Rudegirls.

Met by very lovely organisers Kat and Sylvia. Pranced around, got changed in the mens loos. Shame about the male staff wandering around at the girls only event walking in on me.

Did my act, was well recieved though singing a bit hit and miss. Shame about the grim-faced girl standing right at the front. Didnt set anything on fire and feedback was enourmously ego-massaging. Fancy Chance's Alice in Wonderland act was wicked, the girl gots comedy skills. Met friendly poledancers and had nice chats about shoes.

Pottered about chatting to people, pretty ladies buying me drinks. Shame about the anonymous arse slapping as I walked to the DJ box.

Did human fruit-plate act. Lay on the chaise in my polkadot hotpants in the middle of the room and had grapes, strawberries and cherries arranged upon me and my melons. The girls descend- generally all very innocent and respectful, bit of a giggle. Shame about the half dozen or so scary women who decided that biting my nipples, sitting on my face and groping me was okay. That was not fucking okay. I may have been naked, I may have been laughing but its a fucking act, I am not okay with being treated like a piece of furniture.

Shame the girl I lent frilly pants to because she didnt know it was a dress-up event sat next to me staring and then dribbled beer all over me. She is still wearing them now as I didnt want to go anywhere near her after the fucker has worn them- removing her own knickers whilst wearing them. Gross but guess its my own fault for being trusting.

FUCKING BLOODY IRATE SHAME that someone poured a bottle of champagne over me, over my corset which was on the chaise which will now rust and collapse ( RRP £150) and my beloved (and I nearly cried) Vivienne Westwood shoes (RRP £200) and in my eyes (quite fond of them even though they were a freebie). This was done by one of the girls running the club who had up until that momant been helpful, charming and sweet. Tried very hard to be polite to her but feel almost certain we are not going to end up friends.

I was not told that liquids were going to be involved, only fruit. Had I known I would never have dreamed of wearing the shoes or the corset. That would have been fine. The eyes still sting which is making it harder not to cry.

I was in the middle of the room and the whole club was around so didnt want to cause a scene and fuck up the party so sat it out as I felt it better to voice my disgruntledment with the management after the act. Manager 'cant deal with it right now' so am calling her tomorrow afternoon.

I get the feeling I am not going to be reimbursed for the damage to my property- surely one would at least offer to pay for my bloody taxi home?

I feel like crying- what could have been a legendary moment of fun has really fucked me over. I feel rather cheap as it happens and really upset that my first ever corset and my most beautiful shoes (both of which are essential to my act I might add) are fucked.

I love Rudegirls, I am so sad that this has happenned and really fucking angry with those who seem reluctant to take responsibilty for mistakes. I would even like to go back and perform there as the crowd in general were really nice but not before I get a new corset and new shoes and a proper appology.

My darling Ophelia - that is 100% out of order.

You were not treated with the respect or consideration you deserve, and reading your post has made me really angry - especially knowing you were excited about the gig before hand.

If i were you I would call the organisers today - once youve had time to organise your thoughts and calm down - and id definitely let them know that you're upset about the drink being poured on your corset - they should reimburse you for that ( though dont know if they will .)

Also, let them know that in future they should take care in protecting their hired performers from people sitting on them and groping them !

Its not a position you should ever be put in - and its not your place to deal with it on the night - you shouldve been taken care of better.

You're beautiful and intelligient and talented - you dont need crap like this my lovely.

I promise to buy you a big big drink next time I see you - and give you a lovely hug.

X kisses X

__________________
www.sugarlesque.com
www.drsketchylondon.co.uk

Hey Ophelia,

I was very sorry to read about your experience. It is completely inexcusable and unprofessional. Such treatment would (hopefully) not be permitted by the organisers of a mixed sex event, and theres no reason why a girls only event should be any different. Performers should be respected and not treated in the cheap way that you were. Unfortunately from the sound of it as they can't even be bothered to talk to you today, I doubt they will reimburse you for your damaged equipment but I hope I'm wrong. Don't give up though. If they realise how many people could be put off performing for them or attending their events as a result of this post, they might be frightened into treating your complaints a bit more seriously.

