The Burlesque Handbook

“Jo Weldon is the gold-standard for New Burlesque. I am proud to call her my friend, and unashamed to admit she’s my idol.” — Lily Burana, author of Strip City: A Stripper's Farewell Journey Across America From one of the stars of the New Burlesque scene, Jo Weldon, comes a definitive, easy-to-use, and indispensable guide to the art form, with a foreword by superstar comedian and burlesque enthusiast Margaret Cho. Fans of Dita Von Teese—as well as performers of every stripe—will love the helpful advice and feisty attitude of The Burlesque Handbook. Your complete backstage guide to the art of the tease: Classic Moves: Master the iconic bump ’n’ grind, the sultry glove peel, and the showgirl poses that have defined striptease for decades. How to Make Pasties: A complete, step-by-step guide to crafting your own pasties, the revolutionary centerpiece of any burlesque costume. Fan Dance Technique: Learn to conceal and reveal with grace and drama using feathered fans, inspired by the legendary Sally Rand. Breakaway Costumes: Go beyond lingerie with insider secrets for constructing and deconstructing show-stopping outfits designed to come apart on stage. Body Positivity: Discover how the world of neo-burlesque celebrates every body type and empowers performers to find confidence in their own skin.