from the show

Women’s Empowerment

Everyone goes through transitional phases in life, cis and trans women alike, and it’s easy to lose yourself during the process of finding the real you. Low self-esteem or a negative self-image can impact how we parent, our openness towards friends, how we love, and how we allow ourselves to be loved, it alters our perception of worthiness in all of our relationships. We’ve developed a workshop series, a Facebook group, and blog to support women in transition. The Arts Programs

Big bodied burlesque? We’ve got it. Shows for Vets, we do that. Faux Queens and Drag Kings, all female entertainment for the LGBT Community? Check! And, we’re on the way to debuting a Bi-weekly WELLness series blending crafting, spirited, empowering, and positive messages together to develop well-being and a sense of accomplishment. And, we’ll be teaching the art of burlesque for empowerment at low or no cost to women in the SW Houston area in the Spring of 2017. What’s Ahead?

We’re making a pledge to move forward towards becoming a non-profit organization which will allow us to seek out financial support and grants to build on our successes and to continue to create workshops to support women in transition – we identify those as women recovering from the trauma of domestic violence, cancer survivors, veterans returning from active duty, those who have tested HIV+, MtF trans women, and those others who feel the need for help to complete a positive transformation in their life.

Let Us Entertain You!

In addition to our theater production, Bravely Bare, we also produce shows created specifically for fund-raising, or to entertain specific audiences throughout the community. Some of these shows included a Veteran’s Day Variety show at McGuire Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, or our All-Female Review* shows at a local lesbian owned bar, BABES of Careytown, geared toward an all female LGBT audience.

We’ve also been known to do burlesque shows “just for fun” like SpringTeased and BIG Burly & the Kitsch’n Sync at Eyeclopes Studios in Fredericksburg, Virgnia.

Create With Us

The joy received from creating art can heal. The act of freeing oneself through art allows you to get lost in the creative process relieving stress which is a major cause for disease.

The ancient Greek’s used dramas to facilitate emotional catharsis. Tibetan monks incorporate musical sounds as part of prayer and healing with chanting, bells and singing bowls. Many other native cultures include drumming, song, and dance as part of their rituals.

The benefits of leading a creative existence can be profound. scientific studies have shown that practicing the arts can positively effect the nervous system, hormonal balance, brain neurotransmitters, immune system and blood flow to all the organs. They change one’s perceptions of the world, including their emotional state and perception of pain.

Simply put: Art feels good!

This is why we are dedicating a portion of our volunteer resources towards producing special entertainment and arts programs for the community. From shows specifically aimed at the LGBTQiA community, plans for an online Creative Wellness series, and working with women in transitional phases of life via our burlesque workshops we’re ready to share, teach, and inspire.

Our Creative Wellness series will feature a variety of the crafts shown on my Pinterest boards.

Women to Woman BFF or Big Sister Project

Support for all women in transition; What might it mean to you? It might mean:

the transformation process when as a cis bodied male you’ve begun the transition into the woman you were born to be
that your children have left home and empty-nest syndrome has set in
a big birthday has thrown you for a loop
you’ve beaten cancer, or have been given a life-changing diagnosis
perhaps you’ve just ended a long relationship
maybe you’ve just “come out” as a lesbian, bi-sexual, or heterosexual
you struggle with low-self esteem and you’re ready to change

It might mean one, or several, of those things, or it might be something else – whatever it means to you, we’re here to offer our help. We’ve set up, and are growing our online presence in a variety of ways.

You’ll find us on Facebook Women to Women with So Suanne this group is a place for all women to come together. We will focus on sharing those questions and answers, experiences, hints, tips, and pieces of knowledge that cisgender women have traditionally shared growing up and passing through puberty with older women, sisters, family, and friends. Think of the group as a virtual slumber party where all girls are welcome.

There’s also the SoSuanne.com blog with posts and advice “from your gay mom”, and make-up tips and mentoring from Marsha Maven; You can follow the posts on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter. Each format has a slightly different view into the blog, my life, and my interests. You can also find me on facebook.

Make-up with Marsha Maven she’s happy to do one-on-one make-up sessions, answer questions, and be your shopping assistant at Sephora, Ulta, or Target & Walgreen’s. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, or shoot her a message.

Pin-up Empowerment Workshop

Looks aren’t everything; Except that all the messages females receive on a daily basis about their looks and their value, effects self-worth and self-esteem; These message are impossible to escape, they’re on TV, the internet, in magazines, in music, and in too many conversations. Intellectually, we know that our looks don’t define our intelligence, capabilities, or value as human-beings. We know that how we look doesn’t make us better parents, friends, lovers, partners, or employees. However, a negative self-image can impact how we parent, our openness towards friendships, how we love, and how we allow ourselves to be loved, it alters our perception of self-worth in all of our relationships and our careers.