I hope you feel happier soon and if I ever meet you I will also buy you a drink or at least add to the whip-round for a new corset!
xxx

__________________
Castlist - One Site To Rule Them All

Hello Ophelia
I am absolutely disgusted by what I just read in your post, I don't know what to say. Did you have a contract with these people? If so, do any of the specifics relate to any of the unfortunate events you experienced. For example, are there rules re. audience / performer interaction? What happened to you is not a performance, its a fucking violation and practically sexual assault. I appreciate your not wanting to spoil the party but I would not have let it go that far. I love burlesque and performance like you do but this is not what we're onstage to do. As regards your corset, as Cocoa and Dashwood said, it could be tricky getting money out of these people but again, is there anything in the contract? The destruction of your property (deliberately, no less) is not part of the act and if you were not told about the champagne before I cannot imagine what they were thinking. I'm sending you big hugs and kisses sweetie, this is an awful thing to have happened and I really think you should chase it up. And don't even think about peroforming with them again - I mean it! I know other performers whose good nature has been taken advantage of by certain clubs (though not in this way) and it should not be allowed. We need to band together and show these cheap, thrillseeking, money-making people we will not tolerate this kind of treatment. Do let us know what happens.
DDxx

__________________
Bizarre / MoB Battle of Burlesque Winner (2008)
MoB Awards Finalist - Best Newcomer (2007)

Hi,
I am so sorry about your experience . in sounds like you were really hurt and upset. I hope in some way that you get recompensed, either emotionally, financially - or both!
I was wondering whether you had a contract for the event. A lot of what I have done over the years in my art form has been about professionalising it. This means ensuring I always pay and ask for the right amount - and also means I ensure I send out a contract which states what I expect from my employers. I don't suppose you have any paper work you can refer back to? A bit of leverage ?. if not I am only 4'11" but I'll give you a shoulder and them a dirty slap! ( Kidding! - just before i get sued for aggressive behaviour!)

"Our success is viewed not by our lack of failures but in how we recover from them."

First point (and to play devil's advocate) did you tell the organizers about this before you posted it on the site? As I believe that they should be given a fair chance.just as you would like to be if you were on the other side of the g-string.
Second point: Did you check with other performers to see what their experiences had been prior to this?
I can certainly understand your chagrin and dismay with how the events played themselves out seeing as you must have had to do a lot of gigs in order to get the corset and the shoes (Oh my gosh if only I could afford a pair!) and rightfully so, you should be reimbursed for damages.
Perhaps you should have a discussion with the organizers and see if a satisfactory agreement can be made that will be agreeable to both parties?
Good luck and let us know what happens.
Mysti
xoxoxo

__________________
xoxoxo
Mysti
If you can't be a SHINING example, be a horrible, horrible warning!
http://www.comicgoddess.com/MystiVin...iVineActs.html http://www.myspace.com/mystivineburlesque

Hey guys, thank you very much for the support. It is very much appreciated.
I attempted to speak with the organizers last night but was told that she 'just cant deal with it right now' and that I should phone her when she woke up.

I utterly despise this kind of drama and wish I didnt have to be engaged in it but I feel so hurt that I would be angry at myself if I didnt attempt to fix it.

Geez that is awlful.
I really hope something gets sorted. Big hugs your way.

Oh dear. what a mess. Whatever comes from this, I think you deserve to say what you need to say to them. If they are ignoring you or trying to deny anything, then that's a real shame. Very unprofessional! Nobody should ever have to go through what you went through. What you do seems very artistic (I can't wait to see your fruit platter act)! Ah, stupid people can't seem to help themselves when they see women bearing fruit to them. but still! Anyway - good luck and keep us posted! It's situations like these that we need to hear about! A true learning moment! xx

__________________
___________________
Marianne Cheesecake
www.mariannecheesecake.com
www.myspace.com/marianne_cheesecake

I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I guess the sooner we get the charter on the go, the better.

I'm glad you have shared this Ophelia - others can learn from the experience too.

I think we can all agree that there seems to have been a serious lack of communication. For you, i hope that you really take a positive lesson from this traumatic experience - clearly you need to be a little more self assured and realise that you have every right to cease the performance when others fail to respect your feelings and body. As a performance artiste, you are never being paid or contracted to feel the way you did from this, or allow others to think you a mere plaything.

Keep us posted on how you get one trying to make amends. Be sure to keep everything clear - who you speak to, when and record what is said.

Experience of one person is often worth a lot to everyone and the lessons we all learn can be priceless.

__________________
Kittie Klaw - The Ministry Of Burlesque
"Together We CanCan".

Find out more at.
www.kittieklaw.com
www.ministryofburlesque.com