Burlesque and beer draws the punters

Punters in for a beer at a Hamilton pub for the Bledisloe Cup game on Saturday night may have been a little surprised to find a scantily dressed woman posed on the bar.

But Ms Penny Pins was there in the name of art – and burlesque.

Ms Penny was not alone – adorned in high heels, stockings and vintage under garments, Ms Tittle-Tattle and her burlesque dancers embraced their characters as desperate housewives at Hamilton’s Limestone Bar on Saturday night.
The Hood Street bar opened its doors to an audience of both professional artists and doodlers – Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.
Some dressed in theme while others came to enjoy the show, but all were treated to a life-drawing class that combined burlesque.
Burlesque dancer Penny Pins poised on the bar top for 10 minutes while the audience sketched her profile.
Originally from Wellington, burlesque teacher and performer Michelle Parish (Ms Tittle-Tattle), decided to bring Dr Sketchy to Hamilton.
Ms Parish says burlesque is a art form of feminine expression and with Dr Sketchy it “basically collides” with art.
“Burlesque is wonderful and it’s a great way of really experiencing an art form other than dance.
“We have professional artists come along; we have people just wanting to do stick men.
There is something for everyone.”

Originally set up by art school drop-out Molly Crabapple in 2005, Dr Sketchy became a worldwide movement with events performed in 100 countries.
In New Zealand, regular events run in Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, and Nelson.
Parish says burlesque dancing can be very classical, feminine, glamorous and really sexy.
“Or it can have really good elements of humour, wit, charm and charisma,” she says.
Parish, who started dancing when she was 5-years-old, says her passion for swing dancing helps with burlesque.
“It keeps me on my toes as a dancer and wannabe performer and as cheesy as it sounds, I get to dress up in amazing under garments and corsets that pull you really tight.
“I can get to play with that other character so it’s not Michelle out there performing its Ms Tittle-Tattle.”
Parish says she is a confident person but the minute she puts on her stockings, high heels and corset, her demeanour changes.
“I’m really in love with the whole thing.”