Sometimes, it really feels good to look good. Sometimes allowing ourselves to feel beautiful can give us a needed boost of self-confidence, all this can be the doorway to understanding what lies within our skin.

“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”
– Louise L. Hay

When we look at vintage pin-up’s today they seem very innocent in nature, mostly clothed females with sassy self-confidence and a wink towards provocative, the classic pin-up is an idealized version of femininity.

During a typical Pin-Up Empowerment Workshop, there will be a variety of discussions (both formal and informal) on topics of interest to females, topics covered may include health topics like: HIV awareness and education, or sex positivity, fashion advice like: how to walk in heels, or tips on achieving the perfect cat eye liner, or wellness topics like: meditation for stress-relief, or ideas for daily journaling.

Our plans for the future of the Pin-Up Empowerment Workshop include guest attendance at women’s conferences, and hosting quarterly stand-alone events around Virginia.

March 12, 2015 Workshop Schedule
Time	Task	Comments
10:15am	Arrive at Diversity Richmond – Check in, meet, and greet	Please arrive with a clean face or, with your foundation and very minimal makeup. Please bring a few choices of clothing for the photo shoot – this may be lingerie, jeans and a shirt, a dress, etc., whatever makes you feel good. Props will be available.
10:30am – 11:15am	Welcome and Educational Keynote
11:15am	Breakout’s Begin	Attendee’s will be sorted into groups focusing on parts of the pin-up puzzle: makeup, style, and posing – and will rotate through all three.
TBD	Photo shoots	Photo shoots will begin as attendee’s complete all three phases of the breakout sessions. An experienced model will be on hand to assist you in getting your best angle.
1:45pm	Closing	We’ll meet briefly for feedback, and to print photos for you, before we say goodbye.

If you would like your photos made available online for viewing and download we will do that too.

How to participate in a Pin-Up Empowerment Workshop

Workshop space is limited, and we always have room for more volunteers. To participate use our Contact Form to let us know if you’d like to attend or volunteer.

Contact form:

We look forward to hearing from you – please send us a message below. Fields marked with an * are required Name * Email * Category *

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Message * What is thirteen minus 6? *

Metamorphose Burlesque Classes

Learn burlesque in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

This course has been designed for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages over 18. Wait, that doesn’t really say what we mean – if you’re part of the LGBGTQ community, recovering from cancer or living with HIV, returning home from active military duty, feel like you’re not sure who you are anymore, are turning 40, 50, or 60, or are simply at a crossroad in your life, we’d really love to meet you because this class was made for you.

Love your Self

…because if you don’t how you gonna love somebody else? – RuPaul

A powerful honest reflection of the very personal life experiences of the performers. Their stories were thought provoking and engaging. The stories breathe new life into very real issues still facing women today, across generational and social boundaries.

Bravely Bare – Audience Member January & February 2016

Very powerful! I was taken aback at first with the honesty. But the journey was very illuminating and informative. It changed my views about many things. The show was a triumph. It’s impromptu moments were candid and left a positive impression.

Bravely Bare – Audience Member May 24, 2016

They were very moving and personal which fit well with the intimate setting of The Firehouse Theatre. The stories being broken into two performances with the undressing, tearing down of the person, exposing themselves and the overcoming, putting their lives together as they dressed up was interesting and added a lot to the show.

Bravely Bare – Audience Member May 24, 2016

Very raw and emotional. Theses women showed their true selves and that they are more powerful because of their challenges. Completely changed the game as far as burlesque or theatre.

Bravely Bare – Audience Member February 11, 2016 P

bur·lesque

noun
1. an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something, especially in a literary or dramatic work; a parody.
2. a variety show, typically including striptease.

We’re the BBP

The BIG Burly Project is not just a burlesque troupe, it’s a group dedicated to sharing the art of burlesque as a vehicle to self-discovery, greater self-esteem, and personal empowerment to those who find themselves at a crossroad in life.

We’ve produced a variety of shows in the Richmond, Virginia area, including queerlesque, draglesque, fund-raisers, variety shows for our Veterans, and our theater production Bravely Bare.

We’re currently seeking out opportunities and performers interested in helping us continue our work in the Southern Houston/Galveston area.

Our Shows

Don’t Miss Out!

If you’d like to stay informed about our upcoming shows, fundraisers, or volunteer opportunities you can do that easily by signing up for our newsletter.

Meet the creator of the BIG Burly Project. Suanne has a varied resume that includes dance, improv, historical professional skating coach, and costume designer.

