What’s Next
Yesterday was my last day at my job in post. I stepped out of the building at the end of the day armed with all my boxes, and I said to myself. “Wow this is it, I really have to do this now.. there is no going back.” I am terrified, and excited, and beneath all the analysis, I know I have to do this.
My former co-workers were either supportive or skeptical, but it is my life and I have to do what is right for me. The best advice I got was just to believe in myself because if I don’t, who is going to.
I had my birthday this past Wednesday. I told everyone I only wanted things that would benefit my goal. I got several books on acting and acting technique. “On Method Acting” “Acting is Everything” and “No Acting Please.” My boyfriend said he chose them because he had read that his favorite actor Johnny Depp had recommended them.
So now it is here, and I really have to be proactive. Now that I finally have the time to devote to this.
I am going to take some of my birthday money to set myself up with a few more stylish yet conservative outfits, shoes, and a purse. I felt very out of place at the acting seminars. My own style is simple rock and roll t-shirts and jeans and vintage clothing from the 40’s and 50’s. I need to be able to fit in with the modern popular style as well. I need to be able to play that part, as well as play up my vintage and rock and roll look when a situation would call for it.
Then the next step is HEAD SHOTS!!!! I am going to hire a friend to do this first round. I have seen her work with people, and she is very talented. I have two friends that got laid off from a salon that are hair and make-up artists. I think we will work great together.
Then I will contact the agencies in town. I have a few cards from the seminars, and contacts people have given me. I really want to find my way into the Drew Barrymore roller derby movie. I was a roller derby cheerleader for our own Detroit Derby girls a few years ago. I found out that they cast extras this past week, but I might be able to make it into a crowd scene.
I taught my burlesque class last Sunday, and have another one tomorrow. It is so fun and inspiring. I love teaching the girls, and always learn something from them as well. They always pick everything up so naturally. I teach a two hour beginners seminar. It starts with a lesson/lecture talking about what burlesque is and where it comes from. Then we learn some basic moves, with basic costuming and props that I provide. (gloves, hats, and feather boas.) I teach them how to do the moves, and we do them together as a class in groups to a retro jazz musicplay list.
I also provide several handouts on techniques and advice on costuming and music, where to shop in the city, links to other neo-burlesque dancers.
Then we make pasties, which are fancy little things that cover certain parts when burlesque dancing.
The first Monday off of my day job I am teaching a private fan dance lesson… to a grandmother.
Tags: , burlesque, changes, headshots, rollerderby