Best in Nerdlesque 2013
I’ve not been the best wife, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, or employee this year but I’ve been a very good nerd. The Professor of Nerdlesque, unexpectedly, became the focus of my attention in the last calendar year. Truth be told, my best ideas are never my own (thanks, Jules). This last year started with an inspiring three hour long conversation with a stranger on New Year’s Day. With little coercion, I soon signed a contract with Dawn of Red Sofa Literary and thus spun 2013 off its expected axis.
For a muggle of non-nerd birth, I’ve had an exceptionally magical year of nerdiness. Thus, I wanted to share some of my favorites and bests with you…whoever you are…does anyone read this? It’s my duty as a blogger to do a “best of” post. The caveat is this summary is my personal list of my favorite shows, moments, and acts. I cannot say it is the best nerdlesque out there. It’s only the best that I’ve seen in person, which puts the focus mostly on Seattle. Personal bias and favoritism will not be put aside except for how I’ve refrained from listing The Burl-X-Files, Bechdel Test Burlesque and Nerdiversary as the best show of the year. I’m wearing my humble pants today. They are very tight.
Best Nerdlesque Act: Holy bias, Batman. I’ve got many friends who are performers and I can’t help but love everything that they do. One act stands out above all others. I saw it on video and had to see it live. My personal agenda played a small role in getting Lola LeSoleil to performer her Princess Leia act in Seattle. Video did not do it justice. I will never recover from it.
Honorable mentions: Really, the real list is about two pages long and is saved as spreadsheet in my google docs. But these strike my fancy today as deserving a special shout-out.
• Ray Gunn’s Morpheus from the Matrix act. He’s the king of burlesque for a reason.
• Stella Chuu as Pinky Pie at the Striptease is Magic show because sometimes when you are trapped in a small black box theater on the 13th floor of a scary building in New York, real fireworks on pasties ARE awesome.
• Ariel Echo as a steampunk hero in an Academy of Burlesque recital because she embodied one of the new sexy tropes of burlesque I want to see: ladies who save themselves.
• Sophie Maltease as Grumpy Cat because that whole act is my spirit animal. There are rainbows under my grumpy suit, too.
• Hattie Hellcat and Tootsie Spangles as Filch and Mrs. Norris of Harry Potter. These damn actors are ruining burlesque with their natural talents and really disturbing thoughts! It was haunting, gross and so fucking funny.
Best Personal Geek Freak Out: Riding in an elevator with William B. Davis, aka the Cigarette Smoking Man from The X-Files. I was dressed as Agent Scully. Later I’d discover that my bio was next to his in the program for the convention we were speaking at. Huzzah! I’ll give honorable mention to calling Joss Whedon a pervert while speaking on a panel with Jane Espenson.
Worst Geek Freak Out: Stalking Nathan Fillion on the Seattle waterfront and shaking his soft, soft hand. I failed to mention my name. I disturbed his vacation. I felt like an ass. But, my god, he is handsome.
Best Poster: 
I still really like the quote they pulled to put on this poster. “There’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours.” Plus, you know, good graphic design. And boobs.
Favorite Interview: An unscheduled interview with Raven Virginia and Miyuki Divine after their fantastically fun Star Trek act during the Movers, Shakers and Innovators show at BHOF. Raven shared some things about herself that I will never forget. It boils down to how powerful these trivial nerd obsessions can be in defining us, in saving us, and in giving us moments of awe.
Best Show: Accio Burlesque! A Burlesque Tribute to Harry Potter.
Bias alert: this show was created by many friends. But, then again, aren’t they all?
I could tell that this show had so much heart in it that the producer just might burst! Sailor St. Claire’s love letter to Potter plus a good eye for talent made a very enjoyable show of memorable acts. Al Lykya’s was all dimples, dimples, dimples as Gilderoy Lockhart. Those dimples are my Patronus. Bolt Action’s hilarious Draco Malfoy act was sent over the top by twerking backup dancers Crabbe and Goyle. Lady Drew Blood as Moaning Myrtle was a great example of spot-on comedy timing and committing to a crazy idea. How many acts leave the stage soaking wet with tears and toilet water? Plus she had the best use of assels I’ve seen in a long time. The show ended with a spot on Voldemort portrayed by Paco Fish.
I could honestly praise every act in this show. It wasn’t perfect but the rough moments were far outnumbered by the entertaining moments. Frankly, that’s becoming a rare thing these days in themed shows. For what it’s worth, anyone can do a themed show. Accio proves that heart plus hard work plus talent DO pay off. More pictures here.