She’s passionate about women’s empowerment, building self-esteem in woman, and doing whatever she can to better develop the local Lesbian community.

Contact Suanne

Marsha Maven

Donation / Raffle Coordinator, Stage Manager, & Makeup Artist

Marsha is our resident unicorn – she’s a creative spirit, natural sales woman, professional makeup artist, costume assistant, experienced pinup & fetish model, and a great bartender.

Marsha uses her bubbly personality to coordinate and manage our raffles and donations. During performances she’s got the final word in the “front of the house” where she manages both the stage and the kittens.

Contact Marsha

Currently Seeking

Public Relations & Community Outreach

We’re currently seeking a “partner on the ground” to assist with PR, Community Outreach, and volunteer partnerships. This can be a performer or non-performer, just be outgoing, organized, and have a passion for volunteerism.

Learn Burlesque with The BBP

Metamorphose Burlesque

This introductory course is intended to bolster your confidence, and infuse your life with the magic of the burly-q, as you shimmy your way outside of your comfort zone as you learn burlesque in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

What you should expect when you learn burlesque:

An unforgettable transformational journey as you gain experience and confidence learning and practicing burlesque movement.

Beginning with group discussions, you and your classmates will gradually increase your movement over the 9 week/12 class course. You’ll learn a group routine and begin developing a solo act; Each of these things will boost your self-confidence, and at the end of the class you’ll have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience at your Graduation Recital.

During this journey you’ll learn basics of classic and neo-burlesque, like how to peel a glove, the importance of that wink and a smile, boa handling techniques, pastie making and tassel twirling, standard stocking peels, stage presence, act and character development. You’ll also learn the important difference between taking off your costume, and performing an artful strip-tease.

Why this class is for you:

This course has been designed for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages over 18. Wait, that doesn’t really say what we mean – if you’re part of the LGBGTQ community, recovering from cancer or living with HIV, returning home from active military duty, feel like you’re not sure who you are anymore, are turning 40, 50, or 60, or are simply at a crossroad in your life, we’d really love to meet you because this class was made for you.

No previous dance experience is necessary, all levels of skill and fitness will be welcome and accommodated. The class is particularly geared for any woman who’d like to explore this fun and flirty way to start transforming her life; Let your personal metamorphosis begin.

Who is this class NOT for? This class should not be viewed as a stepping stone to performing in the Burlesque Community, the intention of this class is to help you to feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin as you learn basic burlesque dance techniques. The BIG Burly Project will offer additional classes, and performance opportunities to those burly babies who have an interest in growing into burlesque performers. But, if your sole focus is on learning burlesque to get on stage and perform this class is not for you; For a path to the spotlight you may want to reach out to local burlesque producers or consider classes with Deanna Danger at her Boom Boom Basics Burlesque & Performing Arts Studio.

Here’s what to wear to learn burlesque:

Wear clothes and shoes that make you feel comfortable and maybe a little sexy. When at the dance studio, it’s important to wear clothing that will be easy to dance in, clothes with stretch, a fitted t-shirt, tank top or leotard, with either leggings, or yoga pants – after the first two weeks shorts or a bathing suit bottom work really well as you begin to work on learning stocking peels.

You may dance in bare feet the first two classes, then you’ll want comfortable shoes that are easy to get off and are made for dancing with a heel no higher than 2.5″ like character or ballroom shoes. Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure out what type of shoe will work best for you.

Always bring a bottle of water, a towel, note pad and pen to class.

What’s included:

9 Week Course consisting of 12 one-hour Sessions
Burlesque Transformation Essentials
- 1 pair Practice stockings
- Feather boa
- 1 pair of pasties – that you’ll make yourself!
- Panel Skirt
- Elbow length gloves
Opportunity to participate in a Graduation Recital
Memory Package of the Recital:
- Digital photos and video
- Frame-able Graduation Certificate
Student potluck and recital video screening about 2 weeks after the show.

Who is the instructor?

Hunnie Potts will be your instructor with the assistance of other BIG Burly performers. Hunnie is a former competitive and professional figure skater with many years of experience in teaching movement, and creating choreography for groups and individuals. She has a passion for, and experience in, educating others; She’s developed curriculum for educational presentations, webinars, “how-to’s”, and online classes; she’s also taught on a variety of topics including crafts, sewing, computing, and time & event management. In addition to all that, she worked as Craft Class Coordinator for Craftmart where she was responsible for developing the monthly craft school schedule (including hiring and evaluating instructors), and at SEGA of America she managed the corporate computer training program for 1,500 employees.