Book Review
"Gypsy" - Memoirs of America's Most Celebrated Stripper
By Gypsy Rose Lee and Erik Preminger
Rating: *****
Gypsy Rose Lee is the most famous stripper world-wide. She was literally thrown into the deep end of stripping when a star performer failed to show up and her bossy mother persuaded her to fill the time slot. A star was born and Gypsy soon had the world eating out of the palm of her hand... She has an amazing story. There are so many reasons women decide to start stripping. The money is a huge draw (of course), but there is usually always something deeper influencing our choices.

A quote from the most famous legend of Burlesque...

"I have everything now I had 20 years ago except now, it's all lower"
- Gypsy Rose Lee

Matthew Fox. 'Lost' his respect?

A few months ago Matthew Fox, one of the stars of 'Lost' allegedly cheated on his wife of 19 years with a stripper named Stefani Talbott.

If it is true, it is no surprise to me. I bumped shoulders with many famous celebrities in my time including Bon Jovi and Richie Samboura. They are men too. Just because they are elevated to a world-wide stardom doesn't mean they necessarily have any respect or class.

Security Cameras

The security cameras in strip clubs can create a disturbing paranoia. You never know who is watching you.

Hey Stripper

There is some amazing floorwork in this routine.

How Safe are Stilettos?

Strippers work gruelling hours in the clubs and all perched on top of a pair of towering heels. Wearing high heels around 15 centimetres or higher has been compared to walking on stilts or dancing on ballet pointe shoes. Yowch!

Not only is the risk of falling flat on your rear a concern, there are also long term foot complications that can arise. Chiropractors and Podiatrists recommend that you stay in your stilettos for no more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid permanent damage.

The main areas that stilettos refer injuries and pain include the back, hips and knees, shins, balls of the feet and the toes. It is imperative to look after the health of your feet on a daily basis if you wear heels everyday. Soak them in a warm tub of water with Epsom salts and massage with moisturizer and a few drops of Peppermint oil afterwards.

I still have lower back pain, Patella Tracking Dysfunction in my left knee and a funky right big toe from my time spent in the clubs shaking my booty in stilettos. Don't let it happen to you! Lower the height of your heels if possible and try to stay off your feet if you are doing a shift in the strip club. Holding onto a pole and stabilizing yourself by touching the ceiling can also relieve the pressure on your feet. Additionally, do more chair work and take regular breaks in the dressing rooms to massage and liberate your footsies!

Showgirls Playmate of the Year 2009

This show obviously had a lot of money put into it. But I'm sorry to say that the huuuuuuuge black boots the men were wearing ruined the entire thing for me. They looked clunky and uncomfortable in them and the boots ruined all of their lines (especially in the side split leap). I've worn these shoes myself onstage before and they are extremely hard to control and dance in. There should have been more communication between the choreographer and costume designer.

All of the dancers were working very hard, but I couldn't help but think the choregraphy didn't really show them off as well as it could have. The camera angles were also maybe not as well planned as they could have been. It was a very frenetic energy through the whole piece which did suit the music, however there are ways to add some more light and shade for dramatic impact rather than just running all over the stage all the time! Phew!