Shopping Extravaganza

[bethlakshmi]

As sometimes happens after a busy spell, I look up and realize that I have long finished the last new book, and have no other books around that suit my particular mood. The last really great book I remember being enthralled by was Geisha by Liza Darby. I'm a huge Geisha goob - I don't really do much with it, or try very hard to dig really far down into cultural anthropology or developing much artistic depth on the topic, but I really fall hard for books about Geisha. It all started with Memoirs of a Geisha and I've read another 3 or so books since on the topic. Liza Darby's is pretty awesome. She actually worked in Gion as a geisha doing her research, and so offers an insider perspective but with a great sense of Western-translation. She's amusing, has interesting narratives, and colorful, evocative descriptions.

But... I couldn't find another Geisha book that suited me, so I moved on. Now that Burlesque has become the latest obession, I have leaned heavily into the dance zone of the enormous NE mobile book fair (book addicts anonymous):
- Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage by Jane Briggeman - goes over a nice collection of the Burlesque stars of the Golden Age of Burlesque. Seems to have a strong leaning towards The Golden Days of Burlesque Historical Society - a group focused on reuniting and researching the performers of the early-mid 20th century. Has a interesting picture of Mimi Reed in pretty much exactly a Bharata Natyam costume - although it doesn't have the upper "drape" part that is more typical today. And she's in a mettu aramundi pose with an alteration of miyurako hand mudra, looking for all the world like she's gonna do a Bharata Natyam number. I am intruigued...
- got a silly little pocket guide to Swing dancing, to refresh my swing skills.
- got two books as little presents for fellow dance & India geeks I know. It makes me smile that I have friends just as geeky as me, who will like books that I think are neat, but have no practical use for myself. :)
- got Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card - because a girl can't just fill her head with nekkid women, there needs to be some good sci fi in there too.
- got a book on tape about the Kama Sutra (for modern loving) by Wendy Donniger. It doesn't sound in anyway historically useful. But it's a book on tape... it simply gives me something to think about besides road rage when I am on the way to O.S. class. Besides, it was $10.

Whee!! Must remember - OS book, first, fun books after!

Comments

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

This post reminded me that I wanted to mention to you a wonderful Documentry called Pretty Things (http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/prettythings/synopsis.html) that I saw on HBO this year. I'm looking for a copy of it on DVD for my Laurel, will try to remember to post to you if I find it in case you don't have HBO.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

Of course, opinions on the documentary will vary. I, for example, found it self-indulgent and narcissistic. The documentary of what third generation rich people with little talent can do with too much time and too much money.

Another review is at http://www.livejournal.com/users/missminadances/5606.html

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

I guess the the reason I liked it so much is that I was on the computer at the time and completely ignored the sections on the modern dance (which just annoyed me). I loved the history and visits to the old dancers.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

I liked those parts as well... but the director/creator was just creepy.

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

I have to admit I found myself jealous of the experience that she got to have and wishing that it had been given to a MUCH cooler person.

I read the link you included earlier, and I have to agree with point that the filmmaker was MUCH too prudish in her costume choices and her general manner - plus I HATED her dance. Of course part of what I was bringing to my viewing of things is the few experiences I have had of going to modern erotic dance clubs (my Laurel used to be a dancer). The things the old dancers were talking about doing were on such a cooler level then what I have seen in modern dance that I found myself wishing I could see those old shows.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

When you're in Boston (or if we come down your way), see The Boston Babydolls. It's not the exact same as seeing the original performers (many of whom would be really boring by today's standards), but it's close. Better in some ways.

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

Have put link in my journal so I can find it later. Look forward to seeing a show.

Damn, now have "big spender" stuck in my head. Good thing it's the new Bette Middler version instead of what's her face singing it.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

"Peggy Lee"? Careful, child. You tread dangerous ground.

And if you go to www.BostonBabydolls.net you can get on our very low traffic mailing list.

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

No...Not Peggy Lee...what's her face the filmmaker actually sang the song in "pretty things".

I was raised on musicals, show tunes and 50's music...Loved "stagedoor canteen". Would not say anything against PL.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

Oh. The film maker is Liz "Psycho" Goldwyn.

[lakshmi-amman.livejournal.com]

I've had it recommended to me several times - (not by new_man or missminadances though - they gave the anti-recommendation). It seems that the people who have liked it best are those who do not actually have much interest in doing Burlesque. I assume some of it the massive divide between the made-for-HBO-ness of the modern production, versus the reality of the Burlesque revival movement.

Perhaps at some point I'll have to at least look at it, so I can make my own judgement...

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

I'd think about it, but don't have the body.

I have to say, when I first flipped past the show, she was in point shoes and that's what drew me in (I have a thing for women on point). Then she didn't include any of that in her routine.

I hadn't done any looking into Burlesque because the only exposure I'd had to it before was Gypsy and for some reason I thought that Burlesque was dead. Then I saw you mentioning the Boston Babydolls and wished I was able to get up there to see the show. I've been banned from Boston until January though (contagious from mono).

Nice icon btw.

[new-man.livejournal.com]

got a book on tape about the Kama Sutra (for modern loving) by Wendy Donniger.

I may have pointed you at this before. I'm cleaning out some old files and came across the link again http://www.animatedkamasutra.com

[missmina]

Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage by Jane Briggeman

Let me know what you think. I'd be interested in borrowing it when you're done to see if it's a worthy addition to my library. I can loan you Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show or This Was Burlesque by Anne Corio in exchange.

[lakshmi-amman.livejournal.com]

Well... there's definitely a very tight connection between the author, and the Golden Age of Burlesque Historical Society. Not only do they get a big, multi-page tribute from her, but also the dancers found through that group are the same dancers she features. But... that said, it's got lots of pretty pictures. So from a short attention perspective - it'd be good for the Baby Dolls, I think.

Would love to borrow those, when I'm done with this. Although right now I'm bribing myself. Midterm first, fun Burlesque reading second. :)