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The People Behind Tease-O-Rama
In the summer of 2000, New Orleans-based freelance writer Alison Fensterstock - a steadfast fan of her local burlesque troupe, the Shim Shamettes, and a dancer with go-go gang the Sophistikittens - took an assignment with the retro lifestyle rag Atomic to cover the burgeoning American burlesque trend. She found that even beyond the acts she was aware of, there were enclaves of retro burlesque artists performing all over the country.
San Francisco promoter Baby Doe - the Artistic Director of The Devil-Ettes and a veteran of retro-hip events promotion - stepped in to add her production savvy to the embryonic Tease-O-Rama, offering her well-practiced skills in areas like lining up acts, booking venues, printing merchandise and promotional materials and otherwise getting things done. As Tease-O-Rama's main promoter, Baby Doe quickly turned their vision into a reality.
Assisted by Devil-Ette Debbie Mink and New Orleans-based promoters Superfly Productions, the two set to work from opposite coasts. Combining Alison's research and Baby Doe's formidable organizational talents, they uncovered a wealth of interest in the art form, and Tease-O-Rama came to be - three days of mayhem in May 2001, complete with performances, workshops, classes and screenings all devoted to the saucy art of striptease.
In 2002, Alison and Baby Doe found themselves faced with the task of repeating an event powered on pure determination for an audience swelled by a year of hype. They were luckily joined by Alan Parowski of Liftoff! Productions, a veteran of large-scale event promotions including Nancy Sinatra and the SF Weekly's annual Wammie Awards.
Tease-O-Rama 2002, 2003, and 2005 were roaring successes, drawing thousands of attendees and media over the course of the weekends from all over the world and selling out the shows before the box office even opened. Baby Doe, Alan and Alison have continued to produce the Tease-O-Rama convention from three different states!
WHO'S WHO
Alan Parowski (Oregon)
Alan Parowski from Liftoff! Productions and Brian Lease did the original San Francisco "Tease-A-Rama" Burlesque show back in 1997. Alan has been the main producer of shows such as Nancy Sinatra, Bardot A-Go-Go, The Ventures Hawaii 3-0!, SF Weekly Music Awards, Rock And Roll Rumble with Bill Haley's Original Comets, Casino Royale , TikiFest '97-'00, A Fistful Of Tijuana, Bug Out!, Snack Food Armageddon with The Go-Nuts!, Polka De Mayo!, etc. His basic definition of a good party: Tikis, Go-Go Girls, Mariachi Players, Strippers, and a Dancing Gorilla.
Alison Fensterstock (New Orleans)
Alison is a New Orleans-based freelance writer and kitty go-go dancer with The SophistiCats! She relocated to New Orleans from her hometown of New York City in 1996 to attend Tulane University and bask in the peculiarities of the Big Sleazy. Alison is now a full time music journalist in New Orleans. |
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Baby Doe (San Francisco)
Baby Doe is the Artistic Director and Choreographer of San Francisco's only synchronized Go Go dance troupe The Devil-Ettes. Baby Doe also manages to find time to produce the nation's premier tiki weekend in San Diego, Tiki Oasis with her husband Otto von Stroheim. Her love of the historical dances of the 60âs led Baby Doe to create a dance party for children called Pip Squeak A Go Go where she teaches the lost art of go go to the next generation. Although she loves promoting events like Tease-O-Rama and dancing with The Devil-Ettes, her favorite pastime is hanging out with her sons, Vander Vegas and Dash. |
WEB DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION
Illustrations by David Wong
Web design and other artwork by Frederick Noble
For more information contact us! |
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