2. Jo Weldon
At No. 2, one of the great burlesque intellectuals of our time, and one of the best teachers you could ever hope to learn from. Jo Weldon is held in high respect and great affection by the global community, and as Headmistress of the New York School of Burlesque and Vice President of BurlyCon, Jo is one of the most gifted instructors I could possibly recommend. Every subtle gesture and sensual movement is described and explained; every detail of performance has a significance and effect. I’m sure many of you have her fantastic Burlesque Handbook and possibly one of her instructional videos. I’m told that this is the world’s best selling burlesque ‘how to’ DVD and iPhone app – so snap one up if you’re starting out!
Jo had a busy and varied 2012. Highlights included receiving a Sassy Lassy Award at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend, headlining the Rome Burlesque Festival, choreographing The World’s Largest Fan Dance, and a devilish performance at the New York Burlesque Festival, where she received a Golden Pastie for being the ‘Most Likely to Start a Harem’. Jo also continued to work with breast cancer survivors in her wonderful Pink Light Burlesque programme. You can enjoy a short video about it below.
Jo remains at the top of your list for so many important and inspiring reasons. She has given, and continues to give, so much to burlesque; on stage, on screen, in the classroom and on the page…
2012 Footage
Viva Dallas Burlesque – Festivus Follies
A lovely video about Jo’s wonderful Pink Light Burlesque project…
Jo in a BHoF campaign video singing a song she originally wrote and performed at Julie Atlas Muz’ wedding…
An extremely amusing Tassel Twirling How To…
