-Burlesque Performers by Asylum Magazine, and is a Golden Pastie Award Winner! She's a very well known & loved member of the National Burlesque Community and regularly travels the world sharing her amazing artistry with stunned and grateful audiences!

Who is she? 

You'll have to wait and see!

This stellar Final Night Showcase will also feature an exceptional collection of incredible & diverse talent from across America! Our delightful Guest Performers for 2014 will share a seductive sampling of the some of the most captivating & beautiful Burlesque available on the Continent! 

We here at the HBF are big believers in the TEASE, so STAY TUNED!

We will be announcing this years Featured Performer & Guest Performers for 2014 VERY SOON! 

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LOOK FOR UPCOMING HBF 2014 ANNOUNCEMENTS ON:

2014 BURLESQUE FESTIVAL WORKSHOP & CLASS SCHEDULE

 

UPCOMING PROMOTIONAL CONTESTS & FUNDRAISING EVENTS

 

SPECIAL GUEST STARS

 

TICKET & SHOW INFORMATION

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The Hawaii Burlesque Festival 2013 Workshop Schedule!

Aloha Everyone!

I'm STOKED to announce the Hawaii Burlesque Festival 2013 Workshop Schedule!

These classes are guaranteed to out some bounce in your ounce and some switch in your step. We've got ALOT of super fun classes taught by EXPERTS in the field of Burlesque, so come down to Ong King and let's dance/act/stretch/create & draw! ALL ARE WELCOME!

Details and course descriptions available at: www.hawaiiburlesquefestival.com (under Workshops)

PS: I'd HIGHLY recommend registering for one or both of Coco Lectric's classes. They're perfect for both beginners or intermediate level performers. Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn from one of America's best in Burlesque! I'm taking BOTH classes!!

2013 HAWAII BURLESQUE FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS!
June 15th & 16th, 2013 at Ong King Art Center
(Ong King Art Center is located at: 184 N King St Honolulu, HI 96817
Telephone: (724) 816-6585)

SATURDAY JUNE 15th
11:30am-12:30pm LOLA LOVE - HIP HIP HOORAY!
(**NOTE: THIS IS A PAID CLASS THAT REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION! PLEASE EMAIL violettaberetta@gmail.com for more details on price & to register!)

12:30PM-1:30PM LOLA LOVE - ADD SLINK TO YOUR STEP!
(**NOTE: THIS IS A PAID CLASS THAT REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION! PLEASE EMAIL violettaberetta@gmail.com for more details on price & to register!)

1:30 - 2:00PM - VIOLETTA BERETTA - QUICK AND EASY PASTIES ON THE CHEAP! (FREE Demonstration)

2:00PM - 3:00PM COCO 'LECTRIC - BIG BAD BOA!
(**NOTE: THIS IS A PAID CLASS THAT REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION! PLEASE EMAIL violettaberetta@gmail.com for more details on price & to register!)

3:00PM - 4:00PM MISS FORTUNE - IMPROV & THEATRICALITY IN BURLESQUE (FREE)

4:00PM - 5:00PM COCO 'LECTRIC - MUSICALITY & PERSONALITY
(**NOTE: THIS IS A PAID CLASS THAT REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION! PLEASE EMAIL violettaberetta@gmail.com for more details on price & to register!)

SUNDAY JUNE 16TH
11:30AM - 12:30PM MADAME X - SEXY STRETCH & FITNESS (FREE)
12:30PM - 1:00PM MABSY - BURLESQUE BALLET FOR BEGINNERS (FREE)
2:00PM - 3:00PM VIOLETTA BERETTA - BASIC GLOVE AND STOCKING REMOVAL (FREE)
3:00PM - 4:00PM MABSY & ELLA FLAUNT - DR SKETCHY'S HAWAII! LIVE ART DRAWING! (FREE)

For more information on any of the workshops listed above, or to register for Coco 'Lectric or Lola Love's classes, please contact:
violettaberetta@gmail.com

The 2nd Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival Revue Performers!

\

The Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue is COMING SOON! 

 (Here's a link to the larger version of the above image via fbook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281102455359095.1073741834.253253384810669&type=1&l=795be598d8)

 Aloha Hepcats & Kittens! 

I'm Pleased as Punch to be able to announce the following performers as part of 2013's Hawaii Burlesque Festival Revue Cast!

HOSTED BY: Ella Flaunt (HONOLULU)

FEATURED PERFORMER: Miss Coco Lectric (AUSTIN)! 

