Top Drawer was THE Minnesota burlesque event of the year. I am still in shock and awe from the spectacular 2 days and 4 shows. I, quite literally, still (a month later) have a glitter hangover from the whole thing.
This years Expo gave me a unique opportunity as a performer. For the first time, I performed with a live band accompaniment. While this may seem somewhat minimal, I assure you, it was no small thing to me.
Honestly, I was terrified!
There's a huge difference in the ability to choreograph a routine based on a set count, lyrical influence and exact timing of instrumental hits in pre-recorded music to that of the instinctual, free-flowing and improvisational nature of a live band. While the song I chose was familiar to me, I had no idea exactly how the band would interpret the music.
The only pre-show interaction I had with the musicians was a brief discussion on the style I was going for overall. As someone who plans things METICULOUSLY...this made me incredibly nervous.
Did I mention that my act started the entire Friday 10 PM show? No pressure, right?!
Well, I'm happy to say that after all my fretting and near panic...as soon as I hit the stage...the music took me over. It was as though every note was being interpreted by my body! It felt incredily freeing to just feel the music and let it guide me to my next movement.
It felt great to challenge myself in a new way in my art form and to face my fears as a performer. Sometimes I can hold too tightly to my control but in this format it was best to let loose and enjoy the ride.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to my next opportunity to collaborate with a group of musicians. A HUGE thank you to Musette and Mona for coordinating this!
Here are some pictured highlights of the performance.
This years Expo gave me a unique opportunity as a performer. For the first time, I performed with a live band accompaniment. While this may seem somewhat minimal, I assure you, it was no small thing to me.
Honestly, I was terrified!
There's a huge difference in the ability to choreograph a routine based on a set count, lyrical influence and exact timing of instrumental hits in pre-recorded music to that of the instinctual, free-flowing and improvisational nature of a live band. While the song I chose was familiar to me, I had no idea exactly how the band would interpret the music.
The only pre-show interaction I had with the musicians was a brief discussion on the style I was going for overall. As someone who plans things METICULOUSLY...this made me incredibly nervous.
Did I mention that my act started the entire Friday 10 PM show? No pressure, right?!
Well, I'm happy to say that after all my fretting and near panic...as soon as I hit the stage...the music took me over. It was as though every note was being interpreted by my body! It felt incredily freeing to just feel the music and let it guide me to my next movement.
It felt great to challenge myself in a new way in my art form and to face my fears as a performer. Sometimes I can hold too tightly to my control but in this format it was best to let loose and enjoy the ride.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to my next opportunity to collaborate with a group of musicians. A HUGE thank you to Musette and Mona for coordinating this!
Here are some pictured highlights of the performance.