TRAVELING PERFORMERS: 

Baby Le Strange (PORTLAND)

Lilith Moon (KANSAS CITY)

Thundering Jezebel (PUNA, HI) 

HAWAII PERFORMERS: 

Violetta Beretta (HONOLULU)

Miss Fortune (HONOLULU)

 Vy Vicious (HONOLULU)

Mabsy (HONOLULU)

 Miss Catwings (HONOLULU)

Madame X (HONOLULU)

Lola Love (HONOLULU)

Dick Sunday (HONOLULU)

Hunter Down (HONOLULU)

Take a look at our amazing performers here via the official Hawaii Burlesque Festival Facebook Page!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281084942027513.1073741833.253253384810669&type=1&l=6689f7f5e2

We also have some beautiful Stage Kats (as opposed to Kittens!) and a few surprises up our non-existent sleeves! Stay tuned!

For more info on the Hawaii Burlesque Festival visit: www.hawaiiburlesquefestival.com

Aloha & Hope to see you at The Doris! 

An Interview with Kalani Kokonuts: "The Showgirl of Burlesque"

An Interview with the Stunning Kalani Kokonuts,

"The Showgirl of Burlesque"

The Stunning Miss Kalani Kokonuts!

Kalani Kokonuts in one of her AWESOME costumes!

I recently had the honor of being able to interview one of my favorite performers, Kalani Kokonuts for my little blog. She was so nice and responded with great answers! Kalani is a unique and magnificent talent and is very well known in the burlesque community as "The Showgirl of Burlesque!" She also hails from Hawaii!!

 

Kalani Kokonuts Interview for Burlesque in Hawaii, April 23, 2012: 

Aloha Kalani! First of it's a great honor to be able to interview you! I've always been a fan of your work and thrilled by the fact that someone from my hometown hit the "big time!"

Q:What's your Performer Name/Tag-line? How long have you been doing Burlesque?
A:Kalani Kokonuts ''The Showgirl of Burlesque''.
I have been stripping on and off for 22 years. I did at one point, take seven years off to go snowboarding.

Q:Focus/Specialty?
A:I don't have a set focus or specialty. I want to keep my performances interesting for the audience as well as keep my mind engaged while creating and performing.

Q:Upcoming projects you care to share??
A: My newest act is a mermaid act. I Have a giant champagne glass prop that is, as far as I know is the largest in the world. Not certain about the galaxy or universe...or parallel dimensions. I would definitely put this act in the ''Neo'' Burlesque category. I also went very ''anti'' costume for this act because I envisioned simplicity in it's most purest form.

Q:What inspired you to begin doing burlesque?
A: I started stripping at the age of 18 because I had myself and my younger sister to support. I needed money, because food costs money, and my mother had become an absentee parent for a time.
I became inspired after I had seen for the first time a ''Feature entertainer'' that was booked into the club. I was working illegally underage and I loved the costuming! It was mostly escapism for me initially because stripping become monotonous. Honestly I had never even heard the word ''burlesque'' till many years later. I had only ever seen feature entertainers which is what I eventually became. My mother was a burlesque dancer and also performed shows but I never knew there was a name for a strip club showgirl. I am inspired by creating, I love to create and I will admit that the process for creating a new act can be maddening. I also paint, sculpt, play music, sing and write. I have extremely busy hands and I rarely sit and just relax. If you were ever unfortunate enough to have me accompany you to the beach, I would make you crazy.

Q:How long have you been playing the trumpet? That's a pretty amazing skill! What's your favorite song to play?
A: I actually played classical guitar first in high school, I never considered myself adept at that. I picked up the trumpet about 10 years ago, to me the trumpet has a very heavenly and soulful sound. I am also not adept at the trumpet and only occasionally play now. I am learning the base guitar and hope to be a mediocre player sometime in the distant future. My favorite Jazz song is ''Take Five'' by Dave Brubeck.

Q: Your costumes are GORGEOUS! Do you make them or design them yourself? How do you come up with your costuming ideas?
A: First off thank you! Just like anyone else, my acts are inspired by music, movies, fashion and various recreational pharmaceuticals available without a prescription.
I have made most of my own costumes or I have under pieces made which I then finish myself. I designed but did not construct the ''Geisha'' costume, although I did reconstruct it myself after being unhappy with it initially. The ''Geisha'' body suit alone cost me $3500.00 and I had to cut right into it to make it suitable for what I needed. That was a learning lesson for me and it took me 2 hours to work up the nerve to cut up the bodysuit and coincidentally, that is exactly how long it takes to give yourself an ulcer. I highly suggest that burly gals learn to make their own costumes if at all possible. Be part of the process and learn. I design all of my own acts and must absolutely be involved in every aspect of the creation. I am an OCD, perfectionist high anxiety, asshole when creating and constructing, because those are just the standards I hold myself too.
Once I believe I have a decent idea for an act, I let it stew in my head for awhile (sometimes years). I imagine the most high production act I can possibly create, then whittle down from there. Obviously there are budgets and limitations that make the creative process within the laws of physics a serious bummer. I used to be a strict advocate of using only Swarovski's for brilliance but I have recently become fascinated with sequins again. Being realistic about what is possible and not possible is imperative. The idea and costume must be relatable without being self indulgent. Costuming is only second to talent and ability.

Q: You're well known for your lavish stage settings and live performance elements (Taiko drummers, male assistants etc.) during your sets....what is your favorite onstage collaboration or effect? 
A: Great performances only happen with great lighting. When I had the idea for the Taiko drummers, I hadn't quite accounted for how loud the actual drummers were. I hope it didn't show, but I was extremely startled by the unexpected loudness and I couldn't hear anything but the drums. I would love to perform with Taiko drummers again. I love performing with other performers onstage and am considering some one off ideas in the future with hired dancers. My favorite show I performed in was Absinthe in Las Vegas. I learned that the most integral part of any show is the lighting, and the lighting.

Q: What do you love most about burlesque?
A: The one thing I love most about burlesque is the absolute joy I get from entertaining an audience. If your happy, I'm happy.

Q: What are your biggest inspirations/influences?
A: My biggest influence and inspiration for creating is music. Music is my religion and without it I am crippled.

Q:Where can we see you perform?
A: I perform every Friday at the Sapphire's Comedy Hour in Las Vegas.
I am also a fill in at Absinthe at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. I will be performing my new act at this year's BHOF and will also be performing at Ink-N-Iron in Long Beach this summer. I don't take as many bookings as I used to because I have bit of burnout and would like to semi-retire from burlesque to sculpt and paint full time. Painting is my first love after snowboarding.
I wouldn't say I have any special or cultivated talents. I have always danced. There are however little things I do onstage, I'll call bad habits that make me nuts. Every performer has them.

Q:What are your ties to Hawaii? Your name is a good indication of one!
A: I grew up in Hawaii and moved away to Alaska when I was 10 years old.
I am from Moanolua Valley on Oahu. There are a lot of local Hawaiians in Alaska because of the fishing trade and I went to high school with many many locals.

Q:Has Hawaii or it's culture inspired you in your work? If so, how?
A: I'll perform traditional hula or Tahitian sometimes onstage at burlesque events but I am not comfortable stripping while dancing hula because I think it's disrespectful and I hold the Hawaiian culture in the utmost reverence. It feels very awkward to me so I don't make a habit of it.
Hawaiian culture has influenced me because Hawaii is where my roots are. The influence is culture, respect tradition and grace. Being a former hula and Tahitian dancer, I had instilled into me the physicality of elegance and fluidity. Much like ballet. It is very spiritual for me and is the experience I try to manifest and share when I perform.

Q:Any funny or cool Hawaii-centric burlesque (or otherwise) memories you care to share?
A:The ''Coconut Lounge'' was a bar my mom and dad owned in Waikiki in the 1970's. My fondest memory was when Elvis Presley popped in for a visit, because my parents had booked a cousin of Elvis's to perform a short run. Well I ended up in Vegas anyway.
 
K:)

 Mahalo Nui Loa Kalani Kokonuts for an awesome & inspiring interview, and for taking the time to answer my questions! 

If you'd like to see even more of the Gorgeous Kalani Kokonuts, go here:

https://www.facebook.com/kalani.kokonuts 

or here:

http://youtu.be/heUSJwElPHk 

DIY Burlesque/Fashion! It's Easy & Fun!

 Yesterday I was stoked to help some lovely burly pals from my troupe make DIY dress forms to making it easier to make costumes etc. It was a fun day, and we managed to make 3 forms at a leisurely pace over the course of 4 hours!

We used plastic bags and paper tape (available at most crafting and hardware stores, pretty cheap!)
All told I think the whole project will run you about 25.00 max.

Here are some pictures of our craft adventures:

Ho...mean side-eye, eh? 

The finished shells of the forms, next they should be packed with fabric and paper, re-taped to smooth out any major bumps and put on a stand.

If you'd like to try making your own dress forms I'd reccomend the following resources:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Custom-Dressform-from-Paper-Packing-Tape/
http://makingitwell.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-made-my-own-dress-form.html
**These are for the paper tape version but there's also other ways, like using duct tape etc. Try Google for more info on that!

Aloha & Happy Crafting!

Hawaii Burly History...continued!

Good Morning & Aloha!

Just got back from some shows on the Mainland and though I love the frenetic pace and meeting new people I always look forward to coming back home. I'm grateful every day for having the luck to be born and raised here in Hawaii Nei, and for being able to live, dance, create and work in one of the most beautiful and temperate places on the earth. 

Wanted to share a few more Hawaii Burlesque history photos and videos cause I've got Honolulu on the brain this morning. Enjoy! XOXO

V

Here's a very interesting collection of advertisements from the 50's-60's, Forbidden City and the like. Check out the advertisement for MISS SALLY RAND in the upper left corner!Wish I could have seen THAT!

Here is a link to a movie titled "Burlesque in Hawaii" also known as "Oriental Vanities." This movie admittedly leaves ALOT to be desired in several of the cinematic virtues but it does show off a view of older Hawaii in more innocent days.


ALOHA!!

The Official 2013 Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue Logo and Poster are HERE!

I am literally thrilled to be able to share this amazing (and amazingly cute) design by Claudette Barjoud of Fluff! Claudette is one of my favorite artists in the world and I'm so happy and honored to have had a chance to work with an icon in both art and fluffiness!

I commissioned this design for the Second Annual Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue, as I wanted to be able to really captivate peoples imaginations both locally and not, I thought that Claudette's artistic vision wold be perfect to personify the fun, teasing nature of the event and the art form and boy, was I RIGHT!

Check out more of Claudette's beautiful art as well as her line of accesories & clothing called "Fluff" at" 

www.fluffshop.com 

Stay tuned for more info on where to get prints, stickers, t-shirts and the like of this AWESOME design, for sale via the Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue website at: www.hawaiiburlesquefestival.com SOON!

Also check the website and the HBF Facebook page for more info on the event, tickets, performers and MORE! 

The Hawaii Burlesque Festival Celebrates it's SECOND YEAR!

I'm THRILLED to be able to say that the Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue is heading into it's SECOND YEAR! It's been a wonderful experience in both learning, producing, directing and of course BURLESQUE!

Last year's inaugural Revue & Workshops were a HUGE success, all because of the wonderful performers and fantastically enthusiastic audience we had at the Honolulu Museum of Art's Doris Duke Theater!

2013 promises to be EVEN BETTER!!! I'm pleased to announce our Headline Showgirl for 2013:

 MISS COCO LECTRIC!

All the way from Austin, Texas, the exquisite COCO LECTRIC will be gracing the stage of the Doris Duke Theater for ONE NIGHT ONLY, June 14th, 2013! She will also be a few presenting her VERY popular workshops while in Paradise! Make sure to mark your calendars & then enjoy this STUNNING photo of the New Orleans Burlesque Festival's "QUEEN OF BURLESQUE 2010!" & The Hawaii Burlesque Festival Revue Headline Showgirl, COCO LECTRIC!!!! ♥

Stay tuned for more info on workshops and other HBF happenings, as well as ticket info for the Hawaii Burlesque Festival Revue at the Honolulu Museum of Art's Doris Duke Theater! 

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

COCO LECTRIC (Austin, Texas)

Coco Lectric is a classically trained dancer, actor, and vocalist. With an absolute love of performing, she graces stages all over the world. She's a founding member of The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue (Austin, TX), founder of the Austin Burlesque Alliance, co-producer of the Texas Burlesque Festival, creator and producer of the World Go-Go Championship, and is the Headmistress of The Austin Academy of Burlesque. Coco won “Queen of Burlesque 2010” at the New Orleans Burlesque Festival. She was “2010 Texas Performer of the Year” from the Hotrods and Heels festival and won the “Audience Choice Award 2009,” at the Texas Burlesque Festival, and second runner up in the Viva Las Vegas Burlesque Competition 2011. She's been featured in numerous festivals and headlined at Girlesque in Toronto, Windy City Burlesque Festival, Dallas Burlesque Festival, Suncoast Burlesque Festival, the Southwest Burlesque Festival and the Texas Burlesque Festival. She performed Opening Night at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in Las Vegas 2010 and in the Miss Exotic World and Reigning Queen of Burlesque competition in 2011 and 2012. She was voted #7 in 2011 and is currently #5 in the world (21st Century Burlesque’s “Burlesque Top 50”).
Coco has also graced the cover of Bachelor Pad, Pin Curl, Atomic Bombshells, Min Boudoir and been featured in The Berlesker, 21st Century Burlesque, All That Glitters and numerous other publications.

Here's a look back:

 Here's a link to the full album from the 2012 HBF Revue night:
http://www.honolulupulse.com/events/pics-honolulu-burlesque-festival

WANT MORE INFO ON HBF 2013??

(Links below!)

The OFFICIAL Hawaii Burlesque Festival Website:
http://hawaiiburlesquefestival.com/

The OFFICIAL FACEBOOK of the Hawaii Burlesque Festival & Revue (updated more regularly!)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hawaii-Burlesque-Festival-Revue/253253384810669

Violetta Beretta's Links:
www.facebook.com/Violetta808
https://twitter.com/ViolettaBeretta